2003

Trustees' Report - 2003

A Further Year of Development and Growth

The development reported in 2000, 2001 and 2002 has continued in 2003. The Charity’s focus on value for money services for both new and existing members has continued to be rewarded with a growth in the volume of member subscriptions. To ensure the maintenance of this development the Charity reviewed and confirmed its objects during the year and agreed in December 2003 its key strategic objectives and their relative priority for the period 2004 – 2006.

Membership at the end of 2003 was 12,555 (12,025 in 2002) – another new record. Net membership income increased to £832,865 in 2003 from £714,223 in 2002. Whilst this increase was in part due to a greater volume of subscriptions, an increase in group membership insurance costs forced us to increase subscription rates. The increase in total income was greater than last year at some 12% (3% in 2002). Direct charitable expenditure rose to £749,653 in 2003 from £707,777 in 2002.

A Focus on Member Services

The major membership activity seen in 2002 of member events, communication, information, research, consultation and representation was all sustained in 2003.

2003 also saw the addition of a new service following the transfer of the Charity’s banking arrangements to CAF Bank – preferential banking for PTAs. This Scheme offers PTAs who are registered charities interest bearing accounts at very attractive rates. In addition NCPTA were able to negotiate with CAF a special interest arrangement whereby interest on all participating accounts is paid at the rate applicable to the aggregated funds balance rather than individual balances.

The member contact made possible by three Field Officers in Greater London, Yorkshire and the Humber region and in the North West region continued and was extended yet again by another pilot in the West Midlands. This has been much appreciated by member associations who on attending local PTA seminars and training events continue to provide very encouraging feedback to the Field Officers.

Communication remained a focus for development. The redesigned PTA magazine continues to receive very supportive feedback. Extension of the range of PTA Info leaflets available to members is now a permanent feature of NCPTA activity and continues to be much valued by members. Liaison with Government, focusing particularly on the Department for Education and Skills, remains an ongoing activity and we are grateful for the support and contributions from our feedback group volunteers and members in this area. The value of our contribution was recognised publicly in 2003 with an invitation for two NCPTA representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party and an invitation to attend a special reception at 10 Downing Street to mark the work, value and commitment of the charity and not-for-profit sectors.

We have continued to enhance our Website both in response to member feedback and to provide additional facilities and information.

Research into PTA activities and members’ opinions of NCPTA services continues to contribute to future service development. 2003 saw us take a further bolder step when, following research in conjunction with the London Evening Standard, we published parents’ views on the thorny subject of SATs tests.

Partnerships with Others

During the year our partnership activity with Learning Through Landscapes (a charity involved in the development of school grounds and environments) continued to benefit member associations who were able to access LTL’s good practice award scheme Learning Together. Member interest in our own Outstanding Achievement Award scheme which recognises good practice remains high. 2003 also saw the development of a partnership with CEDC (now ContinYou) to introduce the benefits of the SHARE project into schools via PTAs. The Board would like to extend their thanks to the Department of Education and Skills who provided some grant funding to help this project get started. The activity (and funding) will continue in 2004 as the match funding offered was in respect of work up to the end of March 2004.

Our links with the European Parents Association continue. Our Chief Executive is the United Kingdom Representative on their Administrative Council.

Staff Commitment

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

Regulatory Issues

The Board again reviewed its policies, procedures and operational authorities. With a few small changes all were reaffirmed as appropriate. General reserves of between one and two year’s expenditure are held to fulfil commitments and to meet obligations for the repair and maintenance of facilities. The Board’s management of risk continues together with the necessary steps to mitigate those risks.

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 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 charity 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, which was reviewed and amended at a Special General Meeting on 5 December 2003.

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. The new Memorandum and Articles of Association make provision for the appointment of between 3 and 14 Trustees. The Board of Trustees form, from amongst their number four working committees. One deals with issues related to membership services and development, one with issues of policy representation and consultation, one with issues related to finance and insurance and one with human resources and legal issues. 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 professional advisers. The powers also include the ability to establish subsidiary companies, one of which was incorporated in 1999, NCPTA Enterprises Limited.

In accordance with the Companies Act 1985, a resolution proposing that King & Taylor be reappointed as auditors of the company will be put to the annual General meeting.

Summarised Accounts - 2003

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