The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
The 'Objects' of the charity, as set out in our Articles of Association dated 5 December 2017 and amended on 13 February 2026, are:
To promote the care and welfare of those with physical, mental and learning disabilities, primarily, but not exclusively within Sunderland, by the provision of services, support and training for those individuals, including but not restricted to, services relating to healthcare, welfare, social interaction, medical assistance, education, employment, accommodation, advice and guidance.
The advancement of education, training and awareness among the general public and related and relevant professionals, on the specialist needs, complex and diverse requirements of individuals with physical, mental or learning disabilities, to enable a wider range of approaches and interventions to enhance service provision.
N.D.R.C. provides day services, supported living support and community-based personal assistant support for adults with disabilities across Sunderland and the surrounding areas. The charity works in partnership with local authorities, commissioners, families, carers and other professionals to promote independence, wellbeing, inclusion and choice.
The charity continues to deliver support from The Valiant Centre and through supported living accommodation at Valiant Close, Hendon. Services are designed to provide a safe, accessible and person-centred environment where people can develop skills, maintain relationships, take part in meaningful activities and access their local community.
During the year, N.D.R.C. continued to consolidate and develop its services following the transfer of trade, assets and liabilities from the previous unincorporated charity. The trustees and management team have focused on maintaining safe, high-quality services while strengthening governance, compliance, staff development and financial resilience.
The charity offers day services, supported living and personal assistant support for people in Sunderland and surrounding areas. The Valiant Centre continues to provide a caring and supportive environment, with activities and opportunities that promote wellbeing, independence, confidence and social inclusion.
Throughout the year, the day service continued to provide structured activities, community access, social opportunities and enablement-focused support. Activities included creative sessions, sensory activities, quizzes, therapeutic input, skills development and opportunities for members to participate in the wider community. The trustees recognise the importance of the service in reducing isolation, supporting carers and helping people maintain independence and quality of life.
N.D.R.C. continues to actively involve members, tenants and their families in shaping and improving services through regular feedback and satisfaction surveys. This helps the charity understand what is working well, identify areas for improvement and ensure that the views, experiences and preferences of the people supported remain central to service development and decision-making.
During the year, N.D.R.C. also strengthened its transport provision through the introduction of three brand new minibuses. These vehicles support the safe and reliable transport of members to and from the centre, helping to maintain access to day services, reduce barriers to attendance and support continued community participation.
The charity has also had another successful year with many individuals and families accessing the accessible lodge. The lodge continues to provide an important opportunity for disabled people and their families to enjoy an inclusive and accessible short break in a supportive environment, promoting wellbeing, independence, family time and positive experiences away from home.
The supported living service remains registered with the Care Quality Commission and provides support to individuals living in their own homes at Valiant Close. Staff support people with daily living, tenancy sustainment, personal care, health appointments, community access and the development of independent living skills. The accommodation is purpose built and accessible, supporting people to live as independently as possible.
During the year, the supported living scheme also began implementing new digital systems to strengthen care planning, daily recording, communication and compliance monitoring. This has supported more timely information sharing between staff and managers, improved oversight of care delivery and helped ensure that records are more accessible, accurate and responsive to the needs of the people supported.
Our team of support workers, senior staff and managers continue to provide care and support across both day services and supported living. During the year, the organisation continued to place emphasis on mandatory training, safer recruitment, supervision, appraisal, safeguarding awareness, health and safety and person-centred practice.
The trustees acknowledge the continued challenges faced by the wider social care and voluntary sector, including workforce pressures, rising operating costs, inflationary pressures, recruitment and retention challenges and increasing complexity of need. Despite these challenges, N.D.R.C. has remained focused on providing safe, reliable and compassionate support.
The trustees would like to thank staff, volunteers, members, tenants, families, carers, commissioners and partner organisations for their continued commitment and support during the year.
Safeguarding and quality assurance
Safeguarding remains a central priority for N.D.R.C. The trustees and management team continue to promote a culture where people are protected from harm, concerns are reported promptly and staff understand their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding adults, whistleblowing, dignity, choice, consent and person-centred support. Safeguarding procedures are supported through staff training, supervision, management oversight and liaison with families, professionals, commissioners and the local authority safeguarding team where required.
The organisation continues to monitor incidents, accidents, complaints, compliments, medication issues, health and safety matters and safeguarding concerns as part of its quality assurance arrangements. These are reviewed to identify learning, trends, risks and actions required to improve practice. Managers continue to use audits, policy reviews, staff meetings, supervision and feedback from members, tenants, families and carers to strengthen service quality and accountability.
Within supported living, the charity remains committed to meeting Care Quality Commission requirements and maintaining safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services. The introduction of new digital systems is expected to further strengthen quality monitoring, care planning, daily recording and management oversight, helping ensure that support remains responsive to individual needs and that records are accurate, accessible and up to date.
Digital transformation
During the year, N.D.R.C. continued to modernise its systems and working practices through the introduction and development of digital tools across the organisation. Within supported living, new digital systems have been introduced to strengthen care planning, daily recording, communication between staff and managers, medication oversight, compliance monitoring and management review. This supports more accurate, timely and accessible records and helps ensure that care and support remains responsive to individual needs.
The use of digital systems also supports improved quality assurance by enabling managers to monitor records, identify gaps or trends, evidence actions taken and respond more quickly to issues. This is particularly important in relation to safeguarding, health and safety, incidents, care plan reviews, risk assessments, staff communication and CQC compliance.
N.D.R.C. has also continued to strengthen wider governance and compliance arrangements through digital records relating to policies, procedures, training, audits and quality monitoring. These developments support greater accountability, easier access to key information and more consistent oversight by managers and trustees.
The trustees recognise that digital transformation is an ongoing process. Further work will be required to embed systems fully, support staff confidence and ensure that digital practice remains secure, person-centred and compliant with data protection requirements. The charity will continue to review how digital systems can improve communication, record keeping, service quality and outcomes for members and tenants.
Staffing and workforce development
N.D.R.C. recognises that its staff team is central to the quality, safety and consistency of the services provided. During the year, the charity continued to focus on maintaining safe staffing levels across day services, supported living and personal assistant support, while responding to the wider recruitment and retention pressures affecting the social care and voluntary sector.
The organisation continued to invest in workforce development through mandatory training, induction, safeguarding awareness, health and safety, moving and handling, medication awareness, person-centred practice and role-specific learning. Training and competency checks support staff to provide safe, effective and compassionate care and to respond appropriately to the changing needs of members and tenants.
Supervision, appraisal and team communication remain important priorities. Managers and senior staff continue to support staff through regular guidance, reflective discussion, team meetings and day-to-day oversight. The trustees recognise the importance of developing senior staff and middle managers so that leadership, accountability and quality assurance are embedded consistently across the organisation.
Staff wellbeing also remains a key consideration. The trustees acknowledge the dedication and resilience shown by staff during a period of continued financial, operational and workforce pressures. N.D.R.C. will continue to promote a supportive working culture, clear communication, fair expectations and access to training and development opportunities to help retain skilled and committed staff.
Environmental and social impact
N.D.R.C. recognises the importance of considering both its environmental responsibilities and its wider social impact. The charity continues to provide local, accessible services that help reduce isolation, support independence, promote inclusion and enable disabled people to remain connected to their families, communities and local services.
The introduction of three new minibuses has strengthened access to the day centre and supports members to attend safely and reliably. In addition to improving access to services, the vehicles support community participation and help ensure that people who may otherwise face transport barriers can continue to benefit from meaningful activities, social contact and support.
The charity also seeks to use resources responsibly, maintain safe and suitable premises, consider the environmental impact of transport and utilities, and make practical improvements where possible. N.D.R.C. will continue to explore opportunities to improve sustainability while ensuring that service quality, accessibility, safety and member wellbeing remain central to decision-making.
The trustees believe the charity’s social value is demonstrated through its contribution to health, wellbeing, independence, carer support, community inclusion and the local voluntary sector. Through day services, supported living and personal assistant support, N.D.R.C. continues to provide a valued local service for people with disabilities and their families.
Public benefit
The trustees have reviewed the outcomes and achievements of our activities for the year to ensure they remain focused on our charitable aims and continue to deliver benefits to the public. We have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.
Total income for the year increased from £1,074,901 to £1,192,547. Expenditure increased from £951,564 to £1,050,818. This resulted in a surplus of £141,729 (2024 : £123,337) for the year.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months’ expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level provide an appropriate level of protection in the event of a significant reduction in funding or unexpected cost pressures, while allowing the charity to continue its current activities and consider how additional funds may be secured.
Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre maintains reserves to help manage financial risks that may affect the organisation. These may include:
Contractual commitments that may require investment in equipment, facilities or service environments.
Changes to service users’ contracts, including the potential loss of related income, which may require changes to staffing arrangements and organisational planning.
The charity occupies rented premises owned by Sunderland City Council and that any future changes to premises arrangements could have financial and operational implications.
The trustees recognise that the charity continues to operate in a challenging financial environment. Key pressures include staffing costs, recruitment and retention, energy and utility costs, transport costs, inflation, void periods within supported living and the need to ensure that local authority fee levels reflect the true cost of delivering safe and effective care.
To maintain reserves at an appropriate level, the trustees will continue to ensure that the organisation has:
- Clear policies, procedures and standards of practice
- Effective budgetary controls
- Effective management systems
- Employment policies and procedures
- Good relationships with local funders and stakeholders
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required, in line with the charity’s quality assurance and governance arrangements.
At the end of the year the charity held £480,969 (2024 : £339,240) in reserves, all of which are unrestricted.
Free reserves, those reserves which are unrestricted less fixed assets, amounts to £346,646 (2024 : £265,513) at the year end.
Risk Assessment
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to manage and reduce those risks. During the year, the trustees and management team reviewed operational, financial, safeguarding, staffing, regulatory, health and safety, data protection and business continuity risks. Controls include policies and procedures, staff training, supervision, audits, incident reporting, financial monitoring, quality assurance systems and regular reporting to trustees.
The key risks identified by the trustees and the actions in place to manage or reduce those risks are summarised below.
Key risk | Potential impact | Mitigation and controls |
Financial sustainability and rising costs | Pressure on reserves, reduced ability to invest in services and increased risk to long-term sustainability. | Regular budget monitoring, trustee oversight, fee reviews, reserves policy, cost control, grant exploration and continued engagement with commissioners regarding the true cost of care and support. |
Recruitment, retention and workforce capacity | Difficulty maintaining safe staffing levels, increased reliance on existing staff and potential impact on service continuity. | Safer recruitment processes, induction, mandatory training, supervision, appraisal, staff wellbeing support, clear communication and development of senior staff and middle managers. |
Safeguarding and quality of care | Risk of harm to people supported, poor outcomes, regulatory concern and reputational damage. | Safeguarding policies, staff training, incident reporting, management oversight, supervision, quality assurance audits, liaison with families and professionals and escalation to local authority safeguarding procedures where required. |
CQC and regulatory compliance | Risk of non-compliance, enforcement action or reduced confidence from commissioners, families and stakeholders. | Ongoing compliance monitoring, policy reviews, audits, digital care records, care plan reviews, management oversight and trustee reporting in relation to safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services. |
Health and safety, premises and transport | Risk of injury, service disruption or reduced access to services. | Health and safety checks, risk assessments, maintenance arrangements, staff training, incident monitoring, accessible premises, safe use of vehicles and the introduction of three new minibuses to support reliable transport. |
Digital systems, data protection and information governance | Risk of inaccurate records, data breaches, poor communication or incomplete evidence of care and compliance. | Secure digital systems, staff training, access controls, data protection awareness, management monitoring, improved record keeping and continued review of digital practice across supported living and wider services. |
Business continuity and service disruption | Potential interruption to day services, supported living, transport, staffing, utilities or essential support. | Business continuity planning, emergency procedures, communication arrangements, contingency planning, trustee oversight and review of key operational risks including staffing, premises, utilities and transport. |
Reputation, complaints and stakeholder confidence | Loss of confidence from members, families, commissioners, regulators or the wider community. | Transparent complaints handling, learning from feedback, member and family surveys, quality assurance processes, clear communication and continued partnership working with commissioners, families, carers and professionals. |
Looking ahead, the trustees will continue to focus on the long-term sustainability of N.D.R.C., ensuring that services remain safe, responsive, financially viable and aligned with the needs of the people supported.
Key priorities include strengthening occupancy and referrals across day services and supported living, continuing to develop relationships with local authority commissioners, and ensuring that N.D.R.C. remains visible as a specialist local provider.
The trustees will continue to monitor financial performance carefully, with particular attention to fee levels, staffing costs, utility costs, transport costs, void periods and the impact of changing support needs. The charity remains committed to building appropriate reserves while balancing this with the need to deliver high-quality services.
Governance development remains a priority. The trustees will continue to review the skills, experience and diversity of the board and seek to recruit trustees who can support the charity’s strategic direction, compliance responsibilities, financial oversight and future development.
The charity will continue to embed digital systems across supported living and day services, including digital care planning, quality assurance, communication systems, training records and compliance monitoring. These developments are intended to improve record keeping, accountability, information sharing and outcomes for the people supported.
N.D.R.C. will continue to promote its services, develop community links and explore opportunities for partnership working, fundraising and service development.
The trustees are also exploring opportunities to further develop the day centre provision, including early-stage plans for the creation of a dedicated sensory room. This would provide a calm, accessible and therapeutic environment for members, supporting sensory regulation, relaxation, communication, engagement and wellbeing. The proposal is currently in the initial planning stage and will be developed carefully in line with member need, available resources, funding opportunities and the long-term sustainability of the service.
The trustees are also exploring the introduction of music therapy sessions, working with Nordoff and Robbins, who are recognised specialists in the field of music therapy. This proposal reflects the charity’s commitment to offering meaningful, therapeutic and inclusive activities that can support communication, confidence, emotional wellbeing, engagement and social interaction for members. This remains at an early stage of development and will be considered alongside member need, available funding, staffing capacity and the wider programme of activities within the day centre.
Following the charity’s 60-year milestone, the trustees remain committed to preserving N.D.R.C.’s history while modernising its services, systems and governance arrangements for the future.
Fundraising and grants
N.D.R.C. continues to recognise the importance of fundraising, grants and community support in helping the charity maintain and develop its services. In addition to income received through commissioned services and individual support arrangements, the trustees remain committed to exploring appropriate funding opportunities that support the charity’s objectives and improve outcomes for members, tenants and families.
Grant funding and fundraising opportunities may support service improvements, equipment, activities, transport, digital development, building improvements and future projects such as the proposed sensory room. The trustees will continue to consider funding opportunities carefully to ensure that any applications are realistic, sustainable and aligned with the needs of the people supported by the charity.
The charity values the contribution of supporters, families, community partners, funders and local organisations who help strengthen the services provided. N.D.R.C. will continue to promote its work locally, develop positive relationships with stakeholders and seek opportunities to raise awareness of the charity’s impact within Sunderland and the wider community.
All fundraising activity will continue to be carried out in a responsible and transparent manner, with appropriate oversight by the trustees. Funds raised will be used to further the charity’s objects, support service quality and contribute to the long-term sustainability of N.D.R.C.
Governance and internal control
The company was incorporated on 5 December 2017, is limited by guarantee and is governed by its memorandum and articles of association dated 5 December 2017. The company is registered in England and Wales under company number 11097224 and is a registered charity under charity number 1180629.
The unincorporated charity, Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre, was founded in 1952 and first constituted as a charity in 1966 as the Sunderland Spastics Society. In 1994, its constitution was amended and the charity became Sunderland and District Scope, registered charity number 222675. In 2007, it was further amended to Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre (N.D.R.C.). In 2021, the original charity transferred its assets, liabilities and trade to the incorporated charity, company number 11097224.
Membership is open to all who have a genuine interest in N.D.R.C. and who pay the annual membership fee, currently £6.90. Each member is entitled to one vote at meetings.
Decisions about the strategic direction of the charity and all major policy and governance matters are made by the Board of Trustees. Day-to-day operational management, staff management and service delivery are delegated to the Centre Manager, Ms Cordelia Rumley, who reports to and is accountable to the trustees.
Responsibility for financial oversight is shared by the trustees. Day-to-day financial monitoring is undertaken by the Treasurer and Centre Manager, with appropriate reporting to the Board of Trustees to support effective scrutiny, decision-making and accountability.
The trustees have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when making decisions and reviewing the charity’s activities.
Induction and training of new trustees
New trustees are provided with information about the charity’s objects, services, governance arrangements, financial position, safeguarding responsibilities, regulatory requirements and current priorities. Trustees are encouraged to attend meetings before formal appointment where appropriate, to gain an understanding of the charity and its work.
The skills of existing trustees are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and external training is provided where appropriate.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
New Trustees attend an Executive Committee meeting before they are appointed as a Trustee in order that they obtain an understanding of the internal processes of the charity as a whole together with an understanding of any ongoing issues which the Executive Committee are dealing with.
The skills of the existing Trustees are monitored on an ongoing basis and external training courses are provided where deemed appropriate.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre (N.D.R.C.) for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Robson Laidler Accountants Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre (N.D.R.C.) (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 October 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and
the directors' report included within the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
The risk of material misstatement due to error or fraud has been assessed in conjunction with how internal controls may mitigate any such risk. These controls are reviewed as part of the audit by performing systems walkthroughs to ensure they are operating effectively. Analytical review and substantive testing is also performed on all material balances and therefore any instances of non-compliance should be identified or considered as insignificant. In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, the audit engagement team;
obtained an understanding of the nature of the industry and sector, including the legal and regulatory framework, in which the charity operates and how the charity complies with that legal and regulatory framework
inquired with management and those charged with governance about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including any know actual, suspected or alleged instances of fraud
discussed with management and those charged with governance any non-compliance with laws and regulations and how fraud might occur including assessments of how and where the financial statements may be susceptible to fraud.
The risk of management override of controls was also considered an area of potential misstatement due to fraud. Audit procedures performed included testing of manual journal entries and other adjustments and evaluating the business rationale in relation to significant, unusual transactions and transactions entered into outside the normal course of business.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Northeast Disabilities Resource Centre (N.D.R.C.) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 4 Valiant Close, Sunderland, SR1 2BS.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to net income/(expenditure) for the year so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
There were no trustee's expenses paid for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Key management personnel received remuneration of £50,646 (2024: £46,660).
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The charity's borrowings are secured by fixed charges on the assets concerned.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).