1. Purpose and Scope
This policy establishes the framework for the receipt, management, and recognition of all incoming resources for the Seven Hills Educational Trust (the "Trust"). As a charity dedicated to establishing independent schools that elevate the academic and moral achievements of bright, economically deprived children, the Trust relies on a robust and transparent financial framework to fulfil its charitable objectives.
This policy ensures compliance with the Charity Commission for England and Wales guidelines and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102). It applies to all Trustees, school administrators, finance personnel, and volunteers involved in generating or processing income.
2. Principles of Income Generation
All income-generating activities must align with the Trust’s core mission. The Trust will not accept funds if the source conflicts with its moral and ethical values, or if accepting the funds poses a reputational risk that could hinder the Trust's ability to operate its schools.
3. Primary Sources of Income
3.1. Tuition Fees
Whilst the Trust’s primary beneficiaries are children, tuition fees represent a vital income stream (either paid in part by families, or subsidised through bursaries and external sponsorships).
3.2. Donations and Voluntary Income
The Trust actively seeks philanthropic support to fund its operations, capital projects, and bursary programmes.
Gift Aid: The Trust will maximise income by claiming Gift Aid on all eligible donations from UK taxpayers. Donors must provide a valid Gift Aid declaration.
3.3. Grants
Grants from foundations, government bodies, or corporate trusts are essential for capital expenditure and targeted educational programmes.
Application and Approval: All grant applications must be reviewed by the finance team to ensure the Trust can meet the proposed conditions before submission.
Grant Conditions: Upon receipt, grant terms must be thoroughly reviewed. Monies must be ring-fenced as Restricted Funds where applicable, and the finance team will maintain a schedule of reporting deadlines to ensure full compliance with the grantor's terms.
4. Income Recognition (SORP FRS 102 Compliance)
Incoming resources will be recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the Trust meets the following three criteria:
(a) Entitlement: The Trust has explicit and verifiable control over the rights to the resource.
(b) Probable: It is more likely than not that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Trust.
(c) Measurement: The monetary value of the incoming resource can be measured reliably.
5. Know Your Donor (KYD) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Given the potential for high-value donations or lump-sum fee payments, the Trust will remain vigilant against money laundering.
The finance team will conduct appropriate due diligence on any single donation or fee payment exceeding £5,000, or a series of linked transactions from an unknown source.
Anonymous donations over £5,000 will be reported to the Charity Commission as a Serious Incident if the Trustees cannot satisfy themselves as to the funds' legitimate origins.