The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Trustee's Annual Report & Financial Statements For the financlal period ending 31st March 2026 Scott7sh Registered Charity SC040588 Registered Company No. SC360363
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils iimtted Table of Contents Page5 Reference and Administration Information Trustee5 Report Independent Examiner's report Financial Statements 10-12 Notes to Financial Statements 13-16
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Reference and Administration Information Charlty Name: Stothsh Alliance of Regional Equality Councils1SARECI Charity Registration Number: 5C040588 Company Registration Number: SC360363 Principal Office: West of Scotland Re8ional Equality Council 201 Shuna Street, Glasgow. G20 9EY Registered Office: West of Scotland Regional Équality Council 201 Shuna Street, Glasgow, G20 9EY Bankers: Royal 8ank of Scotland. Glasgow City Branch 10 Gordon Street Gl 3PL Independent Examlner: Fiona Ramsay MAAT 14 Newton Place Glas8OW G3 7PY Current Trustees: Chairperson: Dr Malcolm Green Vice Chair.. Etisham Ullah Khan Secretary.. Ghzala Khan Member: Foy501 Hussain Choudhury Member.. John Tomlinson Trustee5 Resigned: Hector Williams
The Scottlsh Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Trustees, Annual Report Forthe Year Ended 31 March 2026 The trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2026. The financial ststements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting polities set out in note I to the accounts and comply with the charity's Constitution, the Charities and Trustee Investment Istotlandl Act 2(X)S. the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006 la5 amended) and 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 published on 16 July 2014. WHO ARE WE 5AREC is a registered Scottish Charity ISC0405881. All its affairs are 8overned by the Board of Trustees as stipulated in the charities Memorandum and Articles of Association, as well as the Charities Constitution. Structure, Governance, Management. Trustee members are appointed by Annual General Meeting established by the constitution. An induction programme will be provided for any new member, at which training, and governance support will be given to ensure that Trustee members are familiar with the Charlty's values, alms and respon5ibilitte5 in their role as designated Trustees of the charity. SAREC has four-member organi5ations'. Central Scotland Regional Equality Council, Edinbur8h and Lothians Regional Equality Council, Grampian Regional Equality Council and West of Scotland Regional Equality Council. Each of these member organisations appoints two of its directors to Serve as honorary Trustees of SAREC and to represent their or8anisation.
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Trustees, Annual Report (Continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2026 WHAT ARE WE DOING & FOR WHOM? Our main aims and objectives are.. - • To work towards the elimination of all forms of discrimination To promote equality in diversity • The advancement of citizenship and community development and human rights Conflict resolution and reconciliation. and the promotlon of racial and religiou5 harmony. Main actlvitfe5 In relatlon to these objects The main octivities of SAREC include.. - • Offer assistance to Individual Regional Equality Councils to ensu they are well resourced and support them in raising fundin8 for specilic projects Influencin8 policy and establishing relationships Wlth the UK and Scottish Governments as well as with key stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary and community sectors. • Building effective links between minority and majority communities across all equality dimensions Achlevements and performance The main activity of SAREC during the 2025-26 period was our Scothsh Government-funded financial inclusion project. The aim of this project was to work across regions of Scotland to support individuals from minority ethnic ¢ommunities to access financial inclusion support and to explore innovadve solutions to the cost of livin8 crisis. The objectives of the project were as follows.. People from minority ethnic communitie5 have increased awareness and acce55 to financlal inclusion advice and support. Support 80-100 people12fy25 per region). either through dI(t advice and support, or via referrals to mainstream financial inclusion services • Hold workshops with 3-5 providers of financial inclusion advice/support organisation5 Within each of the regions, to identify and help address barriers experienced by minority ethnic communities. Pilot at least one innovative approach to the cost-of-living crisis in each region.
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils timited Trustees, Annual Report (Continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2026 Most of these objectives were fully or partially achieved in each region across Scotland. However, it was noted by all partners that the short timeframe of the funding period impacted their ability to deliver. The key barriers to linancial inclusion identified through the project related to immigration statuslNo Recourse to Public Funds. language barriers. lack of awaness. and employment barriers. In addition to this project work, we continue to wod( acr055 Our regions to develop joined up workin8 across Scotland on a range of fronts, including within our Casework (advice and advocacy) seNice5, as well as developing a joined-up approach to delivering equalities training. Flnanc5al Review During the 2025126 flnanclal year, SAREC had a deficit of £8. Reserve Pollcy All the operatinB Costs of the charlty are funded by donations from member RECS and grants from external agencies. It is the charity's plan to build up reserves of unrestricted funds as they arise from our own activities. All selVeS will be used to SUPPOrt activities in the community and to enable us to fulfil our national role. Rlsk management The Board of Trustees has assessed the major risks to which the SAREC is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances, and is satisfied that the systems in place are robust enough to mltigate all major risks. Plans for the Future We have a clear vision of where we want to be a5 an organisation: SAREC wlll be a coalition which delivers equalities and antt-racism work with communities and uses these strong links with communities to influence policy and practice at a national level. In addition, SAREC will be seen as a key partner by the Scottish Government land others) because of.. its connections with communities IthfOU8h delivery of frontline services) and its ability to liaise with the "seldom heard" in policy making,. its ability to consistently deliver projects and service5 of high quality,. its use and development of evidence, with an emphasis on community voice and lived experience,. its position as the vmbrella body for Regional Equality Councils which provide a critical regional perspective that ensures the range of community voices and lived experience can inform evidence-based nationalllocal policy
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Trustee5' Annual Report (Continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2026 We will continue to seek funding for the projects we believe will help us deliver this vision. Approved by the trustees on 30 June 2026 and signed on their behalf bv.. Dr Malcolm Green Chairperson
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Independent Examiner's Report For the Flnancial Period ended on 31st March 2026 REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SCOTTISH ALLIANCE OF REGIONAL EQUALITY COUNCILS I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026 which are set out on page5 10 to 16. Respertlve responslbllitie5 of trustees and examlner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment Istotlandl Act 2CK)5 and the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Re8ulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10111 lal to 1¢) of the Accounts Re8ulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under sertlon 4411> Icl of the 2(M)5 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examlner's ststement My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. 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 disclosu s in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustee5 concernin8 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 view given by the accounts. Independent examlner's statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention: which glves me asOnable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 4411) lal of the 2tyJ5 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2C(16 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulatfon 8 of the 2006 Accounts 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
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SCOTTISH ALLIANCE OF REGIONAL EQUALITY COUNCILS (CONTINUED) Use of our report This report is made to the charity's board of trustees, as a body. in accordance with the terms of the engagement. My work has been undertaken to enable me to undertake an independent examination of the charity's accounts on behalf of the charity'5 board of trustees and for no other ptjrpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's board of trustees as a body. for my work or for this report. Flona Ramsay MAAT Gallone & Co 14 Newton Place Gla5gOW G3 7PY 30 June 2026
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Statement of F5nanclal Artivities For the 12 months ending 31st March 2026 2026 2025 INCOMZNG RESOURCES Encomlng Resources from G•nernted Funds: Voluntary Income Donaknon and 8equests Activities for Generatlng Fvnds Investment Incom• Income from Investments Incomlng Resources from Charltsble Aetlvltl•• Other Incomlng Resources Total Ineomlng Ruour 200 200 loo loo Resourc Exp•nd•d Cost of Generatlng Furtds Cost of Generating Funds Charltable Activltles Governance Costs Total R•8ouKes Exwnd•d 181 395 181 395 Net Xncomlng Resource$ beforé Recognlsed Galn• and LoMes Gains/lLossesl on Investments Realised Unreallsed Net Movement In Fund# 19 (295) Reconclllatlon Of Funds Funds brought forward FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD {271 (8) 268 (27) io
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Balance Sheet A5 at 31st March 2026 2026 2025 Noteg FIXED ASSETS Tanglble assets CURRE14T ASSETS Debtors Inctsrne accrued Cash at bank and In hand 172 333 172 333 Cr•dJtor$: Amounts Falllng Oue Wlthln On• Year (180) (360) NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILrriES) (8> (27) TOTAL ASSETS Less CURRENT LIABZLITIES (8) (27> NET ASSETS (8) (27) RESERVES Unrestrlcte(J Income funds General resetves {81 {27} TOTAL FUNDS {8} (27) These financial statements have been ppared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2(M)6. Audlt Exemptlon For the year ended 31st March 2026 the Company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 26 relating to small companies. No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its account5 for 2024125 in accordance with section 476 of the Companies act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with. Approv&J by the trustees on 301Th June 2026 and signe(J on their half by: Dr Malcolm Green - Chairperson Date 30th June 2026 li
The notes on page5 10 to 13 form part or these financial ststents. The Scottlsh lianCe of Reglonal Equality Councils Limited Statement of Cash Flows For year ending 31st March 2026 2026 2025 Cash flows from opèratlng activitie5'. Net cash provlded by (used Inl operatln8 artlvltles (Note 121 Cash flows from InvestSng a¢tlvltles: Interest 11611 141SI Net cash provlded by (used Inl Invesilng actlvttles Cash flows from financln8 a¢tlvltSes Cash inflows from new Grant Cash & cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Yotal cash & cash equlvalentS at the end of the year 333 748 172 333 Reconclllatlon of net Sncomellejtpendlturel to net cash flow from operatlng actbvltle Net incomellexpenditurel Adjustments for-. Depre¢iatron charges (Gainslllosses on Investments Dlvldends. Snterest & rent from investments Lossllprohtl on sale of ftxed assets Ilncreasel/decrease in stocks Iincreasel/de¢rease in debtors Increase/ldecreasel in ¢reditors Net cash provldèd by (used Inl oper*lng actfvltles 19 129SI I0) 11611 11201 14151 12
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Ltmited Notes to the Ststement of Financial Activities l. Accounting Policies The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows.. al Basis of preparation The accounts lfinancial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless Otherwise stated in the relevant notelsl to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounts"ng and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in actordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. the Charities and Trustee Investment Iscotlandl Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts Iscotlandl Regulations 2(KJ610s amended) SAREC meets the definition of a public benelit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially reco8nised at historical cost or transactton value unless Otherwise Stated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl bl Reconclllation wlth prevlous Generally Accepted Accountlng Prartlce In preparing the a¢countS, the trustee5 have considered whether in applying the accounfjng policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 the restatement of comparative items was required. cl Preparation ol the accounts on a going concern ba$15 The Trustees believe the is no foreseeable circumstance to restrict the Charity from continuing a5 going concern dl Income Income is recognised when received. However, in accordance with FRS102, income is accrued if not received in the fi'nancial year commensurate with the artivity of the ¢haritv el Interest recelvable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity- this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. fl Fund accountln8 Unrestricted funds are available to Spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to Set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donation5 which the donor has specified are to be solely used for parhcular areas of the Charity's work or for specific artistic projects being undertaken by the Charity. gl Expenditure and Irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be requid, and ihe amount of the obligation can be measured reliablv 13
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils Limited Notes to the Statement of Flnancial Attivlties (Continued) h) Allocation of support costs Support costs are those functions that a5SlSt the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the Charity's programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activitie5. The basis on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 7 IITangible flxed assets Individual Hxed assets costing £l,OCJ) or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight-line basi5. There are no a55ets of the charity to be depreciated. The premise used by the charity is leased from the local council. J) Stock Stock Is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which 15 the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market. k) Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. l) Cash at bank and Sn hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. m) Credltor5 and pro¥lslon$ Creditors and provisions are recognised Whe the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. n) Transldon to FRS 102 No subsequent restatement of items has been required in making the transition to FRS 102. The transition date was 1st M3rch 2014. However, the Charity has changed from a"Receipts & Payments" basis to an "accruals" basis in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 Effective l January 20151- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211. and the Companies Act 2006. Legal status of the Charity SAREC wa5 recognised as a Scottish charity with effect from 18th June 2009. The Charity is administered in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum and arhcle5 of Associations for a private company limited by guarantee. 14
The scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils iirnited Notes to the Statement of Financial Activitie5 (Continued) 2026 2025 Notes 3.Incom from doTratlon$ and legacles Community Fund Other SAREC i5grateful to thecharitieswho8ave8rani fvrythry. In xo)rdarKE wlth FRS102 and theChaTikne55ORP IFRS1021. rheonornic contribution of general volunteersisnot fecognised in the¥cotsnt* 4.Income from charltable actlviti•s Donations Membership fees Other general 5.Investment Incom¢ Bank interest 6. Analy$ls of expendlture on Charltable Actlvltleg Expenditure on charitable activities was £395 12024 £5561 of which É39 was unrestrlcted and ÉO was restrlcted. Restrlcted Training Salaries Other Unrtstrl¢t•d General expenses Charitable Actlvltles Total 181 181 395 395 7.Analysls of governance and support costs Professional fees Salaries, wages and related costs General offlce and general charity èxpenses Total 180 360 35 181 395 15
The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Counals Limited Notes to the Statement of Financial Activities (Continued} 2026 2025 8.Analy$ls of staff costs Salarie5 and wages The charSty Trustees did not receive any benefits from employment. No charity trustee received payment for prole5slonal services nor haL1 personal expenses reirnbursed. There were no related party transacticn& Charity does not operate a defined contributr.on pension scheme Therefore, there is no pension cost charged for the perlod to represent contrlbutlon payable to the scheme. 9.Debtors Other Debtors 10.Llabllltles: amounts lalllng du• wlthln a yèar Deferred Income Accrued expenses Total 180 leo 360 360 11.FundJ of th• charlty Cost of G•neratlng Funds General Rèserves (Accrualsl {1801 (3601 Bank - Unrestrl¢t•d 172 333 8•nk - R•strlcted Grant received Total ol bank account 172 333 Total funds of the chJrlty (8} (27) 12. Cash flow$ from operatlng actlvltl•s Net movement in funds Bank (161) (415} 16