Principal activities of the company

During the year, the Trustees undertook a strategic review of the Foundation's future role, activities and long-term sustainability. The Trustees concluded that, whilst the Foundation's charitable objectives remain closely aligned to the values of Ecology Building Society, the Foundation has remained relatively small in scale and has limited capacity to operate an independent charitable programme capable of delivering significant impact. The Trustees also recognised that the governance, administration and reporting requirements associated with operating a registered Charity require an ongoing commitment of resources that cannot be justified given the Foundation's current scale and level of activity. In considering the most effective use of the Foundation's remaining resources, the Trustees approved expenditure supporting community-focused banking initiatives and activities aligned to the Foundation's charitable objects. The Trustees were satisfied that these activities furthered the Foundation's aims of promoting sustainable development, supporting community regeneration and improving opportunities within disadvantaged communities. As a result, substantially all of the Foundation's available funds were applied during the year in furtherance of its charitable purposes. The Trustees believe that community and social impact can be delivered more effectively through initiatives undertaken directly by Ecology Building Society rather than through a separate charitable vehicle.

Political and charitable donations

Financial position The Charity reported income of £1,568 during the year, principally representing interest earned on cash deposits. Charitable expenditure totalled £63,583, resulting in a net deficit for the year of £62,015 (2025: surplus of £2,477). At 31 August 2026, total funds carried forward were £nil (2025: £62,015). The reduction in funds reflects the Trustees' decision to utilise the Foundation's remaining resources in support of activities that further its charitable purposes before considering the Foundation's future status. Reserves policy Historically, the Foundation maintained modest unrestricted reserves to support future charitable activity. Following the strategic review undertaken during the year, the Trustees no longer consider the accumulation of reserves to be an appropriate objective. Instead, the Trustees have sought to apply the Foundation's available resources in furtherance of its charitable purposes whilst minimising the ongoing administrative and governance costs associated with maintaining a separate charitable entity. At the year end, unrestricted reserves amounted to £nil (2025: £62,015).

Additional information

Following a review of the Foundation's activities, scale and future sustainability. The Trustees have reviewed the Foundation's activities, scale and future sustainability and have concluded that maintaining a standalone charitable foundation may no longer be the most effective means of delivering community benefit. The Trustees intend to commence the appropriate governance, legal and regulatory processes necessary to consider the Foundation's orderly closure, winding-up or transition to dormant status, as permitted by its governing document and applicable Charity law requirements. In reaching this conclusion, the Trustees considered: The Foundation's limited scale and resources; The ongoing governance and administrative requirements associated with operating a registered Charity; The ability of Ecology Building Society to deliver social and environmental impact directly; and The Trustees' desire to maximise community benefit whilst ensuring effective stewardship of charitable resources. Any remaining assets or obligations will be dealt with in accordance with the Foundation's governing document, Charity law requirements and Charity Commission guidance. The Trustees remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, community regeneration and social benefit, whether through the Foundation's remaining activities or directly through Ecology Building Society.

This report was approved by the board of directors on 21 October 2026
and signed on behalf of the board by:

Name: Helen McLoughlin
Status: Director