Suffolk Community Forum Management committee report and financial statements ChariÉy number: 100117 for the year ended 31 March 2024
Suffolk Community Forum Contents Page Management committee report Auditors, report Statement of Financial Activities Balance sheet 10 Notes to the financial statements
Suffolk Community Fornm Managemenl Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The management committee present their report with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accouncs have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in che notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's Rules and "Accounting and Reporting by Charlties: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charilies preparing their accounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019" Reference and Administrative Information Charity Name.. Suffolk Community Forum Charity Registratioi) number: HMRC: XR445741 CCNI: 100117 Business Address: 124 Stewartstown Road, Belfast, BTI 19BQ Committee of Management Cathy Wilton (Chair) Neil Douglas (Vice Chair) Sandra Craig (Secretary) Sammy Wilson { Treasurer) Roby OTT Maureen Appleton L£sley Skey Shalyn McKinley Naomi Cassidy Joanne Moody Missy Spence Jason Spence Brian McDougall Rachel McDougall Auditors Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD, l Lanyon Quay, Belfast, B T13LG Bankers First Trust Bank, 35 University Street, Belfast B T7 1 ND Page I
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Structhre, Governance and Management Governing Document The Forum is governed by rules and is constituted as an unincorporated body. Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee The mlagement con]mittee of the group are also charity trustees for the purposes of cbarity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the manaoement committee hold office until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election. Individuals are invited to serve as management commitiee on the basis of their abilities and background so as to achieve a balance between those from the business, voluntary and charity sectors. Management committee Induction and Training The management committee have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are tninimised by the implementation of procedures foi authorisation of all tiansactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the premises. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity. Organisational Structure At pregenc Suffolk Community Forum has a management committee of 14 members who meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rest wilh the manager. Page 2
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and Activities The Suffolk Community Fornm will work iowards creating a stable, secure, confident community in Suffolk. The objective of the Group shall be to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the Suffolk estate and it8 neighbourhood by associating together with said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to provide or secure the provision of social services, educational and recreational facilities for all sections of the community i.e. youth, elderly,people with special needs or who are disabled, women, men, children, the unemployed and other disadvantaged groups within the area in the interest of social welfare. Achievements and Performance The group believes it achieved its goals of promoting good community relations throughout the Suffolk area. Financial Review The forum had a successful year. The results are set out in full in the audited accounts. Principal Funding Sources The principle source of funding was the DFC, BCC and SRRP. Investment policy Any surplus funds are transferred iiito short term savings accounts for invesimeTht. Reserves Policy The comtnittee retain funds in the charity in ordei to provide sufficiei)I working capital to facilitate the ongoing activities. The targec for unrestricled fund reserves is six months support costs. Volunteers The charity is appreciative of ihe efforts of its volunteers who are involved in service provision. Page 3
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 We approve the financial statements We confirtn that:. The management committee are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and of the income and expenditure of the group for the financial year. In pi'eparing Ihose fin)cIal statemeiits, the management committee is iequired to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. - make judgements and ¢stimates that are reasonable and prudent. - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate Lo presume that the group will continue in business. The management committee are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and that help ensure that the financial statements comply with generally accepted standards and the SORP recommendations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and taking reasonable steps for the Prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. For and on behalf of Committee Cathy Wiltoii (Chair) 8th Jaiiuary 2025 Page 4
Suffolk Community Forum Independent auditors, report to the trustees of Suffolk Community Forum We have audited the financial statements of Suffolk Community Fornm for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting stlddS, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Treland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the accounts.. - give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity's affaiis as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the Year ihen ended. have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practice. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Audiling (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audÉt 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 che FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled OUT Other ethical responsibilities in accordance with Ihese requirements. We believe that the audii evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriale to provide a basis for our opinion. Condusions relating to going concern The trustees, have prepared the financial staten)ents on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease their operations. They have also concluded that there are no material ui)certainties that could have casl sigiiificant doiibt over their ability to continue as a goiiig concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial siatemenls ("the going concern period"). In our evaluation of the ttustees, conclusions, we considered the inherent risks to the Charity's business model and analysed how those risks Ight affect the Charity, s financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period. In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trn8tees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of che financial statements is appropriale. Based on the work we have peTforn]ed, we have not iderAtified any material uiicertainties relating to eventg or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's ability to continue as a IFoing concern for a period of at least Iwelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. However. as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are iiicoiisistent wich judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the absence of refeTeiice to a material uncertainty in this auditor's report is not a guarantee that the Charily will continue in operation. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees, with respect to going concern described in the relevant sections of this report. Page 5
Suffolk Community Forum Independent auditors, report to the trustees of Suffolk Community Forum continued Other information The other inforniation comprises the inforniation included in the annual report, other than the accounts and OUT auditor, s report thereon. The trnstees are responsible for the other infoimation. Our opinion on the accounts does not cover the other information and we do not express any forni of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the accounts. our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whethei the other infomatiotk is terIallY inconsistent with the accollilts or our knowledge obtained in the audit or othenvise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether chere is a material misstatement tn the accollnts or a material misstalemenl of ihe other infomation. If, based on the woik we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infonnation, we are required to reporl 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 Tnatters in relaiion to which the Charities Act require us to report to you if, in our opinion: the infortnaiion given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the committee, ieport- or sufficient accounting records have not been kept. or the financial statetnents are not in agreement with the accounting records. or we have not received all the inforn]ation and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of IrusÉees As explained more fully in the Statement of Èrustees, Responsibilitie the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that chey give a Irne and fair view, and for such internal control as the committee determine 18 necessary to enable the preparalion of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In prepating the accounts, the Érustees are responsible for assessing the charity's abÈlity 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 liqiiidate Ihe charity or to cease operalions, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements OUT objeclives are to obtain reasonable assurance aboul whether the accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report 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 misslatement 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 accounts. Page 6
Suffolk Community Forum Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedure% are capable of detecling irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. Deteeting irregularities including fraud Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect tnalerial n]isstatementS lll respect of irregularilies, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. We gained an understanding of the legal and the regulatory framework applicable to the company and the industry in which it operates and considered the risk of acts by the company which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, Rncluding fraud. These included but were not limited to compliance with Companies Act 2006, FRS 102, "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK aiid Republic of Ireland" We focused on laws and regulations that could give rise to material misstatement in the financial statements. Our tests included but were not limited to.. Agreement of the financial statement disclosures to undei'Lying supporting documentation; Enquiries of management. Review of minutes of board nieetings tliroughout the period- and Considering the effecliveness of the control environment and monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. We also conununicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risk to all engagement team metnbeis and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with law5 and regulations throughout the audit. There are inherent limitations in the audit prwedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from events and transaction reflected in the financial statements, the le.ss likely we would become aware of it. As iii all of our audits we addre%sed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement diie to fraud. Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement Én the fiLiancial statements, recognising that the risk of noc detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting fi'om erroT, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepreseniations or through collusion. There are Anherent limitations in the audit procedures perforn]ed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. the less likely we are to become aware of it. A further description of our responsibilities for the audil of the accounts is located on the Financial Reporting Couiicil, s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description fonlls part of our auditor's report. The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities This report is made solely to the Charity's trustees, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors, report and for iio other PUTpose. To the fullest extent pennitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility lo anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have fonned. Page 7
Suffoll( Community Fornm Richard Mcclay FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on beha]f of Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD l Lanyon Qllay BELFAST BTI 3LG Chartered Accountants 8th January 2025 Page 8
Suffolk Community Forum Statement of Finanei&l Activities (Including Summary Income and Eenditllre Accounl) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 Incoming Resources Activities tofuriher ihe charitys objectives.. Grants received and events Notss 18,650 40,464 59,114 68,697 Total incoming resources 18,650 40,464 59,114 68,697 Charitable expenditure Mlagement and admiiiistrauon (18,650) (38,276) (56,926) (68,465) Tolal resources expended (18,650) (38.276) (56,926) {68,465) Net income before transfers 2.188 2,188 232 Transfer between funds Net incoming resources 2,188 2,188 232 Fwid balances brought foTward 26,150 26,150 25,918 Fund balances carried forward 28,338 28,338 26,150 All of the above results are derived from from coiitinuing activites.All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above. The notes on pages 11 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
Suffolk Community Forum Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 575 767 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 29,843 27,463 29,843 27,463 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (2,080) {2,080) Net current assets 27,763 25,383 Net aets 28.338 26,150 Capital and reserves Restricted funds 28,338 26,150 General funds 28,338 26,150 The financial statements were approved by the Committee on 8 January 2025 and signed and approved for issue on its behalf by Sammy Wilson Treasurer The notes on pages I I to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 10
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies 1.1. Basis of preparation The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association and "Accounting and Reportiiig by Charities". Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019 The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. 1.2. Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expendilure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to rnake payments to third parties, il is probable that the settlement WTII be required, and the amounl of the obligation can be measured reliably. 1.3. tncoming resources Inconie is recognised when the chariiy is legally entitled to il after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donaiions are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. L£gacies are recognised on receipt or olhenvise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and ieceipt is expected. If the amount is not known. the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Investmenl income is recognised once the income and been declared and nolified to bank accounts. 1.4. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: Fixtures, fittings and equipment 25Yo reducing balance Page 11
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the flnancial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued At each reporting period end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whecher there is any indication that th08e assets have suffered an impairment108s. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of Ihe impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate che recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Charity estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the a%set belongs. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimaied futUTe cash t]ows aTe dkscounted to theiT present value uskiig a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current n)arket assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying atnounL the carrying amount of the asset (OT cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairnient loss is recognised immediately in profit and loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairn]ent loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. 1.5. Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equivalenls ittclude cash in hand, deposils held at call with banks, other short-lertn liquid investments with originak maturities of three months or less, aiid baiik overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabiltties. Page 12
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued 1.6. Financial Instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section I I 'Basic Financial Instruments. and Section 12 '0cher Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial inslruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabililies are offset, with the net amounls presented in the financial statements. when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there i.s an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are Initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement coiisticutes a financing transaction, wheie the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the tllre payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequendy catried at amoTtised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as CUeTrt liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented a8 non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest tnethod. Page 13
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued 1.7. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Charity has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, Lt is probable that the Charity will be required to settle thaL obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The arnount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties suOnd]ng the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required Co settle the obligation is recognised at presenc value. When a provision in measured at present value the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit and loss in the period it arises. 1.8. Government grants Government grants are recogtkised at the fair value of the assel received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received. A grant that specifies perfonnance conditions is recognised in income when the perfom]ance conditions are met. Ivhere a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received OT receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability. 1.9. Employee benefits The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are requÉred to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets. The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the cotnpany is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee OT to provide tern]inatioii benefits. Employees (including the managenient committee) during the year were: Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 30,452 29.772 There were iio employees earnin(T over £60,000 in the two years eLided 31 Match 2024. Page 14
Suffolk Community Fornm Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued Unrestrieted Restricted Total 2024 2024 2024 Total 2023 Total income received SRRP DFC Sundry PHA Belfast City Council Solace Women's Aid Community Foundation NIHE 18,650 18,650 30,019 431 19,500 34,303 loo 1,000 10.772 102 1,674 1,246 30,019 431 4,984 4,984 5,030 5,030 18,650 40,464 59,114 68,697 Total 2024 Total 2023 4. Total resources expended Wages and salaries Insurance Rent, light and heat Printing, postage and stationery Direcl projecl costs Telephone Computer costs Book keeping Audit Bank charges General expenses Charitable donations Depreciation oil f(reS & equipmeni 30,452 961 3,242 946 9,399 2,070 371 6,530 1,680 232 301 550 192 29,772 1,186 ,618 1,142 19.473 ,828 1,016 6,240 1,650 301 59 3,925 255 56.926 68,465 Analysis by fund Restricted Unrestricted 38,276 18,650 43,520 24,945 56,926 68,465 Page 15
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financi21 statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued T2x2tion No liability to UK corporation tax arises on ordinary activities for the year. The forum is a registered charity . Fixtures, fittings and equipment Tangible fixed assets Total Cost At l April 2023 10,466 10,466 At 31 March 2024 10,466 10,466 Depreciation At l April 2023 Charge for the year 9.699 192 9,699 192 At 31 March 2024 9,891 9,891 Net book values At 31 March 2024 575 575 At 31 March 2023 767 767 Creditors= amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Accruals and deferred income 2,080 2,080 Page 16
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued Restricted General Statement of funds reserve reserve account account Total Total reserves at l April 2023 Total incotne for the year Total expenditure for the year 26,150 40,464 18,650 (38,276) (18,650} 26,150 59,114 (56,926) Total reserves at 31 March 2024 28,338 28,338 The general reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. Restricted Analysis of net assets between funds reserve fund Total Fund Balances at 31 March 2024 represented by: Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 575 29,843 (2,080) 575 29,843 (2,080) Total net assets 28,338 28,338 The general reserve represents the free funds of ihe charity which iiot designated for patticular purposes. Page 17