The Trustees present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Gallions Music Trust (the “Charity”) was established in 2008 by Declaration of Trust and registered with the Charity Commissioner on 16 May 2011. The powers of the Charity are set out in the Declaration of Trust. Trustees are elected at a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees and for a term of three years which may be renewed.
In accordance with the Declaration of Trust the Board of Trustees meets at least three times a year.
This report covers the financial period from 1September 2022 to 31 August 2023.
Trustee Recruitment and Training
As vacancies arise the Trustees seek to appoint individuals with regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charity.
Objectives and activities for the public benefit
Gallions Music Trust uses the power of music to improve the lives and life chances of children living in the London Borough of Newham. Newham is one of the most deprived boroughs in England [1]. Poverty affects approximately 44% of the children in Newham[2].
Our programmes are currently delivered through Gallions Primary School (the “School”), which encourages children to aim higher. Music education starts in Nursery from 3 years old and includes groups lessons, singing and rhythm. All children learn a stringed instrument from Year 2 to graduation from the school in Year 6. Opportunities are provided for individual lessons supported by bursaries, two orchestras, two choirs and ensembles (Bass Attack and Treble Trouble). Children also have opportunities to attend musical performances and to perform at public events.
The Board of Trustees
Paul Broadhurst, Chair of Trustees
Natasha Broke, Honorary Treasurer
Nicolas Bush, Honorary Secretary
Ashley Roye, Safeguarding Lead
Professional Fundraiser
As reported last year the role of professional fundraiser was transferred from the Trust to the School.
This financial year was a particularly difficult one for fundraising (and ultimately the arrangement between the school and their appointed fundraiser was terminated by mutual agreement).
Safeguarding
The Safeguarding Policy was adopted during the financial year 2021-22.
At present the Charity does not directly organise any events with children or vulnerable adults. As such the Trustees follow a simple safeguarding policy and undertake to observe the policies of the School and its associated MAT. The Trustees are aware of the need to keep this decision under review should the manner in which the Charity delivers activities change.
Future Plans
The Charity plans to carry on its current activities in the forthcoming years. The Trustees are aware of funding requirements and have worked with the School to find a solution that enables fundraising to continue in a manner which supports the delivery of the Charity’s aims. This situation remains under active review.
Other Board Initiatives
In May 2021 the Board of Trustees undertook a review of the Policies needed it needed to implement to ensure ongoing good governance.
It has completed the Privacy Policy, adopted the Safeguarding Policy. Work on other policies is ongoing. A draft of the Finance and Risk Policy is awaiting review and an Equality and Diversity Policy will be drafted in the next accounting period.
Financial result
Total income for the period amounted to £32,389.34 of which £11.665.00 was given with restrictions on its use (2021-2021: £42,576.97 – of which £15,580.00 was given with restrictions on its use).
Total expenditure was £32,649.84 (2021-2022: £46,668.19).
There was a loss of £260.50 (2021-2022: £4,091.22).
Total reserves as at 31 August 2023 were £ £58,259.19, of which £ £40,383.85 is restricted (2020-2021: £58,519.69 of which £40,746.59 was restricted).
The Trustees are satisfied with the financial performance of the Charity in the year.
Achievements and Performance
The Gallions Music Trust continued to feel the after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on fundraising but was nonetheless able to support the School deliver on our commitment to support the School through individual bursary lessons for children at the School, participation in orchestra and music provision to children with Special Education Needs.
At the time of writing this report:
- We currently have 440 pupils. All children participate in weekly musicianship lessons.
- Year 2 – 6 have additional instrumental lessons – that is 300 pupils.
- 30 children per week have additional bursary lessons 1:1 after school.
- 35 children are in Senior Orchestra
- 40 children are in Junior Orchestra
- 50 children are in Choir
- 10 are in Bass Attack
- 8 are in Treble Trouble – our violin ensemble
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have agreed a policy of 6 months ordinary expenditure to allow for the orderly winding up of activities were such a course of action to be required.
The free reserve as at 31 August 2023 stood at £17,875.34 (2021-2022: £17,923.10).
Investment policy
As the Charity’s funds will be needed in the short term, the Trustees believe that it is prudent for all funds to be held in cash, on deposit with the company’s bankers.
Conclusion
Gallions Music Trust would like to thank all those who have contributed to making our work possible, the businesses, charitable foundations and personal givers who together fund our work. We would also like to thank everyone at the School who delivers the music programme which makes such a difference to the children and their community.
Signed by Paul Broadhurst
Paul Broadhurst, Chair of Trustees
Date: 2 June 2024
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-indices-of-deprivation-2019
[2] https://tfl.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/media/documents/Newham_fuwYS6y.pdf