# **Children’s Panel Fund (Falkirk) Trustees’ Annual Report** Children’s Panel Fund (Falkirk) Scottish Charity Number: SC037622 cpffalkirk@gmail.com Facebook Children’s Panel Fund - Falkirk ~~$+~~ **2** Charity Trustees ## **Objectives and activities** In February of 2019 our local Area Support Team were approached by representatives from social work services with a request to investigate the possibility of setting up a second branch of the existing West Lothian Children’s Panel Fund in Falkirk, to provide monetary assistance to children and young people living in the Falkirk area who are subject to Compulsory Measures of Care under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011. This was taken forward and the existing constitution amended to two branches in February of 2020. Applications are received from local authority services where no other sources of funding are available, basically, where there is nowhere else to turn. The application is then considered by the trustees, who are all volunteers and serving panel members, who can grant a small monetary award. **4** ## **Structure, governance and management** The Fund is guided by our Constitution, which was amended in February of 2020 and by the rules set out by the Charities Commission OSCR. ## **Trustee recruitment and appointment** Trustees are all serving panel members. As a result, they have direct contact with the local authority and the children and young people in its care. When recruiting a new Trustee information is sent out to all panel members in the Falkirk area with an invitation to apply for the role. After discussion with themselves and the other Trustees, new Trustees are appointed at an Annual General Meeting. Trustee recruitment and appointment In the last year, we have lost one trustee who stepped down as a Panel Member and ultimately had to step away from the panel fund, namely:- - January 2025 And recruited three new Trustees, namely:- - (was involved in fundraising for the falkirk fund previously but was not an official trustee) In light of information provided by OSCR, we have now introduced a new induction process for Trustees following appointment. This includes reference to the relevant sections of OSCR on the duties of a Trustee. This is discussed with the new Trustee prior to their accepting the role to ensure understanding of the obligations & expectations of the role. Trustees are now provided with a copy of the Governing document so that there is full understanding of what applications can be considered and, in light of that how decisions can be made. **5** It is intended that the Constitution and, Governing document will be reviewed annually at our AGM. Clear guidance is given in regard to conflict of interests which overlaps with that given to Trustees as part of their training as Children’s Panel members. It is agreed that where a Trustee recognises an application as being for a child whose Hearing they have sat on & made decisions for in regard to compulsory measures of care, will not participate in the decisions around granting funding for that child. All new Trustees have been through our new induction process, a copy of which is attached as Appendix 1 to this document. **6** Achievements and performance At the start of the year, we set ourselves the folloviing targets - Continued recruitment of Panel Members to help with fundraising activities. Promotion of the Fund among the Panel community and local authority. Resumption of fundraising activities. General promotion in the wider community. Reinvigorate our Fa￿book page. Resi nations- resigned as a panel member and trustee will be missed as he had a crucial role of dealing with requests and put a lot of his time and effort into ensuring the requests were dealt with quickly and efficiently. We thank for his dedication to the fund. is taking a break from panel. has resigned from was our treasurer and gave her time and expertise to will also be missed and we thank her for her time the fund. support us and dedication. Continued recruitment of Panel Members to hel activities - with fundraisin was recruited as a Trustee. Promotion of the Fund amon authorit the Panel communi and local We have promoted the fund at local panel member learning and development sessions as well as shared sessions with social work services. Local seNice managers have also been approached to share details of the fund with their colleagues. As a result, we have seen an increase in applications from social work services. A poster has also been developed to be placed in relevant offices to promote the fund and the upcoming Quiz night. ## Resumption of fundraising activities - This year we have been able to restart our fundraising efforts. There was a proposed Ladies Day by but this did not progress as then resigned from the fund. After losing two Trustees new events are now being planned. Firstly, we held a Summer Raffle which panel members donated prizes for and raised £318.54. A Quiz Night is planned for May. An Afternoon Tea is being considered for November as it was a success last time. Panel members will plan to do the Kilt Walk in Spring 2026 with all funds raised being donated to the panel fund. - Spending During this period, we have approved several applications for funding including, among others – - A washing machine and dryer for small children who needed clean clothes for school. This allowed the children to attend in clean uniforms. - Money for tutoring for a young person who was struggling at school. The tutoring helped to boost their confidence. - An Xbox for a young person who is isolated in residential school to be able to play with his friends from home. - Money for a young child to decorate her bedroom to provide her with a space she could bring friends. - A Cineworld card for a young person to be able to visit the Cinema as many times as possible due to his elderly carers **8** being unwell. This allowed other family members to offer support. General promotion in the wider community – We are continuing to promote the fund in the local community with links to local supermarkets and plans to inform the public about the Children’s hearing system and how we raise funds for local children. ## Reinvigorate our Facebook page – We have increased the number of Trustees who can post updates on our Facebook page. **9** ## **Financial review** ## **SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS** **1/4/2024 - 31/3/2025** |**INCOME**
**BANK**
Summer Raffle
Cash Back
Gross Interest
Pavers Donation
Quiz Raffle
**Total Income**
Opening Bank Balance @ 1/4/24
Total Income
Total Expenditure
Closing Bank Balance 31/3/25|**£**
318.54
2.46
122.00
400.00
19.67
**862.67**
**£**
7645.17
862.67
2934.45
5573.39|**EXPENDITURE**
**BANK**
Application 19
Application 26
Application 25/27
Application 28
Application 29
Application 30
Application 31
Application 32
Application 33
Lap top purchase
Larbert Bowling Club Deposit
**Total Expenditure**|**£**
264.00
508.00
396.00
144.00
203.88
405.14
156.93
104.00
447.50
285.00
20.00| |---|---|---|---| ||||**2,934.45**| ||||| **10** ||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |**EXPENDITURE**|||||||||| ||||||||||| |**BANK**|||||||||**£**| ||||||||||| |Application 19|||Tutoring||||||264.00| ||||||||||| |Application 26|||White goods, washing machine and tumble dryer||||||508.00| ||||||||||| |Application 25/27|||Equine therapy||||||396.00| ||||||||||| |Application 28|||X Box||||||144.00| ||||||||||| |Application 29|||Cineworld card||||||203.88| ||||||||||| |Application 30|||Bedroom furniture||||||405.14| ||||||||||| |Application 31|||Baby toys and cushions||||||156.93| ||||||||||| |Application 32|||Spa Day-16thbirthday||||||104.00| ||||||||||| |Application 33|||Contribution to young persons Wake||||||447.50| ||||||||||| |Lap top purchase|||Required for admin and communication||||||285.00| ||||||||||| |Larbert BC Deposit|||Deposit for hire of hall, Quiz night||||||20.00| ||||||||||| |**Total Expenditure**|||||||||2934.45| ||||||||||| ||||||||||| ||||||||||| ||||||||||| ## **Future plans** What now for Fund? Our local authority continues to see a huge turnover in staff and it is important that we bring ourselves to their attention. Our plans for 2025/26 include – - Continued recruitment of Panel Members to help with fundraising activities. - Promotion of the Fund among the Panel community and local authority. - Increased number of fundraising activities. - General promotion in the wider community. **11** ## **Declaration** Signed on behalf of the charity trustees: Print name Designation Date TRUSTEE April 2025 **12** Appendix 1 ## **INDUCTION PROCESS** for new **Falkirk Children’s Panel Fund Trustees** 1. All Trustees will be recruited from existing Panel members but can remain trustees beyond the term of Service as an active Panel member. 2. They will be provided with links to OSCR website and directed to confirm that they have read and understood: - Duties of a Trustee - Conflict of Interest guidance 3. All Trustees will be provided with a current copy of the Charities Governing Document. This will include the criteria on which decisions to make awards will be made. 4. All Trustees will be provided with a recent set of accounts demonstrating the current availability of Funds. 5. A new trustee will meet with 2-3 existing Trustees to discuss & understand the aims, purposes and operating guidelines as set out in the above documents so being provided with an opportunity to ask questions for clarification. 6. The expectations of declaring Conflicts of Interest, response times when applications are received and, an understanding that decisions need to be justified when deciding to make or deny an award. All Trustees are expected to declare when they have a conflict of interest. Known Conflicts such as being a Trustee for another charity will be declared and a register of these interests maintained & reviewed annually. 7. The expectations that 3 or more Trustees are needed to confirm any decision. 8. A current copy of the publicity leaflet will be provided. 9. The expected time commitment involved and agreed ways of communication to maintain confidentiality and, maintain contact will be set out and explained. This will include no names or dates of birth will be shared with Trustees to maintain the privacy and comply with Information governance within Children’s Hearings Scotland. 10. All Trustees are expected to review the Governing document and other relevant regulations and duties of a Trustee as set out by OSCR and this charity on a regular basis and, at least once annually. ~~a~~ **13** **Children’s Panel Fund (West Lothian) Trustees’ Annual Report** Children’s Panel Fund (West Lothian) Scottish Charity Number: SC037622 Address: ~~$+~~ **2** Charity Trustees ## **Objectives and activities** The West Lothian Children’s Panel Fund was established to provide monetary assistance to children and young people living in the West Lothian area who are subject to Compulsory Measures of Care under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, are resident in West Lothian, and have identified need for which no formal funding avenue is available When a need was identified, at the request of Social Work, for a similar fund in Falkirk, the existing constitution amended to allow two branches of the fund to be created in February of 2020. The constitution states that any funds raised in West Lothian, should be allocated to children and young people within West Lothian and the same applies for Falkirk. Applications are received from local authority services where no other sources of funding are available, essentially, where there is nowhere else to turn. The application is then considered by the trustees, who are all volunteers and serving panel members, who can grant a small monetary award. **4** ## **Structure, governance and management** The Fund is guided by our Constitution, which was amended in February of 2020 and by the rules set out by the Charities Commission OSCR. Trustee recruitment and appointment Trustees are all serving panel members. As a result, they have direct contact with the local authority and the children and young people in its care. When recruiting a new Trustee, information is sent out to all panel members in the West Lothian area with an invitation to apply for the role. After discussion with themselves and the other Trustees, new Trustees are appointed at an Annual General Meeting. N0 current Trustee has resigned and no new ones have been appointed. All are now represented & recorded as Trustees for the Fund’s Trustees Bank Account. All previous Trustees recorded on that account have now been removed. This was agreed & concluded during 2023-24 accounting period. Trustees are inducted into their role following appointment. This includes reference to the relevant sections of OSCR on the duties of a Trustee. This is discussed with the new Trustee to ensure understanding of the obligations & expectations of the role. Trustees are now provided with a copy of the Governing document so that there is full understanding of what applications can be considered and, in light of that how decisions can be made. It is intended that the Constitution and, Governing document will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity in 2025 so that any changes can be incorporated into this document. It is anticipated that due to some changes in the ways children who would have remained on a compulsory Order, in the past, can be subject to a Permanence order that removes the obligation to attend a Children’s Hearing every year, there are some children who might be excluded from our consideration **5** as a result of the current wording. This being too narrow for the current circumstances, it is prudent to review it now. Clear guidance is given in regard to conflict of interests which overlaps with that given to Trustees as part of their training as Children’s Panel members. It is agreed that where a Trustee recognises an application as being for a child whose Hearing they have sat on & made decisions for in regard to compulsory measures of care, will not participate in the decisions around granting funding for that child. **6** Financial review Summa of Accounts to 31103125 OPENING BALANCE £51361.72 Income - Expenditure Awards Gift Foundation - Cheque No 010209 £ 300.00 Dance Classes (3 months) £40,000.00 Ref No 4-24 6-24 Laptop & Laptop riser {for child with visual 010227 £ 275.00 impaiment) Bed & Mattress, Bed covers & Storage & 010210 £ 420.00 Hoover 7-24 8-24 9-24 10-24 11-24 TOTAL INCOME £40 000.00 010211 £ 010212 £ 490.00 Running Machine Bedroom storage, carpets & curtains for 2 010213 £ 600.00 children 010214 £ 450.00 Holiday for 2 children 010215 £ 329.00 Nursery Placement 010216 £ 300.00 Outdoor Equipment 010217 199.00 Outdoor Play Equipment for 3 children Annual Pass for Almond Valley Heritage 010218 £ 450.00 Centre Funding for Swimming Club activities for 2 010219 £ 400.00 children CLOSING BALANCE- £79 239.68 12-24 13-24 14-24 15-24 16-24 17-24 18-24 19-24 20-24 21-24 22-24 23-24 24-24 25-24 26-24 27-24 28-24 29-24 30-24 010221 £ 329.00 SmartTV 010220 £ 300.00 MobilePhone 010222 £ 329.00 Nursery Placement for 3 weeks 010223 £ 380.00 Ponies Help Children & Gymnastics Fees 010224 £ 204.43 Carpeting for bedroom 010225 84.00 Ponies Help Children 010226 £ 300.00 Play Items for Torriden House 010229 £ 950.00 Annual Pass Five Sisters Zoo 010230 £ 500.00 SofaBed 010231 £ 1,000.00 Clothing & Furniture 010232 £ 400.00 Clothing & Personal Items Essential Bedding, Clothing, carpeting & 010234 £ 600.00 personal items Sessions @ Planet Soccer & Wild Warriers 010233 £ 250.00 &footwear 010235 £ 289.00 Ipad 010236 £ 319.00 Bed 010238 £ 177.00 Passport for two children Sofa & Soft furnishings for family room in 010239 £ 300.00 Torriden House 010240 £ 572.61 Bunk Beds for 2 siblings 010241 £ 250.00 punch bag and boxing gloves 010243 £ 225.00 Clothing Football & Books 010242 150.00 Therapeutic Life Story Work 31-24 32-24 33-24 34-24 02-25 03-25 04-25 05-25 06-25 07-25 TOTAL EXPENDITURE £ 12,122.04 **Achievements in 2024-25:** - Promotion of the existence, aims & purposes of the Fund to Children & Families Social work in West Lothian. This has resulted in a notable increase in applications to the Fund in the 2024/2025 year period and £12,122.04 in awards being made in the 24/25 year period. - We have received a further generous donation from: a donor advised fund in the Cazenove Capital Donor Advised Fund, administered by National Philanthropic Trust UK (NPT UK). This has allowed the Fund to assist many more children and young people at a time of severe financial pressures on many organisations & individuals. - Annual passes being purchased for Social Work to enable young people to visit Five Sisters Zoo and Almond Valley Heritage Centre meaning even more children can benefit from this fund. ## **Future plans** Our plans for 2025/2026 include – - Consideration on fund raising efforts which is now possible as the return to people attending face to face events is presenting new opportunities. - Continue to highlight the Fund and promote applications. ## **Additional information** Most enquiries are resulting in decisions to award funds for the stated purposes. Often, further information is requested by the Trustees and, this has resulted in additional funds being awarded for items not considered in the original application. The Trustees are demonstrating their understanding of what looked after children need and exercising due diligence in their decision making. All of which reflects their skills & experience as serving Children’s Panel Members. ## **Declaration** Signed on behalf of the charity trustees: Print name: Designation: Chair of Trustees Date 1[st] April 2025 **10** llla3 APPENDIX 3 oscr Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Inde endent examiner's re ort on the accounts Report to the trusteeslmembers of Chathy name hildren's Panel Fund - Falkirk & West Lothian Branches Registered charity number On the accounts of the charity for the period sc037622 Period start date Month Period end date Month D8 Year Year 04 024 31 025 Set out on pages Pages 10 and 11 of the Falkirk Trustees Annual Report, & Pages 7 & 8 of the West Lothian Trustees Annual Re ort. tttnernt*t to indude Ihe pa Lwnters ol aJJI￿al sheets) Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible ft)r the preparation of the accounts in accordance wth the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) 2005 Act and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Acl and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention [other than that disclosed on the attached page"] Basis of independent examiner's statement Independent examiner's statement which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requiremenls: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44{1) (a) of the 2005 Acl and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounls Regulations have not been met, or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: 30 Decernber 2025 Name: Tribunal Delivery Manager, Children. 3 Hearings Relevant professional qualificalion(s) or body (if any): n/a Address: Children'3 Hearings Scotland, 3rd Floor, Thi3tle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 SHE APPENDIX 3 Disclosure section Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material problems. Give here brief details of any items that the examinei wishes to disclose Financial_Review ## **CHILDRENS PANEL FUND FALKIRK SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS** ## **1/4/2024 - 31/3/2025** ## **INCOME** ## **EXPENDITURE** ## **BANK** ## **£** ## **BANK** ## **£** Summer Raffle Cash Back Gross Interest Pavers Donation Quiz Raffle |318.54
2.46
122.00
400.00
19.67
**862.67**|Application 19
Application 26
Application 25/27
Application 28
Application 29
Application 30
Application 31
Application 32
Application 33
Lap top purchase
Larbert Bowling Club Deposit
**Total Expenditure**|264.00
508.00
396.00
144.00
203.88
405.14
156.93
104.00
447.50
285.00
20.00| |---|---|---| |||**2,934.45**| **Total Income 862.67 £** Opening Bank Balance 1/4/24 7645.17 Total Income 862.67 Total Expenditure 2934.45 Closing Bank Balance 31/3/25 5573.39 ## **CHILDRENS PANEL FUND WEST LOTHIAN SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS** ## **1/4/2024 - 31/3/2025** ## **INCOME** ## **EXPENDITURE** **£** **£** **Ref No Cheque No** Page 1 |Gift Foundation - Elspeth Gibbs
**Total Income**|Financial_Review
40000.00
4-24
010209
6-24
7-24
010227
8-24
010210
9-24
10-24
010211
11-24
010212
12-24
010213
13-24
010214
14-24
010215
15-24
010216
16-24
010217
17-24
010218
18-24
010219
19-24
20-24
010221
21-24
010220
22-24
010222
23-24
010223
24-24
010224
25-24
010225
26-24
010226
27-24
010229
28-24
010230
29-24
010231
30-24
010232
31-24
010234
32-24
010233
33-24
010235
34-24
010236
02-25
010238
03-25
010239
04-25
010240
05-25
010241
06-25
010243
07-25
010242
**40,000.00**
**Total Expenditure**|300.00
0.00
275.00
420.00
0.00
~~0.00~~
490.00
600.00
450.00
329.00
300.00
199.00
450.00
400.00
0.00
329.00
300.00
329.00
380.00
204.43
84.00
300.00
950.00
500.00
1000.00
400.00
600.00
250.00
289.00
319.00
177.00
300.00
572.61
250.00
225.00
150.00| |---|---|---| |||**12,122.04**| **£** Opening Bank Balance 1/4/24 **51361.72** Total Income **40,000.00** Total Expenditure **12,122.04** Closing Bank Balance 31/3/25 **79239.68** Page 2 Expenditure ## **EXPENDITURE** ## **BANK** ## **£** |Application 19
Tutoring
Application 26
White goods, washing machine and tumble dryer
Application 25/27
Equine therapy
Application 28
X Box
Application 29
Cineworld card
Application 30
Bedroom furniture
Application 31
Baby toys and cushions
Application 32
Spa Day - 16thbirthday
Application 33
Contribution to young persons Wake
Lap top purchase
Required for admin and communication
Larbert BC Deposit
Deposit for hire of hall, Quiz night
**Total Expenditure**|264.00
508.00
396.00
144.00
203.88
405.14
156.93
104.00
447.50
285.00
20.00| |---|---| ||2934.45| Page 1