The trustees 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 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 Emerald Centre (formerly known as The Leicester Irish Sports and Cultural Association) was established as a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2006. Located in the east of Leicester, the Centre operates from premises leased from Leicester City Council, with 14 years remaining on the current lease. The Community Centre was originally funded through Leicester City Council's Single Regeneration Budget and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Emerald Centre’s charitable objectives, as set out in its Governing Document, are:
To provide a community centre for people living within the Greater Humberstone area, now designated as Troon Ward, with particular emphasis on excluded and disadvantaged groups.
To create opportunities for ethnic minority groups to work together and foster improved community relations.
To provide training, recreational, cultural activities for Irish Travellers, older people and local communities.
To provide an advice centre with access to second- tier co-ordination and training services, particularly advice and guidance to promoting healthy living and recognising the racial and social diversity of the local area.
The Charity achieves these objectives through the delivery of a broad range of services, including training programmes, advice and guidance services, health and wellbeing initiatives, and community-based activities.
Through effective partnership working with external agencies, these services have enabled local residents to access training, educational opportunities and advisory support, contributing positively to the long-term economic and social development of the community.
The Charity also seeks to improve community health and wellbeing through widening access to sporting activities and health-related programmes.
Mission Statement
The Emerald Centre's mission statement, adopted in January 2020, is:
"To promote and enable inclusive activities which embrace and address the education, training, employment, welfare, health, social, cultural and recreational needs of the local community and wider district, including the Irish Diaspora."
The Charity's principal source of revenue funding has traditionally been the Irish Government's Emigrant Support Programme, which primarily supports the needs of the Irish community across Leicester and Leicestershire. Additional funding has been secured from a variety of grant programmes and funding streams to support the wider community, particularly those most in need.
Public Benefit
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the Charity's activities provide clear public benefit in furtherance of its charitable objectives.
Since April 2023, service delivery has continued to be guided by the Charity's objectives, with Trustees regularly monitoring activities to ensure they remain aligned with the Charity's purposes.
The Emerald Centre has continued to meet the objectives of the Irish Government's Emigrant Support Programme by addressing the evolving needs of first, second and third-generation members of the Irish Diaspora. Particular emphasis has been placed on reducing loneliness and social isolation among vulnerable older people through educational, recreational and social programmes.
The Centre's outreach "Late Life Wishes " befriending project has continued to demonstrate the value of one-to-one support, enabling isolated elderly individuals to engage with group activities and maintain their independence.
Weekly activities delivered at the Centre have included:
Walking groups
Luncheon clubs
Advice and information sessions
Adult education classes in English to Speakers of other languages
Armchair aerobics
Creative arts sessions
Bingo and social activities
Additional support is provided through drop-in one-to-one advice sessions in managing debt, accessing welfare benefits and practical assistance to help individuals access digital, i.e. completing applications for Irish and British passports and navigating the NHS App, increasing confidence and independence in managing healthcare needs. Evening activities including quiz nights, film and literary evenings, Irish language classes and Comhaltas music sessions.
Members have also been offered opportunities to participate in social outings and visits to partner Irish community organisations both locally and nationally.
Accessibility for older and less mobile members has been supported through the Centre's minibus transport service.
These activities have contributed significantly to reducing loneliness and isolation while improving health, wellbeing and social connectedness among members and their families.
The Emerald Centre also maintains and facilitates use of its football facilities, including the only full-size Gaelic football pitch in Leicestershire. The Centre serves as the home ground of Leicester Naomh Padraig Gaelic Football Club and regularly hosts teams from across the UK.
The Centre's licensed bar and function facilities continue to provide valuable community amenities and generate income through private functions, celebrations, anniversaries and funeral receptions.
Volunteers
The sustainability of the Charity's services relies heavily upon the commitment and contribution of volunteers, many of whom are recruited through the Centre's established user groups.
Volunteers support the delivery of regular activities and receive a formal induction, a Volunteer Handbook and ongoing support from staff. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place covering conduct, safeguarding and complaints. All relevant volunteers undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and are encouraged to develop their skills through training and development opportunities.
Volunteer contributions play a vital role in removing barriers to participation, particularly through the provision of transport services for older people.
The Charity's minibus service continues to be supported through fundraising efforts, notably those of the Wexford Cycling Group, whose annual sponsored cycling challenge raises significant funds for transport provision.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Charity's activities are monitored through monthly management reports prepared by the Centre Manager and presented to Trustee meetings. These reports enable Trustees to review operational performance, financial management, safeguarding matters, policies and procedures, and progress against objectives.
The Centre's activities are designed to meet identified community needs and are enhanced by the contributions of its user groups, including Naomh Padraig Gaelic Football Club, Comhaltas, the Irish Studies Group, the Irish Language Group and the GATE Project.
The Outreach Intensive Support Service continues to improve mental health and wellbeing through home visits, regular telephone contact, food parcel deliveries, hot meal provision and befriending support.
Increased participation in physical activity and social engagement has improved quality of life and reduced social isolation among members. During the year, senior members participated in visits to parks, heritage sites and attractions across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Safeguarding remains a key priority. Care plans are maintained for vulnerable members, supporting them through changing circumstances and ensuring appropriate referrals and transitions to statutory services where required.
The outreach team, complemented by the members of the Late Life Wishes Project, continues to provide practical support including home visits, prescription collection, accompaniment to medical appointments and assistance with recovery services. Demand for bereavement support has increased, with the Centre supporting members with funeral attendance, transport provision and hosting receptions.
The Charity has also supported an increasing number of older members transitioning into residential care. Through the Late Life Wishes Project, staff and volunteers have advocated on behalf of families, worked with Adult Social Care services and continued to support members through regular visits and participation in Centre activities wherever possible.
Support for family members and carers has also continued, recognising the emotional impact of bereavement and caring responsibilities.
The Centre promotes lifelong learning through partnerships with Leicester Adult Learning Service, Comhaltas and the Irish Language Group. These partnerships provide opportunities to improve digital skills, develop literacy in English and Gaelic Languages and participate in Irish music sessions.
Work experience placements have also been provided for students from local schools and colleges, enabling practical learning opportunities in hospitality, health and social care settings.
The Emerald Centre maintains an Irish Library, providing a valuable educational resource for both the local community and academic researchers.
During the year, the Centre hosted the annual St. Brigid's Day celebrations and facilitated Leicester's St Patrick's Day Parade, attracting over 350 attendees.
The Charity works closely with Northfield Food Bank offering advice and information to service users to address local food insecurity
User groups including the Emerald Seniors Luncheon Club, Milan Asian Elderly Women’s Lunch Club, Comhaltas, Irish Language Group and sport teams continue to organise a wide range of social, sporting and cultural activities throughout the year.
Local Schools
The Centre's playing fields continue to be used by neighbouring schools for sports activities and events throughout the academic year.
Funding Model
The Emerald Centre's sustainability is supported through a diverse funding model comprising:
Grant funding for staffing, overheads and programme delivery.
Philanthropic trusts and charitable foundations.
Premises lettings, including training rooms, function facilities and sports pitches.
Social enterprise income generated through the licensed bar.
Donations and fundraising activities.
Key Funding Relationships
The Charity's most significant funding relationship remains with the Irish Embassy through the Emigrant Support Programme. This funding supports three fulltime equivalent staff positions and contributes towards operational costs and the delivery of Leicester's annual St Patrick's Day celebrations.
The Charity also benefits from strong relationships with local voluntary sector organisations, enabling access to collaborative funding opportunities through organisations such as Reaching People Consortium and Voluntary Action Leicester.
The Trustees wish to record their appreciation to all funding bodies that have supported the Charity's work. These include the National Lottery Community Fund, People's Postcode Lottery, People's Health Trust, Ireland Funds Great Britain, Leicester City Council, Sport England, DEFRA, Leicester and Leicestershire Community Foundation, Power to Change, Comic Relief, The Football Association, Leicester City Football Foundation and numerous local corporate and community grant programmes.
The statement of financial activities shows total income of £163,149 for the year (2025: £153,241) and total expenditure of £192,063 (2025: £200,165), resulting in a net deficit of £28,914 (2025: deficit of 46,744).
At 31 March 2026, total funds carried forward amounted to £136,829, comprising unrestricted funds, designated and restricted funds. Further details are provided in the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves equivalent to six months of normal operating expenditure. This policy is intended to provide financial stability, ensure continuity of service delivery and enable the Charity to respond to unforeseen circumstances.
Whilst the trustees remain committed to maintaining this level of reserves, they recognise the continuing challenges faced by charities in securing sustainable funding and generating sufficient unrestricted income. The Charity's financial position and reserve levels are therefore reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate in light of operational requirements and future risks.
The trustees estimate normal ongoing annual costs to be between £125,000 and £200,000 per year. The charity had closing reserves of £136,829 as at the 31 March 2026. On the face of it that looks very encouraging. Of those reserves £99,839 are held within unrestricted and designated funds. However, with £36,990 held in restricted funds there are limitations on what these funds can be used for.
The figures show that we are in line with what we need but will need to monitor finances going forward to ensure we maintain sufficient reserves in order that the charity can operate in a position of confidence knowing in the medium term we can continue to support our service users.
The trustees believe the reserves to be above the stated policy. However, with some difficult times ahead the trustees believe there is a need for prudence and so are happy with the level of reserves at this moment.
Restricted Funds
The Charity reports a surplus on restricted funds of £1,212.
We received £105,620 in grants and donations and whilst on a number of projects we have fulfilled our outcomes there will be balances carried forward.
We brought forward £35,778 of restricted funds and we carry forward a balance of £36,990 to undertake the projects in line with donor requirements.
In respect of the Emigrant Support Programme, we always have a balance carried forward to cover the last quarter to the end of June. In respect of this fund there is £21,000 unspent as at the 31 March 2026 in respect of the Emigrant Support Programme. This is to cover ongoing costs up to the 30 June 2026 as funding runs from the 1 July to the following 30 June each year.
An additional element of the income received from the Emigrant Support Programme was for the Late Life Provision where we are also carrying forward an unspent amount of £8,870.
There are a number of other ongoing projects where we are carrying balances forward where details can be found in the restricted funds note at note 16 on page 18.
Unrestricted Funds
During the year the charity reported a deficit (after transfers to cover match match funding requirements) on its unrestricted funds. The overall deficit on general unrestricted funds was £30,126. We brought forward £102,684 of general unrestricted funds from the previous financial year and after the impact of the deficit, this leaves reserves of £72,558 to carry forward.
Designated Funds
In addition to the general unrestricted funds we have 2 designated funds. A general maintenance fund was set up to reserve funds to cover any major renovations or dilapidations as they might arise. There is balance of £7,281 on this fund carried forward. There were no movements in the year. There is also a general contingency fund of £20,000 specifically reserved to cover any unforeseen major expenditure arising and that cannot be met by our fundraising activities.
Risk Policy Statement
As part of their overall duties of management, the trustees must ensure that the major risks to which the company is exposed are reviewed and that systems are established to mitigate those risks. The trustees consider that a major risk is one, which if it materialised, would have a significant adverse impact on the charities ability to function and achieve its purposes as identified in its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The trustees recognise that risks can arise not only from the charity's activities but also from failure to act or exploit opportunities. The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that they have established systems to mitigate any significant operational or business risks.
On the 13 December 2006 The Emerald Centre was incorporated under the companies’ act 1985 as a private company limited by guarantee. On registration the company took over the assets and liabilities of the former unincorporated association Leicester Irish Sports & Cultural Association as at the 13 December 2006. This association was formed in 1996 and made considerable progress during the next 10 years prior to incorporation.
Governing Document
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, number 6028027 and is therefore governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The objects and powers are set out in the Memorandum of Association and regulated by the Articles of Association. All members of the charity will be approved by the Trustees and no employee of the company or relative of an employee is a member of the management committee. The management committee is responsible for setting the direction of the charity and establishing policy.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
The composition of the Board of Trustees is governed by the Charity’s Articles of Association which states that the Board should comprise of a minimum number of three members – there is no maximum number, although 10 would seem a manageable number to administer the charity.
The Board meets monthly, or more frequently, if required. There are sub committees covering sports and social activities. A manager, appointed by the Trustees, is responsible for day-to-day activities.
Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The Trustees may co-opt further trustees during the year who will serve until the following Annual General Meeting. The first directors, as required by the Articles of Association, resign at the first Annual General Meeting. Thereafter one third resigns at each Annual General Meeting.
All members are circulated with invitations prior to the Annual General Meeting, advising them of the names due to resign and requesting nominations for the Annual General Meeting. The Charity Commission’s publication: ‘The Essential Trustee – An Introduction’, is issued to provide guidance.
All directors of the company are also trustees of the charity. All of the directors stated below served throughout the year and continue to be both directors and trustees as at the date of signing of the report. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
Related Parties
The Charity has a related social enterprise which is known as the Emerald Trading Centre. The social enterprise is the licensed bar within the Community Centre. Profit, accrued through trading, is ploughed back into the Charity to support the charitable objectives of the Charity.
The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Emerald Centre (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The Emerald Centre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 450 Gipsy Lane, Leicester, LE5 0TB.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance 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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure and the objects of the charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance, with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measures at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans, which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
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.
Donations and legacies
Grants receivable
Fund raising
Social income
Other income
Field income
Rent
Fund raising
Other costs
Premises expenses
Project costs
Motor and travel costs
Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiners of £3,000 (2025- £3,000) for examination fees.
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, and none of them were reimbursed for travelling expenses (2025- £nil).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
No employee is allocated entirely to governance: an assessment of part of each employee's involvement in governance has been used as a basis for determining the above apportionment of costs.
For a full breakdown of costs please refer to attached income and expenditure accounts after the conclusion to the notes to the accounts.
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
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 restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.
The following are unrestricted funds specifically designated and ring fenced form other unrestricted funds.
During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:
The Emerald Trading Centre
A related party, The Emerald Trading Centre use the facilities of The Emerald Centre for which rent and service charges were charged in the year of £10,350 (2025: £7,417).
The Emerald Trading Centre did not pay a donation to the The Emerald Centre in the year (2025: £360).