2004

Trustees' Report - 2004

A Continuing Trend of Development

Membership at the end of 2004 was 12,788 (12,555 in 2003). Net membership income increased to £849,155 in 2003 from £832,865 in 2003. Direct charitable expenditure rose to £795,506 in 2004 from £749,653 in 2003.

The six key strategic objectives agreed in December 2003 remained the focus of our work in 2004, the key items of which are reported under the six headings below.

Maintain and Expand the Quality and Range of PTA Support

Member response to the new materials and support introduced during the year was very encouraging and in the case of our handover pack and PTA posters overwhelming. We are most grateful to members of the membership team in the office who have coped with the relentless demand.

High Levels of Service for Existing and New Members

An annual survey of member opinion has been introduced to evaluate the service we provide and to ensure we stay up to date with emerging trends. It is not our intention to rest on our laurels but the 2004 result was very encouraging with some 79% of respondents rating the service excellent or good.

Increase the Number of PTAs in Membership

An aspirational target of 13,000 was set for 2004, which meant capturing 936 new members to account for the inevitable school and PTA closures which are a normal year on year occurrence. Whilst the aspiration was not fully realised the increase to 12,788 is regarded as a very good achievement.

Expand Knowledge Available to Members and of Members’ Views and Opinions

Discussions with others in the education field continue, partly to increase direct knowledge for members but also to provide valuable points of reference. As regards member opinion, in addition to the survey already mentioned, a programme of subject specific surveys has been instigated. 2004 saw the first for Bullying and Smacking. One area which will be examined in 2005 is the possibility of commercial partnerships which bring added value to the membership services we offer currently.

Strive to Become the Voice of Parents in Education

NCPTA’s opinion continues to be sought by media and government departments; however our response was strengthened in 2004 by the surveys mentioned above and our willingness to engage proactively. 2005 will see the recruitment of a dedicated Policy and Research Manager which will further add to the proactivity.

Increase the Charity’s Profile Amongst its Key Audiences

Attendance at education exhibitions was increased in 2004 together with the number of member seminars and training days. In addition our Chief Executive is now being asked to speak at a growing number of conferences and policy seminars. Work in the area of Voice will add to the goal here as will the recruitment in 2005 of a dedicated Communications Manager. We also introduced a Bursary Scheme in 2004 to fund 5 parental involvement projects. We look forward to seeing the first results from these in 2005.

Staff Commitment

Finally, particular thanks are due to the Chief Executive and his team for driving the six strategic objectives forward and for keeping member services and interests at the heart of NCPTA.

Regulatory Issues

The Board reviews its policies, procedures and operational authorities annually and again with a few small changes all were reaffirmed as appropriate during 2004. 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 and any necessary mitigation continues.

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.

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 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 Creaseys be appointed as auditors of the company will be put to the annual General meeting.

Summarised Accounts - 2004

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