r D l N REFUbLL SPONSORSHIP CIRCL Edinburgh Refugee Sponsorship Circle Trustees, Annual Report l July 2023 to 30 June 2024
i(EFUGE£ SPONSORSHIP CIRCLE Charity Information Charity name Scottish Charity Number Address Edinburgh Refugee Sponsorship Circle SC050349 308 Ferry Road Edinburgh EHJf 3NP Postcode Website Instagram httPS:/iwww.retugeesponsorshipcircle.org/ https://www.instagram.com/edinsponsorcircle/ Charity Trustees rrustee name Date joined the Bnard Officebearer Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date 25th March 2025 Page No.
REFUBEE SPONSURSHIP CIRCLE Introduction Edinburgh Refugee Sponsorship Circle {"ERSC")'s Board of Trustees is excited to report on our fourth year as a charity. Building on the strength of our first three years as a charity, this financial year has been another busy period as detailed further in our "Achievements and performance" section below. ERSC has several ambitious and wide-reaching objectives, and we continue to be focused on resettling refugee families to Edinburgh, supporting those we have welcomed in the past, and raising awareness of the UK Community Sponsorship Scheme. The Board of Trustees would like to thank all our Members, volunteers and donors for helping us achieve so much in the charity's reporting period. Strategic Report Objectives and activitles We started ERSC to help families fleeing conflict zones resettle in Edinburgh through the Community Sponsorship Scheme. Our organisational objectives go beyond this aim and are set out in our Constitution. In summary, our objectives are to: 1. ensure that families arriving through the Community Sponsorship Scheme and other refugees and asylum seekers are provided with the appropriate services; 2. promote the advancement of citizenship by bringing diverse communities together, establishing friendships and strengthening support networks for refugees, asylum seekers and those who support them; 3. promote the advancernent of human rights, conflict resolution and reconciliation by working with local councils, other community groups and individuals to advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers around the world; and Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date 25th March 2025 Page No.
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP CIRCLE 4. educate communities of the plight of refugees and asylum seekers and raise awareness of the United Kingdom Home Office's Community Sponsorship Scheme to empower other communities to take part in the Community Sponsorship Scheme. This year we have continued to address these ambitious objectives by continuing to support the two families we resettled. To become a Community Sponsor, the Home Office require groups to.. demonstrate that they have personnel with suff icient skills and experience to support a resettled fa mily,. demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support resettled family la minimum £9000 per family); find and secure affordable housing; obtain consent from local councils and the police service; and develop a credible plan for supporting that family. In September 2021, the first family arrived in Edinburgh following months of preparation. There was a strong support network waiting for the family in Edinburgh to assist with: setting up their home, registration with local schools, doctors, dentists and Job Centre, English classes, and general support. In February 2023, the second family arrived in Edinburgh, again following months of preparation. We continued to run fundraising events which also provide the opportunity for us to raise awareness of current refugee crises and promote the Community Sponsorship Scheme. We have built strong relationships with groups like STAR Edinburgh and Vegware, who are supporting us with regular funds. ocument Trustees, Annual Report Version Date th 25 March 2025 Page No.
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP CIRCLI Our objectives State that we will raise awareness of the scheme within Scotland and more broadly the UK. In the reporting period, ERSC has played an important role in bringing the Community Sponsorship Scheme to the attention of many Scottish communities, We have become the Lead Sponsor for a newly established Community Sponsorship group in Glas80W. ERSC is also a member of the Community Sponsorship Alliance UK {CSA UK), which is independent, grass-rooted, hands-on, strategists, researchers, experts by experience, community mobilisers, educationalists, entrepreneurs; and experienced in the Community Sponsorship way of welcome that many of us have been involved with since the birth of the scheme in 2016. Achievements and performance Family I Family I has been thriving and continued to be actively involved in our fundraising initiatives and community events. Two maths tutors have been recruited to support two of their children and most excitingly, we have been making great progress in our ambitious journey of purchasing the flat they currently live in via a Declaration of Trust in winter 2025. Family 2 Family 2 have settled in well and are close to celebrating their 2-year anniversary in Edinburgh. ERSC volunteers are actively engaged in language, health and social support and we have built a trusted relationship with both family members. Volunteers Document Trustees. Annual Report Version Date th j 25 March 2025 PaEe No,
REFUGEI SPONSORSHIP CIRCLE We are now a group of 37 volunteers. Every single volunteer has brought incredible skills, enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the families we welcomed and the wider organisation. We are particularly grateful for the many volunteers with lived expertise giving us their time and invaluable insight and experience. We are in awe of the diversity in backgrounds and skills that volunteers bring to our organisation and are particularly happy about the positive feedback and the continuous engagement of volunteers who have moved away via for example our grant-making subgroup. FundrGising ond grants Our previously mentioned grant team has been working tirelessly to secure us additional financial support via grants. The monthly grant from Vegware is pa rticu larly usef ul as it is un restricted fu nding a Ilowing us to fill any su pport gaps, focus on organisational development and organise celebratory events. We were delighted to hear that this grant was extended for another year. Our dedicated fundraising team has organised several fundraising events including at the Leith Walk Police Box and the Colony of Artists weekend. We are unable to properly express how incredible our Members, volunteers and community have been in supporting us during our first three years. As a community and volunteer driven organisation, we rely on people's generosity of time, money and expertise; something that we never lacked during the reporting period ! What's ne)rt? Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date 25th March 2025 Page No.
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP CIRCLE We remain committed to SUPPOrting all families in a person-centred, trauma-informed and community-powered way. As a Community Sponsorship group our main objective, and commitment remains to the continuou5 resettlement and support of refugee families and individuals in Edinburgh. We furthermore look forward to establishing the ERSC family committee, a co-production group of representatives of ERSC-sponsored families initially beginning in Edinburgh, aimed at sharing best practice and informing our strategic p lanning. As a member of CSA UK we are continuously involved in informing wider Community Sponsorship related policymaking and will continue to advocate for human rights, trust in Community, appropriate support and the Scottish perspective. We have recently become the Lead Sponsor for a Community Sponsorship group in Glasgow. We are looking forward to supporting them in their journey. Principal risks & uncertainties Document Trustees, Annual Report I Version Date 25th March 2025 Page No.
IIEFUGEE SPONSORSHIP CIRCIE The Board is aware of several key risks and uncertainties which guide our decision-making and planning for the future. The Board is monitoring the costs of living in the UK and the impact this will have on a refugee family relying entirely on benefits. The Board is conscious of a few other risk5 that could affect our activities and the level of support we can provide. These risks include: the availability of Arabic speakers and speakers of other community language5 to provide crucial support to the family, lack of availability of our experienced Members and volunteers to help in a wide range of areas,. the availa bi lity of housing; the future of the Community Sponsorship Scheme. the willingness of the community to continue donating to our cause. The Board is aware that there are a range of uncertainties that exist with each new family being resettled. Various levels and types of support are needed for different families which makes it difficult to plan and resource for each family at the outset. However, we are confident that as we continue to build a strong network of volunteers and Members, we will be able to devise contingencies and address future challenges. Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date th 25 March 2025 Page No.
REFUGEE SPONSOHSHIP CIRCLE Financial Review During the reporting period our fundraising activities generated receipts of £8,494. The sources of these funds are summarised below: Donations - £4,271 Grants- £1,950 Receipts from other charitable activities £2,523 Statement of the charitvs policy on reserves It is our policy to maintain funds at a level sufficient to cover administration of the charity. Our intended use of reserves include: Spending on unforeseen emergencies or other unexpected needs. For example, unexpected charges/fees that a resettled family might need to pay urgently. Planned commitments which may need higher levels of reserves. Funds to allow for social activities that further the charity's objectives. For example, a welcome gathering or tour of the city upon arrival of a family being resettled. Overheads for fundraising events, such as venue hire and food costs. Details of any surplus The overall surplus of funds reported in the period is a result of decreased charitable expenditure due to family 2 now being resettled, and an increase in our fundraising efforts moving forward with further resettlements in the future. Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date th 25 March 2025 Page No.
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP CIRCLE Donated facilities and services As part of our Chuffed fundraiser, there were a number of service5 that our Members and volunteers provided as"Perks" to donors. Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date th 25 March 2025 Page No. io
REFUGEE sptINSORSHIP CIRCLE Structure, Governance and Management Organisational strurture ERSC is a two-tier SCIO (table 2). ERSC is governed by its constitution which was submitted to QSCR along with the application for registration as a charity in June 2020. A description of the roles and responsibilities of Members and Trustees is summarised below.. Members Our Members have important powers under the constitution. In particular, the Members appoint the people that serve on the Board of Trustees, can direct the activities of the Board and take decisions on changes to the constitution itself. Membership is open to any individual (aged 16 and overl who supports the purposes of the charity. Individuals wishing to join ERSC as a member must complete an application form (which is reviewed by the Board) and undergo an onboarding process which involves an interview and character reference check5. Members are also asked to sign an agreement to comply with our Safeguarding and Data Security policies. Trustees The Board of Trustees manage the activities of the organisation, includin8 Member recruitment and controlling the financial position of the charitv. The Board is accountable to the Members and must arrange an annual general meeting IAGM) in each year to report on the organisation's activities and accounts. Trustees are appointed for a term of one year and election/re-election of Trustees takes place at the AGM. Document Trustees. Annual Report Version Date Ih 25 March 2025 Page No. li
RIFUGEE SPONSOHSHIP CIRCLE During the reporting period (July 2023 to June 20241 the Trustees met four times via video conference/in person. Meetings minutes were collated and were convened to discuss the financial position of the charity, approval of new members, charity processes and organisational/strategic planning. One half of trustees constitutes a quorum for decision making. Members and Trustees commit to give their time and expertise freely and no remuneration was paid during this reporting period. There were no conflicts of interest raised during this reporting period, We are also fortunate to have the help of volunteers that help us with our fundraising activitie5. Throughout the year they have supplied our stalls with baking, crafts and much more, as well as helped to coordinate our fundraising efforts. They are non-voting supporters of the charity who have not undergone the on-boarding process and therefore don't have access to privileged information. Trustee recruitment and appointment At any one time there can be a maximum of eleven Trustees. In line with the Constitution, the Members may elect any Mernber to Serve on the Board of Trustees at each AGM. At any time, the Board may also appoint a Member or non-member to be a Trustee, if they have specialist experience and/or skills which could assist the charity in meeting its aims. A person is not eligible to serve on the Board if they have been disqualified from being a charity trustee under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 or they are employed by the charity. Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date Ih 25 March 2025 Page No. 12
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP CIRCLE Auditors Report Reference and Administrative Details Declaration Signed on behalf of the charity trustees.. Designation CHARITY TRUSTEE I TREASURER 25103125 Date Document Trustees, Annual Report Version Date th 25 March 2025
Edinburgh Refugee 8ponsorship Circle Independent Examiner's Rèport on the Accounts Report to the Edinbur9h Refugee Sponsorship Circl8 trusteeslmembers of Reglstsr9d ¢harlty numbor sc050349 On the accounts of the ' 30th June 2D24 chari .for the year ended RespeetiVO responsibilities of truste and examin8r The charity's trust••8 are r&8ponsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotlandl Act 2005 {'Ihe 2005 Act,) and the Charities Accounts IS¢ollandl Regulats'ons 2006las amended) I'the 2006 regulations. l The charity trustees consider that the audit requirèment of Regulation 10(11 Id) of the Accounts Regulakn'ons does not appty. It is my responsibility to examine the aGcounls as required under se¢lion 44{1 I Ic) of the 2005 Act and to stste whether articular matters have come to m" attention. Ba8is of independent My examination is carried out In accordance with Regulation examln8r'8 Statement 11 of the 2006 Regulation5. An examination includes a revièw of Ihe accounting records kept by the chanty and comparison of the accounts psented 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. consequendy, I do express an audit 0inIon on the accounts. Indopondent examiner's In the course of my examinats'on, no malter has come to my 8tstement attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe Ihal in any rnal6rial respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in 8ccord8nce with section 4411) (al ol the 2005 Ad and Regulation 4 ofth8 2006 Accounts Règulatlons, and to prèpare secounts with accord with the accounting records and comply wilh Re9ulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations have not been meL or 2. to which, in rny opinion, allenlton should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the ac¢ounts to be rea'ljff d. Signed Name Relevant professlonal -quallflcatlon Address
IPPENThX 2 Edinburgh Refug80 Sponsorshlp Clr¢le Receipts and ments accounts SC050349 Forth• port00 Irom OUi5h(harify Wior July JUD2 i ¥ts¥i ditru R¢$tfi¢tv Expendatyle P8mi8nènt Totsl fund8 Total iunds last A1 R•¢•¢ .271 782 1.70f 2W 1.9 1.12S 1.6•3 R*pts from lura15 Gross Iradiw receipts ncome rom inv8S mèn tivrtigs or an Ronis Im l•nd & 111 ross rwip $ rom o Al Subto¥•l 250 8.744 2K• Pio¢ood$ Irorn of filed a5seis Pr8£d3 from sgle of iThveslmen A2 Svb total Total r•c•lptS 250 1Q$ A3 Payrnents Exp8nsK lorfundwing 3cllvilleg Gr05s wsthng p8ymonts Invgstm8nl management ¢ Paumgnls relp.liiioAiieEIwothulabl2 Grani$ 8rhd dDnaUoD5 Govern8nce CDsi5. 193 417 411 260 Audll I iThJep2ndent examiwion Preparation ol annual ¥niS Le98l¢o$ts 120 461 461 A3 Sub tolal 701 250 A4P men16 reiatlTh to a8aet Purcha88s offixeo assets purch of Iènts A4 Sub total Totslpayrnorf¥ 2SII S,573 A5 Tran&fvrs tol (from) fvnds $u6/(der•¢rt) foryear
APPENCIX2 Edlnbur h Refu Section B Statement of balanees ees onsorship Circle SC050349 TDlal cutronl pthod fund po fvnd tundÉ B1 CAshfvnd5 Cash bAnk balAnOI 6M61 6,461 12,034 SUr$1{de1k4lI 5Yn 0nrÉcèi1&d paymonrsa¢tCvrtt <793 4793 Cèsh and baCeS alend of>wr 11354 tl.2fpl 6.461 jPayrL4 Dclals L•ityMr Tot Oetall$ 3 Othoraaoets Doillls T41 E]tsll Fu4dthwJhhIablhty L•#¥Wi B5 Contlng¢Thl lIeIllIeS Tth SIBn•d tyunB0rhlrUS1p PrntP4amp D•t• trf pproval 2SI312025 2&f312D25 t*¢Lthbcr3N)T
PPENDIX 2 Edinburgh Refugee Sponsorship Circle SC050349 Section C Notes to the Accounts C1 Nature and purpose of funds Irn8y be s1818don tysis oflunds wuksheets) FWQS held by Edinbur Refug8e Spmsor5hip Giwdg IERSCI are donations and grants rewved IoUgh fundraising acllvitièg In ordor 10 sponsor and resfjtt relugg8 familillgs Into Edlnburgh tPough the UK Gov$mrnenfs Community Sponsorshlp Sch&me. The UK (knvernmenl requires ihal spDnsoT5tr¥p groups. such as ERSC. fralSe at least £9.000 piior 10 bern9 given per[ns1on to apply 8$ a sponsor. ERSC raises fiJnds ave £9.000 lo as5isI in coverlng fundrain9 a¢fvity overhead5. cover govsmarce costs1sh as Public Llablllly Insuranc8 and ItKlepEndenl Ex8minabon fees), 8ThY cow8r any unfor¢$¢6n emargenues that arise in connethon wlh charilable activllles. NLthb•rof grarty C2 Grants Toial C3a Trustee rgmuneratFon If no rernunerabon was during Ihe p0rityJ Io any L8Dly Irustee or person toMad•d to 8 Iwtslee cro$$ th&¥ box lolhermse COMete seclion 8bl Authorfty uhd•r i i'.Ilt') paid C3b Trustee remulratIOll . detlS C4a Trustèe expenseg If no èKpènséÈ wefy paid to any charity Iru818tr durwwj perNx4 then cross box IoihgtWS8 fA)rnplpie seclion 4bl Nwhbv¢l C4b Tru5tse exp8nse8- detslls B•hn¢• C5 Trarbsactlons wlth trusiees and connected persons C6 Other Information ERSC knunts Pf24. 4n4d. 31-0>25 INotes D¢¢ember2007
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