2001

Trustees Report - 2001

2001 has been a year dedicated to growth, both of membership services and of the number of associations who choose to be members of NCPTA. We said in our last report that the foundation for continued development had been strengthened. 2001 has capitalised on that foundation and strengthened it still further.

Membership at the end of 2001 stood at 11,728 - the highest level achieved throughout NCPTA's 45-year history. A commendable achievement in an environment of declining activity and interest in many volunteer sectors. Net membership income increased from £628,047 in 2000 to £667,612 in 2001. Total income was up by over 7% due in part to an increase in investment income but largely due to an exceptional profit on the sale of NCPTA's former office in Gravesend. In keeping with the growth in membership total income expended rose from £630,947 in 2000 to £810,499 in 2001. This growth was at all times carefully controlled as witnessed by the near break even position compared to the total incoming resources of £815,979.

Training, information, communication, research, consultation and representation were all features of the enhanced levels of membership support in 2001. As part of a pilot process, June saw the appointment of our first two Field Officers, one covering the Greater London region and one covering Yorkshire and the Humber. This facilitated much closer contact with member associations and enabled us to pilot different types of PTA training events. 2001 also saw the introduction of a range of new PTA Info leaflets answering many of the queries raised by members on issues such as committee roles and responsibilities, gift aid and fundraising. As a result of the interest shown, a much-enlarged list of information sheets was commissioned in December 2001 and will be published during the first quarter of 2002. NCPTA's house magazine Home and School was the subject of research during 2001 and will be re-launched under the new title of PTA in Spring 2002 following ideas and feedback received from member associations. Research was also commissioned to gain a deeper insight into PTA activities and parents' perceptions of both PTAs and NCPTA. The outputs obtained will continue to shape future NCPTA services and interests. Consultation and representation work continued throughout the year with government, OFSTED, teacher unions and many other educational bodies including the Teaching Awards Trust. We now have a growing number of representatives from member associations who have registered their interest in providing feedback on consultations and new ideas for member support and information. Their interest is very welcome and we would like to thank them for their commitment.

Most of these developments were incorporated into a new NCPTA website launched on 10 September 2001. The site is now proving a valuable resource for members who have access to this enhanced information and the ability to post questions, information and ideas for other members on a secure part of the site. The level of interest shown has stimulated further developments now planned during 2002.

As predicted last year, we completed the sale of our offices at 2 Ebbsfleet Estate during the first quarter of 2001. This generated a profit on the sale of £28,191. A designated fund totalling £500,000 has been set aside for the future purchase of a freehold property. In the meantime, steps have been taken to extend the lease on the current office.

In keeping with its role of leadership and governance the Board reviewed its financial policies and procedures, including investments, reserves and operational authorities.

With one or two minor changes all were reaffirmed as appropriate for the organisation. Reserves of approximately one year's expenditure are held to fulfil commitments and plans and to meet obligations for the repair and maintenance of facilities. The Board also started an ongoing process for its management of risk. The risks, as identified by the trustees, have been reviewed and steps taken to mitigate those risks.

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards. They are required to: select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business, keep proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, safeguard the assets of the charity and take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees discharge their responsibilities in line with these regulations and the powers contained within the Charity's governing document. NCPTA is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. As such its objects, to advance education by encouraging the fullest co-operation between home and school, education authorities, central government and all other interested parties and bodies, and its powers of governance are contained within the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association. These make provision for the appointment of up to five Appointed Trustees and up to ten Elected Trustees (see page 2). Both groups form the Board of Trustees and from amongst their number also form three working committees. One deals with issues related to policy and membership, one to issues related to finance and one to issues related to legal and personnel. Minutes of these committees are always reported to the Board. The Memorandum of Association includes the power of investment and the power to delegate the management of investments to a financial expert. The powers also include the ability to establish subsidiary companies, one of which was incorporated in 1999, NCPTA Enterprises Limited.

Finally we would like to thank the Chief Executive and his team for their continued enthusiasm and commitment in a year that has seen many achievements.

Summarised Accounts - 2001

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