2008

Trustees’ Report 2008

Overview

In terms of the Public Benefit we impart 2008 was yet again a successful year. Our annual member survey is now carried out electronically and in June 2008 drew 1,900 respondents. 76% of respondents judged us as “excellent or good” and 81% rated us as providing “good value for money”.

Objectives and Activities

The principal 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”.

There was no change to these in 2008 or to the 2007 redefinition of areas of strategic priority.

Achievements and Performance

Membership numbers increased in 2008 to 13,128. Net membership income was £1,078,326 in 2008 compared to £970,373 in 2007. High levels of expenditure on charitable activities totalling £1,099,544 continued in 2008 (£1,165,398 in 2007). Expenditure on governance was again tightly controlled at £72,443, nearly £6,000 down from £78,164 in 2007, and representing some 6% of total resources expended.

The investment portfolio, held by RCM (UK) Ltd, performed in line with the chosen benchmark index as set by the WM Company for the Charities universe. However, given the overall downturn in investment markets across the world, the NCPTA portfolio had to record a significant unrealised loss of £226,973 at the end of 2008.

The key areas of strategic priority determined in 2007 remained in force throughout 2008.

Overriding priority for growth in membership

Membership renewal and recruitment remained our key priority throughout the year and we are most grateful to our staff in the office and in the field who increased membership in 2008 to 13,128. However, the increase in membership and the related increase in membership income were below our aspirations for 2008. This coupled with the very significant downturn in investment performance meant that forecasts had to be recast during the year and action taken to reduce operating costs in 2008 and expectations for 2009. Whilst painful decisions had to be taken during the year we feel we have a sound platform for 2009 to maintain high quality public benefit with potential for some incremental growth.

Maintenance of the quality and range of PTA support and high levels of service

Member response to our range of products and services remained very positive. The top three identified in our surveys continue to be insurance at 87% with fundraising ideas and website at about 80%. We will continue to keep these uppermost in our plans.

Indications reported last year that the introduction of paying subscriptions by direct debit was proving very popular have been borne out. The proportion of members using this method of payment continues to increase.

To promote parent and school partnerships as a lead in to parental involvement

We highlighted last year that parents’ involvement in their children’s education is a critical success factor in their children’s future attainment. The member survey in 2008 showed a strengthening interest in parental engagement in education. We will continue to promote parent and school partnerships and involvement.

Staff Commitment

We would like to thank our staff and Chief Executive for continuing to drive forward the three key priorities listed above and for continuing to deliver strong member services which remain at the heart of our activity.

Structure, Governance and Management

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 appointments made by external organisations.

The organisational structure of the charity is set by its Board who form from amongst their number working committees to make recommendations to the Board. At the beginning of the year there were five such committees, namely:

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

However, the end of 2008 saw some experimentation with discussions on membership services and development combined with those on policy and research. As a result the Board resolved to combine these two committees in 2009.

Minutes of all committee minutes are copied 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, NCPTA Enterprises Limited, was incorporated in 1999. Towards the end of 2005 the Board established a document which lays out the powers reserved to the Board and thereby which matters can be delegated 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 passed to the full Board for their approval.

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 2008. General reserves of between one and two years’ expenditure are held to fulfil commitments and to meet obligations for the repair and maintenance of facilities.

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these accounts the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 1985. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statements of Disclosure to Auditor

so far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware, and
they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as Trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.

Auditors

A resolution for the re-appointment of Creaseys LLP as auditors will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

Summarised Accounts 2008

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