REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
Report of the Trustees and |
Unaudited Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
for |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
Report of the Trustees and |
Unaudited Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 |
for |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
Contents of the Financial Statements |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
Page |
Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 5 |
Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
Balance Sheet | 8 | to | 9 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 | to | 13 |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Report of the Trustees |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
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 2024. 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). |
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES |
Objectives and aims |
The Charity is established to advance the following purposes for the public benefit: |
1.1.1 the relief and prevention of poverty and the advancement of health amongst Jewish people who have at any time served as members of the armed forces of the United Kingdom and their families, in particular but not exclusively through: |
(a) the provision of practical advice and guidance to such individuals and / or their families; |
(b) the making of financial grants or the provision of other assistance such as housing and/or other amenities; |
1.1.2 the advancement of citizenship and the advancement of education through the commemoration of Jewish people who have died whilst on active service with the armed forces of the United Kingdom, including through the organisation and staging of commemoration and remembrance events and activities which members of the public are able to attend; |
1.1.3 the promotion of equality and diversity by eliminating discrimination on the grounds of anti-Semitism, advancing education and raising awareness of anti-Semitism and promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds particularly amongst members of the armed forces of the United Kingdom; |
1.1.4 the advancement of education amongst the public regarding the contribution of Jewish people to the armed forces of the United Kingdom, in particular but not exclusively through: |
(a) the maintenance of a military museum or collection which acquires, conserves, researches and exhibits material as evidence of the Jewish contribution to the armed forces of the United Kingdom; |
(b) the design and delivery of lectures and workshops in school and other educational settings regarding matters of British Jewish military history; |
1.1.5 to promote the efficiency of the armed forces of the United Kingdom by providing support to its committees and structures which relate to Jewish serving personnel; |
1.1.6 to promote and support such other charitable purposes as the trustees from time to time think fit. |
Summary of Financial Results |
Although the Statement of Financial Activities shows income of £1,971,766 in 2023, £1,663,722 was due to the merger of the Jewish Military Museum, AJEX Charitable Foundation and AJEX the Association, and the transfer of net assets into this entity. Income from donations and legacies was £120,676 (2023: £247,344), income from charitable activities was £46,243 (2023: £28,830) and income from investments was £57,037 (2023: £31,870), making total income without the transfer of £223,956 (2023: £308,044). Expenditure during the year was £255,962 (2023: £259,407), meaning the charity had a deficit on operations of £32,006 (2023: £48,637 surplus). The investment portfolio made total gains of £91,933 (2023: £107,295 losses) during the year (£37,350 realised), bringing the charity's results to a net surplus of £59,927 (2023: 58,658 deficit). The above transfer of assets meant a large increase in funds during the comparative year, with unrestricted funds being £1,873,699 (2023: £1,813,772) at the reporting date. |
Public benefit |
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'. |
Volunteers |
AJEX makes use of different kinds of volunteers throughout the year. Each signs a volunteer agreement with the charity and are supported in their work by staff and trustees. We are very grateful for the time that they contribute to making AJEX the most effective it can be. This year saw in increase in new volunteers especially at the Parade and for the Jewish Military Museum collection. |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Report of the Trustees |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
Charitable activities |
AJEX has had another busy year. In addition to the Parade and Remembrance season, early June we held a poignant ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire with a large cadet presence. We also held in early July a Remembrance event at The US Willesden Jewish Cemetery and the Liberal Jewish Cemetery. Present were many VIPs, local cadets, veterans and members. Wreaths and poppy markers were laid at the memorial and at the Commonwealth War Graves site. Prayers were conducted by Rabbi Reuben Livingstone. Poetry was read in the prayer hall and added extra poignancy to the event. Prayers at the Liberal Cemetery were led by Rabbi Nathan Godleman. |
The Parade and Remembrance season was a powerful period where many staff, trustees, veterans and others spoke at communities and schools emphasising the Jewish contribution to our nation. There were a variety of AJEX Shabbat activities and Remember in Red ran in many primary and secondary schools. AJEX was represented at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Parade. Our own Parade and Ceremony attracted over 3000 participants and 3000 spectators. In the wake of October 7th there were many first-time marchers alongside the veterans, serving personnel, CST, community groups and families. We were delighted by the presence of the JLGB and the JFS Cadets. Our reviewing officer Sir Michael Wigston added gravitas to the day. We were so grateful to amazing support from the CST and the Met Police. |
This year saw a bumper issue of Menorah produced together with the Armed Forces Jewish Community. We continue to support our members, branches, supporters and donors. Regular newsletters and social media channels are used to communicate with our supporters. The AJEX website continues to be updated and our support processes improved. |
Our welfare work continued this year with individual grants being paid as well as festival grants at Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah and Pesach. Thank you to all our welfare team volunteers. |
With regard to the Jewish Military Collection this year saw the collection coming fully under the control of AJEX JMA. We terminated our agreement with the Jewish Museum London bringing the items on display and also those that were in deep store under AJEX's control. We moved everything to Kenton where we have leased space to carry out a collections audit and pursue plans for using the collection in a plethora of ways. We also started our Chaplains' cards Digitisation project with a group of new volunteers working out of Kenton. |
Martin Sugarman has continued to arrange for plaques for ex-servicemen and women to be erected and for graves to be marked with a Magen David. And we have taken part in various moving ceremonies in the UK and beyond. |
Fundraising activities |
There have been many ways we have fundraised including in relation to the Parade. We have sought adverts, high value donor connections, sales and our first fundraising brunch with Sir Malcolm Rifkind as speaker. |
We have worked to encourage members to pay their fees more promptly and to seek new members. We have also encouraged donations. We worked on grant applications which led to a successful grant from HLF and from Rothschilds. AJEX has not used the services of any professional fundraiser in the past year. Fundraising has been led by staff, volunteers and trustees. We are a member of the fundraising regulator. We are registered with the Data Protection Commissioner and take seriously its obligations to safeguard the data we held and this includes ensuring that we protect vulnerable people from any pressure related to fundraising. |
Investment policy |
The AJEX investment sub-committee comprises trustees who have significant experience of financial and investment matters. The investments are held on the Transact Platform which also acts as custodian. All investment decisions are taken by the sub-committee after consultation. The sub-committee is risk averse and concentrates on investments with a strong track record. All transactions require the approval of more than one person. |
The investment objectives are to maintain the capital value of the portfolio whilst taking opportunities to dispose of any lower performing investments in favour of additions which will add value. In view of the recent volatility in investment markets, the sub-committee has avoided setting short term target returns but there is an overall objective of a total return of 7% . The sub-committee is also using the Transact platform to invest cash balances in order to benefit from more attractive interest rates. The sub-committee is mindful of social, environmental and ethical considerations in choosing and holding investments. |
The current year gain on investments equates to approximately 5%. The trustees are happy with the performance of the investment portfolio over the longer term. |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Report of the Trustees |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Reserves policy |
As at 31 March 2024, AJEX had funds totalling £1,873,699 (2023: 1,813,772), all held within unrestricted funds. Of this, free reserves (comprising unrestricted funds less tangible fixed assets, heritage assets and any charitable commitments) totalled £1,656,017 (2023: £1,603,567). |
The Charity's reserves policy is to hold free reserves to cover a minimum of 12 months expenditure. Whilst at year end the Charity's free reserves exceeded this figure, given the instability with global events and investment values in recent years and a challenging fundraising environment, the trustees believe it is appropriate at present to maintain a higher level of reserves. |
Going concern |
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. |
In reaching this conclusion the trustees have considered the latest budgets and strategic plan which anticipate income and expenditure and the related cash-flows to be at a breakeven level over the next few years. Should a deficit arise, the charity has sufficient liquidity held in cash and its investments to sustain any shortfall for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. |
FUTURE PLANS |
We have a full programme planned for this coming financial year and beyond including: |
Events: Plans include a special D Day 80th anniversary Beacon lighting, an event at the National Memorial Arboretum and at Willesden Cemetery as well as the Remembrance Parade and Ceremony along with accompanying activity. |
Welfare: AJEX will continue to provide festival grants to those in need at Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah and Pesach. We will provide grants and financial assistance to current recipients and dealing with applications from potential beneficiaries. |
Education: As highlighted above much education work will take place around National Armed Forces Week and Remembrance time in November as well as at other times of the year involving visits to schools and communities. |
JMM Collection: There will be an audit of the collection, a chaplain's card digistisation project. Following the collections audit we will seek funding for a digitization project as well as investigating possible museums across the country where artefacts could be placed to show the Jewish contribution to our society. We will also be looking at creating a mobile exhibition. |
Combatting antisemitism: AJEX will use all the above work wherever possible to highlight the Jewish role in HM Armed Forces both in the past and today. In our work combatting antisemitism we will continue to develop AJEX JMA's relationship with the Community Security Trust (CST). |
Combined Cadets Force: AJEX will support the cadets including having them on parade at the NMA and the Parade. |
Membership: AJEX will continue to provide support to its membership and provide them with Menorah Magazine and early booking for events. We will be cultivating new membership and new ways of engaging member supporters. |
Fundraising: AJEX will look to build on the fundraising that has taken place over the past two years especially from the crowd fundraisers. We will look at a mix of events, communications and relationship building as well as grants and other avenues of support. |
Governance and Finance: It is vital that we continue to ensure that our governance meets the highest standards and that we fulfil all our obligations. To this end, AJEX will hold regular trustee meetings and subcommittee meetings. We will seek advice from members of the advisory board, seek appropriate training for the trustees, staff and volunteers and insure that safeguarding, GDPR and other responsibilities are met. |
Marketing and Communications: AJEX will communicate with all strands of our membership and supporters and beyond using to all avenues open to us. |
Monitoring and Evaluation: All the work year will be subject to monitoring and evaluation to ensure that it delivers our objectives effectively. |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Report of the Trustees |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Governing document |
On the 1st April 2022 the charity merged with the AJEX Charitable Foundation and the AJEX Association to form AJEX The Jewish Military Association charity registration number 1129591 and company number 06786615.The Articles of Association set out the structure, governance and management of the charity. |
AJEX has branches affiliated to it throughout the country, who pay an annual affiliation fee (based on the size of membership) and who support all the charitable activities of the charity. All the major activities of the Association are carried out through AJEX The Jewish Military Association. |
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees |
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees. Until otherwise determined by an ordinary resolution of the charity, the number of trustee shall not be less than three nor more than twelve, including the chair elected at an Annual General Meeting by the AJEX members. The trustees have the power to appoint new trustees at any time subject to the maximum number not being exceeded, provided that the position of chair is subject always to election by the AJEX members. |
Decision making |
The trustee board meet regularly during the reporting period. The trustees created sub committees for investments, finance and fundraising, museum, education and countering antisemitism, welfare, branches and membership. Each committee is chaired by a trustee. There are also project teams that are created for various activities and events for instance the parade and remembrance season, for the Charity Extra campaigns. The whole trustee body and the staff take responsibility for the area of remembrance including the parade. |
Induction and training of new trustees |
All new trustees are given a copy of the governing document, a copy of the last set of accounts and are made aware of all the charitable activities taking place as well as their responsibilities. They sign conflict of interest forms and forms for being both a trustee and a company director. On an ongoing basis, trustees are made of the latest guidance available from the Charity Commission. |
Risk management |
The Trustees review the risk register regularly and make sure that it is updated and amended as necessary. In all activities the risk to the charity is considered and where necessary mitigation action taken. |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Registered Company number |
Registered Charity number |
Registered office |
Trustees |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Report of the Trustees |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Independent Examiner |
Mr Danny Fine, FCA |
Melinek Fine LLP |
Chartered Accountants |
First Floor, Winston House |
349 Regents Park Road |
London |
N3 1DH |
Approved by order of the board of trustees on |
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of |
Ajex - The Jewish Military Association |
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Ajex - The Jewish Military Association ('the Company') |
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
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. |
Mr Danny Fine, FCA |
Melinek Fine LLP |
Chartered Accountants |
First Floor, Winston House |
349 Regents Park Road |
London |
N3 1DH |
6 August 2024 |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
Statement of Financial Activities |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Total |
fund | funds |
Notes | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies |
Charitable activities |
Investment income | 2 |
Other income |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Raising funds | 3 |
Charitable activities |
Total |
Net gains/(losses) on investments | ( |
) |
NET INCOME |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 1,813,772 |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Balance Sheet |
31 MARCH 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Total |
fund | funds |
Notes | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Tangible assets | 7 |
Heritage assets | 8 |
Investments | 9 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 10 |
Investments | 11 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 12 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
NET ASSETS |
FUNDS |
Unrestricted funds | 1,813,772 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 1,813,772 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 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. |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06786615) |
Balance Sheet - continued |
31 MARCH 2024 |
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 |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
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, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. |
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. |
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. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |
Plant and machinery | - |
Computer equipment | - |
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. |
Legal status of the charity |
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10. |
Financial Instruments |
The charity only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors. |
Financial assets that are measured at cost and amortised cost are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities. |
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the Balance Sheet when there is an enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset or settle the liability simultaneously. |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
2. | INVESTMENT INCOME |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Interest receivable on cash balance | 6,692 | 1,189 |
Investment income on assets held with Transact | 50,345 | 30,681 |
3. | RAISING FUNDS |
Investment management costs |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Portfolio management | 3,712 | 2,348 |
4. | NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Depreciation - owned assets |
5. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. |
Trustees' expenses |
Expenses reimbursed for trustees amounted to: |
Dan Fox - £2,149 (2023 - £920) |
Jonathan Kober - £150 |
Ivan Sugarman - £184 |
6. | STAFF COSTS |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
Employees |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
7. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Plant and | Computer |
machinery | equipment | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 April 2023 |
Additions |
At 31 March 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 April 2023 |
Charge for year |
At 31 March 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
8. | HERITAGE ASSETS |
Total |
£ |
MARKET VALUE |
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 | 207,501 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
9. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
Listed | Unlisted |
investments | investments | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
MARKET VALUE |
At 1 April 2023 | 1,285,046 |
Additions | 151,719 |
Reclassification/transfer | ( |
) | (79,167 | ) |
At 31 March 2024 | 1,357,598 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 | 1,357,598 | - | 1,357,598 |
At 31 March 2023 | 1,205,879 | 79,167 | 1,285,046 |
There were no investment assets outside the UK. |
AJEX - THE JEWISH MILITARY ASSOCIATION |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
10. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Prepayments and accrued income |
11. | CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Cash in investment portfolio | 222,946 | - |
12. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Social security and other taxes |
Other creditors |
Accruals and deferred income |
13. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |