1.
General Information
Lifebridge ASEND
is a private company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number
09687513
and registered charity number
1172089
. The registered office is Susan Issacs Building, Vernon Street, Bolton, BL1 2XN.
In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity
2.
Accounting Policies
2.1.
Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "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)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011
The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, in sterling (functional currency), on a going concern basis. Amounts are rounded to the nearest £1.
2.2.
Going Concern Disclosure
The trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
In making this assessment, the trustees have considered the charity’s current financial position, available reserves, expected future income and expenditure, grant funding arrangements and cash flow forecasts.
The trustees consider that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
2.3.
Significant judgements and estimations
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions which affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors considered relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The key estimates and judgements in these financial statements relate to the useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets, the allocation of costs between charitable activities and support costs, the recognition and deferral of grant income, and the recoverability of debtors.
The trustees review these judgements and estimates on an ongoing basis and revise them where necessary.
2.4.
Fund Accounting
2.4.
Fund Accounting - continued
General unrestricted fund
The general unrestricted fund represents funds available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the charity’s general charitable objectives.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds represent income received for specific purposes imposed by funders or donors. Expenditure is charged against restricted funds where it is incurred in accordance with the restrictions attached to the income.
Transfers between funds are made where expenditure has satisfied the terms of a restricted fund, or where assets purchased from restricted funds are transferred for ongoing use by the charity in accordance with the charity’s accounting treatment.
Restricted Fixed Asset funds
Restricted fixed asset funds represents income received for purchase of capital purchases imposed by the funders or donors
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
This fund represents grant income received to support the delivery of the charity’s education, skills, independence and employability activities.
...CONTINUED
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
Department for Education
This fund represents restricted funding received for capital and/or project purposes in accordance with the funding conditions.
Depreciation reserve / fixed asset restricted funds
Where capital assets have been acquired from restricted funds, the related fund balance is released or transferred in accordance with the charity’s accounting treatment as the restriction is satisfied.
2.5.
Incoming Resources
Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Grant income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the grant, any performance-related conditions have been met and the income can be measured reliably. Where grant income is received in advance of the related activity, or where performance conditions have not yet been met, the income is deferred and released to income in the period in which the related activity is delivered.
Income from charitable activities comprises income receivable in respect of services and activities provided in furtherance of the charity’s charitable objectives, including education, skills and employability programmes.
Donations and other voluntary income are recognised when received or when the charity has entitlement to the income.
Government Grant Income Accounting Policy
Government grants are recognised as income when the charity has entitlement to the grant, receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably.
Where a grant contains performance-related conditions, income is recognised only when those conditions have been met. Amounts received before the recognition criteria are satisfied are included within creditors as deferred income.
Grants are classified as restricted funds where the donor has specified how the funds must be used. Grants without such restrictions are credited to unrestricted funds.
Government grants relating to the purchase of fixed assets are recognised as income in accordance with the above policy. The related assets are capitalised and depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives
2.6.
Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified between costs of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. Expenditure on charitable activities includes the direct costs of delivering the charity’s programmes and services, together with an allocation of support costs.
Governance costs comprise the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit and professional fees.
2.7.
Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes the original purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into working condition for its intended use.
Individual fixed assets costing more than £150 are capitalised. Items below this amount are charged to expenditure in the year of purchase unless they form part of a larger capital project.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their estimated residual value over their estimated useful economic lives. Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Leasehold property improvements: over the shorter of the lease term and estimated useful economic life
Plant and equipment: over 5 years
Fixtures and equipment: over 4 years
Motor vehicles: over 3 years
The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed annually.
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
| Leasehold Property Improvements |
|
| Plant & Machinery |
|
| Motor Vehicles |
|
| Fixtures & Fittings |
|
2.8.
Leasing and Hire Purchase Contracts
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The charity occupies the Susan Isaacs building under a 28-year lease agreement with The Borough Council of Bolton dated 28 March 2024. The lease is at a peppercorn rent, if demanded. The charity is responsible for insurance, rates and utilities on demand. As the rent is peppercorn and no rent was paid in the year, no lease rental expense has been recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Any future commitments in respect of non-cancellable operating leases are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
2.9.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
2.10.
Support cost allocation
Support costs are those costs which assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. They include management, administration, finance, premises, IT, HR and other central support costs.
Support costs are allocated to charitable activities and, where applicable, raising funds on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Costs are allocated directly where possible, with shared costs apportioned on a reasonable basis such as staff time, headcount, usage or another basis considered appropriate by the trustees.
2.11.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
Debtors are reviewed for recoverability and any impairment is recognised where there is objective evidence that the amount may not be recoverable.
2.12.
Creditors and accruals
Creditors and accruals are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event and it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation.
Creditors and accruals are measured at the settlement amount due.
3.
Income from Donations and Legacies
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts |
|
|
4.
Income from Charitable Activities
| 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds £ | Restricted funds £ | Total funds £ | |
| Education, support and development services for young people and adults with SEND |
|
|
|
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
| 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds £ | Restricted funds £ | Total funds £ | |
| Education, support and development services for young people and adults with SEND |
|
|
|
Income from charitable activities
Income from charitable activities comprises income receivable in relation to the charity’s principal activities, including education and skills provision, employability programmes, Lifebridge Plus services and associated grant-funded activities.
Grant income is recognised when the charity is entitled to the income and any performance-related conditions have been met. Income received in advance of the period in which the related services are delivered is deferred.
Charitable Income Heading Fund treatment
Bolton Metropolitan Restricted
Education and Skills Funding Agency Restricted
Department for Education Restricted
Lifebridge Plus Unrestricted
Other Charitable activity income As applicable
5.
Income from Other Trading Activities
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds | Unrestricted funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Cafe and Breakfast club income | 1,550 | - |
| Other income | 868 | 754 |
|
|
|
|
6.
Government Grants
Government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Bolton LA | 363,496 | 276,810 |
| Department for Education | 557,275 | 469,382 |
| DFE Capital Grant | 32,883 | 31,063 |
| 953,654 | 777,255 | |
7.
Net Income/(Expenditure)
The net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned | 51,060 | 43,164 |
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
8.
Analysis of Expenditure
| 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities undertaken directly | Support costs (see note 9 ) |
Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Education, support and development services for young people and adults with SEND |
|
|
|
| 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities undertaken directly | Support costs (see note 9 ) |
Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Raising funds |
|
|
|
| Education, support and development services for young people and adults with SEND |
|
|
|
| 745,436 |
|
921,667 | |
Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises costs incurred in delivering the charity’s services and activities for its beneficiaries, including education, employability and independence programmes.
Direct costs are allocated to the activity to which they relate. Support costs are allocated between activities on a reasonable basis, including staff time, usage, headcount or another basis considered appropriate by the trustees.
Activity
Lifebridge Plus
Independence Pathway
Employability Pathway
9.
Support Costs
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Education, support and development services for young people and adults with SEND | |
| £ | |
| Employee costs | 3,117 |
| Premises expenses | 38,536 |
| General administration | 126,609 |
| Depreciation | 51,060 |
|
|
|
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Education, support and development services for young people and adults with SEND | |
| £ | |
| Employee costs | 2,054 |
| Premises expenses | 40,199 |
| General administration | 90,814 |
| Depreciation | 43,164 |
|
|
|
|
2025
|
2024
|
||
|
£
|
£
|
||
|
Audit and Independent Examination Services
|
8520
|
2448
|
|
|
Accountancy and Professional Fees
|
2222
|
13436
|
|
![1](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 80 2" preserveAspectRatio="none"> <line x1="0" y1="1" x2="80" y2="1" stroke="black" shape-rendering="crispEdges"/> </svg>){kind=small} 10,742 |
15,884 |
||
![1](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 80 5" preserveAspectRatio="none"> <line x1="0" y1="1" x2="80" y2="1" stroke="black" shape-rendering="crispEdges"/> <line x1="0" y1="4" x2="80" y2="4" stroke="black" shape-rendering="crispEdges"/> </svg>){kind=small}
|
|
10.
Auditor's Remuneration
During this year we have audit fees of £8,520.
In the prior year it was an Independent Examination which the charity incurred fees payable of £2448
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Audit Services | |||
| Audit of the company's financial statements |
|
|
|
These figures are for Audit and Independent Examination Services
11.
Staff Costs
The charity does not directly employ the majority of staff involved in delivering its activities. Staff are seconded from Rumworth School and recharged to the charity. The recharge reflects the costs incurred in providing staff to deliver the charity’s activities. This arrangement enables the charity to access appropriate staffing and expertise while maintaining transparency over the costs of service delivery.
Staff costs disclosed in these financial statements include amounts recharged by Rumworth School in respect of staff services provided to the charity.
|
2025
|
2024
|
||
|
£
|
£
|
||
|
Wages and Salaries
|
633,279
|
520,691
|
|
|
Employers National Insurance
|
71,623
|
52,177
|
|
|
Pension Contributions
|
158,006
|
123,442
|
|
|
Total Costs
|
862,908
|
696,310
|
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
12.
Average Number of Employees
Average number of staff during the year was: 21 (2024: 20)
13.
Prior Period Errors
Deferred Income
During the year, the trustees identified that grant income had previously been deferred although the charity had satisfied the relevant income-recognition criteria and there were no outstanding performance-related conditions. The comparative figures have therefore been restated to remove the deferred income liability.
An adjustment of £46,262 has been made to increase the opening balance of restricted funds at 1 September 2023. As the deferred income balance had reduced to £45,658 by 31 August 2024, income and the net movement in funds for the comparative year have been reduced by £604. Consequently, deferred income at 31 August 2024 has been reduced by £45,658, with a corresponding increase in restricted funds and total net assets.
Capital Income
In addition, capital income of £31,063, relating to assets held for restricted charitable purposes, was previously included within the charity’s general restricted income funds. This balance has been reclassified to a restricted fixed asset fund to reflect the nature and continuing restriction of the underlying assets. This reclassification has no effect on total restricted funds, total net assets, income or expenditure.
The effect of the prior period adjustment is as follows:
|
Financial Statement Item
|
Previously Reported £
|
Deferred income correction £
|
Fund reclassification £
|
31st Aug 2024
Restated £
|
|
Opening restricted funds at 01/09/2023
|
191,820
|
46,262
|
55,248
|
293,330
|
|
Income for the year ended 31/08/2024
|
976,114
|
(604)
|
975,510
|
|
|
Net income/ movement in funds for the year ending 31/08/2024
|
54,445
|
(604)
|
53,841
|
|
|
Deferred income at 31/08/2024
|
45,658
|
-45,658
|
0
|
|
|
Restricted fixed asset fund at 31/08/2024
|
81,900
|
81,900
|
||
|
Total restricted funds at 31/08/2024
|
205,584
|
45,658
|
81,900
|
333,142
|
|
Total funds/ net assets at 31/08/2024
|
316,437
|
45,658
|
362,096
|
Charitable Activities Expenditure
The difference between the unrestricted and restricted fund brought forward is the £24,802 depreciation being credited from unrestricted to restricted due to the reclassification of the fixed assets from the general unrestricted fund to the restricted fixed asset fund
14.
Tangible Assets
| Land & Property | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leasehold Property Improvements | Plant & Machinery | Motor Vehicles | Fixtures & Fittings | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | |||||
| As at 1 September 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Additions |
|
|
|
|
|
| As at 31 August 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
...CONTINUED
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
| Depreciation | |||||
| As at 1 September 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Provided during the period |
|
|
|
|
|
| As at 31 August 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Net Book Value | |||||
| As at 31 August 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
| As at 1 September 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to leasehold property improvements relate to capital works carried out to the Susan Isaacs building, which is occupied by the charity under a long-term lease. Depreciation on these additions has been charged within leasehold property improvements over the expected useful economic life of the improvements, being no longer than the remaining lease term.
15.
Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Due within one year | |||
| Trade debtors |
|
|
|
| Other debtors | 10,954 | 7,058 | |
|
|
|
||
16.
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade creditors |
|
|
|
| Accruals and deferred income | 27,242 | 54,500 | |
|
|
|
||
17.
Other Commitments
Operating lease commitments
On 28 March 2024, the charity entered into a 28-year lease agreement with The Borough Council of Bolton for the Susan Isaacs building. The lease is at a peppercorn rent, if demanded. The charity is responsible for insurance, rates and utilities on demand. No rent was payable or paid during the year. The lease expires on 27 March 2052.
18.
Movement in Funds
| As at 1 September 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | As at 31 August 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General: | |||||
| General unrestricted fund |
|
|
( |
|
|
| Restricted funds | |||||
| Restricted Funds | 250,638 | 921,375 | (959,746) | - | 212,267 |
...CONTINUED
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
| Restricted Fixed Asset | 81,900 | - | (27,346) | 32,883 | 87,437 |
| DFE Capital Income | - | 32,883 | - | (32,883) | - |
| Total restricted funds |
|
|
( |
|
|
| Total funds |
|
|
( |
|
|
| As at 1 September 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | As at 31 August 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General: | |||||
| General unrestricted fund |
|
|
( |
|
|
| Restricted funds | |||||
| Restricted Funds | 217,691 | 746,192 | (713,245) | - | 250,638 |
| Restricted Fixed Asset | 55,854 | - | (24,802) | 50,848 | 81,900 |
| DFE Capital Income | 19,785 | 31,063 | - | (50,848) | - |
| Total restricted funds |
|
|
( |
|
|
| Total funds |
|
|
( |
|
|
The trustees have reviewed the classification of School Condition Allocation (SCA) and other DfE capital funding. It was concluded that balances relating to assets funded by SCA and DfE capital grants are more appropriately presented within a restricted Capital Income fund. Accordingly, a transfer of £31,063 has been made from restricted funds to restricted DFE Capital Income Funds in the year ended 31 August 2024. This reclassification has no impact on total funds, net assets or the results for the prior year. In the year ended 31 August 2024, as reclassified, and 31 August 2025 capital grant income has been reflected within the restricted fixed asset fund.
The movement from the DFE Capital Income to the Restricted Fixed Asset fund occurs as the grant is spent
The 2024 funds are restated as per note 13
19.
Transactions with Trustees
None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.
No trustee expenses have been incurred.
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
20.
Related Party Disclosures
Related party transactions
- Rumworth School is considered a related party due to the close working relationship between the charity and the school, and because staff involved in delivering the charity’s activities are seconded from Rumworth School. During the year, Rumworth School recharged staff costs and other costs to the charity in respect of services provided to support the delivery of the charity’s activities. These recharges were made on a cost-recovery basis and in the ordinary course of operations.
- Jennifer Dunne is the head teacher of Rumworth and also a Trustee of Lifebridge Asend
- Caroline Dawson is the Deputy head teacher of Rumworth and also a Trustee of Lifebridge Asend
- Josh and Hope Hutchby are the son and daughter of Caroline Dawson
|
Related party transaction
|
2025
|
2024
|
|
|
Staff costs recharged
|
£910,906
|
£724,917
|
|
|
Management fee
|
£50,573
|
£32,500
|
|
|
Other Charges
|
£2,114
|
£1,094
|
|
|
Amount outstanding at year end for Rumworth School staff charges
|
£79,051
|
£116,976
|
|
|
|
|
Josh Hutchby and Hope Hutchby
Son and daughter of Caroline Dawson, Trustee and Director of Lifebridge Asend
Amounts paid in the financial years 23-24 (£0 for both Josh and Hope) 24-25 (Josh £0 and Hope £7,928).
Josh and Hope are employed through Rumworth School and Caroline was not involved in their recruitment to Rumworth School and was not involved in the recruitment for the part-time, fixed term posts that each hold at LifeBridge ASEND
The recruitment process for the permanent posts that both Josh and Hope were recruited to at Rumworth School followed the standard Rumworth recruitment process of interviews and tasks carried out by members of the senior leadership team. As part of the Rumworth staff team, both Josh and Hope were included in the allstaff emails detailing subsequent posts that were advertised for LifeBridge.
LifeBridge ASEND have a Service Level Agreement in place with Rumworth School that includes HR support for recruitment and onboarding to ensure any recruitment and subsequent contract and pay award is carried out appropriately.
Recruitment of Josh Hutchby to LifeBridge ASEND post
Following an internal advert to all staff at Rumworth School and LifeBridge for two temporary fixed term, part-time teaching posts for September 2025 to August 2026 (to be based at LifeBridge), Josh then applied and was successfully recruited to a 0.4 post. As is the case for all posts at LifeBridge, Josh is employed there via Rumworth School with the payroll costs recharged to LifeBridge ASEND. Caroline was not involved in that recruitment process, which was carried out by other members of SLT.
Recruitment of Hope Hutchby to LifeBridge ASEND post
Following an internal advert in December 2024 which went to all staff at Rumworth and LifeBridge and as an external advert on greater.jobs, for a temporary part-time fixed term TA4 post for the equivalent of two days (to be based at LifeBridge), Hope applied and was successfully recruited to a post for two days, starting on 27/01/2025 and agreed as Thursday and Friday as that fitted in best with her role as a TA2 at Rumworth which was needed Monday to Wednesday. As is the case for all posts at LifeBridge, Hope is employed there via Rumworth School with the payroll costs recharged to LifeBridge ASEND. Caroline was not involved in that recruitment process, which was carried out by other members of SLT.
Caroline has declared that Josh has been recruited to a post at LifeBridge, but this was from September 2025 therefore he does not show on the 24-25 salaries spreadsheet as was not employed at LifeBridge in the financial year that is being audited.
The pay of all successful candidates for all posts at Rumworth, including those staff deployed to LifeBridge, is determined by Bolton Council associated pay scale and the Rumworth headteacher according to the teacher's relevant point on the national teacher pay scales (with any relevant pro-rata for part-time posts then being applied).
Lifebridge ASEND
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
For The Year Ended 31 August 2025
21.
Company limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £10.
22.
KMP disclosure and higher paid employees
Key management personnel
The trustees consider the key management personnel of the charity to comprise the trustees and the senior management
team. The total employee benefits, including employer pension and employer national insurance contributions, of the key
management personnel were £112,476 (2024: £102,432).
For higher paid staff charges:
The number of staff whose salary benefits, excluding employer pension contributions, exceeded £60,000 was as
follows:
|
Band
|
2024
|
2025
|
|
|
£60,001 - £70,000
|
1
|
0
|
|
|
£70,001 - £80,000
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
£80,001 - £90,000
|
0
|
1
|
|
|
£90,001 - £100,000
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
2
|
2
|