REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED |
31 MARCH 2023 |
FOR |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED |
31 MARCH 2023 |
FOR |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Page |
Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 10 |
Independent Examiner's Report | 11 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
Balance Sheet | 13 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 | to | 20 |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). |
Our Vision |
Neath Port Talbot Children’s Rights Unit (CRU) is a charity that was established to promote and protect the rights of children and young people in Neath Port Talbot and the surrounding areas. The unit aims to make the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), a reality for children, young people and their families. |
The CRU was first established in 2003 and is governed by a Board of Trustees that are responsible for overseeing the work of the charity and its long-term direction |
It provides opportunities for children and young people up to the age of 25 to develop the confidence and skills to understand and exercise their rights, thus becoming active citizens in their communities, and aims to advance the education of duty bearers to understand their role in enabling children and young people to access their rights. |
Our Values |
Board Members and staff believe in: |
- | A Children's Rights based approach in everything we do |
- | Equal opportunities for all |
- | Becoming the best that you can be |
- | Partnership and holistic working |
- | Empowering and transforming attitudes |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
Charitable activities |
Our impact in 2022-23 |
This Annual Report highlights the progress we have made from April 2022 to March 2023 in supporting children and young people to know about and access their rights, and showcases the impact of the key projects and initiatives we have lead and collaborated on with our partner organisations. |
Swansea Bay University Health Board |
We started our relationship with Swansea Bay University Health Board in around 2015 when we supported the health board with the development of ad hoc projects. This partnership has grown and flourished and we now have an established Service Level Agreement with the health board. We are very proud to share a summary of the key achievements in relation to ensuring the health board's strategic commitment to children's rights is made a reality for children and young people accessing health services in the Swansea Bay area. |
BAYouth - Youth Advisory Panel |
The youth advisory panel has been established for around five years and continues to provide opportunities for young people to get involved in the development of health services across Swansea Bay, BAYouth:: |
- | Are youth led (with the support of CRU and SBUHB staff) |
- | Are dedicated to improving health services for children and young people |
- | Represents the voices of children and young people across SBUHB area |
- | Influence decision-making process |
Throughout 2022-23, regular BAYouth meetings were held, both online and face to face. We have continued to provide support and assistance to members and to health board colleagues to ensure that young people are able to have their voices heard on health services for children and young people in their community and that adults listen. |
BAYouth's priorities are: |
- | Emotional Health and Wellbeing |
- | Healthy Lifestyles |
- | Clinical Environments |
Projects |
BAYouth have been given opportunities to consult on and get involved in developing services for children and young people that fit with their priorities, some of these are highlighted below. |
Young Interviewers |
BAYouth members have taken part in the recruitment process of a number of key paediatric throughout the year. Each young person who has taken part in recruitment or interviewing for health board positions is required to attend our bespoke 'Young Interviewers' training session and visual Job Descriptions/Person Specifications are created. |
Members reviewed the Job Description and prepared questions for the position of 'Therapy Assistant Practitioner - Youth Focus' for the new Weight Management Service. |
- | How would you ensure that the health board's children's rights charter is made a reality for children and young people? |
- | Can you provide an example of when you have made a difference to a child or young person's life? |
Members also provided questions to the interview panel for the role of 'Consultant Lead Practitioner Psychologist'. |
BAYouth members were also invited to get involved in interviews for the Deputy Head of Nursing position. They were supported to prepare a presentation title for candidates, received interview training, drafted questions and a BAYouth interview panel was set up. |
- | The health board has a children's rights charter, tell us how you would make this a reality for children and young people with complex needs. |
- | In this job role, leadership and good communication are required skills, how will you ensure you are a good leader while also being a good colleague to those around you? |
- | Why are you passionate about working with children and young people and improving their health? |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Weight Management Service |
In 2022 the health board established a new Weight Management Service for children and young people with obesity. BAYouth were approached to give their views on a proposed logo/brand and later on information leaflets for the service. |
BAYouth members feedback was welcomed and their views were taken on board by the service. |
Anxiety management group - Mighty Minds |
BAYouth welcomed psychology colleagues to one of their meetings to talk about new anxiety management workshops that were being set up to teach young people the skills to enable them to deal with anxiety. Members gave lots of great ideas on the best way to communicate with young people. |
Play team logo |
The play team within the health board play an invaluable role in ensuring children and young people have the right to play as well as helping patients deal with anxiety whilst receiving care in hospital. The play team were developing their own identity/logo and approached BAYouth for their views. |
Outdoor spaces |
Children and young people have the right to good health, and when accessing health services they also have the right to relax and play (UNCRC article 31), and as set out in the Children's Rights Charter and Promises (theme 2). BAYouth were asked to work with the health board to look at outdoor spaces at various sites across Swansea Bay. Initial ideas were shared in 2022 and members will continue supporting this project throughout 2023. |
15 Steps challenge - MIU |
BAYouth were invited to undertake a '15 steps challenge' at the minor injury unit (MIU) at Neath Port Talbot hospital. A sub group of three volunteers were supported prior to the challenge to understand what 15 steps entails and to ensure they were fully prepared. After an hour in the MIU, members debriefed and their feedback was collated which was presented in a report to staff. BAYouth's views have been welcomed and their points addressed. |
15 Steps challenge - paediatric wards |
In February 2023, four BAYouth members undertook a 15 steps challenge at the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) and Ward M. Participants were briefed on how to undertake the challenge and gave feedback afterwards. A report was compiled for the ward sister and this will be followed up to see if BAYouth's feedback has been acted upon. |
Adolescent area |
Currently there is no adolescent area for young people who are staying in hospital. Adolescents are mixed in with small children and toddlers and there is no available relaxation space for them, privacy is also an issue. The health board have written a report to assess the situation and suggestions have been made for short and longer term solutions. As 'Clinical Environments' is one of BAYouth's priorities, colleagues were invited to a BAYouth meeting to provide an update via a brief presentation. Some of BAYouth's feedback is below: |
- | We want to be treated differently to younger children |
- | The children's ward is a nicer environment than an adult's ward |
- | We'd like a grown up area to relax |
- | We'd like to be involved in our care |
Members are looking forward to being involved in the future development of this service. |
Community Ambassadors |
BAYouth are 'Community Ambassadors' for the Children's Commissioner for Wales (CCfW). Three members had the opportunity to provide an update on BAYouth's work to the new Children's Commissioner at an event in June 2022. Members enjoyed a buffet and also got the opportunity to ask the new Commissioner any questions and give their views on what they feel are the important issues facing children and young people. |
Thank you to Carys, Zoe and Sawdah! |
RCPCH Annual Conference 2022 |
The CRU was approached by the CCfW office to see if members of BAYouth were interested in co-presenting at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) annual conference in June 2022. The theme of the conference was "children's rights and paediatrics" and aimed to inspire and inform the audience of paediatricians/allied health professionals about what matters to children and young people about their physical and mental health, the health services they access and to reinforce children's rights as part of these discussions, work and support. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Two members of BAYouth were identified and were supported to develop a presentation highlighting some of the work they were doing to ensure that all children and young people have access to their rights in health. |
NPTCVS Volunteers Award |
For their commitment to the group and for championing the rights of children and young people in health, we nominated 'BAYouth' for a volunteers' award. They were recognised for their commitment to volunteering with an 'Unsung Hero' award certificate. |
@BAYouthNHS |
The BAYouth twitter account is currently managed by the CRU. Give their page a follow to see what they get up to. |
Children’s Rights Promises Launch |
We supported colleagues in Children's Services with planning the launch of the Children's Rights 'Promises'. A programme of speakers and presentations was put together and a list of names compiled for invitees. The virtual launch of the Children's Rights Promises took place in April 2022. The CRU developed and presented a talk on children's rights in Wales and the work that the health board are doing and the 'Promises' launch video was shown to attendees. |
The CRU also supported BAYouth members to develop a presentation on their work and one member of BAYouth presented to the audience of health professionals - Sawdah did a brilliant job. |
'Championing Children's Rights in Practice' Training |
The health board are committed to embedding children's rights into practice and continue to work hard to ensure that this is sustainable, a key part in achieving this is to engage with colleagues in various paediatric services across the health board. The CRU was asked to develop a two-hour children's rights workshop for Children's Services staff for delivery over ten sessions throughout the year. |
The training helps to ensure that staff are aware of the commitment the health board has made to children's rights and raise awareness to staff on their role and responsibilities in making this a reality for all children and young people. |
'Introduction to Children's Rights' Training |
An 'Introduction to Children's Rights' training session was developed and delivered twice in 2022-23, to Burns and Plastics nurses and to the Psychology Team. The training provides a basic introduction to children's rights and the UNCRC, shares good practice examples of children's rights in practice and allows participants to start to consider how they can embed children's rights into their specific roles. |
Your Feedback Matters |
In early 2023, we supported the health board with the development of a 'Patient Feedback Matters' session in readiness for delivery in 2023-24. |
The training will raise awareness of the importance of feedback and how to empower children and young people to express their views and give feedback on their personal experiences of health services. |
Accessible immunisation information/resources |
It was recognised that school nurses did not have the resources or information available to them to communicate with children and young people when administering essential vaccinations, including: HPV; Covid and Fluenz. All children and young people have the right to good health care, they also have the right to access information and children and young people with additional learning needs may need special assistance to access these rights to ensure that they are not discriminated against. |
Working in partnership with colleagues from Ysgol Maes Y Coed School and the School Nursing Service, accessible immunisation information in the form of 'social stories' and 'steps' were developed. These are useful for school nurses to use as prompts and visual aids, to explain to children and young people with additional learning needs the procedure for administering immunisation injections and the Fluenz Nasal Spray. The resources use plain English and widgit symbols to communicate clearly with children and young people. These resources (see example below) will support and empower school nursing staff to administer vaccinations quickly and safely, and ensure that children and young people better understand what is happening to them so they too are protected. This project was provided as a case study for 'The Right Way - ALN' to the Children's Commissioner for Wales office. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Feedback mechanisms for children and young people |
The health board are committed to listening to the voices of children and young people on their experiences of health care on paediatric wards. We have helped the health board with this by designing a 'Tops & Pants' postcard and collating feedback supplied by the health board into word clouds. This feedback is displayed on wards so that children and young people are aware of the positive and negative comments others have made. These comments will also be shared with BAYouth members who will pick up on any themes, and then these will also be shared with health board staff who can make a difference to the experiences of children and young people in their care. |
Neath Port Talbot Council |
Our partnership with Children's Services has developed through a commissioning arrangement where we support the service to develop and deliver various children's rights projects and initiatives, including mechanisms for children and young people to have their voices heard. |
We are pleased that our relationship with colleagues in Children's Services is strong and we continue to work together to ensure that the service continues to realise its strategic commitment to children's rights and are delighted to share some of this work below. |
Junior Safeguarding Board (JSB) |
Established in January 2019, the purpose of the JSB is for children and young people to have the opportunity to participate and have their voices heard regarding safety at school, at home, online and in their communities. The CRU works closely with the Engagement & Participation Officer to ensure that the issues that are deemed important by children and young people in Neath Port Talbot are listened to and are shared with colleagues on the West Glamorgan Safeguarding Board. |
Our first JSB meeting of 2022-23 was held at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School in November and representatives from seven secondary schools across NPT were in attendance. Young people were given an introduction to the JSB and took part in an ice breaker activity and workshops. Lots of issues were raised and the two that the young people agreed upon to champion in 2023-24 were sexual harassment and vaping. |
Peer on peer sexual harassment |
An Estyn report entitled "We don't tell our teachers" documents the experiences of young people in secondary schools throughout Wales in relation to peer-on-peer sexual harassment. Members of Conf Saeson well-being Senedd were engaged to review the report, compile an anonymous survey and share their views/findings at the Education Safeguarding Conference in March 2023. |
Equali-Tea with the JSB |
The Equali-Tea project has been running since 2021 when young people raised the issue of equality and diversity and the LGBTQIA+ community. The Equali-Tea resource was shared with all secondary schools and feedback on issues raised by young people was collated and presented to the West Glamorgan Safeguarding Board for response. |
We also supported the Engagement & Participation Officer to deliver four workshops at Llangatwg Community School health and well-being day in December. |
National Safeguarding Week |
The 'Equali-Tea' training session was delivered to around 15 professionals during National Safeguarding Week 2022. The aim of the 'train the trainer' style workshop was to introduce the Equali-Tea resource and provide professionals with information on how to deliver it with young people they support and engage with. |
YoVo - Your Voice Matters |
It's been a busy year of activities, fun and consultation with YoVo, the group of care experienced children and young people from Neath Port Talbot. We supported the Engagement & Participation at regular meet ups in Base 15 and activities have included: football; walking; picnics; games; paddle boarding; go karting. |
Beaches2Beacons |
'Beaches2Beacon' is an initiative that was established between NPT Children's Services and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The project encourages children and young people to appreciate the outdoors and their local environment with the aim to improve wellbeing. Participants who joined up had the opportunity to explore the local environment in Neath Port Talbot and link up with Brecon Beacons National park staff to explore further afield into the Beacons. Participants enjoyed fun activities, learnt new skills, and undertook tasks such as tree planting to look after the environment. Participants were congratulated with a John Muir award. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Green Spaces Dark Skies |
YoVo were invited to be 'Lumenators' and take part in 'Green Space Dark Skies' which enables people from all walks of life to forge new connections with the countryside by supporting people from different backgrounds to celebrate nature and enjoy our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Members of YoVo helped to compose music and voice overs for the event and became 'Lumenators' at Craig Y Nos Country Park. |
NPTCVS Volunteers Award |
For their commitment to the group and for championing the rights of care experienced children and young people, 'YoVo' were recognised with a volunteers award in 2022. |
Consultation |
Members have also been helping with the design and development of information and gave their views on the Complaints leaflet/postcard and the Children's Rights Charter. |
Social Action project 2023-24 |
Members of YoVo talked about issues that affected them at home; school; online and in their communities. From the discussions, members decided that they would like to champion discrimination and being different, they would also like to celebrate that there is more to them than being care experienced. |
They also agreed that everything they take part in throughout 2023-24 should be underpinned by emotional health and wellbeing. They have some ideas of how to do this, these include: |
- | Self-development - learning new skills; building confidence; improving HWB |
- | Changing perception of care experienced children and young people |
- | Celebration of being different |
Congratulations to YoVo who were successful in being award with a Community Changemakers Grant for 2023. |
Girls' Rights - Hope |
The Girls' Rights group 'Hope' continues to provide opportunities for care experienced girls to get together, have fun and have their views heard on issues that are important to them. Alongside the Engagement & Participation Officer, we have supported the girls at regular get togethers throughout the year. It's been a very busy year with lots of exciting projects and fun activities. |
Safe Spaces |
Girls' Rights group 'Hope' were successful in their application to the Plan UK 'Young Changemakers Grant' and attended a few inspire days to develop their 'Safe Spaces' idea. |
Throughout the year we have supported the 'Young Changemakers' to put their ideas into an action plan. This included: |
- | Developing a sexual harassment workshop - this was delivered to more than 120 boys |
- | Campaign - creating a hard hitting campaign with their own photography/video message |
- | Attendance at self-defence classes |
Period Dignity |
The group are passionate about ensuring all girls coming into care receive a pack of basic toiletries. Earlier in 2022 they developed a postcard with a message from the group for girls going to a new foster placement, these were distributed to all foster carers in NPT. The group worked throughout the summer of 2022 on the production and editing of an animated training video that will be used to raise awareness of the issue with professionals and foster carers. We were involved in helping to support the girls to develop the animation on a few Fridays throughout the summer holidays. The animation launched in the Autumn and is being used in foster carers basic training. |
WELL DONE - For their commitment to this project, we nominated 'Hope' for a High Sheriff's |
Award, which they were successful in gaining. |
Community Changemakers Fund |
Some of the girls raised the issue of not having safe spaces to exercise and Hope were awarded a grant to pay for activities throughout 2022. Members of Hope chose the activities they wanted to take part in, these included: yoga; self-defence; climbing; kayaking. |
Thank you to South West Wales Connected for funding this project. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Action for Children - Skills Plus + Workshop |
Skills Plus+ is a psychosocial-skills building intervention for young people leaving care aged between 14 and 24. We invited Action for Children to run a bespoke session for 'Hope' and they very kindly offered to help. The session aimed to support young people in developing skills such as: mindfulness; emotional regulations; distress tolerance. |
Hope residential - August 2022 |
We accompanied colleagues and girls' rights group 'Hope' on their residential trip to the YHA in Llanddeusant. The three days were jam packed with activities, many of the group overcame challenges, including fear of heights and water. The residential was a great experience for the girls to form strong friendships, try new things, learn new skills and challenge themselves. It was a pleasure to be part of the girls' experience and to see them grow and make lifelong memories. |
Community Ambassadors |
The new Children's Commissioner for Wales (CCfW) visited the group in April 2022 and had fun making smoothies on the smoothie bike. They also talked about children's rights and what they liked about themselves and other members of 'Hope'. |
A few weeks later 'Hope' were invited, alongside other community ambassadors, to the CCfW office in Port Talbot to give an update on their project work. |
Beaches2Beacons |
Some members of 'Hope' also took part in the Beaches2Beacons project - see page XX. |
Consultation |
Members have also been helping us with giving their views on the development of the Complaints leaflet/postcard and the Children's Rights Charter. |
NPTCVS Volunteers Award |
For their commitment to the group and for championing the rights of care experienced girls, we nominated 'Hope' for a volunteers award. 'Hope' was recognised for their commitment to volunteering with a certificate. |
Children and Young People's Services Staff Conference |
Alongside the Engagement & Participation Officer and care experienced young people, we took part in a presentation on children and young people's rights at the Children's Services Conference in October 2022. We are very grateful to have been given this platform to raise awareness of the importance of children's rights, to inspire all staff to take responsibility, and to be able to support young people from 'Hope' to share their stories. |
Comment? Compliment? Complaint? |
Care experienced children and young people have the right to share their views and make complaints, comments or compliments about services. Throughout 2022 we supported Children's Services to develop their Comments, Compliments and Complaints information for children and young people. This will ensure that all children and young people accessing services are aware of their right to give feedback. |
Children's Rights Champions |
In 2021 the local authority began its journey in taking a 'Children's Rights Approach' as developed by the Children's Commissioner for Wales Office. Children's Rights are everyone's responsibility and in order to embed children's rights into practice the local authority committed to the concept of 'Children's Rights Champions'. |
'Champions' recruited in 2021 continue to report every six months on their progress in relation to actions they have set to embed children's rights into practice in their specific roles. All 'Champions' attended our bespoke 'Children's Rights in Practice' training, and in 2022-23 five new Champions were recruited, all Champions reported biannually on the Children's Rights Action Plan that includes over 60 actions in relation to embedding children's rights into practice. |
Emergency Services - training video and communication board |
Led by NPT Council, we have been working very closely with colleagues in the local authority as well as Ysgol Maes y Coed and other partners (Mid and West Wales Fire; South Wales Police; Welsh Ambulance Service Trust), to coordinate and produce a training video to enable professionals to communicate with children and young people with complex needs in an emergency situation. The video was shared cross sector with front line professionals and includes children, young people and professionals teaching BSL through phrases that are accompanied by plain English/Welsh and subtitles. |
Well done to all the pupils who took part from Ysgol Maes Y Coed. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Children's Rights Charter |
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the world's most widely ratified international human rights treaty and was adopted by the UN in 1989 and the UK ratified it in 1991. It outlines the rights that all children and young people, up to the age of 18 have. |
Everyone working with children and young people should be aware of, and consider children's rights in their practice and should consider themselves as 'duty-bearers', ensuring that they support children to access their rights. As the UNCRC states, children have many different rights, children should be aware of every one of them, and be able to understand and access them. |
Throughout 2022 we supported Children's Services with the development of content for the Charter, this included desk research and consultation with various stakeholders. The draft content for the charter was signed off and draft designs began in early 2023. |
The purpose of the NPT Children's Services Children's Rights Charter will be to: |
- | Raise awareness and inform children and young people of their rights |
- | Ensure children and young people feel supported and empowered |
- | Outline the help and support children and young people can expect |
- | Emphasise NPT's commitment to protect and respect children and young people's rights |
- | Ensure NPT Children's Services take their responsibilities seriously |
- | Improve service delivery through listening to children and young people |
Get on Board Cymru project |
Our 'Get on Board Cymru' project is not currently funded, but we have been able to continue developing and delivering the project with the commitment and support of our dedicated 'Get on Board Training and Support Officer', working in partnership with organisations to provide training opportunities for young people to exercise their right to have a voice, be listened to, and become active citizens in their communities. |
'Preparing to be a board member' training - ONLINE |
Our unique 'Preparing to be a board member' training, developed specifically for young people aged 14-25 and accredited by Agored Cymru, continues to be offered for either online or face-to-face delivery. |
In April and May 2022, 15 members of Children in Wales attended the 'Preparing to be a board member' training, which was delivered online over five, two-hour interactive sessions. After completion and external verification of their workbooks, eight participants were successful in passing the course and have achieved a Level 1 CQFW qualification. The qualification provides young people with the skills and knowledge to undertake their roles; it empowers them to develop a sense of ownership; enables them to realise their potential to participate in decision-making; and gives them the confidence to speak up. |
Short course/Taster |
Acknowledging the commitment involved in completing the accredited 'Preparing to be a board member' training, we have developed a short course as a general introduction to trusteeship, designed for online delivery, and look forward to making this available to organisations as a taster so that they may consider the accredited training. |
Training for NPTC Group of Colleges |
For the past few years, we have been commissioned to develop and deliver 'Student Representative' training for NPTC Group of Colleges. This successful partnership continues: we ran eight sessions throughout November 2022 and approximately 100 students attended the training, which was all delivered online and again proved popular. The course content included: benefits of student representatives; equality and diversity; conflict of interest. |
We also delivered induction training for the newly-elected Student Union officers in February 2023, focussing on meeting skills, confidence building and active listening. |
Website: www.getonboard.cymru |
Twitter: @getonboardcymru |
Conclusion |
We would like to thank all the children and young people who have participated in projects and engaged with activities throughout the year. Our staff have thoroughly enjoyed being able to attend more face to face events with children and young people as well as provide in person training for professionals. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Our board of trustees and staff would also like to thank our statutory funders for their ongoing commitment to children's rights, for their faith in us, and for the continued funding the unit receives, without which we would not exist. |
We are looking forward to another year of successful partnership and creating many opportunities for children and young people to know about and access their rights in our communities. |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Financial position |
The total income of £63,674 (2022: £52,103) was spent on direct charitable expenditure totalling £59,309 (2022: £53,844) resulting in a net deficit of £4,365 (2022: deficit of £1,741). |
The Statement of Financial Activities reflects the income and expenditure incurred by Neath Port Talbot Children's Rights Unit in carrying out its role in respect of its objectives. The unrestricted funds at 31 March 2023 were £64,318 (2022: £59,935). |
Reserves policy |
The board has examined the charity's requirements for reserves in respect of the main risks to the organisation and aims to build up reserves in future years to enable it to continue and expand the services they currently provide. The charity's policy is to maintain a designated reserve for future running costs and critical costs. This will cover twelve months running costs to meet it's medium term objectives and to look to absorb any impact of Covid 19, and it will cover redundancy payments to employees and other termination costs should the funding of the charity reduce in the future. |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Governing document |
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. |
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 31/7/2003 and registered as a charity on 21/06/2013. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. |
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees |
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as Trustees. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting. |
All members of the Management Committee give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity. |
Mari Shufflebotham and Phil Treseder and retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. |
Trustees are appointed through election from the Membership of the Charity and through co-option of individuals with specific skills and experience useful to the Charity. The Children's Rights Unit seeks to maintain a diverse trustee body comprising the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to ensure that the Charity is managed professionally, that its objects are pursued rigorously and that public benefit is maintained in all its activities. To this end, the Children's Rights Unit seeks suitable candidates widely with skills, knowledge and experience to complement the trustee team. |
Induction and training of new trustees |
All trustees receive induction into the work of the Children's Rights Unit. Regular training is provided for trustees and has included training in governance, roles and responsibilities of trustees and child protection. |
Risk management |
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Registered Company number |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
Registered Charity number |
Registered office |
Trustees |
Staff |
Jannine Smith | Director/Company Secretary |
Victoria Owen | Training and Support Officer |
Company Secretary |
Independent Examiner |
Alison Vickers ACA |
Bevan Buckland LLP |
Ground Floor Cardigan House |
Castle Court |
Swansea Enterprise Park |
Swansea |
SA7 9LA |
Bankers |
Delf House |
Southway |
Skelmersdale |
WN8 6WT |
Approved by order of the board of trustees on |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Neath Port Talbot Children's Rights Unit ('the Company') |
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
Responsibilities and basis of report |
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). |
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. |
Independent examiner's statement |
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: |
1. | accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or |
2. | the accounts do not accord with those records; or |
3. | the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or |
4. | the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)). |
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. |
Alison Vickers ACA |
Bevan Buckland LLP |
Ground Floor Cardigan House |
Castle Court |
Swansea Enterprise Park |
Swansea |
SA7 9LA |
10 November 2023 |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
funds | funds | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies | 3 |
Other trading activities | 4 |
Other income |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 59,953 |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT (REGISTERED NUMBER: 04906893) |
BALANCE SHEET |
31 MARCH 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
funds | funds | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Tangible assets | 9 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Cash at bank and in hand |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 10 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
NET ASSETS |
FUNDS | 11 |
Unrestricted funds | 59,953 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 59,953 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. |
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for |
(a) | ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and |
(b) | preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. |
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. |
Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis |
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust's ability to continue as a going concern. |
Income |
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. |
Training income is recognised in the period in which it relates. |
Expenditure |
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. |
All costs allocated between expenditure categories are on a basis designed to reflect their resource usage. For some costs this means direct allocation to activities, other costs are apportioned, e.g. by staff time spent on the activity, or another equitable usage measure. |
The Charity initially identifies the costs of its support functions. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charities programmes and activities. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |
Fixtures and fittings | - |
Computer equipment | - |
Assets costing less than £1,000 are not capitalised and shown as an expense in the statement of financial activities. |
Taxation |
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. |
Fund accounting |
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. |
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. |
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Grants |
Grants relating to specific capital expenditure are treated as deferred income which is the credited to the profit and loss account over the related asset's life. |
Revenue grants are credited to the profit and loss account in the same period as the expenditure to which they relate. |
Debtors |
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any discount due. |
Cash at bank and in hand |
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments held within a deposit or similar account. |
Creditors and provisions |
Creditors and provisions are recognised where 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 amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. |
Legal status of the charity |
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. |
Allocation and apportionment of costs |
Costs have been allocated as far as possible between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the usage of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. Others have been apportioned based on the estimated usage of the resource. |
Financial Instruments |
Under FRS 102 financial instruments are classified as either basic or complex, the charity has reviewed it's financial instruments and is satisfied that all financial instruments can be classified as basic and are recognised at amortised historical cost. |
2. | CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY |
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results in the future may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected. |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
3. | DONATIONS AND LEGACIES |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Grants |
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
SBUHB | 29,931 | 29,933 |
NPTCBC | 30,000 | 16,800 |
Changemakers fund | 600 | - |
60,531 | 46,733 |
4. | OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Training | 3,143 | 4,497 |
5. | NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Depreciation - owned assets |
6. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022. |
Trustees' expenses |
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022. |
7. | STAFF COSTS |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: |
2023 | 2022 |
Administration & support |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
8. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
funds | funds | funds |
£ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies |
Other trading activities |
Other income |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward | 61,694 | - |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 59,953 | - | 59,953 |
9. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Fixtures |
and | Computer |
fittings | equipment | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 April 2022 |
Charge for year |
At 31 March 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2023 |
At 31 March 2022 |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
10. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Trade creditors |
Social security and other taxes |
Deferred income |
Accrued expenses |
11. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
Net | Transfers |
movement | between | At |
At 1.4.22 | in funds | funds | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General Fund | 8,953 | 16,282 | (11,917 | ) | 13,318 |
Designated Strategic Fund | 45,000 | - | - | 45,000 |
Get on Board | - | (11,917 | ) | 11,917 | - |
Critical cost fund | 6,000 | - | - | 6,000 |
4,365 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 4,365 | 64,318 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General Fund | 63,074 | (46,792 | ) | 16,282 |
Get on Board | - | (11,917 | ) | (11,917 | ) |
( |
) | 4,365 |
Restricted funds |
Changemakers fund | 600 | (600 | ) | - |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 4,365 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
Net | Transfers |
movement | between | At |
At 1.4.21 | in funds | funds | 31.3.22 |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General Fund | 10,694 | 4,488 | (6,229 | ) | 8,953 |
Designated Strategic Fund | 45,000 | - | - | 45,000 |
Get on Board | - | (6,229 | ) | 6,229 | - |
Critical cost fund | 6,000 | - | - | 6,000 |
61,694 | (1,741 | ) | - | 59,953 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 61,694 | (1,741 | ) | - | 59,953 |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
11. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General Fund | 47,606 | (43,118 | ) | 4,488 |
Get on Board | 4,497 | (10,726 | ) | (6,229 | ) |
52,103 | (53,844 | ) | (1,741 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | 52,103 | (53,844 | ) | (1,741 | ) |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |
Net | Transfers |
movement | between | At |
At 1.4.21 | in funds | funds | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General Fund | 10,694 | 20,770 | (18,146 | ) | 13,318 |
Designated Strategic Fund | 45,000 | - | - | 45,000 |
Get on Board | - | (18,146 | ) | 18,146 | - |
Critical cost fund | 6,000 | - | - | 6,000 |
61,694 | 2,624 | - | 64,318 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 61,694 | 2,624 | - | 64,318 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General Fund | 110,680 | (89,910 | ) | 20,770 |
Get on Board | 4,497 | (22,643 | ) | (18,146 | ) |
115,177 | (112,553 | ) | 2,624 |
Restricted funds |
Changemakers fund | 600 | (600 | ) | - |
TOTAL FUNDS | 115,777 | (113,153 | ) | 2,624 |
NEATH PORT TALBOT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS |
UNIT |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 |
11. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
Funds |
Unrestricted funds |
Swansea Bay University Health Board | The Children's Rights Unit works in partnership with SBUHB to deliver Children's Rights projects and embed Children's Rights practice including: recruiting, supporting and developing a Youth Board; developing and delivering Children's Rights training for SBUHB staff; launch and implementation of the Children's Rights Charter. |
NPTCBC | Children's Rights Unit support of NPT Children's Services including; training, youth engagement (in a variety of areas), advice and guidance, and the development of a children's rights based approach. |
Designated Strategic Fund | The charity has designated some of its unrestricted general reserves to a designated fund for future running costs. This will cover twelve months running costs to meet it's medium term objectives and to look to absorb any impact of Covid 19. |
Critical Cost Fund | The charity has designated some of its unrestricted general reserves to a designated fund for critical costs. This will cover redundancy payments to employees and other termination costs should the funding of the charity reduce in the future. |
12. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |