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2023-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 511166

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

for

The Community of the Many Names of God

Ashmole and Co. Chartered Certified Accountants and Statutory Auditors Williamston House 7 Goat Street Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire SA61 1PX

The Community of the Many Names of God

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 15
Report of the Independent Auditors 16 to 18
Statement of Financial Activities 19
Balance Sheet 20
Cash Flow Statement 21
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 22
Notes to the Financial Statements 23 to 34
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 35 to 36

The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Legal and administrative information

The full name of the Charity is:

The Community of the Many Names of God . (Reg. charity no. 511166)

The Charity is a Trust and an Unincorporated Charity

The Working name of the Charity is:

Skanda Vale and Skanda Vale Temple

The governing instrument of the Charity is a Trust Deed. The declaration of trust is dated 17th September 1980 and includes the Supplementary Declaration of Trust dated 9[th] February 2002 and the Supplementary Declaration of Trust dated 12[th] December 2015 and amendment by resolution dated 7[th] October 2017 and Deed of Variation dated 11[th] July 2020.

The Charity constitutes a Board of Trustees. The maximum number of Trustees at any point in time is 11 of whom not less than 3 and not more than 6 shall be members of the community (monastic trustees), and not less than 2 and not more than 5 shall be persons who are not members of the community (lay trustees).

The Board of Trustees holding office in 2023 is as follows:

Swami Suryananda - (Michael Denis Begley) Chair Swami Govinda - (Justin Raymond-Barker) Secretary Swami Premanataraj (Jakob Willi) Director of Finance Swami Narayana - (Kenneth Vivian) Swami Yogananda (Stefan Suter) Sister Ally (Allison Taber) Mrs. Kumi Ariyadasa Robin Rose Mani Govindan Anjna Chavda

Method of Nomination and Appointment of Trustees

Every Trustee has power to nominate one or more Trustees. This is made and effected by a special resolution. A special resolution, meaning a resolution passed at a Trustees meeting supported by a majority of not less than two thirds of the Trustees voting.

Recruitment of New Trustees

The trustees would look to recruit new trustees to the board who are able to actively commit to participating in the administration of the charity and who demonstrate a keen interest in the charity’s affairs. The trustees aim to have a broad range of skill sets and combination of life and work experience represented on the board that is relevant to the operation of the charity. Trustees are recruited through personal recommendation of any of the existing board members. Representation from women and minority groups is welcome.

Any new trustee would be required to sign a fit and proper person declaration, would be required to undergo a DBS check, and checks would be made on the persons eligibility to be a trustee- in particular that they are not disqualified from being a trustee. The trustees would also follow Charity Commission guidance on conflicts of interest CC29 to ensure appointments follow best practice.

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Training of new trustees

It is one of the current trustees responsibilities to ensure all new trustees are given a copy of the charity’s governing documents and relevant online guidance from the charity commission regarding the key responsibilities of trustees in an induction pack. They are brought up to speed with the key projects of the charity, financial matters and any other current relevant issues of the charity. They are given access to copies of historical trustee’s minutes and encouraged to discuss all aspects of the charity with current trustees on an informal basis to gain familiarity with the affairs of the charity.

The principal address of the Charity is :

Skanda Vale, Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire SA33 6JT

Relevant Organisations

Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd., Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Lloyds Bank Ltd., 43 King Street, Carmarthen SA31 1BW

Auditors: Ashmole & Co, The Old School, The Quay, Carmarthen SA31 3LN

Insurance Brokers: Hettle Andrews, Eleven Brindley Place, 2 Brunswick Square, Birmingham, B1 2LP

Solicitors: Stone King, 13 Queen Street, Bath, BA1 2HJ

Restrictions Imposed by Governing Instruments Concerning the Operation of the Charity

1) The Trustees shall hold at least 4 Ordinary Meetings in each year, at least one in every quarter.

2) The objects of the trust shall only be promoted in such a way as to benefit the public

3) Every matter at any meeting of the Trustees shall be determined by the majority of votes of the Trustees voting on the matter. In the case of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have the casting vote whether he has or has not previously voted. The Trust Deed provides for stricter minimum quorum requirements for other specific matters therein.

4) A Minutes Book shall be provided and kept by the Trustees and the proceedings and resolutions of any meeting shall be evidenced therein.

5) The Trustees may open and maintain bank accounts in the Charity's name operated by at least two Trustees nominated by the Board of Trustees.

6) The Trustees shall provide books of accounts in which shall be kept all proper account of all money received and paid for the purpose of the Charity.

7) No Trustees shall take or hold any interest in any property subjected to the Deed of Trust otherwise than as a Trustee for the purposes provided by the Deed, or be interested in the supply of work or goods at the cost of the Charity.

8) The property subject to the Trust Deed or the income thereof shall not in any case be applied for any purpose not falling within the purposes declared by the Deed.

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Trustees holding the title to property belonging to the charity

A Memorandum of retirement and appointment of property trustees dated 30[th] October 2017 appointed the following trustees to hold the title to all property belonging to the charity. All charity Land Registry deeds were updated accordingly.

Swami Govinda (Justin Raymond – Barker) Swami Narayana (Kenneth Charles Vivian) Swami Suryananda (Michael Denis Begley)

Summary of specific investment powers

The Trustees may invest any money requiring investment in or upon any investment for the time being authorised by law for the investment of trust funds or in the purchase of freehold or leasehold land in Great Britain, provided that in relation to any purchase of freehold or leasehold land the Trustees shall obtain and consider expert advice as to the value and suitability thereof and shall not invest more than one half of the funds available for investment therein.

Objectives of the Charity

1) To promote, for the benefit of the public, the public worship of God in his Universality in accordance with the spiritual teachings of Krishna as set out in the Bhagavad-Gita, at the Hindu Temple maintained by the Community at Skanda Vale or any other places of public worship maintained or used by the Community.

2) To advance religion and religious education by propagating to the public the said spiritual teachings about the worship of God in his Universality.

3) To maintain a community of people living together in accordance with the aforesaid spiritual teachings as a religious community promoting such public worship both at the temples maintained by the Community and elsewhere, offering shelter, hospitality and spiritual refreshment and where relevant relief from poverty to those who by reason of penury, physical disability or any form of mental or spiritual breakdown are in need of such refuge without regard to race or creed, sending out members of the Community to provide spiritual refreshment and spiritual advice to members of the public who are for the foregoing reason in need of such refreshment or advice and assisting in the rehabilitation of alcoholics, drug addicts or delinquents who are in need of such rehabilitation.

4) To relieve the poverty of deserving persons who are in need and to support by donations and otherwise charitable institutions for the relief of poverty.

5) To relieve the sickness and suffering and to promote the spiritual well-being of persons of all ages requiring palliative, specialist and medical care by the provision of home care and hospice care for both day patients and resident patients.

Public Benefit

The Trustees review on an ongoing basis the policies and activities of the charity to ensure they continue to adhere to the objectives of the Charity taking into consideration both Charity Commission general guidance on public benefit and the Commissions supplementary guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Policies for Furtherance of Objectives

Public Worship

The Community of the Many Names of God is committed to holding and facilitating daily public worship in the four Temples maintained at Skanda Vale, promoting religious harmony to the public. In the main Temple the world's major religions are represented and treated with equal reverence and respect. Throughout the year major festivals of different religions are celebrated in the Temples. Members of the public are given every possible opportunity to take part in the devotions to God in the Temples, irrespective of their religious beliefs, race or creed.

Development of Facilities and Services

Emphasis is placed on extending hospitality to all members of the public coming to Skanda Vale. The Community has an ongoing program to maintain and improve facilities at the monastery to adequately support the orderly running of an organisation that caters for an annual congregation of approximately 100,000 visiting pilgrims.

The resident Monastic and lay Community

The Charity fully supports, sustains and develops the resident monastic Community of 21 monks and nuns and a resident lay Community of 5 based at Skanda Vale, providing accommodation and reasonable, modest personal needs. It is through the spiritual practice, dedication and commitment of the resident Community that the work of the charity is manifest and realised. It is a fundamental principle that the work done by the resident Community is on a purely voluntary basis. No member of the Community or trustee receives any remuneration whatsoever for any work done or services provided. The vast majority of the daily running of Skanda Vale monastery is done by the monastic community and volunteers: Maintenance of the Temples and provision of Temple services, provision of food and accommodation for visiting pilgrims, caring for the animals and monastery grounds, counselling and supporting members of the public and administration of the charity.

In addition to this the members of the Community volunteer substantial time in significant roles at Skanda Vale Hospice.

Education

The Community makes every effort to engage with pilgrims and their families through dialogue and “satsang” drawing upon the spiritual inspiration and experience of our lives, educating people on how to develop a living, vibrant partnership with God. Educational visits are welcomed, providing an opportunity for the wider public to learn about the life and work of the Community in the context of our spiritual life.

Direct Food Aid and Charity support

The charity continues to work with local, national, and international charities through supplying direct food aid for distribution.

Skanda Vale Hospice

One of the core objectives of the charity has been to provide and develop a palliative care service for people diagnosed with a life threatening illness. Towards this the charity developed a 6 bed hospice in Saron Carmarthenshire

The trustees sought legal advice with regards to the most appropriate governance structure and legal entity to run the new Hospice service. It was decided to form a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Skanda Vale Hospice CIO (SVH CIO), which became registered with the Charity Commission on 22[nd] March 2016 number 1166180. Operational running of the hospice transferred to the new CIO in July 2016.

To ensure that SVH CIO would operate following the ethos of the existing charity, safeguards were put in place in the constitution regarding the appointment of trustees. The CIO would have a maximum number of 13 trustees. The chairman, ex officio trustee would be the chairman of The Community of the Many Names of God (CMNOG), 2 life trustees would be appointed by the CMNOG board from the monastic community, up to 4 Nominated trustees would be appointed by the CMNOG board from the monastic community of whom 1 could be a lay member. Up to 6 trustees, the appointed trustees would be nominated by the CIO board. This enabled trustees with particular expertise and interest in palliative care to be appointed to SVH CIO to work alongside the monastic trustees. In addition to this, the objects of SVH CIO were drafted to be closely aligned with CMNOG object on palliative care.

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

It is the intention of CMNOG to continue to fulfil its object in relation to the provision of palliative care through direct and continued support primarily through our commitment to provide the core volunteer staff for the hospice and to work closely with SVH CIO on fundraising and volunteering initiatives. CMNOG will also from time to time make financial donations to SVH CIO at the discretion of the trustees.

The Main Hospice building in Saron is owned by CMNOG and leased to SVH CIO on a 50 year rolling lease for peppercorn rent of £1 per annum. To provide certainty of Funding, a Licence agreement for the CIO to use the Hospice Fundraising area in Skanda Vale has also been agreed with no rent payable. A charity shop in Newcastle Emlyn which opened in January 2017 is also owned by CMNOG and leased to the CIO on a peppercorn rent of £1 per annum to provide a sustainable cost effective source of income for the hospice service. In 2023 CMNOG donated £40,494 in funds to the CIO.

There are several fundamental principles based on the spiritual teachings of God, as set out in the Bhagavad-Gita, to which all aspects of the Community's life and work adhere.

God is free

There is no place for commercialism in Skanda Vale. There is no charge to any member of the public for food, accommodation, Temple services, advice, counselling, and care provided by members of the Community in any aspect of the Charity's work. It is a fundamental principle of the Community never to ask for, infer the need of, or solicit in any way, funds or goods for the use of the Community at Skanda Vale. Donations and gifts in kind including the substantial amount of food stuffs that are brought to the Community are offered anonymously in the Temples to God and are used in the service of God for the benefit of the public. Devotees are thus able to worship God free from the feeling of being expected to provide goods or money to the Community. Opportunities for the public to financially support the Hospice work of the charity are created in Skanda Vale by the provision of a Cafe and gift emporium where goods are available on a donation basis to pilgrims. In addition the work of the Hospice is supported by fundraising events and activities where all funds raised are treated as restricted and applied for the Hospice part of the charity’s work.

Skanda Vale is a sanctuary for life.

Worship of God in his Universality is recognising and serving the embodied divinity in all of life and creation. The many animals and plants that are part of the Community provide an opportunity for both the monastic Community and the general public to discover and serve God not only in fellow human beings but also in all aspects of life and nature. It is therefore a policy of the Charity to provide all necessary facilities, veterinary care, feed, and any other related items to ensure all animals under the care of the Community receive the highest possible quality of life from their birth, through life, health and sickness, to their natural death.

Organisation of the Charity

The Charter of the Community, the monastic rule of the Order, is the basis on which the Charity is run and organised. All monastic members of the Community have to abide by the Charter which has been drawn up and evolved through experience, by the Council of Swamis. The monastic Community consists of novices, monks, nuns and swamis. The Council of Swamis is a group of five senior monastics responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Community on a daily basis, meeting weekly to discuss the changing needs and developments necessary to further the work of the Community, discussing and addressing the problems and difficulties that come to light in creating a harmonious environment for the worship and service of God. The members of the Swamis Council holding office in 2023 were, Swami Govinda, Swami Suryananda, Swami Narayana, Swami Yogananda and Swami Premanataraj.

Every quarter the Trustees of the Community meet to discuss overall policy, financial position, projects and matters relating to the Community on a wider scale. All current members of the Swamis council are Trustees of the Community and hold the positions of Chairman, Secretary and Director of Finance. As such the Trustees are able to maintain clarity of vision and purpose in adherence to the spiritual teachings of Krishna which form the basis of the Declaration of Trust for the Charity. Consultation and discussion with the lay Trustees, not only in the meetings but on a regular informal basis throughout the year, helps to enrich the breadth and perspective of the trustee body as a whole. All trustees are consulted and a majority consensus sought prior to acting on any matter judged significant by the Swami’s Council that may affect the Charity’s financial position or ability to fulfil its objectives. The charity observes a strict internal financial control policy submitted as part of our annual audit.

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Major Events, Progress and Achievements of the Charity throughout the Year

How our Activities deliver public benefit

Public Worship, pilgrimage, spiritual support and education

The Community continued to conduct daily public worship at the three established Temples at Skanda Vale throughout the year. From June onwards we also had daily public worship in the New Shirdi Sai Baba Temple each morning incorporated in the Sri Ranganatha Pooja and each evening at 7.30pm.

We estimate overall pilgrim numbers to be in the region of 100,000.

All pilgrims were offered prasaad -blessed food, free of charge, in the form of a full cooked meal three times a day. The Community provided free accommodation at Skanda Vale for pilgrims wishing to stay a minimum of four nights or more.

We were once again able to host a range of educational groups at the ashram

Daily audio streaming of live services from the Maha Shakti Temple continued each evening as well as audio streaming of the main weekly services and special services from the Subramanium Temple. This provided much needed spiritual nourishment for our large congregation.

Members of the public were able to easily submit on line prayer requests, offered by the resident community in the Temples

We increased our online content such as video footage of key festivals and services and actively used what’s app groups, Facebook and Instagram to post regular content and information to devotees

We continued to run Soma Skanda Ashram in Switzerland with a continuous presence of members of the monastic community running the Temple supported by our Swiss trustees and seva team. Online newsletters and posts were regularly provided to help engage and inspire both existing and new pilgrims.

Facility and Infrastructure improvements

50th Anniversary (SV50)

2023 was cause for large celebrations for the 50[th] Anniversary of Skanda Vale.

The trustees had agreed a range of projects to mark the celebration with three key events held in the year.

SV50 Preparations

£11,850 was spent to level and prepare the ground for a marquee to adjoin the Yagasala , this would provide additional covered area both for the Shirdi Temple consecration festivities and also on an ongoing basis for feeding devotees in the summer months. An additional marquee area was also prepared for feeding devotees during the summer.

£3,830 was spent on both mobile and fixed screens positioned in the marquees to enable the maximum number of people to view the celebrations.

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Shirdi Sai Temple consecration June 12[th]

A four day event was held to consecrate the new Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Construction work was completed on time and many special guests and dignitaries were invited to attend the celebrations alongside thousands of devotees who attended over the festivities. The Community members were assisted by priests in conducting the detailed rituals for the Kum bum Mahabishekam including Sulake Maharaj former chief priest of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in India. Our guest of honour was Mohanji who graced us with his presence for the full festivities. It was a truly joyous occasion for all those privileged to witness and participate culminating in a beautiful unique Temple and accessible presence of the Divine available for all visitors to Skanda Vale to experience.

The total cost of the Temple construction was £236,357 of which £119,441 was spent in 2023.

Opening of Exhibition Area

We converted the ground floor of the Red barn at the entrance to Skanda Vale into a photographic exhibition area with an incredible display of images and stories capturing Skanda Vale’s formation from Gurus inspiration to the development of the ashram and Temples including Soma Skanda in Switzerland and the formation of the Hospice. The area also includes quiet spaces for people to sit and browse photo albums and watch a video display. The area is open all day to everyone who visits the ashram.

£21,112 was spent on building the exhibition area

VEL shrine installation and consecration 6[th] August

In August we celebrated the installation of a large 9 meter copper coloured VEL and granite three headed Naag (cobra like snake) on the hill top overlooking the main temple precincts- it was in the form of a three headed Naag that Lord Subramanium appeared to Guruji many years ago and with his Vel gave Guruji the divine mandate, power and authority to establish Skanda Vale. Niches were carved into the natural stone wall around the central shrine and statues of Lord Ganesha, Sage Agastya, the five saints from the local village of Llanpumsaint, Bhogar Rhisi and Dakshinamurthi were installed. A parikrama (pilgrimage) route was made for devotees to walk from the lower ashram site starting with a statue of Lord Ganesha. Statues of Mother Mary and a Shiva lingam were installed either side of the river connected with a beautiful timber footbridge.

The shrine is open at all times to give devotees a unique experience of pilgrimage and a fantastic panoramic view of the ashram and its countryside setting.

A life sized granite statue of St Francis was also consecrated during this period, now worshipped daily, located between the Sri Ranganatha and Shirdi Temples. St Francis is considered the patron Saint of Skanda Vale. Guru and the Community have a very strong connection to him and our monastic order is modelled on the early Franciscan order including the vows that the monastics take and the deep love that Francis had for all living beings.

The total spent on construction of the project including VEL and murthis (statues) was £101,552 of which £59,045 was spent in 2023

Gurus Birthday Celebrations 30[th] October

This was the third major event held for SV50 with a special Yaagam and service at Gurus Samadhi, this was followed by a fantastic cultural event organised by the SV volunteers. The day culminated with a kumbum Mahabishekam in the Sri Ranganatha Temple.

Store Shed and Straw Bale Volunteer Accommodation

These two smaller projects were completed and brought into use at a cost of £17,231 in 2023

Construction equipment

The community purchased a tilting head and quick hitch for our 3 ton mini excavator for £5,760

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Sanctuary and Service to life

A CCTV system was installed for £7413 to monitor our Elephants both inside their house and in the paddocks.

Unfortunately, Camela our most recent elephant died peacefully following heart failure, however she enjoyed a beautiful and fulfilling end part of her life.

At the end of the year work started on a new area for the Donkeys and ponies which incorporates a new ménage, two open plan stable blocks with cushioned anti slip and free draining matting and multi surface tracked area to encourage movement and exercise.

Sustainability

A 14 seater multi-purpose electric vehicle was purchased from China for £11,829 – this was mainly used to transfer elderly and frail pilgrims from the coach park to the Temples.

Two electric charging points were installed at a cost of £2,265

£60,501 was invested in a project to increase our solar capacity and link the top and bottom sites electrically so that all renewable infrastructures would benefit the whole site.

Collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai Trust (SSST)

The Community has developed a strong relationship with SSST, a registered charity that shares very similar objectives. The Trust has supported projects throughout the year and donated £205,000 in total during 2023 in unrestricted and designated funds. The projects that the trust has mainly helped support include the development of renewable power and sustainability, improvements to the care and housing of some of our animals, improvements to monastic accommodation to support elderly Community members, Media and volunteer programs.

Volunteering

Seva (Selfless Service) is performed by a range of different groups including the resident monastic and lay Community (see earlier in report)

All the day to day activities at Skanda Vale that help in the successful running of the Ashram are performed by Volunteers, these are devotees who stay on either long term or short term retreat; day visitors who come on pilgrimage and by devotees on a remote basis.

Volunteering activities include:

Cooking Prasadam (food offered to God in the Temples then served to visiting pilgrims), vegetable chopping, Serving Blessed Food to pilgrims, Minibus driving to transport elderly pilgrims within Ashram, Toilets maintenance, Cleaning and tidying temple areas and artefacts and Gardening

Arranging and storing Offerings brought by devotees; Running our food aid program; Litter Picking & Bins collection; Stewarding; Traffic control ; Car Park assistance; Managing Café and The gift shop.

Reception administration and attending phone calls; Accommodation booking and administration; Coach bookings; Content creation and Social Media communications and Transcribing of Guru’s Teachings.

Participation in project activities and maintenance of the ashram.

Volunteering at Skanda Vale’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations:

The combined team effort of the Monastic and Resident community with a core group of 20 volunteers plus 50 short term volunteers helped Skanda Vale successfully celebrate the three major events as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations during year 2023

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Volunteering Data for 2023:

The ‘Monastic’ and the ‘Resident community’ perform a majority (67%) of the activities which ensures the successful achievement of the objectives of the charity

The extended team of volunteers provides the additional support needed (33%)

For year 2023, approximately 103,650 hours of volunteering was offered which equates to 53 Full Time Equivalent volunteers.

Direct Food Aid

In 2023 we were able to donate 71.775 tonnes of direct food aid to 33 different charities and Community Groups

This comprised of 75 separate donations of which 77% supported local charities in South Wales, 8% supported national Charities and 24% supported international charities.

Financial Review

General Comments on SOFA and Balance Sheet

The Charity operates both general unrestricted Funds, where funds can be used for any of the charitable objectives of the charity without donor restriction and Restricted Funds, were funds are held in a variety of specific funds following donor restrictions. Where grants have been received, they are included in restricted funds unless they have been donated towards unrestricted charity funds. Details of the charity’s specific funds can be found in the notes to the accounts. The charity also holds permanent endowment funds were in the charity’s case the asset (land) has to be used for the purposes of the charity and cannot be sold or disposed of.

Unrestricted Funds

There was a significant increase in overall income to the charity unrestricted funds to £956,675 (£701,752 in 2022).

Total Community expenditure of unrestricted funds on charitable activities at £594,008 was an increase of £100,545 on the previous year’s figure of £493,463. This was due to general inflation, increased cost of living and level of charitable operation exceeding pre covid levels.

At year end £203,698 of unrestricted funds was held in cash in various accounts.

Restricted Funds

There was an increase in overall restricted income from £37,798 in 2022 to £65,170

Overall restricted fund expenditure increased from £85,093 in 2022 to £102,700 in 2023.

Major developments since year end

Completion of the installation of solar panels on Elephant barn roof and linking top and bottom site electrically

Completion of project to improve stabling and exercise areas of ponies and donkeys

Commencement of project to develop monastic accommodation

Commencement of Project to install a 100KW wind turbine towards becoming energy independent

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Funds and Reserves

At 31.12.2023 the charity held £5,634,325 of total funds.

Of these funds £2,435,880 was held in restricted funds not available for the general purposes of the charity.

A further £440,000 is held as permanent Endowment and as such not available for the general purposes of the charity. These funds are all held as tangible fixed assets with a donor restriction that they cannot be disposed of.

£2,758,445 of charity funds are held as unrestricted funds of which £2,537,691 are held as tangible fixed assets. This leaves £220,754 available as unrestricted funds of which £89,259 is designated funds

Free Reserves at year end 2023

This leaves a free cash reserve of £131,495 at year end 2023

The trustees review the Charity’s needs for reserves quarterly to in line with the SORP (FRS102).

Tier 1 ‘cash flow reserves’ are to ensure there is sufficient cash flow available to guarantee the day to day running of the charity. They are calculated prior to each trustees meeting (minimum quarterly) and are equal to the projected income/ expenditure deficit over the following 12 month period.

This amount is then added to tier 2 and tier 3 reserves

Tier 2 ‘running cost reserves’ are to safeguard the charity through periods of unexpected difficulties. The running cost reserves are currently set at £40k- this figure is reviewed each trustees meeting

Tier 3 ‘survival reserves’ are to enable the charity to survive unexpected severe financial challenges. The survival reserves are currently set at £60K – this figure is reviewed each trustees meeting

Generally minimum reserves (tier 2+tier 3 kept) subject to there being no forecast deficit over the following 12 months, equals £100k.

The trustees acknowledge that reserves at year end are in excess of £100k as there is no forecast deficit over the following 12 months. However, the trustees have made the decision to build up funds towards the supply and installation of a 100KW Wind turbine with an overall project cost of between £350k and £400k

Risk Statement

The Charity Trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks.

The Principal Risks and uncertainties facing the charity as identified by the trustees

Identifying Risk

The trustees have considered the following areas to help identify the risks to the charity:

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

The following table summarises the risks, their potential impact and the plans and strategies that the trustees have implemented to mitigate the risks:

Risk Impact Mitigate
Governance risk
Trustee body lacks skills and Too many big decisions in the hands Trustees need training to boost
confidence of a few individuals. confidence to take ownership and
initiative over project / tasks.
Loss of key staff Operational impact on charity Comprehensive, accessible and secure
filing system with full backup
Key roles and responsibilities
understudied
Overload of key staff Trustees unable to fulfill Sharing responsibilities and annual
responsibilities effectively review of trustee roles. Quarterly risk
review.
Reporting to trustees - accuracy, Lack of time to review information Timely and accurate project reporting.
timeliness and relevance. and formulate an appropriate Regular contact between trustees and
response. senior staff, to spread workload if
necessary.
Operational risk
Project or service development Funding and financial viability Clear prioritizing of projects within
organization
Project & staffing viability
Ensure realistic allocation of both,
Compatibility with priorities financial and human resources
Ensure communication filters effectively
throughout the organization, ensuring
rapid response to developing pressures
Promoting awareness that the success of
hospice relies on the success of Skanda
Vale

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Building and site security
Volunteers
Health, safety and environment
Disaster planning		 Loss or damage of equipment (IT,
Fixtures and fittings)
Theft
Loss of critical data, breach of
confidentiality
CCTV
Facility management procedures for day
and night times
Create asset register for insurance
(especially IT)
Annual Review of insurance cover
Provide lockable filing and archiving
cupboards
Have safe custody arrangements for title
documents and land registry, keep copies
of documents at Skanda Vale
Inexperienced volunteer staff,
Lack of competency / support
Inadequate training for role
Irregular attendance, unreliable
Equal opportunities issues
Define clearly structured roles for all
volunteer tasks
Provide adequate training according to
designated job role
Supervision procedure
Induction training, induction time by
senior staff
Liability claims
Injury to staff and the public
Illness, infections
Comply with law and regulations
Staff and volunteer training in H&S
policies and procedures, care and food
hygiene standards
Reporting and monitoring procedures
(accidents, defects)
Regular organizational risk review
Review insurance cover
Computer recovery and r system
failure, data loss
Destruction of property and records
through elemental damage
Loss of mains supplies
Agree emergency arrangements
Document IT recovery plan. Review data
backup procedures
Review insurance cover
Agree facility management procedure and
service /
Ensure maintenance procedures for
backup utilities such as generators,
pumps, storage equipment

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The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Information
Technology
Financial risks		 Loss / corruption of data
Breach of data protection laws
including GDPR
Unavailability of IT network
Unable to run charity
efficiently, internal
communication breaks
down
For recovery and backup see chapter
disaster recovery
Document measures to secure and protect
data Update documentation of IT network.
Undertake internal GDPR compliance
audit
Agree to plan for network redundancy
Keep hard copies of essential records in
secure filing system		 Loss / corruption of data
Breach of data protection laws
including GDPR
Unavailability of IT network
Unable to run charity
efficiently, internal
communication breaks
down
For recovery and backup see chapter
disaster recovery
Document measures to secure and protect
data Update documentation of IT network.
Undertake internal GDPR compliance
audit
Agree to plan for network redundancy
Keep hard copies of essential records in
secure filing system
Budgetary control and
financial reporting
Inability of having funding available
for level of service commitment
made
Delayed recognition of drop in
voluntary income
Regular evaluation of financial budget
forecasts with actual balances at trustees
meetings
Conservative approach to income forecast
and growth for grant / fund income
Reserves policy
Lack of funds or liquidity
Allow reserves for when funding
might be withdrawn
Regularly review reserves policy and
status
Review cash flow and liquidity
Cash flow sensitivity
Impact on operational activities
Lack of liquidity to cover variance in
costs
Ensure adequate cash flow projections
Identify cash flow peaks, compare with
forecast budgets
Dependency on
income sources
Cash flow and budget impact heavily
dependent on voluntary income
through Skanda Vale Temple
Identify other major dependencies
Consider diversification plans
Investment policy Financial loss through lack of
investment advice, lack of diversity
Cash flow difficulties arising from
lack of liquidity		 Review investments policy
Ensure investments can be freed
according to project forecasts

Page 13

The Community of the Many Names of God

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Environmental or external factors
Public perception
Adverse publicity
Current Conflict in
Europe and Middle East		 Impact on charitable
income
Ability to access grant
or contract funding
Support from other
health care providers
Agree early data collection system for
statistics and evidence
Agree on targeted future service
agreements
Reputational risk
Misunderstanding of
spiritual background
of Skanda Vale
Temple
Loss of beneficiaries
and donors confidence
Loss of trust of health
care professionals and
providers
Communication of charitable activities
and financial situation with supporters,
beneficiaries and funders
Keep websites updated
ensure good quality reporting via in
house design and communication team
Incorporate codes of good practice and
national guidelines in procedural system
Cost of Living
Increases
Fuel and Power
disruption
Significant fall in
donated food
Risk of infection to
resident
Review budget expenditure and cash flow
quarterly
Develop strategy and infrastructure to be
off grid and energy independent
Monitor situation regularly, Suspend food
aid program to larger organisations if
necessary focus on supporting individuals
and smaller local community groups

Page 14

Tlie Community of the Mmny Names of God Report of the Trustees foi. thc Ycnr Elided 31 December 2023 ST.4TEMEN'f OF TRIISTEES, Rb.SPONSIBII,ITIES l-h¥ trusli¥% drL rL%P()n.%iblL Ii)r prL'Pdl'in& IIIL RLpi)I'l ()I' IhL 'I'rii%lL'L's and Iliu liiianLial %lJiLlliLni.% in aLCI)rclanLe H ith appliLablL lam. and I IiiilLd kingdom .4LLiiuiiliiig %11( ndJi'd.s IllnilLd Kii)gdc)ni CjLnLI-all) AbcLpled AcLOLintlll4 IPraLtic¢}. -I'hL lam. Ll1)pIiLdhlL i(} Lhdrilic.s in l..ngiland cind M'alL'S. IhL C.'hai'iiie8 Acl ?l)I l. C'hi1rilv IAcLClUlIt5 and ￿e￿)rts) Res?ul&ltions 201)8 id tlic i)ri)visii)n% ()r the tl'usi dLLd rLqUIIL'S ilic Ii'L151Lc% l(1 prL'pdre Iinai?Lial slalcniLn14 li)I' LiiL'h I Inai)Lidl >'Lai' iiliiLli givL a IrLlU Jl)d l&lil' I'ILlI' ()]' IhL %tiilc (Il. Jllairs nl. thc. ¢liarili' (Ind i)I' IhL inci)ming? reM)IireLS and iinting FK)licie% aiid IliL'n applv IhL'in ci)n.siStLlltI)': iibs1.rvL ihL n)Lihi)ds ui)d pi.i1lLipIL'% in thL Q'liiiril). %()111): mdkL'.jiidgiL'lmLiII% diid L4liiiiulL'% Ihclt JI'L fL£L%)n<ihlL' lind pi'Lidenl; 8talL' M'hLII)Ll' LlS)iJIiLHbl¥ u¥¢i)unlii?gl .S141ndiii'ds h&ll L l)Icn liilli)M'L'd, subjeL( li) kin )' i))lllL'I'iul dL'Pal'lur¢% di%LlI)sL.d and LxpIuiiiLd iii IhL I Inanuial %lLIlL'inLiIL%; prL'Pill'U Il)I IiiiiinLi¢il sluiLiiiL'nls ()n Ihc gi)iiig L<)nLL'rn b4LSiS LinlLSS il is in4pkll'iTrPI'iÉilL' l() pr¢'¥umL Ihiii ilic Jiai'ily M'ill 'I'IIL IruslL'i.% di'l ru%p(11i5il?IL fi?r kL'Llllllg l)I'iipLr dLLllUllliI)g fLL(?I'Ll% ivhiLI) LIi%LII)SL Ivltl) rLaS1)n<iblL dLcuraLi al aiiy tiin ALI ?[) I l. IliL' ChJi'iiv IALuiILiiils und IILpiirl%l I£LglLiliiliiin% ?IIIIX <iiiLI IliL l)r()i'i%iiin% ()I' thL' irn%I LILL.d. 'I'hL)' ai'L uI%i) rLs1)()nsihlL II?I' %&iligiiiEIi'Lling IIIL a%%Ll% (Il'ihL' chai'iiv dnd l)LnLL' li)I' lukii)g rL'a%(?niiblc %lLI)% IL)I' IhL' pi'¢VLliliiiii Sunimai'v I'hL %UiiLs5 ol- IhL' ('hun<qiidu IC.'.hdir i)l-"I I'uslLcs1 l)uge 15

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of The Community of the Many Names of God

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Community of the Many Names of God (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Page 16

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of The Community of the Many Names of God

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

a. The charity's policies and procedures for identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations, and whether there were any known instances of non-compliance.

b. Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether there is any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud.

c. The internal controls established to mitigate risk of fraud or non compliance with laws and regulations.

As a result of performing the above, we did not identify any key audit matters related to potential risk of fraud or non compliance with laws and regulations.

In addition to the above, our procedures included;

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Page 17

Repoi* of the Indei)eJiilent ,1 udilors to tlie I'rustee5 of The co1￿m￿nItY of the M&nv Names of God Use of our r¢port 'I'his I'ipi)rl 14 iiidde solel). ti) thL Lharil! s iruslees. as a body. in I￿ordanCe ivith Part 4 01. Ilie Cliaritie5 (Accuunts and Rcpurtsl I. lor Dur ULidil iviirk. l()r thi8 rC￿rI, iii. loi. Ihl npinions ¥VL. havL loriiied. Aslinii) C'l)iinLfLd L'Lriilied AcLountan15 and SiatLltnTr Audili)rs 'illianis1111) I Ic)usc 7 (Jiillt SlrLLI l)emhn)kLshirL A61 Il) l>age 114

The Community of the Many Names of God

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Notes
INCOME AND
ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
4
Skanda Vale Community
Playground
Investment income
3
Other income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
5
Big Lotto
Skanda Vale Community
Food Aid
Hospice Care
Management of Conservation
Area
Vehicle Fund
Playground
Total
Net gains on investments
NET
INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers between funds
19
Net movement in funds
RECONCILIATION OF
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED
FORWARD		 Unrestricted
funds

£
948,188
-
-
449
8,038
956,675
-
594,008
-
-
-
-
-
594,008
1,268
363,935
4,038
367,973
2,390,472
2,758,445		 Restricted
funds
£
41,790
500
15,000
-
7,880
65,170
10,000
-
1,333
87,979
156
2,267
965
102,700
-
(37,530)
(4,038)
(41,568)
2,477,448
2,435,880		 Endowment
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
440,000
440,000		 31.12.23
Total
funds
£
989,978
500
15,000
449
15,918
1,021,845
10,000
594,008
1,333
87,979
156
2,267
965
696,708
1,268
326,405
-
326,405
5,307,920
5,634,325		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
727,185
-
-
303
12,062
739,550
10,000
493,463
1,426
72,530
166
2,834
971
581,390
1,239
159,399
-
159,399
5,148,521
5,307,920

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 19

Tlie Community of the Man), Names of Cwod BRIAnce Sheet 31 Deceniber 2023 31.1?.21 31.1??? UnrL5triLled tuiids RL'%triLlcd F.ndi)Ivm¢nl lund funds FI.XED ASSF.TS l-(11)gibl¢' assL15 IniLS(nicnl.4 9 .$17.{)(} I () ()()7 2.438,8111 44U.11011 5.41 (). j 7? h.9l)7 5.233.-36() 5.7?9 13 2.544.688 ?.4.IX.8111 440,01111 5.4?3,569 5.?39.1195 CLIRRb.N'l' AS￿lE.1.5 l()Lks l)cbii)rs L'ash at bank und in liund 14 15 5.305 6().11214 5.3n5 (?4.2.35 ?11.l.(IL)21 1.7().1 ? 1()91 9().47 ?73,2111 1571)) 27? 66? 137.7?n CRLI)I'I'ORS Ain()unts liilliiis duL Il'iiliin oii¢' 16 (51,774) 12.42.5) 154.1()91 {46,149} NET (:IIRIIENI' AS&iETS ?21.4(14 ?111.4().1 91.571 T()'fAI. A6iSI=,'I'fi l.ESS CISRRF'N'I, LIAJJI I,I'I'IES ? 7()().15? 2.43.S.%110 4411.000 5.{?4?.03? 5.33n.c)6() CRIDITORS Aiiii)IinL4 lalling diiL allL'r iiii)I' Ih4Tr1) (11IL ) L'UI. 17 17,71171 17.7n7) 122.746) NF.T ASSETS ?.7.58.44.f 2.41.5.Xllll 5.()74..1?5 .S,3117.L)?11 riiND I InrL'%II'iLlcd lund Ilu%lriLIL,d liinus 19 ?.7511.445 2.4.15.8tlll 2..3()(1.47? ? 477.44 4411.11110 i'o'r.4L FIINDS 5.1).14.1 ?5 S..7117 C)2n 'I'hL. liiianLial sthlc'mlnls wLI'i upprovLd b). Ihc Ili)urd of -frustL'LS lind auihi)risLd li)r and M'L'rL' signcd i)n ils hcl)ull' b)". iksue i)n Sm'dmi Suryaiianda - 'l-ruslLe Sm'uini Y iiclJ - -I'rLisILL 'I'lie i1()ILs I()I'ni pari cil- IlILs¢ Iinaiicial %lulLmL'nls IlogL 20

The Community of the Many Names of God

Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Interest element of hire purchase payments
paid
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Sale of fixed asset investments
Interest received
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Capital repayments in year
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period		 31.12.23
£
493,394
(1,017)
492,377
(572,006)
205,327
1,268
449
(364,962)
(22,558)
(22,558)
104,857
96,472
201,329		 31.12.22
£
298,908
(223)
298,685
(433,992)
47,880
1,239
303
(384,570)
14,620
14,620
(71,265)
167,737
96,472

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 21

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial
Activities) 326,405 159,399
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 161,959 146,547
Gain on investments (2,536) (2,478)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 21,514 6,698
Interest received (449) (303)
Interest element of hire purchase and finance lease rental payments 1,017 223
Increase in debtors (30,085) (6,553)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 15,569 (4,625)
Net cash provided by operations 493,394 298,908
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
At 1.1.23 Cash flow At 31.12.23
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 96,472 104,857 201,329
96,472 104,857 201,329
Debt
Finance leases (45,304) 22,558 (22,746)
(45,304) 22,558 (22,746)
Total 51,168 127,415 178,583

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 22

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Costs have been allocated as far as possible between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others have been apportioned based on the estimated usage of the resource.

Support costs represent the costs of the management of the chatities assets and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Tangible fixed assets

Buildings are split into two categories of asset. Class 1 buildings are those of more durable type generally constructed from stone/concrete with slate roof. Class 2 buildings are less durable and may include many agricultural types and are generally constructed from timber with metal sheet/polycarbonate/timber roofing.

Buildings Class 1 including subsequent improvements and improvements to land are depreciated at 2% per annum on a straight line basis from the date the assets were brought into use. An estimate of the initial cost of land where land and buildings were purchased together has been made in consultation with eth charities advisers. The value of land at cost is not depreciated. Temple and other assets including various temple animals and adornments are not depreciated.

Annual depreciation rates on all other fixed assets are applied on a reducing balance basis from the date the asset is brought into use apart from software where a straight line depreciation rate of 20% per annum is used. The depreciation rates for the different classes of tangible fixed assets are as follows:

Land nil Buildings class 1 2% straight line Infrastructure 3% reducing balance Buildings class 2, structures & enclosures 5% reducing balance Elephant house 10% reducing balance Office equipment 10% reducing balance Plant & equipment 10% reducing balance Fixtures & fittings 10% reducing balance Vehicles 20% reducing balance Software 20% straight line

continued...

Page 23

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
3.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
Income from investments
4.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Grants
Skanda Vale Community
Grants
Playground
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Playground Grant 2023
Garden tool grant Brechfa		 31.12.23
£
989,978
31.12.23
£
187
262
449
31.12.23
£
500
15,000
15,500
31.12.23
£
15,000
500
15,500		 31.12.22
£
727,185
31.12.22
£
118
185
303
31.12.22
£
-
-
-
31.12.22
£
-
-
-		 31.12.22
£
727,185
31.12.22
£
118
185
303
31.12.22
£
-
-
-
31.12.22
£
-
-
-
-

continued...

Page 24

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Big Lotto
Skanda Vale Community
Food Aid
Hospice Care
Management of Conservation Area
Vehicle Fund
Playground		 Direct
Costs
£
10,000
579,536
1,333
87,979
156
2,267
965
682,236		 Support
costs (see
note 6)
£
-
14,472
-
-
-
-
-
14,472		 Totals
£
10,000
594,008
1,333
87,979
156
2,267
965
696,708

6. SUPPORT COSTS

Governance
costs
£
Skanda Vale Community 14,472

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

The trustees who are monastics have their food, lodging and living requirements provided by the community to the same extent as the rest of the monastic community who are not trustees. The trustees who are not members of the monastic community receive food and lodgings to the same extent as any member of the public visiting the community who is not a trustee.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Investment income
Other income
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Big Lotto
Skanda Vale Community
Food Aid
Hospice Care
Management of Conservation Area
Vehicle Fund		 Unrestricted
funds
£
694,974
303
6,475
701,752
-
493,463
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
funds
£
32,211
-
5,587
37,798
10,000
-
1,426
72,530
166
2,834		 Endowment
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
funds
£
727,185
303
12,062
739,550
10,000
493,463
1,426
72,530
166
2,834

continued...

Page 25

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

8.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Playground
-
971
Total
493,463
87,927
Net gains on investments
1,239
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
209,528
(50,129)
Transfers between funds
19,717
(19,717)
Net movement in funds
229,245
(69,846)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
2,161,227
2,547,294
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
2,390,472
2,477,448		 - continued
Endowment
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
440,000
440,000		 Total
funds
£
971
581,390
1,239
159,399
-
159,399
5,148,521
5,307,920

9. DONATED GOODS AND GIFTS IN KIND

The Charity receives a large amount of donated goods each year. It is a fundamental principle that these goods are offered to God in the temples and that they are offered anonymously. The monastic rule and tradition of the Community is that no material value be placed on these goods as they are gifts to God and to be used in the service of God. The trustees have considered the Charities SORP (FRS 102) guidance on donated goods and have determined that due to the operational nature of the charity, the materiality of the goods received and the use they are put to, the allocation of resources and potential cost in valuation of donated goods is not justified in terms of any benefit to the users of the accounts.

A large quantity of food and provisions is annually offered, enabling the Community to feed, free of charge, all pilgrims who wish to receive food offered to God. Other donated items offered in the temples are used in the running of the Community at all levels and, where appropriate, are given to Vale Hospice Continuing Care for use in their Charity's work.

The Community is also in receipt of a large amount of building materials, tools and machinery given throughout the year. These items are treated in exactly the same manner as items which it is practical to physically offer in the temples - they are gifts to God, used in the running of the Community for the benefit of the public.

Similarly, no value has been applied to the substantial enhancements to the original farm buildings purchased by the Community many years ago to transform them into the present day temples and facilities for the public where the materials for these works have been donated by devotees of the Community and were intended as gifts to God. It is to be noted that it is a fundamental principle of the Community never to ask for, infer the need of or solicit in any way, funds or goods for the use of the Community.

continued...

Page 26

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

10. LOANED ASSETS

The Community is fortunate to have the continued free use of a JCB wheeled excavator on the condition that maintenance, fuel and running costs are paid for by the Community.

11. UNCAPITALISED ASSETS

The Community owns many animals and birds. As a sanctuary for life, no animal is ever sold, for there is no guarantee that it would live out its natural life span receiving the care and attention necessary for a high quality of life. No material value can be put on life by a Community based on the principal that all life is sacred.

There is no capitalisation in the accounts of many of the smaller temporary wooden structures primarily used for animal accommodation.

All the images, artefacts and adornments in the Community's temples are owned by the Community and are not given a material value because of their spiritual value to the Community.

12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
Charge for year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Freehold
Temples &
property
Infrastructure
machinery
£
£
5,554,373
48,426
432,572
-
-
-
5,986,945
48,426
1,036,128
12,807
111,810
569
-
-
1,147,938
13,376
4,839,007
35,050
4,518,245
35,619		 Assets
under
Plant and
construction
£
£
284,838
398,459
76,071
12,030
(205,327)
(20,362)
155,582
390,127
-
198,100
-
18,606
-
(1,968)
-
214,738
155,582
175,389
284,838
200,359

continued...

Page 27

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued

COST
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
Charge for year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Fixtures
and
fittings
£
278,470
39,504
(11,682)
306,292
179,702
11,867
(8,562)
183,007
123,285
98,768		 Motor
vehicles
£
148,991
11,829
-
160,820
53,454
19,107
-
72,561
88,259
95,537		 Computer
equipment
£
8,105
-
-
8,105
8,105
-
-
8,105
-
-		 Totals
£
6,721,662
572,006
(237,371)
7,056,297
1,488,296
161,959
(10,530)
1,639,725
5,416,572
5,233,366

Fixed assets, included in the above, which are held under hire purchase contracts are as follows:

COST
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
Charge for year
At 31 December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Motor
vehicles
£
61,490
3,075
11,683
14,758
46,732
58,415

continued...

Page 28

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Listed
investments
£
MARKET VALUE
At 1 January 2023 5,729
Revaluations 1,268
At 31 December 2023 6,997
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 6,997
At 31 December 2022 5,729
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
Cost or valuation at 31 December 2023 is represented by:
Listed
investments
£
Valuation in 2023 6,997
14. STOCKS
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Stocks 5,305 5,305
15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Other debtors 66,028 35,943
16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Hire purchase (see note 18) 15,039 22,558
Trade creditors 39,160 23,591
54,199 46,149

continued...

Page 29

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Hire purchase (see note 18) 7,707 22,746

18. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Net obligations repayable:
Within one year 15,039 22,558
Between one and five years 7,707 22,746
22,746 45,304

19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
Community (Fund C)
Sathya Sai various projects
Restricted funds
BIG Lottery Fund (Fund BIG)
Food Aid, Store Shed (Fund FA)
Skanda Vale Hospice (Fund H)
London Seminar Fund (Fund L)
WCVA Environment Wales PGF Grant
(Fund M)
Vehicle Replacement Fund (Fund V)
Playground fund
Brechfa Garden Tool Grant
Playground phase 2
Endowment funds
Deri (Permanent Endowment Fund D)
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.23
£
2,390,472
-
2,390,472
431,667
22,700
1,977,136
4,368
2,851
21,726
17,000
-
-
2,477,448
440,000
5,307,920		 Net
movement
in funds
£
213,935
150,000
363,935
(10,000)
(1,333)
(38,309)
-
(156)
(2,267)
(965)
500
15,000
(37,530)
-
326,405		 Transfers
between
funds
£
4,038
-
4,038
-
-
-
(4,368)
-
-
-
-
330
(4,038)
-
-		 At
31.12.23
£
2,608,445
150,000
2,758,445
421,667
21,367
1,938,827
-
2,695
19,459
16,035
500
15,330
2,435,880
440,000
5,634,325

continued...

Page 30

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Community (Fund C)
Sathya Sai various projects
Restricted funds
BIG Lottery Fund (Fund BIG)
Food Aid, Store Shed (Fund FA)
Skanda Vale Hospice (Fund H)
WCVA Environment Wales PGF Grant
(Fund M)
Vehicle Replacement Fund (Fund V)
Playground fund
Brechfa Garden Tool Grant
Playground phase 2
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
806,675
150,000
956,675
-
-
49,670
-
-
-
500
15,000
65,170		 Resources
expended
£
(594,008)
-
(594,008)
(10,000)
(1,333)
(87,979)
(156)
(2,267)
(965)
-
-
(102,700)		 Gains and
losses
£
1,268
-
1,268
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Movement
in funds
£
213,935
150,000
363,935
(10,000)
(1,333)
(38,309)
(156)
(2,267)
(965)
500
15,000
(37,530)
326,405
1,021,845 (696,708) 1,268

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
Community (Fund C)
Vehicle replacement designated fund
Toilet Facilities Fund (Designated Fund Q)
Restricted funds
BIG Lottery Fund (Fund BIG)
Food Aid, Store Shed (Fund FA)
Skanda Vale Hospice (Fund H)
London Seminar Fund (Fund L)
WCVA Environment Wales PGF Grant
(Fund M)
Vehicle Replacement Fund (Fund V)
Playground fund
Endowment funds
Deri (Permanent Endowment Fund D)
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.22
£
2,106,227
5,000
50,000
2,161,227
441,667
24,126
2,011,868
4,368
3,017
44,277
17,971
2,547,294
440,000
5,148,521		 Net
movement
in funds
£
209,528
-
-
209,528
(10,000)
(1,426)
(34,732)
-
(166)
(2,834)
(971)
(50,129)
-
159,399		 Transfers
between
funds
£
74,717
(5,000)
(50,000)
19,717
-
-
-
-
-
(19,717)
-
(19,717)
-
-		 At
31.12.22
£
2,390,472
-
-
2,390,472
431,667
22,700
1,977,136
4,368
2,851
21,726
17,000
2,477,448
440,000
5,307,920

continued...

Page 31

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Community (Fund C)
Restricted funds
BIG Lottery Fund (Fund BIG)
Food Aid, Store Shed (Fund FA)
Skanda Vale Hospice (Fund H)
WCVA Environment Wales PGF Grant
(Fund M)
Vehicle Replacement Fund (Fund V)
Playground fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
701,752
-
-
37,798
-
-
-
37,798
739,550		 Resources
expended
£
(493,463)
(10,000)
(1,426)
(72,530)
(166)
(2,834)
(971)
(87,927)
(581,390)		 Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
1,239
209,528
-
(10,000)
-
(1,426)
-
(34,732)
-
(166)
-
(2,834)
-
(971)
-
(50,129)
1,239
159,399

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Community (Fund C)
Vehicle replacement designated fund
Toilet Facilities Fund (Designated Fund Q)
Sathya Sai various projects
Restricted funds
BIG Lottery Fund (Fund BIG)
Food Aid, Store Shed (Fund FA)
Skanda Vale Hospice (Fund H)
London Seminar Fund (Fund L)
WCVA Environment Wales PGF Grant
(Fund M)
Vehicle Replacement Fund (Fund V)
Playground fund
Brechfa Garden Tool Grant
Playground phase 2
Endowment funds
Deri (Permanent Endowment Fund D)
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.22
£
2,106,227
5,000
50,000
-
2,161,227
441,667
24,126
2,011,868
4,368
3,017
44,277
17,971
-
-
2,547,294
440,000
5,148,521		 Net
movement
in funds
£
423,463
-
-
150,000
573,463
(20,000)
(2,759)
(73,041)
-
(322)
(5,101)
(1,936)
500
15,000
(87,659)
-
485,804		 Transfers
between
funds
£
78,755
(5,000)
(50,000)
-
23,755
-
-
-
(4,368)
-
(19,717)
-
-
330
(23,755)
-
-		 At
31.12.23
£
2,608,445
-
-
150,000
2,758,445
421,667
21,367
1,938,827
-
2,695
19,459
16,035
500
15,330
2,435,880
440,000
5,634,325

continued...

Page 32

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Community (Fund C)
Sathya Sai various projects
Restricted funds
BIG Lottery Fund (Fund BIG)
Food Aid, Store Shed (Fund FA)
Skanda Vale Hospice (Fund H)
WCVA Environment Wales PGF Grant
(Fund M)
Vehicle Replacement Fund (Fund V)
Playground fund
Brechfa Garden Tool Grant
Playground phase 2
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
1,508,427
150,000
1,658,427
-
-
87,468
-
-
-
500
15,000
102,968		 Resources
expended
£
(1,087,471)
-
(1,087,471)
(20,000)
(2,759)
(160,509)
(322)
(5,101)
(1,936)
-
-
(190,627)		 Gains and
losses
£
2,507
-
2,507
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Movement
in funds
£
423,463
150,000
573,463
(20,000)
(2,759)
(73,041)
(322)
(5,101)
(1,936)
500
15,000
(87,659)
485,804
1,761,395 (1,278,098) 2,507

20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the period the Charity made donations of £40,494 (2022 £25,439) to Skanda Vale Hospice CIO, a connected entity. In addition Skanda Vale Hospice CIO leased both the hospice building and Newcastle Emlyn shop from The Community of the Many Names of God for an annual rent of £1 per property.

21. FUNDS

Restricted Fund BIG

This fund was set up in 2014 following the award of a £500,000 grant from BIG Lottery Fund towards the capital development costs of the new six bed in patient hospice.

Unrestricted Fund C - Community

This fund is used primarily in the maintenance and development of Skanda Vale monastery and Temples as a place of public worship and for the support of the resident monastic community.

Permanent Endowment Fund D - Deri

This fund was set up upon the charity receiving a donation of 110 acres of farm and woodland in May 2008. The trustees estimated its market value upon receipt at £4,000 per acre based on land values in the area, capitalising the whole donation at £440,000 in the accounts. The donors stipulated that the land is transferred to the charity as permanent endowment.

Restricted Fund FA - Food Aid, Store Shed

This fund was set up in January 2012 upon receiving confirmation of two grant awards towards the cost of a new dried food store shed and associated equipment to modernize and expand facilities central to the charity's food aid programme.

Restricted Fund H - Skanda Vale Hospice

continued...

Page 33

The Community of the Many Names of God

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

21. FUNDS - continued

Set up in 1987 to provide hospice care: initially as a home support service which ran until 2004, secondly as a day care centre and finally as a residential hospice. The hospice building was redeveloped and reopened in April 2016 providing respite and day care. In July 2016 the charity transferred the operation of the Hospice to a new registered charity, Skanda Vale Hospice CIO. The trustees decided to lease the new incare hospice building to the CIO on a peppercorn rent of £1 per annum on a 50 year lease. The trustees also decided to lease the charity shop to the CIO again at £1 per annum.

Restricted Fund L - London Seminar Fund

This fund was set up in 2014 to manage the funds associated with a biannual London seminar given by members of the monastic community. The seminar takes place in Giwell Park, a venue run by the Scout Association - the seminars are run on a non-profit basis.

Restricted Fund V - Vehicle Replacement Fund

The fund was set up in 2015 following the agreement of the board of Verein Skanda Vale (Skanda Vale Swiss Association) to help support the travel costs of Community members to lead and support seminars and staff Soma Skanda Temple in Fideris.

Restricted Fund P - Playground

The fund was established to cover the cost of constructing a play area for use by visitors to the Skanda Vale site.

Restricted Fund N - Brechfa garden tool grant

The fund was set up in 2023 for the grant received but not yet spent for the purchase of garden tools.

Designated fund O - Sathya Sai Trust

This fund was set up in 2023 to cover the cost of various specific projects including solar energy, donkey barn, monastic accommodation and media.

Page 34

The Community of the Many Names of God

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Income from investments
Charitable activities
Grants
Other income
RHI, electricity and feed in income
Sundry income
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Rates and water
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Taxes - various
Vehicle tax/insurance
Diesel for tractors
Community food & living
Petrol
Vet & animal care
Vehicle maintenance
Community maintenance
Animal feed
Agriculture
Travel
Bank charges
Professional fees
Funds tfr to hospice
Immigration
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Loss on sale of tangible fixed assets
Hire purchase		 31.12.23
£
989,978
187
262
449
15,500
15,470
448
15,918
1,021,845
357
27,210
36,254
6,655
5,479
11,206
5,395
52,340
8,593
35,852
13,272
197,781
23,628
14,937
9,926
2,370
-
40,494
5,997
161,959
21,514
1,017
682,236		 31.12.22
£
727,185
118
185
303
-
11,484
578
12,062
739,550
1,188
23,290
29,910
6,185
3,679
11,112
8,375
37,508
9,588
45,421
18,040
146,504
20,895
11,364
12,429
2,519
847
25,439
-
146,547
6,698
223
567,761

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 35

The Community of the Many Names of God

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Support costs
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration
Community admin software
Total resources expended
Net income before gains and losses
Un-realised gains/losses
Fixed asset investments
Net income		 31.12.23
£
4,776
9,696
14,472
696,708
325,137
1,268
326,405		 31.12.22
£
4,602
9,027
13,629
581,390
158,160
1,239
159,399

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 36