## **The Lochs – Trustees’ Annual Report** ## **Trustees’ Annual Report** For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ## **Introduction** The Trustees of The Lochs are pleased to present this Trustees’ Annual Report for the reporting period ending 31[st] March 2025 This report outlines the charity’s purpose, activities, achievements, governance arrangements, and future plans during its initial development and establishment phase. The report has been prepared in line with guidance from the Ofice of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. ## **Reference and Administrative Details** ## **Charity Name** The Lochs ## **Charity Number** SCIO SC054360 ## **Principal Address** 18 Grunnan Leven KY8 5AX. ## **Trustees** The following individuals served as Trustees during the reporting period: - Simon Hughes– Chair - Janette White- Treasurer - Emma Nichols – Secretary - Kirsty Dean ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The Lochs is governed by its constitution and operates in accordance with Scottish charity law and OSCR guidance. Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the organisation. Trustees are recruited based on the skills, experience, and knowledge required to support the charity’s development and long-term sustainability. During the reporting period, the Board focused on establishing strong governance structures, organisational policies, safeguarding procedures, and operational planning to support future service delivery. ## **Charitable Purposes** The Lochs was established to support individuals and communities across Fife through accessible wellbeing initiatives, affordable counselling services, community support, and development opportunities. The organisation aims to promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, reduce isolation, strengthen community connection, and improve access to affordable and inclusive counselling support for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to accessing services. The Lochs is committed to delivering responsive, community-focused services that address local need, encourage resilience, and support individuals to improve their overall wellbeing within safe and supportive environments. ## **Objectives and Activities** During this reporting period, The Lochs focused primarily on organisational establishment and development activities. Key activities included: - Establishing governance and operational structures - Developing strategic priorities and service models - Engaging with local stakeholders and community partners - Preparing funding applications and sustainability plans - Building awareness of the organisation within the local community - Developing partnerships to support future delivery The organisation also undertook significant preparatory work to ensure future services are sustainable, accessible, and responsive to community need. ## **Achievements and Performance** Although The Lochs is in its early stages of development, several important milestones were achieved during the reporting period. These included: - Successful establishment of the charity structure and governance arrangements - Development of core organisational policies and procedures - Submission of funding applications to support operational start-up costs and future service delivery - Engagement with local organisations, stakeholders, and community representatives - Development of a clear strategic vision and operational framework for future growth The Trustees recognise that this foundational work is essential in building a sustainable organisation capable of delivering meaningful long-term impact within the community. ## **Financial Review** During the reporting period, The Lochs had no financial transactions, income, expenditure, receipts, or payments as the organisation remained within its establishment and development phase. As The Lochs remains within its start-up and development phase, there are currently no financial accounts to present for this reporting period. The organisation has focused on preparing funding applications and seeking start-up funding opportunities to support operational development and future service delivery. Trustees continue to develop appropriate financial systems, governance procedures, and reporting mechanisms to ensure strong financial oversight moving forward. Although this falls out with the current reporting period, a charity bank account has now been established with The Co-operative Bank in preparation for future funding deposits and operational activity anticipated within the next reporting period. ## **Reserves Policy** As the organisation is in its establishment phase and has not yet commenced full operational actlvlty. no formal reserves policy has been implemented at thls stage. The Trustees intend to establish an appropriate resep4es pollcy once operational funding is secured and ￿gUlar financial activlty begins. -rhe Lochs COUNSELLING Plans for the Future The Lochs intends to focus on the following priorities over the next reporting period: Securing sustainable funding and grant support Securing and establishing a dedicated premises for a minimum two-year period to provide a stable and accessible base for counselling and community serrfices Developing and launching a website for service users, including an integrated booking and referral system to improve accessibility and streamSine servi delivery Launching community-based services and wellbeing inib'atives Strengthening partnerships and collaborative working with local organisations and stakeholders Expanding community engagement activities and outreach across Fife Developing volunteer opportunities and increasing local involvement within the organisation Establishing long-tem operational, govemance, and financial sustainability The Trustees remain committed to building a responsive. indusive. and communty- focused organisation that delivers meaningful support. improves access to affordable counselling services, and creates positive long-temi impact within local communities across Fife. Declaration The Trustees declare that they have approved this Trustees. Annual Report. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees: Name: PosStlon: Chair Slgnature: Date: 18