Company registration number 00059858 (England and Wales)
Charity registration number 208582 (England and Wales)
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
I Alyas
L Kaur
R Springer
C Simonsen
E Nzaramba
S Castle
J Earl
(Appointed 24 November 2025)
J A Lee
(Appointed 19 January 2026)
Company Secretary and Chief Executive
J Ryan
Company number
00059858
Charity number
208582
Registered office
Oxford House
Derbyshire Street
Bethnal Green
London
E2 6HG
Auditor
Affinia (Crawley)
Ground Floor
1-7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT
Accountants
Counterculture Partnership LLP
Unit 115 Ducie House
37 Ducie Street
Manchester
M1 2JW
Bankers
NatWest
NatWest Bank Plc
Gredley House
1/11 Broadway
Stratford
London
England
E1 1DU
Solicitors
Russell-Cooke LLP
8 Bedford Row
London
WC1R 4BX
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 12
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
13
Independent auditor's report
14 - 16
Statement of financial activities
17 - 18
Balance sheet
19
Statement of cash flows
20
Notes to the financial statements
21 - 34
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 1 -

The trustees, who act as directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.

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- Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP (FRS102), second edition issued in January 2019).

The trustees confirm that they complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity's Commission general guidance on public benefit "Charities and Public Benefit". The Trustees' Report clearly sets out the charitable objectives, our current activities and how they benefit the public.

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, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)".

Objectives and activities

The Charity's objects as set out in our articles and memorandum of association are:

- to provide a centre of religious, social and educational work among the poor of East London; and

- to undertake and carry on religious, charitable, social and educational work in London and elsewhere.

Originally established in September 1884, Oxford House was the first of the university settlements to open its doors. Students and graduates from Keble College and other Oxford colleges undertook a period of residential volunteering to learn first-hand about the realities of urban poverty. Their aim was to provide solutions through social action. By volunteering and creating social action projects such as youth clubs, a poor man's lawyer service, adult education, labour exchanges and cultural events, these Victorian pioneers set in motion the pillars of later welfare state provision.

Our home is a wonderful Grade II listed building that was built with donations and opened in 1892. We remain at the heart of the community in Bethnal Green. We are no longer a religious organisation. As our community has changed, so have we. Today, we are a thriving independent arts, community and heritage centre located in the heart of a diverse neighbourhood.

Our vision and mission

Our vision is to build a harmonious and creative community in Bethnal Green. Our mission is to provide a community-led, inspiring, diverse and sustainable multipurpose arts space.

We do this by using Oxford House, a Grade II listed arts and neighbourhood centre, as:

- a community space with a café, affordable workspace and spaces to hire;

- a creative place with classes and activities delivered with community partners in our theatre, dance studio, gallery, chapel, roof terrace and café;

- a place to volunteer, participate and develop skills that support community life; and

- a home for local organisations, artists, community groups and partners who help shape Bethnal Green's civic and cultural life.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 2 -

Our 2026-29 strategy

“We invite everyone who shares our belief in belonging to play a part: to visit, take part, share ideas and help shape the future of Oxford House.” John Ryan, Oxford House

During 2025/26, trustees and staff developed the next three-year strategy for Oxford House. This strategy provides the framework for the work described in this report and for our future development. It is built around three connected commitments: Community; Our House and Spaces; and Stewardship and Sustainability.

The strategy recognises that Oxford House works best when these three commitments reinforce one another. The building gives people a place to gather. The programme gives people reasons to take part. The trading model and stewardship of the House help keep the charity resilient. Together, they create a simple pathway: people see what is happening, feel welcome, take part, return, contribute ideas and help lead future activity.

This approach is particularly important at a time when many people and community organisations need affordable, welcoming and flexible spaces. Oxford House is not only a venue; it is an anchor in community life that connects people, ideas, culture and heritage, and provides practical support. Our role as a connector - within the building, across Bethnal Green and more widely across Tower Hamlets - is a distinctive part of how we create public benefit.

Our role as a connector

Oxford House brings together people and organisations that might not otherwise meet. Within the House, resident companies, artists, community groups, hirers, visitors and programme participants share a building and increasingly share ideas, contacts and opportunities. Across Bethnal Green, we connect local people with creative activity, heritage, skills and community organisations. Through our role in Love Bethnal Green, we help showcase local events, stories, businesses and opportunities, and strengthen relationships across the neighbourhood.

Across Tower Hamlets, our community and heritage work connects schools, artists, cultural institutions and community organisations, allowing local stories to travel further and new collaborations to form. This connective role is practical: a conversation in the café can lead to a partnership; a resident company can contribute to a heritage project; a participant can return as a performer, volunteer or collaborator; and the same building can host a neighbourhood group and a professional creative company. The combination of place, relationships, programme and enterprise is central to our distinctive role and to the 2026-29 strategy.

Our values

Our values are at the heart of how we work as a community-based arts and cultural organisation that has served a diverse neighbourhood since 1884. Our values are to be:

- Collaborative - in our approach with partners, resident companies and communities to create great activities.

- Respectful - of the people and organisations we work with, always valuing the importance of difference.

- Engaging - with audiences, visitors and partners to ensure we get better at what we do and how we do it.

- Anti-racist - in how we work with people and communities.

- Trusted - to be a safe space to work, volunteer or visit.

- Energising - in the way we work and how we want to make a difference to community life.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 3 -

Achievement and performance

2025/26 was a year of delivery, consolidation and planning for Oxford House. The organisation continued to recover and grow its earned income, while strengthening its community, arts and heritage role. The year also saw the early delivery of the Made in the East End programme, continued use of the building by a wide range of local, creative and civic partners, growth in the café and the development of our 2026-29 strategy.

Our mixed income model remained central to the charity's resilience. Workspace, venue hire and café income continued to generate the majority of our annual income, while external funding supported the community, arts and heritage activity that makes Oxford House more than a building. This balance is one of our key strengths, but it also makes the continuing need for grant and philanthropic support clear: earned income keeps the House open, while fundraising enables us to keep the offer affordable, inclusive and community led.

Across this mix of activity, our connector role became more visible. Oxford House linked people inside the building with opportunities beyond it, brought resident companies into contact with our public programme, created partnerships between artists and community groups, and used heritage as a way of connecting different generations and communities. Our work in Love Bethnal Green extended this outward-facing role by helping to showcase neighbourhood activity and strengthen the networks that make Bethnal Green and Tower Hamlets more connected.

Our Top Ten Numbers for 2025/6

860 people reached in Somali Week including 2 artist residencies and 6 creative events.

320 participants across 17 Made in the East End events and workshops.

90 young people engaged through 20 poetry workshops in 2 local secondary schools.

13k+ café transactions (& 20k of café sales) made the House an active and welcoming everyday space.

1,793 cups of tea sold at just £1, maintaining our commitment to affordability.

83% of Oxford House income self-generated through trading and earned income.

95% of programme participants said they learnt new or developed skills; 95% also felt inspired.

9.4/10 average likelihood of participants returning to Oxford House.

76% of event respondents said the activities helped them feel more connected to people in the community.

78% of event respondents said the activities helped them feel less isolated.

Our evaluation data strengthens the story behind these numbers. It shows that Oxford House is not only attracting audiences, but helping people learn skills, feel inspired, connect with others and want to return. These are exactly the outcomes that underpin the 2026-29 strategy: welcome, participation, return, contribution and shared leadership.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 4 -

A HERITAGE AND CREATIVE PLACE

“I come from a different community, being Jewish, but suddenly felt connected to the Bangladeshi community, who were lovely and made me feel so welcome and connected to my past in the textile industry.” — Material Histories participant

It was a significant year for our arts and heritage programme. ‘Made in the East End’, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, built on previous programmes and helped turn investment in our building, archive and relationships into a wider programme of creative participation and local storytelling. The programme has helped position Oxford House as a confident heritage hub: a place where local people, artists, schools, resident companies and community partners can explore the histories that have shaped the East End and connect those histories to life today.

Made in the East End (2025-2027)

‘Made in the East End’ is a two-year arts and heritage programme. It includes Material Histories, celebrating East End textiles and personal stories; Reframing the East End, a community-curated photography project; Write Where We Stand, bringing internationally renowned poets into two local secondary schools; celebrations of Somali culture during British Somali Week in partnership with Kayd; Speed History, sharing new and lesser-known East End stories; and a regular bi-monthly Open Mic evening.

Building on earlier Heritage Fund investment we placed Oxford House's digitised archive, resident communities and local partnerships at the centre of our public programming. It has helped us test new ways to collect evidence, support local artists and create a clearer pathway from participation to confidence, creativity and leadership.

What we achieved

- Supported Somali Week, including 2 artist residencies and 6 creative events, reaching audiences of 860 people.

- Worked with 15 freelance creatives and 1 collective, providing 344 hours of paid work.

- 24 new performers were given a platform to share their work via our bi-monthly Open Mic.

- Delivered 8 building tours, supporting wider understanding of our history and architecture.

- Appointed a new Arts and Heritage Producer and Arts and Heritage Coordinator, increasing programme capacity.

- Engaged 22 new families, a total of 70 people, during October half-term weaving workshop.

- Worked with 4 new local partners and three returning partners.

- Supported Oxford House staff/trustees to create an exhibition using archival materials.

- Welcomed 320 participants across 17 events and workshops.

- Delivered 20 school poetry workshops across 2 local schools, engaging 90 students with local heritage, radical writing and creative confidence.

- Developed ‘Material Histories’ banner-making with 5 freelance artists paired with community groups, bringing together families, Bengali women, young refugees/asylum seekers and older residents.

- Collected and reviewed evaluation evidence from workshops, events and school activity, providing a stronger basis for learning, reporting and future fundraising.

Evaluation and early impact evidence

Key lessons from the year

- Demand is strongest where activity is free, local and easy to join - Family arts and heritage activity during school holidays attracted strong interest and showed the value of accessible, low-barrier programming.

- Oxford House’s profile and creative networks are growing - More than 120 applications for the Heritage Trainee role, together with strong interest from established poets and visual artists, suggest that Oxford House is increasingly seen as a credible and attractive place for cultural and heritage work.

- We need to do more to engage young adults - Participation from people aged 18–25 was lower than for other age groups, highlighting the need for more targeted partnerships, formats and progression routes.

- The strongest work connects programmes with the wider life of the House - Resident companies showed strong interest in heritage activity, while Oxford House Curates! strengthened pride and cohesion among staff and trustees. This reinforces the value of connecting programming, resident organisations and the people who work in the building.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 5 -

During the year we improved how we collect and use evaluation evidence. Feedback was gathered through tailored paper forms, QR code surveys and a simpler ‘Head, Heart, Wand and Bag’ model for family and community workshops. The Arts and Heritage team also worked with our evaluators on adopting the ‘Most Significant Change’ (MSC model), helping us capture both numbers and stories of change.

Our event feedback tracker currently includes 71 meaningful feedback entries from Made in the East End workshops, public events and school activity. This is still early evidence, but it is already useful.

Among public event respondents who gave ratings:

- 100% described their experience as Good or Very Good

- 95% agreed they had learnt something new or developed skills

- 95% said the activity had inspired them

Respondents scored 9.4 out of 10 when asked how likely they were to return to Oxford House.

The wellbeing and connection evidence is also encouraging:

- 92% of public event respondents agreed the activity improved their mood and made them feel more positive;

- 95% said it enhanced their wellbeing;

- 78% said it helped them feel less isolated;

- 76% said it helped them feel connected to people in the community.

- 88% agreed it was important that the activity took place here in Bethnal Green and East London.

It is encouraging to see this impact and where Oxford House is making a difference, and where we need to keep improving. We will continue to strengthen evaluation during 2026/27, with a particular focus on young adults aged 18-25, repeat participation, and clearer evidence of how people move from attending activity to contributing ideas, volunteering, performing, creating or helping lead future activity.

What participants told us

“It helps me de-stress and I would love to have these sessions again.” — Material Histories participant

“The images are all different but intertwined together, just like us. It represents our society and the reality of our lives.” — ‘Strongest in the Mended Places’ banner group / Material Histories

“It opened up some quite big conversations and some really important discussions between a lot of different people.” — Event Participant

“Thank you for the brilliant session. Both the kids and I enjoyed ourselves and learnt a new skill. Great fun for the whole family.” — Family weaving workshop participants

Heritage and partnerships

This year's programme connected returning partners such as Kayd, Oaklands School and Mulberry Academy Shoreditch with new partners including Kazzum, Praxis, Lawdale Junior School and Whitechapel Gallery. These relationships brought together schools, artists, resident organisations, community groups and cultural institutions across Bethnal Green and Tower Hamlets.

Partnership is at the core of how we work, but our role is often more than that of a delivery partner: we act as a connector between people, organisations, histories and opportunities. This breadth matters because our 2026-29 strategy is rooted in connection and progression - opening doors, building confidence and creating routes for people to move from audience member to participant, collaborator, volunteer or leader.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 6 -

Café Gallery and exhibitions

The café and gallery spaces continued to give Oxford House a visible and accessible cultural presence. Exhibitions were not treated as separate from community life; they sat alongside the everyday life of the café, workspace and building, allowing people to encounter art, archive and photography as part of their daily visit.

Highlights included the Kayd residency exhibition, Oxford House Curates!, Kazzum Pathways Art Show’ activity and ‘24 Hours in Bethnal Green’ with Falmouth University. Oxford House Curates! was particularly valuable because it supported staff and trustees to work with archival material and strengthened knowledge of the organisation's history whilst building pride in the House.

Pathways Art Show

Over the course of 2025, young migrant artists from community groups across London took part in arts workshops with Kazzum Arts. The artists, from Brighter Futures, ECPAT, Shpresa, CARAS, The Create Group, and Young Roots explored themes of power, dreams, cities, nature, light and dark, freedom, hope, connection, games, and play.

This work was brought together in an exhibition in our main gallery, with over 1000 visitors.

Open Mic and regular events

Our bi-monthly Open Mic events gave 24 new performers an accessible platform to test work, build confidence and share their creativity. These events support the strategic aim of making Oxford House a place where local people can not only attend activity but also contribute to it and shape it. Regular cultural and social events, including relaxed live music and community activity in the café, continued to support the building's role as a warm, informal and welcoming place to meet.

Community Creative Arts Programme

Our weekly community programme remains a core part of Oxford House's public benefit. It is delivered with a range of community partners and reaches people from early childhood to older age. Classes and activities take place across the theatre, dance studio, chapel, café and other spaces, helping the building stay active throughout the week and providing regular, trusted routes into participation and social connection.

Regular partners included Grace & Poise Academy, Green Candle Dance, Community Indian Dance, Sing and Sign, Sketch Appeal, Thai Boxing Fighters Academy, Lisa Gilbert Academy, Young & Talented and U3A Tower Hamlets.

U3A is a particularly important partner in providing activities and social connection for older people, complementing Green Candle Dance's work and helping us ensure that older residents have regular opportunities to learn, move, meet others and take part in the life of the House. Together, these partners help Oxford House connect people of different ages and backgrounds to affordable, regular and trusted activity.

A COMMERCIAL SPACE

“Having Oxford House as a reliable venue enabled us to bring people together in the spirit of Ramadan to share food, build meaningful connections and strengthen a sense of belonging.” — Hidayah LGBTQI+

Our trading activity is not separate from our charitable purpose. It helps us in our stewardship of a large, listed building, where we provide affordable workspace, subsidise public access, support community programming and offer a place where people and organisations can meet, work, rehearse, learn and organise. It’s quite a mix, yet it is at the heart of why we exist.

Earned income remains a vital source of fundraising and is essential to the success of the charity. Income is derived from venue hires, office rental and the café, as well as some programme ticket sales, tours, events and festivals. Approximately 75% of Oxford House's income is generated from these sources.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 7 -

Affordable workspace

Oxford House continued to provide affordable workspace through its 31 office spaces. These offices are home to charities, social businesses, artists, campaign organisations and creative organisations. The workspace offer supports the wider ecology of community and civic life in Bethnal Green by giving organisations a stable base in a building with shared values and strong local connections.

Resident companies are not simply tenants. They are part of the wider Oxford House community and an important part of our connector role: sharing knowledge and networks, taking part in heritage and community activity, using the café and shared spaces, and creating opportunities for collaboration between organisations working on different issues across Tower Hamlets and beyond.

By the numbers

- 22 organisations were resident in the House during the year

- Average occupancy approximately 94%, giving an average void rate of 6%

- Core rental income was £325,988 against a full-year budget of £354,819, around 8% below target

- Residents include charities, social businesses, artists and campaigning organisations

Venue hire

Venue hire continued to demonstrate the flexibility and appeal of Oxford House. The building supported professional theatre rehearsals, civic events, community gatherings, campaign meetings, school and youth activity, food and culture panels, training, worship-related gatherings and local celebrations.

Notable uses included rehearsals and creative activity connected to Empire Street Productions, Donmar Warehouse, Aria Entertainment, Wessex Grove and other theatre and performance partners. The building also hosted Autonomy Institute's ‘Forum 2029’ launch, Debt Justice's activist gathering, Grand Union's ‘Sounds from our Beautiful Island’, Vittles' first food panel, Hidayah LGBT Iftar gatherings, ‘Save Our Safer Streets' community celebration, and events connected to Black Lesbian and Asian Lesbian histories with roots in Oxford House's archive.

Hidayah LGBTQI+ described Oxford House as a rare, welcoming and relaxed space that helped bring people together for Ramadan and Eid in a safe and affirming environment. Their feedback reinforces the importance of Oxford House as a trusted civic space for communities who may not always feel safe or visible elsewhere.

New and returning community hires included Yoga, Move, Dance; U3A Yoga; Mindful Pause; Jargon London; and the National Education Union. Alongside individual hires, our longer-term relationship with U3A Tower Hamlets helps provide an important strand of activity for older people. This mix of professional, civic and community use shows Oxford House acting both as a venue and as connective neighbourhood infrastructure.

By the Numbers

- 249 hires focused on creativity, connection, learning and wellbeing.

- 9 activity types from dance and performance to conferences, screenings and community activity.

- 135 creative and wellbeing hires (including dance, performing arts and health & wellbeing.

- 38% income from rehearsals, our largest venue-hire income stream.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 8 -

Café

“There isn’t a room in the whole of London that’s like the OH Café.” — Alex, Kazzum Arts

The Oxford House café continued to play an important role as an affordable and welcoming social space within the building. During 2025/26, the café recorded over 13,000 counter transactions and sold more than 20,000 café items, supporting public visitors, tenants, hirers, artists, programme participants and local residents.

Affordability remained central to the café offer. The café sold 1,893 cups of low-cost tea, including 1,793 at £1 per serving, alongside 336 low-cost teacakes and a wider range of accessible snacks and drinks. In total, nearly 4,800 selected low-cost items were sold during the year.

The community fridge continued to support people experiencing food scarcity and the cost-of-living crisis within the Oxford House community. The café received roughly 40 donation drops from the local foodbank during the year.

The café contributed to Oxford House's earned income, with total sales recorded in the item report of £91,173 including VAT, equivalent to £81,127 net sales. This included core café counter sales and café-related invoiced sales. Beyond income, the café continues to support Oxford House's wider charitable purpose by helping the building be a vibrant, welcoming and friendly place.

Customer feedback remains positive, with resident companies incorporating group staff lunches into their working week and daily specials attracting regular customers. Demand for homemade soup regularly exceeds the quantity the café is able to make with current equipment! We are exploring investment in the kitchen that will support sales growth next year.

BECOMING MORE SUSTAINABLE

Owning and managing a Grade II listed building means the charity has an obligation to manage this resource effectively and sustainably. We recognised this challenge in the major refurbishment completed in 2019. A new heating system, installation of LED lighting and improved roof insulation reduced the building's carbon footprint and improved the experience of visitors, staff, tenants and hirers.

We have continued to seek investment to reduce energy use and environmental impact. Funding from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Carbon Reduction programme, Greening the House, enabled Oxford House to install further LED lighting in areas of the building not covered by the 2019 refurbishment. We continue to seek funding to complete the final areas of the building, including the theatre and lower gallery and toilets.

Sustainability is also becoming part of our everyday practice. Previous carbon awareness training for trustees and staff led to an environment policy and action plan, and our ‘Green Club’ brings together staff and resident companies to monitor progress. Changes to refuse management mean that around half of weekly refuse is now recycled, compared with a previous position where all refuse went to landfill. Oxford House also sources electricity from renewable sources and maintains connections with relevant heritage and arts sustainability networks.

The 2026-29 strategy places ‘Stewardship and Sustainability’ as a core them alongside ‘Community’ and ‘Our House and Spaces’. We recognise that the environmental challenge is also a social and financial challenge: a large historic building must be cared for in ways that reduce running costs, support affordable access and keep the House usable for future generations.

The next stage is to embed consistent monitoring and practical behaviour change across the organisation. We will continue to explore tools such as Julie's Bicycle Creative Climate tools and the Green Book for Sustainable Operations, and we will prioritise practical capital improvements that reduce energy use while respecting the listed status of the building.

As climate change brings hotter summers, more intense rainfall and greater pressure on energy use, Oxford House is working to make our Grade II listed building more resilient while protecting its historic character. With support from external grant funding through our Greening the House work, we are improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and exploring practical measures to manage overheating, ventilation and future climate risks.

Adapting a busy historic building is complex, but this investment is essential to keep Oxford House safe, comfortable, affordable to run and welcoming for the communities who use it every day.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 9 -
Financial review

Overview

Oxford House generated income for the year to 31 March 202 6 of £622,077 (202 5: £636,852), of which £102,190 was restricted income (202 5: £95,886). Expenditure was £609,656 (202 5: £575,575) in the year to 31 March 202 6, of which £102,190 was expenditure against restricted funds (202 5: £95,886). Overall, the incoming resources for the year ended 31 March 202 5 amounted to £12,421 (202 5: Incoming resources £61,277).

At the 31 March 202 6 the balance sheet was in a net current liability position of £15,377. The total funds of the charity were £3,377,469 (202 5: £3,365,048) but this value continues to be tied up in the fixed assets of the charity.

Going concern

At the year end, the Charity had net current liabilities of £15,377. The Trustees have reviewed forecasts and expected future funding and are satisfied that the Charity will be able to meet its obligations as they fall due for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

The Trustees continue to monitor the Charity's financial performance and liquidity closely and are taking appropriate steps to maintain financial sustainability.

Reserves Policy

The trustees made no change to their previously reported reserves policy, which is:

- to achieve a margin of working capital equal to three months turnover, and

- to achieve a liquid reserve to provide cover for further capital commitments

Unrestricted general funds at the 31 March 2026 were £47,824. The aim is to achieve a free cash reserves position of 3 months turnover – based on turnover to 31 March 2026 the target figure is £155,519. Trustees are working to a 3-year financial plan which includes a gradual rebuild of reserves. The operating result in the reported year was a very positive start.

The trustees are currently reviewing the reserves policy to ensure it remains appropriate to the organisation's activities, financial position and future funding requirements.

Risk management

Trustees continue to work very closely with the Chief Executive to manage the complexity of risk in the post-pandemic recovery phase. The finance subcommittee meet monthly to review financial performance and general risks.

As the impact of the post pandemic period eased, we continued with full loan repayments of capital and interest on the loan with LB Tower Hamlets (£730,000 repayable over 15 years). The loan finance was critical to completion of the major building refurbishment in 2018-19.

Throughout the year the finance subcommittee met monthly with the CEO and accountant to review financial risks. This included management of major expenditure items, fluctuations in income and projected cash flow. The subcommittee uses a framework to ensure adequate risk management which includes regular monitoring of major risks, embedded risk identification and assessment within operating procedures, clear structure of delegated authority and control; and maintaining reserves in line with set policies.

In assessing risk, the trustees recognise that some areas of work require the acceptance and management of risk if key objectives are to be achieved. The trustees have reviewed the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed and identified control and mitigation procedures, under the headings of governance; operational; financial; environmental; heritage project; and compliance. These are reviewed regularly by trustees. Working with our insurance brokers and IT suppliers we have invested in additional cyber security.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 10 -

Governance and leadership

Trustees continued to work closely with the Chief Executive and senior team to oversee performance, risk and the development of the new strategy. The Board identified three significant governance challenges during the year:

- Financial resilience and reserves - maintaining close oversight of cash flow, earned-income performance, costs and reserves while balancing the commercial demands of a large Grade II listed building with our commitment to affordability and public benefit.

- Board continuity and renewal - retaining institutional knowledge while continuing to strengthen trustee skills, diversity, induction and succession planning following a period of significant change in Board membership and leadership.

- Turning strategy into accountable delivery - completing the 2026-29 strategy while ensuring that priorities are realistic, properly resourced and supported by clearer measures of progress, impact and organisational risk.

These challenges shaped the Board's work during the year and will remain central to governance in 2026/27. Trustees have sought to respond through regular financial scrutiny, continued review of risk, clearer strategic priorities, stronger evaluation and an active approach to Board development and recruitment.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
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Oxford House Trustees

Jane Earl (Chair)

Jeremy Lee

Ibrar Alyas

Linda Kaur

Ruth Springer

Caroline Simonsen

Ery Nzaramba

Sarah Castle

Michael Judge (Resigned 24/11/2025)

Robert Robinson (Resigned 24/11/2025)

Martin Reyes (Resigned 03/02/2026)

Oxford House Staff

John Ryan, Anisa Howell, Anisa Khanom, Enus Ali, Annie Gao, Evelyn Maison, Kwame Owusu, Ruby Holder,

Emily Hughes (temporary Archivist during summer 2025), Lisa Nash, Phoebe Shaw

Freelancers

Amanda Hall (Counterculture) and Louise Wilkinson

Funders

National Lottery Heritage Fund - 'Through the Lens' and ‘Made in the East End’

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Garfield Weston

Community Partners

Green Candle Dance Company Mindful Pause

Young & Talented School of Stage and Screen Priyanka Chauhan Indian Dance

Lisa Gilbert Academy of Ballet Yoga Move Dance

Grace & Poise Academy Sing & Sign

Thai Boxing Fighter’s Academy U3A Tower Hamlets

Sketch Appeal

Resident Companies

Debt Justice | Sound and Music
Univity Limited | Involve Foundation
Forest Ventures Ltd | New Economy Organisers Network
SKAPED | Platform
Guglielmo D'Anna | Now Press Play Limited
Coffee Afrik CIC | Language of Dance
THYL | Green Net Limited
Positive Care Link | Kayd Somali Arts
Kazzum | Rehan Jamil
Forest Ventures Ltd | Centre for Women’s Justice
Roots of Empathy | NEU Tower Hamlets and the City District
Maslaha | Perpetual Procurement Solutions CIC

CSR Partners

M3 Consulting

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 12 -
Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Affinia (Crawley) be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

Thank you

The trustees record their particular thanks to Michael Judge for his exceptional service to Oxford House over many years. Michael joined the Board in 2012 and served as Chair from 2016, providing continuity, calm judgement and deep commitment through a period that included the major refurbishment of the House, the pandemic and the organisation's subsequent recovery and renewal.

His contribution as both Chair and trustee has been substantial, and the Board, staff and wider Oxford House community are deeply grateful for the time, care and leadership he has given to the charity.

The trustees also thank Robert Robinson and Martin Reyes, who both stood down from the Board during the year, for the time, experience and commitment they contributed to Oxford House. Their service and support for the charity have been greatly appreciated by fellow trustees and staff.

The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.

J Earl
Trustee
7 August 2026
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 13 -

The trustees, who are also the directors of the Oxford House in Bethnal Green for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with the 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.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
- 14 -

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Oxford House in Bethnal Green (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2026 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:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2026 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;

-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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 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.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
- 15 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-

the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or

-

sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or

-

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or

-

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the s tatement of trustees' r esponsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

We have made enquiries of management, and trustees, regarding the procedures relating to identifying, evaluating and complying with:

1. laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;

2. detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

3. the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the Charitable Company operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on the operations of the Charitable Company. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, Charities Act, data protection regulations, health and safety and employment legislation.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
- 16 -

Discussion was had with management and the trustees and amongst the engagement team to gain an understanding of the entities current activities, authorisation procedures and effectiveness of the control environment. Our understanding was tested during the audit work and the systems and controls in place were found to be operating effectively.

The engagement partner has reviewed the team selected to undertake the engagement and ensure that they have sufficient competence and are capable of identifying and recognising non-compliance with laws and regulations. No non-compliance was identified.

Discussion among the engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. As part of this discussion, we identified potential for fraud in the following areas:

Risks identified
Audit response
Misappropriation of cash

T his was highlighted as an area of high risk for fraud and not being recorded in the accounts. Audit procedures performed included but were not limited to substantive and analytical testing of income recording systems.

Management override of controls

W e reviewed management accounts and journals to discover any evidence of management override.

Revenue recognition

T his was tested substantively for all types of income, we also performed analytical testing over the balance.

Estimated residual life of building

W e reviewed the building for signs of impairment and recent valuation information to confirm the land and buildings were included within the accounts accurately.

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 charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees 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 charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Affinia Limited (Crawley)
12 August 2026
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Ground Floor
1 - 7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT

Affinia (Crawley) is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 17 -
Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2026
2026
2026
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
Income from

Donations and grants

3
5,182
-
102,190
107,372
110,958
Other trading activities
4
62,846
-
-
62,846
57,922

Provision of community facilities

5
451,859
-
-
451,859
467,972
Total income
519,887
-
102,190
622,077
636,852
Expenditure on:
Raising funds/ trading activities
6
67,735
-
-
67,735
65,038
Charitable activities

Provision of community facilities and services

7
439,731
-
-
439,731
429,651

Through the Lens

7
-
-
-
-
78,018
Made in the East End
7
-
-
100,590
100,590
2,868
Fordham Supervision
7
-
-
1,600
1,600
-
Total charitable expenditure
439,731
-
102,190
541,921
510,537
Total resources expended
507,466
-
102,190
609,656
575,575
Net incoming resources before transfers
12,421
-
-
12,421
61,277
Gross transfers between funds
(42,017)
42,017
-
-
-
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
(29,596)
42,017
-
12,421
61,277
Fund balances at 1 April 2025
75,042
3,290,006
-
3,365,048
3,303,771
Fund balances at 31 March 2026
45,446
3,332,023
-
3,377,469
3,365,048
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 18 -
Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2025
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Income from

Donations and grants

3
15,072
-
95,886
110,958
Other trading activities
4
57,922
-
-
57,922

Provision of community facilities

5
467,972
-
-
467,972
Total income
540,966
-
95,886
636,852
Expenditure on:

R aising funds

6
65,038
-
-
65,038
Charitable activities

Provision of community facilities and services

7
414,651
-
15,000
429,651

Through the Lens

7
-
-
78,018
78,018
Charitable expenditure
7
-
-
2,868
2,868
Total charitable expenditure
414,651
-
95,886
510,537
Total resources expended
479,689
-
95,886
575,575
Net incoming resources before transfers
61,277
-
-
61,277
Gross transfers between funds
(38,087)
38,087
-
-
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
23,190
38,087
-
61,277
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
51,852
3,251,919
-
3,303,771
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
75,042
3,290,006
-
3,365,048
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2026
31 March 2026
- 19 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
3,983,259
3,992,083
Current assets
Stocks
14
1,905
1,772
Debtors
15
52,679
55,388
Cash at bank and in hand
135,686
240,069
190,270
297,229
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(205,647)
(290,046)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
(15,377)
7,183
Total assets less current liabilities
3,967,882
3,999,266
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
17
(590,413)
(634,218)
Net assets
3,377,469
3,365,048
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds - general
45,446
75,042
Unrestricted funds - Designated
21
3,332,023
3,290,006
3,377,469
3,365,048

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2026, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 7 August 2026
J Earl
Trustee
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 20 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
26
(514,133)
(283,663)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(2,470)
-
Investment income received
451,859
467,972
Net cash generated from investing activities
449,389
467,972
Financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
(39,639)
(37,995)
Net cash used in financing activities
(39,639)
(37,995)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(104,383)
146,314
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
240,069
93,755
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
135,686
240,069
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 21 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

The Oxford House in Bethnal Green is a charitable company incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London, E2 6HG.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, 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 a mounts 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.

1.2
Going concern

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.

1.3
Charitable funds

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.

1.4
Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

- income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable, and its amount can be measured reliably. Grants of the general nature that are not conditional on delivering certain levels of service are included in donations and legacies.

- income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 22 -

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.

Other trading income represents café income and is recognised as received.

Rental income relates to hire of rooms and leasing of offices and is recognised in the period to which the rental relates.

1.5
Expenditure

All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for its expenditure. All costs have been directly attributed or proportionally charged to the functional categories of expenditure in the SOFA. Repairs and maintenance to premises are charged to current expenditure as incurred.

Expenditure on charitable activities comprises the non-capital costs of delivering the heritage project and the costs of the provision of community facilities and services. These costs are classified as direct charitable expenses.

Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. The costs include those related to statutory audit, legal fees and costs of trustees' meetings.

All remaining costs are classified as support costs. Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include building, office and admin costs and supporting marketing costs. These costs have been allocated to the expenditure headings on a consistent basis.

1.6
Tangible fixed assets

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:

Freehold buildings
over 50 years on straight line basis
Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment
20% per annum on net book value at start of year
Cafe Fixtures & fittings
over 10 years on straight line basis

Freehold land and assets in the course of construction are not depreciated.

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.

Assets costing in excess of £1,000 are recognised.

In 2023 Trustees assessed that the estimated residual value of the building was in excess of cost and that as the property had been depreciated down to its estimated residual value no further depreciation is required.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

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).

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 23 -
1.8
Stocks

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.

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

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.

1.10
Financial instruments

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

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

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and 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 p aymen ts 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.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11
Taxation

As a registered charity, the company is exempt from corporation tax on surpluses arising from its charitable activities during the year.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 24 -
1.12
Employee benefits

The cost of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense.

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 charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’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.

The principal area of estimation uncertainty relates to the determination of the appropriate useful lives of the tangible fixed assets and the depreciation charges arising therefrom. These are as set out in the policy stated above.

3
Income from donations and grants
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
5,182
102,190
107,372
15,072
95,886
110,958
Donations and gifts
National Lottery Heritage Fund
-
100,590
100,590
-
80,886
80,886
L B Tower Hamlets
-
-
-
-
15,000
15,000
Fordham Supervision
-
1,600
1,600
-
-
-
Other Donations
5,182
-
5,182
3,425
-
3,425
Other
-
-
-
11,647
-
11,647
5,182
102,190
107,372
15,072
95,886
110,958
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 25 -
4
Other trading activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2026
2025
£
£
Cafe takings
61,649
55,683

Community programme

1,197
2,239
Other trading activities
62,846
57,922
5
Provision of community facilities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Rental income
451,859
467,972
6
Expenditure on raising funds and trading activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2026
2025
£
£
Trading costs

Fundraising advisory costs

899
899

Cafe costs

32,607
29,944
Staff costs
34,229
34,195
67,735
65,038
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 26 -
7
Expenditure on charitable activities
Provision of community facilities and services
Made in the East End
Fordham Supervision
Total
Provision of community facilities and services
Through the lens
Made in the East End
Total
2026
2026
2026
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
151,323
54,429
1,600
207,352
144,687
26,292
2,118
173,097
Depreciation and impairment
11,294
-
-
11,294
12,059
-
-
12,059
Direct Costs
197,270
46,161
-
243,431
197,670
51,726
750
250,146
359,887
100,590
1,600
462,077
354,416
78,018
2,868
435,302
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
59,233
-
-
59,233
62,623
-
-
62,623
Governance
20,611
-
-
20,611
12,612
-
-
12,612
439,731
100,590
1,600
541,921
429,651
78,018
2,868
510,537
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
439,731
-
-
439,731
414,651
-
-
414,651
Restricted funds
-
100,590
1,600
102,190
15,000
78,018
2,868
95,886
439,731
100,590
1,600
541,921
429,651
78,018
2,868
510,537
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 27 -
8
Support costs allocated to activities
2026
2025
£
£
Staff costs
29,595
33,221
Building & facilities
12,759
13,809
Professional fees
2,229
1,904
Admin & finance costs
11,592
11,355
HR Costs
1,251
1,004
Travel & Subsistence
517
126
Subscriptions
1,290
1,204
Governance costs
20,611
12,612
79,844
75,235
Analysed between:
Provision of community facilities and services
79,844
75,235
2026
2025
Governance costs comprise:
£
£
Audit fees
9,965
9,805
Other
10,646
2,807
20,611
12,612
9
Net movement in funds
2026
2025
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
9,965
9,805
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
11,294
12,059
10
Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year (2025: None).

11
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2026
2025
Number
Number
11
11
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
11
Employees
(Continued)
- 28 -
Employment costs
2026
2025
£
£
Wages and salaries
245,555
218,368
Social security costs
22,125
19,361
Other pension costs
3,496
2,784
271,176
240,513
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
2026
2025
Number
Number
£60,001 to £70,000
1
1
Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

2026
2025
£
£
Aggregate compensation
140,150
119,950

The key management personnel included the Chief Executive, Operations Manager, Café Manager and Arts & Heritage Producer.

12
Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax ation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 29 -
13
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold buildings
Cafe Fixtures & fittings
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2025
4,901,896
292,646
5,194,542
Additions
2,470
-
2,470
At 31 March 2026
4,904,366
292,646
5,197,012
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2025
961,481
240,978
1,202,459
Depreciation charged in the year
-
11,294
11,294
At 31 March 2026
961,481
252,272
1,213,753
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
3,942,885
40,374
3,983,259
At 31 March 2025
3,940,415
76,741
3,992,083

Freehold property is included in the accounts at a historic valuation from 1978 which is treated as a deemed cost. In the opinion of the Trustees the property now has a value considerably more than this.

14
Stocks
2026
2025
£
£
Café purchase for resale
1,905
1,772
15
Debtors
2026
2025
£
£
Trade debtors
27,494
29,798
Other debtors
217
420
Prepayments and accrued income
24,968
25,170
52,679
55,388
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 30 -
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2026
2025
£
£
Borrowings
41,104
39,538
Other taxation and social security
14,139
13,705
Trade creditors
40,939
34,419
Other creditors
2,672
1,715
Accruals and deferred income
106,793
200,669
205,647
290,046
17
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2026
2025
£
£
Other loans
569,758
610,963
Trade creditors
20,655
23,255
590,413
634,218
18
Loans and overdrafts
2026
2025
£
£
Other loans
610,862
650,501
Payable within one year
41,104
39,538
Payable after one year
569,758
610,963

The Loan from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is secured on the property and was drawn on the basis that monthly repayments would be made from May 2019 to April 2034. Full loan repayments of capital and interest began in April 2023 after a term of interest-only payments which was previously agreed with LB of Tower Hamlets.

19
Retirement benefit schemes
2026
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
3,496
2,784

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.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 31 -
20
Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity compri se the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be use d.

At 1 April 2025
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
NLHF (Made in The East End)
-
100,590
(100,590)
-
Fordham Supervision
-
1,600
(1,600)
-
-
102,190
(102,190)
-
Previous year:
At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
NLHF (Made in The East End)
-
2,868
(2,868)
-
NLHF (Through the Lens)
-
78,018
(78,018)
-
LB Tower Hamlets Carbon Reduction
-
15,000
(15,000)
-
-
95,886
(95,886)
-

National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) - ‘Made in the East End’ is a two year project to deliver inspiring heritage projects focused on four themes: British Somali Heritage Programme with artist residencies; Community Curators Programme to co-curate three heritage exhibitions; East End Textile Heritage including a community banner-making project and Working-Class Writing includes writing workshops for 90 pupils and publication of new anthology of writing

National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) - ‘Through the Lens’ was a two-year project exploring Oxford House’s diverse post-war history through the experiences of three local communities: women, young people, and the Somali community

LB Tower Hamlets Carbon Reduction - Greening the House' project to install LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

Fordham Supervision - For hosting Fordham University social work placement student and providing support, supervision and professional development.

THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 32 -
21
Unrestricted funds - Designated

These are designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

At 1 April 2025
Transfers
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
Fixed asset fund
3,290,006
42,017
3,332,023
Previous year:
At 1 April 2024
Transfers
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
Fixed asset fund
3,251,919
38,087
3,290,006

The fixed asset fund represents the land, buildings and improvement to property assets, which are required to be held in running the day to day activities of the charity but are not readily available as cash to support the activities.

22
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
funds
funds
general
Designated
2026
2026
2026
£
£
£
At 31 March 2026:
Tangible assets
40,374
3,942,885
3,983,259
Current assets/(liabilities)
(15,377)
-
(15,377)
Long term liabilities
20,449
(610,862)
(590,413)
45,446
3,332,023
3,377,469
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
funds
funds
general
Designated
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets
51,668
3,940,415
3,992,083
Current assets/(liabilities)
46,726
(39,543)
7,183
Long term liabilities
(23,352)
(610,866)
(634,218)
75,042
3,290,006
3,365,048
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 33 -
23
Contingent liabilities

The land and Buildings of The Oxford House at Bethnal Green are subject to two charges to secure the loan provided in August 2008, to carry out improvements to the building. The charges are held by;

1) The Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund

2) The Mayor and Burgesses of London Borough of Tower Hamlets

These charges state that the Trustees of The Oxford House at Bethnal Green cannot dispose of, change use or make significant alterations without prior approval from the above parties.

The trustees are also required to repair, maintain and insure the property as requested by the above parties.

24
Related party transactions

The charity Oxford House Development Trust is a connected charity. There were no receipts or payments between Oxford House in Bethnal Green and this connected charity during the year (20 2 4:£nil).

Jane Earl is a trustee of Maslaha (resident company who rent office space in Oxford House) and membership secretary of Tower Hamlets U3a (who hire space for activities), Linda Kaur is the owner of a property adjoining Oxford House: and Jeremy Lee is the co-director of Forest Ventures Limited (resident company who rent office space in Oxford House).

25
Non-audit services provided by auditor

In common with many businesses of our size and nature we use our auditor with the preparation of the financial statements.

26
Cash generated from operations
2026
2025
£
£
Surplus for the year
12,421
61,277
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
-
-
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
14,213
12,059
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in stocks
(133)
(415)
Decrease in debtors
2,709
14,687
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(88,565)
96,701
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(59,355)
184,309
Difference
(454,778)
(467,972)
Per cash flow statement page
(514,133)
(283,663)
The fall in creditors is due to deferred income being spent in the year.
THE OXFORD HOUSE IN BETHNAL GREEN
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 34 -
27
Analysis of changes in net (debt)/funds
At 1 April 2025
Cash flows
At 31 March 2026
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
240,069
(104,383)
135,686
Loans falling due within one year
(39,538)
(1,566)
(41,104)
Loans falling due after more than one year
(610,963)
41,205
(569,758)
(410,432)
(64,744)
(475,176)
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