2005

Trustees’ Report - 2005

Achievements and Performance

Membership at the end of 2005 was again in excess of previous years.  Net membership income increased to £863,863 in 2005 from £849,155 in 2004. Direct charitable expenditure rose to £867,942 compared with £800,216 in 2004.

The six key strategic objectives agreed in December 2003 were reviewed during 2005.  Some small textual adjustments were made but the substance remained the focus of our work in 2005, the key items of which are reported under the six headings below.

To maintain and expand the quality and range of PTA support

This remains our major focus and we are most grateful to members of the membership team in the office and our Regional Advisers who have coped with the relentless demand.  Member response to the range of products and services we offer continues to be very encouraging an issue which has prompted us to offer during 2006, which is our 50th anniversary year, 50 new member benefits.  We know from member questionnaires that the subscription linked insurance cover and the fundraising advice we provide is of paramount importance and these services will continue to be centre stage in all that we do.

To achieve high levels of service for existing and new members

Yet again in 2005 we surveyed member opinion and we are pleased to report that satisfaction remained very high with 98% of respondents rating ervice, contact and value as either excellent or good.  This compares with a rating in 2004 of 79%.  As part of our ongoing commitment to high levels of service we increased the number of Regional Advisers in 2005 from 3 to 6.

To increase the number of PTAs in membership

We continue to do well in this area and achieved an overall net increase in membership of just under 300 from the level of 12,788 in 2004 to 13,080 in 2005.  As part of the focus on membership growth we have been analysing retention rates.  The rate for 2005 was 94.44% compared to 94.40% in 2004 – excellent levels for a membership organisation.  We continue to strive for an increase in membership but acknowledge that with retention rates such as these, growth will have to come from the acquisition of new members.  To that end work will begin in 2006 to target activity on a regional basis using both our geographic analysis of membership and the results of our surveys of non-members.

To expand NCPTA’s knowledge available to members and of members views and opinions

We continue to expand the range of information sheets we provide for members.  Activity during 2005 included Criminal Record Bureau Checks, Health and Safety at events and information on the change in licensing laws.  Activity in relation to CRB checks will continue in 2006 as this is both a sensitive and complicated area.  As already mentioned member survey work was carried out in 2005 both to inform the way in which we provide service for members but also learn more of their views and opinions on key educational issues.  We plan to increase survey activity in 2006.

To be the voice of parents in education

Parents’ opinion continues to be sought by media and through various consultations by government departments.  To improve our ability to respond to this interest we now have a dedicated policy and research manager and a communications manager.  In addition our Chief Executive was invited to join a number of government initiated working groups during 2005 to provide an important parental perspective.  These included the School Meals Review Panel.

To increase the charity’s profile amongst its key audiences

The profile afforded by exhibition attendance was highlighted in our report in 2004 and we have continued the practice in 2005.  In addition we have increased the number of workshops and regional training events we put on for both member and non-member PTAs.  Requests for our Chief Executive to speak at conferences and policy seminars are also continuing to grow.  Although they will not be launched until 2006 we were active in developing two new award schemes in 2005.  Gold Star Rewards will recognise historic excellence in PTA activity and LEAPP (learning, education and parental partnership) will provide seed corn funding for innovative projects aimed at increasing parental involvement in education.

50th Anniversary

2006 will be NCPTA’s 50th Anniversary.  Preparations for member products and services linked to the anniversary commencement in September 2005 which resulted in additional one-off expenditure in some areas.

Good Practice Awards Fund

We continue to promote good practice in PTA activity and parental involvement and will be launching in 2006 two new award schemes.  As a result the Board resolved to rename the Outstanding Achievement Award Designated fund to the Good Practice Award fund and to lift the designation to £260,000 to provide for the additional monies which will be awarded.

Staff Commitment

Finally, NCPTA is at its heart a membership organisation which exists to serve its members and particular thanks are due to the Chief Executive and his team for continuing to drive our six key areas of strategy forward and for keeping member services and their interests at the heart of NCPTA activity.

Structure, Governance and Management

The NCPTA is both a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.It governs itself in accordance with its memorandum and articles of association which were last reviewed by the Board in December 2003. The number and appointment of trustees is set out in the memorandum and articles of association.  The decision to appoint all trustees is a power of the Board and there are no external appointments.  During 2005 the Board established a Nominations committee to decide on the requirements for, method of recruitment and recommendation to appoint new trustees.  Once a new trustee is appointed the charity’s Chief Executive organises a one day period of training and induction, wherever possible ahead of the first Board meeting the new trustee would attend.

The organisational structure of the charity is set by its Board who form from amongst their number working committees who make recommendations to the Board.  Following a review in 2005 there are five such committees, namely:

  • Membership Services and Development
  • Policy and Research
  • Finance, Insurance and Risk
  • Employment and Remuneration
  • Nominations (of trustees)

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.  Towards the end of 2005 the Board established a document which lays out powers reserved to the Board and therefore which matters can be reserved to the Chief Executive. In line with good governance practice the Board is itself responsible for the definition of strategy and the establishment of strategic and financial objectives including the operating budget.  The Chief Executive reports progress on strategy, budgets and activity in writing to the Board on a quarterly basis.

Through its finance, insurance and risk committee the Board reviews, on an annual basis, major risks which it may face together with actions and provisions appropriate to ameliorate such risks.  Once reviewed the committee’s recommendations are made to the full Board for their approval.

Objectives and Activities

The objects contained within the charity’s memorandum and articles of association are, to advance education by encouraging the fullest co-operation between home and school, education authorities, central government and all other interested parties and bodies.

The charity carries out a biennial review of its aims and activity and during 2005 agreed 6 areas of strategic importance as noted above.

Policies, Procedures and Operational Authorities

The Board reviews its policies, procedures and operational authorities annually and again with a few small changes all were reaffirmed as appropriate during 2005.  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. 

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.  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 and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985
  • safeguard the assets of the charity and take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities
Appointment of Auditors

In accordance with the Companies Act 1985, a resolution proposing that Creaseys be re-appointed as auditors of the company will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

Summarised Accounts - 2005

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