Suffolk Communlty Forum Management committee report and financial statements Charity number: 100117 for the year ended 31 March 2025
Suffolk Community Foru Contents Page Management committee report Auditors, report Statement of Financial Activities Balance sheet 10 Notes to the financial statements
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 The management committee present their report with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 mai.ch 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's Rules and "Accounting and Reporting by Chai'ities: 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 published in October 2019" Reference and Adrninistrrdtive Information Charity Name: Suffolk Community Forum chai.ity Registration number.. HMRC: XR445741 CCNI: 100117 Business Address: 124 St¢wartstown Road, Belfast, BTI 19BQ Committee of Management Cathy Wilton (ChaRr} Neil Douglas (Vice Chair) Sandi'a Craig (Secretary) Sainmy Wilson ( Treasurer) Roby Orr Maureen Appleton Lesley Skey Shalyn McKinley Naomi Cassldy Joanne Moody Missy Spence Jason Spence Brian M¢Dougall Rachel McDougall Auditors M¢Creery Turkington Stockman LTD, l Lanyon Quay, Belfast, BT13LG Bankers Fii'st Tiust Bank, 35 University Street, Belfast BT7 IND Page I
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 Structure, 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 management committee of the group are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. Under the requll"ements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the management committee hold office until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election. Individuals are invited to serve as management Committee on the basis of their abilities and background so as to achieve a balance between those fi'om the business, voluntary and chaiLty 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 procedui'es have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are miniinised by tlie impleinentation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions 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 present Suffolk Community Forum has a management committee of14 members who meet regulai.ly 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 with the manager. Page 2
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 Objectives and Activitie5 The Suffolk Community Forum will work towards 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 its neighbourhood by associating together with said ftnhabitants and the local authoi-ities, voluntaiy 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 foium 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 ti'ansferred into shoit terni savings accounts for investment. Reserves Policy The committee retain funds in the charity in order to provide sufficient working Capital to facilitate the ongoing activities. The target for unrestricted fund reserves is six montlis support costs. Volunteers The charity is appieciative of the efforts of its volunteers who are involved in service provision. Page 3
Suffolk Community Forum Management Committee Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 We approve the financial statements We confirm that'.- The management committee are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements so as to give a true and fair view of the slate of affaii's of the gi-oup and of the income and expenditure of the group for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the management committee is requii'ed to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. make judgements and estimates that al'e i'easonable and pi'udent. prepar¢ the fknancial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group will continue in business. The management committee are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable a¢¢uracy at any time the financial position of the group and that help ensure that the financial statements comply wilh generally accepted standards and the SORP recommendations. They are also I'esponsible for safeguai-ding the assets of the group and taking i'easonable steps for the pi-evention and detection of fraud and other iri'egularities. For and on behalf of Committee Cathy Wilton (Chair) 17th October 2025 Page 4
Suffolk Community Forum Independent auditors, report to the trustees of Suffolk Community Forum Opinlon We have audited the financial statements of Suffolk Community Forum for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income and Expenditure Accouiit, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.The financial repoiting framework that has been applied in their prepai'ation is applicable Eaw and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Repoiting Standard 102 The Fiiiancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting P17Ctice). In our opinion, the accounts: give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the Year then ended; have been properly prepai'ed in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Basis for opinion We conducted oui" audit in accordance with International standai.ds on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards al'e further described in the Auditor's 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 othei. ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requii'ements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for Olir opinion. ConcIusions relating to going concern In audÉting the financial statements, w¢ have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the prepai'ation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have peiforn]ed, we have not identified any materlal uncertainti¢s relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelv¢ months from when the financial stateinents a authorised foi- issue. However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgeinents that were reasonable at the tiine they wel'e made, the absence of i'eference to a material uncertainty in this auditor's report is not a guarantee that the Company will continue in operation. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with i'espect to goiiig concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Page 5
Suffolk Community Forum Independent auditors, report to the trustees of Siiffolk Communlty Forum continued Other information The othei" information comprises the infonnation included in the annual report, other than the accounts and our auditoi-'s report thei'eon. The trustees al-e i-esponsible for the other information. Oui- opinion on the accounts does not cover the other inforniation and we do not expi-ess any forni of assurance conclusion thei'eon. In connection with our audit of the accounts, our responsibility is to read the other Information and, in dolng so, coiisider whether the other infoi-mation is materially inconslstent with the accounts oi. 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 there is a material misstat¢m¢nt in the accounts or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have pei'formed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infonnation, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regai'd. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identifEed material misstatements in the directors, IEport included within the trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: adequate a¢¢ounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us- or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and i-eturns. or certain disclosures of trusteesji reinuneration specified by law are not made. and we have not received all the infonnation and explanations w¢ require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Statement of trnstees, Responsibilitie the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such intei-nal control as the committee determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from matei'ial misstatement, whether due to fi'aud oi. ¢rroi'. In pi'eparing the accounts, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's abiEity to contlnue as a going concem, disclosing, as applicable, Inatters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trusÉees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibfilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasoiiable assurance about whether the financial statenients as a whole al-e fl'ee from matei'ial misstatement, whethei. due to fi'aud oi- eiTOI-, and to issue an auditor's report that includes oiii- opinion. Reasonable assui'ance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guai'antee that ati audit conducted in a¢cordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise fi'om fraud or enor aiid are considered material if, individually oi. in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Page 6
Suffolk Community Forum Extent to ivhich the audit ivas capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud Irregularities, including fi'aud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with oui. responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularitles, including fraiid. The extent to which our pi'ocedures are capable of detecting irregulai'ities, 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, including fraud. These included but were not limited to compliance with Companies Act 2006, FRS 102, "The Financial Reporting Standai'd applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" We focused on laws and regulations that could give i'ise to material misstatement in the financial statements. Our tests included but were not limited to.. Agreement of the financial statement disclosui'es to underlying supporting documentation. Enquiries of management; Review of n]inutes of board meetings throughout the period; and Considei'lng the effectiveness of the control environment and monitoring compliance with laws and regulations. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risk to all engagement team members and irmained alert to any indications of fraiid or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed noii-compliance with laws and regulations As fiom events and ti'ansaction i'eflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would becotn¢ aware of it. As in all of our audits we addressed the risk of management override of int¢mal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the dii'e¢toiE that i'epresented a risk of matei-ial misstatement due to fi'aud. Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detectlng a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting fi'om error, as fraud may involv¢ deliberate concealment by, for example, foi-gery, misrcpresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the l¢ss likely we al'e to become aware of it. A furthei. description of our responsibilities for the audit of the accounts is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: http-//www.frc.org.uklauditorsi'esponsibilities. This description forn]s part of our auditor's report. The purpose of our audit work and to Ivhom Ive o)ve our responsibilities This report is mad¢ solely to th¢ Charity's tIsteeS, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's trustees those mattels we are required to stat¢ to them in an auditors, report and for no other puryose. To the fullest extent pennitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this i'eport, or foi. the opinions we have forn]ed. Page 7
Suffolk Community Forum Richard Mcclay FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD Chartered Accountants Registered Auditors l Lanyon Quay Belfast BTI 3LG 17th October 2025 Page 8
Suffolk Community Forum Statement of Financial Activities (Inclllding Summary Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Total 2025 2025 2025 2024 Incoming Resources Actii?ities tofiirther the choritys objeclives.. Grants received and events Notes 19,490 41,002 60,492 59,114 Total incoming resources 19,490 41,002 60,492 59,114 Charitable expenditure Management and admilllstration (19,490) (38,099) (57,589) (56,926) Total resources expended (19,490) (38,099) (57,589) (56,926) Net income before transfers 2,903 2,903 2,188 Transfer between funds Net Incomxng resources 2,903 2,903 2,188 Fund balances brought forward 28,338 28,338 26,150 Fund balances carried forward 31,241 31,241 28,338 All of the above i'esults are derived from from continuing activites.All gains and losses recognised in the year al'e 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 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 432 575 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 32,918 29,843 32,918 29,843 Creditors: amounts falling due Ivithin one year (2,109) (2,080) Net current assets 30,809 27,763 Net assets 31,241 28,338 Capital and reserves Restricted funds 31,241 28,338 General funds 31,241 28,338 The financial statements were approved by the Committee on 17 October 2025 and signed and approved for issu¢ on its behalf by Sammy Wilson Treasurer The notes on pages 11 to 17 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 10
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting policies Basis of preparation The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charilys Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing theii- accounts in accordance with the Financial Repoiting Standai'd applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in Octobei. 2019 The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for on an acciuals basis. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constnictive obligation to make payments to third paities, it is pi'obable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can bc Ineasured reliably. Incoming resources Income As recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that incom¢ WAII be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations al-e recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless peiformance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recovei'able in relation to donations i'eceived under Gift Aid oi. deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Investment income is recognised once the income and been declared and notified 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 lif¢, as follows.. Fixtui'es, fittings and equipment 25 % reducing balance Page 11
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 continued At cach reporting period end date, the Charity reviews the canying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether tliei'e is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indi¢atAon exists, the i'ecoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the tmpairn]ent loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the i'ecoverable amount of an individual asset, the Charity estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Recoverable amouiit is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows ale discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current mai'ket 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 i'e¢overable ainount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying ainount, the canying amount of the asset (or cash-gencrating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impainnent loss is recognised immediately in profit and loss, unless the i-elevant asset is Carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairnient loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. 1.5. Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-tern] liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. Page 12
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 continued 1.6. Financial Instruments The chai'ity has elected to apply the provisions of Section I I 'Basic Financial Instruments. and Section 12 '0ther Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its fmancial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions olthe instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and thei'e is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settl¢ the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including ti-ansaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at tlie present value of the future i'eceipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one yeai. are not amoitised. Basic financial liabililies Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the aryangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instiument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of intei'est. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruinents 'e subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest l'ate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or seivices that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is du¢ within one year oi. less. If not, they al'e presented as non-current liabilities. Ti'ad¢ creditors are re¢ognised knitially at ti'ansaction price and subsequently measui'ed at amortised cost using the effective intei'est method. Page 13
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 continued 1.7. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Chai-ity has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that th¢ Chai'ity will be required to settle that obligation and a i-eliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount recognised as a pi'ovision 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 surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of th¢ time value of money is material, the amount expected to bc required to settle the obligation is Tecognised at present 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 Govemment gi-ants are recognised at the fail. value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will bc received. A grant that specifies perfonnance conditions is recognised in income when the perfoirnance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify pei'formance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received oi- i-eceivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability. 1.9. Employee benefits The costs of short-tenn employee benefits arc recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required 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 beneftts are i"ecognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonsti'ably committed to t¢rminaÉe the employinent of an employee or to provide terniination benefits. EmpEoyees (including the management committee) during the year were.. Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries 24,813 30,452 There were no eniployees earning over £60,000 in the two yeais ended 31 Mai'ch 2025. Page 14
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 continued Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 2025 2025 Total 2024 3. Total income received SRRP DFC Sundry Belfast City Council Community Foundation 19,490 19,490 33,238 118 7,646 18,650 30,019 431 4,984 5,030 33,238 118 7,646 19,490 41,002 60,492 59,114 Total 2025 Total 2024 4. Total resources expended Wages and salaries Insurance Rent, light and heat Printing, postage and stationery Returned to funder Direct pi'oject costs Telephone Computer Costs Book keeping Audit Bank chai'ges General expenses Charitable donations Depreciation on fixtures & equipment 24,813 926 2,283 1,642 4,114 11,346 1,744 626 6,760 1,680 274 518 720 143 30,452 961 3,242 946 9,399 2,070 371 6,530 1,680 232 301 550 192 57,589 56,926 Analysis by fund Restricted Unresti-icted 38,099 19,490 38,276 18,650 57,589 56,926 Page 15
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 continued Taxation No liability to UK corporation tax arises on ordinary activities for the yeai-. The forum is a registered charity . Fixtures, fittings and equipment Tangible flxed assets Total Cost At l April 2024 10,466 10,466 At 31 Mai'ch 2025 10,466 10,466 Depreciation At l April 2024 Charge foi. the year 9,891 143 9,891 143 At 31 March 2025 10,034 10,034 Net book values At 31 March 2025 432 432 At 31 March 2024 575 575 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Accruals and deferred income 2,109 2,080 Page 16
Suffolk Community Forum Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 continued Restricted General reserve Statement of funds reserve account account Total Total reserves at l April 2024 Total income for the year Total expenditure for Ihe year 28,338 28,338 41,002 19,490 60,492 (38,099) (19,490) (57,589) 31,241 Total reserve5 at 31 March 2025 31,241 The general reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. Restricted Analysis of net assets behyeen funds reserve fund Total Fund Balances at 31 March 2025 represented by: Tangible fixed assets Cui'rent assets Current liabilities 432 32,918 (2,109) 432 32,918 (2,109) Total net assets 31,241 31,241 The general i'eserve represents the free funds of the charity which al'e not designated for particular purposes. Page 17