2000

Trustees' Report - 2000

2000 has been a progressive year following the steps taken in 1999 to establish a secure base. The opportunity to further strengthen the foundations for continued development in 2001 has been taken including the election of additional Trustees.

Membership levels continued in excess of 11,000. Net membership income was down on 1999 (£641,604) at £628,047 due to a larger take up of the early renewal discount offered. Total income was better than 1999 (£743,930) at £760,444 due to higher interest receipts and a near five fold increase in donations. Control of expenditure continues to be carefully exercised and the total cost for the year was below the 1999 figure (£642,113) at £625,320. This resulted in a surplus for the year of £129,497.

The year had a successful start with the launch of the SafeWise video and book at the House of Commons in February by Schools Minister Jacqui Smith. This was a partnership project with The Suzy Lamplugh Trust to produce materials which will help school children develop safer independence on their journeys to and from school, a need identified by our involvement with the School Travel Advisory Group set up by a triumvirate of the Departments of Environment, Transport and the Regions, Education and Employment and Health. Other beneficial partnerships during the year included ones with Parents Information Network (PIN) to produce a guidance leaflet on the Internet, with Southgate Publishers to produce the Lunch Box Book, with Alphastream International on the promotion of an inkjet recycling scheme, which saw member PTAs benefit by over £30,000 during 2000, with the Parent Teacher Association of Wales to produce a dual language membership brochure and with the Charity Commission to produce a completely revised Model Constitution together with guidance notes for NCPTA Member Associations and a streamlined application pack for fast track charitable registration.

In May we received the report commissioned at the end of 1999 to examine the most effective way to support Member Associations. Among the sixteen key points was a recommendation to amend the staffing structure in head office and introduce two Field Officers on a pilot basis. The first appointment in line with this recommendation, a Policy and Communications Manager, was made in October and the second, a Membership Development Manager, in December. The Field Officers will be introduced in 2001. These developments will have a major effect on expenditure in 2001 which should mean year-end surpluses will end. Furthermore, to fund a range of enhanced communications and member services in 2001 and 2002 a total of £140,000 has been designated for project expenditure over that period. With these resources now in place, key priorities for NCPTA’s future work can be actioned.

Consultation and representation work continues. To assist in this area the first batch in a series of new NCPTA Position Statements were developed and published in November.

November also witnessed our office re-location to leased premises in Sevenoaks. These afford NCPTA the accommodation it needs now and for the developments planned with much improved transport connections both to London and beyond We expect the sale of the old premises, 2 Ebbsfleet Estate to be completed during the first quarter of 2001. The proceeds realised will be held against possible purchase of a freehold property.

Summarised Accounts - 2000

A copy of the full report and accounts can be obtained by writing to NCPTA at 39 Shipbourne Road Tonbridge Kent TN10 3DS.