The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 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 charitable company'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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
The charitable company's objects are the promotion of education and social inclusion of disadvantaged individuals by providing learning and training designed to assist in progress towards better employment and a more independent life through vocational training.
The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are through providing professionally recognised training in food production and service, housekeeping and administration. These programmes give trainees the opportunity to achieve Institute of Hospitality endorsed awards at Foundation Certificate, Certificate and Diploma levels. Education and social inclusion through training is key to fulfilling the charity's objectives, and all activities are measured against those objectives. There has been no change in these objectives during the year.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charitable company should undertake.
The charity provides pre-employment professional and vocational education and training for those with mental illness, stabilised addiction and a range of learning disabilities, while providing a food service to the local community. The Trustees are satisfied that this meets the public benefit requirement.
2025 has been a year of significant achievement for The CRUMBS Project. Despite continuing to operate in a challenging economic environment, with sustained pressures on living costs, energy, food and staffing, the charity has delivered an outstanding training programme, strengthened its professional standing, expanded its industry partnerships, and produced a strong financial result ahead of the budgeted position.
Training and Accreditation
The charity's professional training programme continued to develop and strengthen during the year. The renewal of the Institute of Hospitality endorsement was completed and confirmed, reinforcing the professional standing of the awards our trainees achieve. A landmark milestone was the award of full accreditation from the Craft Guild of Chefs, formally presented by Neil Rippington of the Craft Guild at the July 2025 Showcase Event. This completed the charity's current professional accreditation objectives and significantly enhanced the recognition and employability of our trainees.
The Digital Paths programme continued to develop during the year, building trainees' confidence and competence in digital technologies. These skills are critical to enable trainees to interact with government agencies and local support services, and to support their transition to employment and independent living. The charity was recognised for this work through several external awards.
During 2025 the charity also adopted the OneFile learner management system, which has been consolidated and embedded across the training programme to ensure consistent and high-quality tracking of trainee progress.
Trainee Outcomes and Progression
The charity supported 26 individuals during the year across its range of programmes. Key outcomes reported to the Board include:
129 professional training units completed during the year
8 Level 2 Food Safety certifications achieved
88% of trainees are able to cook and bake independently
82% of trainees have digital skills for independent living and work
4 individuals progressed to paid employment
14 individuals progressed to voluntary employment
Good progression into employment and volunteering was maintained throughout the year, with trainees placed at Norwegian Wood Café, The Old Inn Wimborne, The White Hart Ringwood, Parks Foundation Café, Hub on the Heath, Marsham Court Hotel, and Care South, among others.
The charity maintained a healthy pipeline throughout the year, with 20 trainees continuing their programmes at year’s end, a waiting list in place for 2026, and strong new trainee assessments noted by the Head of Centre.
Industry Partnerships and Community Engagement
The charity significantly extended its network of industry partnerships during 2025. Of particular note:
The PIG Group selected The CRUMBS Project as their charity of the year, with Q3 donations confirmed and the partnership raising significant funds and awareness across the group's hospitality network.
The Accessible Hospitality Alliance was launched in June 2025, with The CRUMBS Project playing an active role. The launch event in June provided significant exposure, and two staff members and three trainees attended the follow-up event at White City Space in November.
The Exclusive Hotels Chefs Academy developed a productive relationship with the charity, with trainee participation as judges in their annual ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Competition. Plans are in hand to extend the nature of the ongoing trainee engagement.
TWO Services donated equipment to the value of £5,000 and featured the charity in their newsletter, reaching customers across the UK.
Rick Stein Restaurants hosted masterclasses and provided work experience placements for three trainees. Other Master Classes have been delivered by staff from Essential Cuisine, Baxter Storey, Care South and others.
FOUNDRY and Compass Foundation (with a direct invitation to apply in 2026) all developed or maintained meaningful connections with the charity.
The Whitbread Thrive project was explored as a potential source of trainee employment opportunities, with a partnership approach under consideration.
The charity's community events programme continued throughout the year. The Annual Awards Lunch was held at Marsham Court Hotel in March, the Dorset Plane Pull on 25th August raised over £6,000, the July Showcase on 3rd July received excellent feedback and saw the formal presentation of the Craft Guild of Chefs accreditation, and quarterly showcase events were held throughout the year. A quiz night in July raised £866, and the Summer Fair raised £787.
The charity's trainees continued to attract external recognition. Trainee Daniella attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party as a guest of the Savoy Educational Trust. Trainee Sarah was featured as KP of the Month in Hospitality & Catering News. Trainee Tyler had artwork exhibited in Bournemouth.
Profile and External Recognition
The CRUMBS Project was shortlisted as a Finalist for the Springboard Disability Champion Award 2025, reflecting the national standing of the charity's work in supporting individuals with disabilities in the hospitality sector. The charity continued to achieve strong recognition across industry and sector awards.
Social media engagement grew throughout the year, with LinkedIn followers reaching over 814, TikTok at 253 followers, and continued active engagement on Facebook and Instagram. The quarterly newsletter programme was maintained and well-received.
In December 2025, the Board approved the charity becoming a signatory to the Disability Employment Charter, joining organisations such as Leonard Cheshire, Scope, Unison, and McDonald's in giving a greater collective voice to those supporting people with disabilities into employment.
The charity produced a strong financial result for the year ended 31 December 2025. The unrestricted funds income and expenditure account shows a surplus of £48,468 for the year, after depreciation of capital equipment of £12,840. In addition, a further £7,130 was spent on new capital equipment during the year.
Total income for the year was £460,618 (2024: £445,192), comprising £264,989 from donations and grants, £181,187 from charitable activities, and £14,442 from investment income.
Total expenditure was £396,906 (2024: £401,542), resulting in a net surplus across all funds of £63,712. Total fund balances at 31 December 2025 stood at £571,811 (2024: £508,099), comprising unrestricted general funds of £100,371, a designated contingency fund of £350,000, and restricted funds of £121,440.
Investment income of £14,442 (2024: £15,999) was received from the Flagstone fixed-term deposit platform during the year.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the charitable company 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 will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, the charity can continue its current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The Trustees have maintained the designated contingency fund at £350,000, which reflects approximately six months of salaries and overhead expenses. The Board has identified the development of a fuller Reserves Policy, including designated funds for capital replacement, staff development, and strategic development, as a governance priority for 2026.
Investment Policy
In view of the nature of the Project, the Board considers that funding reserves are best held as fixed-term accounts with CAF Bank using the Flagstone investment platform. The Flagstone account held £431,498 at 31 December 2025. The Board has identified the development of a formal Investment Policy as a priority action for 2026.
Risk Management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to those risks. The Board has developed and continues to refine a comprehensive Risk Register covering operational, financial, and legal risks. Key risks monitored during the year included funding environment uncertainty, cost pressures from National Living Wage increases and employer National Insurance contributions, lease renewal at Hibberd Court and cyber security. In relation to cyber security, the Board undertook a review of the charity's systems and is satisfied with current arrangements.
Non Financial Objectives 2025
The following non-financial objectives were agreed and pursued during the year:
To continuously review the operational structure to ensure it supports the aims and objectives of the charity and the wider engagement of the trainees, including recognising the need for continuous professional development of all involved in the charity.
To continue working with the local authority in relation to contract negotiations and to make a contribution to the strategic review of social and day care provision. The BCP contract was confirmed at £54,000 per annum for 2026.
To seek to increase the opportunities for voluntary and paid employment for trainees through enhancing the visibility of the charity both nationally and in the local hospitality sector.
To enhance the training programme through: renewal of the Institute of Hospitality endorsement (completed); securing Craft Guild of Chefs accreditation (completed and formally presented at July Showcase); developing further network opportunities with potential partners and organisations; supporting and facilitating contacts at the appropriate level to encourage placement opportunities for trainees.
To explore partnership opportunities within the Whitbread Thrive project that would provide access to trainees gaining employment with Premier Inn.
To develop and adopt policies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the charity's work (completed — AI Policy adopted at September 2025 Board meeting).
Future Plans
The Board has agreed on the following strategic and operational priorities for 2026:
Management of an anticipated budget deficit of approximately £44,643 through the carry-forward surplus from 2025 and continued Flagstone investment income, while maintaining the charity's operational activities.
Recruitment of a Corporate and Community Fundraiser to sustain and grow the charity's fundraising capacity following the departure of the Funding and Projects Manager in early 2026.
Development and Board approval of a comprehensive Reserves Policy, incorporating designated funds for contingency, capital replacement, staff development and strategic development.
Development and approval of a formal Investment Policy to govern the Flagstone holdings.
Resolution of the Hibberd Court lease, which remains an outstanding matter under active pursuit.
Establishment and embedding of the Trainee Forum as a standing feature of the charity's governance, giving trainees a formal voice in decisions affecting their future.
Provide, through strategic partnerships, opportunities for staff professional development, including formally recognised qualifications.
Further exploration of the Winterbourne Centre for Inclusive Hospitality concept, identified it as a potential long-term strategic development opportunity.
Continued development of industry partnerships, including Compass Foundation (invited to apply in 2026), TWO Services, and other emerging relationships.
The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company.
Previously, the activities of the charitable company were undertaken through an unincorporated charity, number 1061688, 'The Crumbs Project'. Its constitution was adopted on 13th November 1996 as amended on 12th March 1997 and 7th October 1998, and was registered with the Charity Commission from 7th April 1997. The assets of the charitable trust were transferred to the charitable company on 1st June 2013. The current Memorandum and Articles were revised and approved by the Charity Commission and Companies House during 2024, and the signed documents were submitted to Companies House in early 2025.
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:
The Board formally recorded its gratitude to Sarah Howard for her dedicated service as a Trustee, particularly in relation to safeguarding and governance, on her stepping down at the conclusion of her term in December 2025.
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees keep under annual review the governance of the charity including the policies and processes to ensure good practice is maintained.
New trustees have been recruited to complement the existing skills and provide a professional, vocational and educational focus. Trustees are appointed for the skills and experience they can bring to the charity. On appointment, they are provided with a thorough induction supported by additional materials and documents from the Charities Commission and access to the documentation from the Association of Chairs.
The Board of Trustees meets quarterly, with additional meetings as required. During 2025 the Board reviewed and approved the revised Remuneration Policy. The Board also adopted an AI Policy, establishing the framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence tools as a support in the charity's work, while maintaining human authorship of all funding applications and external communications.
The day-to-day management of the centre and the training are controlled by the Head of the Centre:
Head of Centre
Ursula Boardman
The Trustees continue to recognise and value the strength of the team of staff, volunteers and trainees in the continuing development of the charity.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The C.R.U.M.B.S. Project (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The C.R.U.M.B.S. Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Crumbs Project, Hibberd Court, 20A Hibberd Way, Bournemouth, BH10 4EP, England.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's governing document, 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 charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charitable company has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.
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 charitable company 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.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
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 charitable company 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.
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Costs of charitable activities comprise the costs of providing facilities for café, bakery and training sales together with its associated support costs.
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable
activities. Support costs include back office costs, repairs and maintenance costs, finance etc which supports the charity's activities. All support costs are deemed to relate to the costs of café, bakery and training sales, any costs related to other income methods are deemed to be immaterial.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
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 charitable company 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).
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
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 charitable company 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 charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company 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 charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Income recognition is considered with reference to the grant agreement or other supporting documentation, to ensure cut off is correctly stated at the point of entitlement.
Depreciation is recognised in line with the assets economic useful life.
There were no other key sources of estimation uncertainty or judgements.
Grants
Sale of goods
Cost of goods sold
Advertising
Cleaning
Repairs & maintenance
Heat & light
Uniforms & laundry
Rent
Rates
Accountancy
Bookkeeping
Legal, professional & consultancy fees
Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiners of £3,000 (2024- £3,000) for independent examination fees.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Employer contributions to defined benefit contribution plans totalled £5,929 (2024 £5,961) recognised in staff costs within charitable activities costs (note 6).
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Transfers represent the purchase of fixed assets.
Restricted funds are comprised as follows:
Co-op funding – core costs (excluding salaries)
Housekeeping equipment and training funding
Alice Ellen
Funding towards Traineeships
Garfield Weston
Traineeship funding for hospitality training
Austin & Hope Pilkington Foundation
Contribution towards the charity’s running costs
National Lottery Community Fund
My Future My Life project including contribution towards staff salaries, administration, training, travel and developing eLearning courses.
Percy Bilton
Funding for the purchase of AV equipment
Forbes Charity
Funding for educational experiences for the trainees - field trips and expeditions to local produce growers and food manufacturers
Talbot Village Trust
Contribution towards the costs associated with the Traineeship Programme
Savoy Educational Trust
Funding for Traineeships – 3 year grant
Worshipful Company of Cooks
Traineeship funding for hospitality training
Innholders Charitable Foundation
Traineeship funding for hospitality training
Holdenhurst Charity
Funding towards Traineeships
Restricted funds are comprised as follows:
Baily Thomas Charity
Funding towards Traineeships
Grocers Charity
Funding for digital kitchen equipment
Capital Group Equity & Justice Fund
Contribution towards the charity’s running costs
Valentine Charitable Trust
Traineeship funding for hospitality training
B&Q Foundation – funding for garden
Project for garden maintenance funding
South West Water Neighbourhood Fund
Community project for addressing loneliness and social isolation
The Amateurs Trust
Funding towards Traineeships
AFC Bournemouth Trust
Funding towards a Barista Coffee Machine
Victor Cessani
Funding towards work experience
Co-op Food Group
Funding for the kitchen garden and field trips
Cabwi Res
Funding towards Traineeships
Care South Community Fund
Funding for equipment
Restricted funds are comprised as follows:
Thomas Wall Trust
Funding for food safety training
Spar
Funding towards tablets
The Dave Jeffries Educational Support Fund
Funding to support extra educational needs, equipment and clothing for trainees
Woodroffe Benton
Contribution towards Transition to Adulthood Pathway
Other grant income as restricted included monies from:
AFC BournemouthTrust £1,250 (balance at year end £NIL)
Victor Cessani £950 (balance at year end £950)
Co-op Food Group £500 (balance at year end £500)
Cabwi res £6,630 (balance at year end £NIL)
Care South Community fund £2,195 (balance at year end £1,330)
Thomas Wall Trust £4,786 (balance at year end £4,786)
Spar £1000 (balance at year end £NIL)
The Dave Jeffries Educational Support Fund £2,500 (balance at year end £2,500)
Woodroffe Benton £1,750 (balance at year end £1,750)
Previous year:
Other grant income as restricted included monies from:
Savoy Educational Trust £44,016 (balance at year end £18,340)
Alice Ellen £12,500 (balance at year end £NIL)
Britford Bridge Trust £10,000 (balance at year end £NIL)
Austin & Hope Pilkington Foundation £1,000 (balance at year end £1,000)
Grocers Charity £1,017 (balance at year end £50)
Capital Group Equity & Justice Fund £1,860 (balance at year end £1,860)
Forbes Charity £2,667 (balance at year end £2,481)
The Amateurs Trust £13,680 (balance at year end £13,680)
Holdenhurst Charity £2,000 (balance at year end £2,000)
These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charitable company's activities.
The contigency fund represents approximately six months of salaries, and overhead expenses for that contingent purpose.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
The charity continues to occupy Hibberd Court pending completion of a new lease agreement. No non-cancellable lease commitments existed at 31 December 2025.
At the reporting end date the charitable company 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).