Company registration number 02360539 (England and Wales) Charity registration number 1003327 (England and Wales)
SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mr Harwinder Singh | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Pargat Singh | ||
| Country of incorporation | United Kingdom | 02360539 |
| (England and Wales) | ||
| Charity registration | England and Wales | 1003327 |
| Registered office | 40 Meadowbank | |
| Hitchin | ||
| Hertfordshire | ||
| SG4 0HY | ||
| Independent examiner | Tom Wilcox | |
| Counterculture Partnership LLP | ||
| 23 St Leonards Road | ||
| Bexhill-on-Sea | ||
| East Sussex | ||
| TN40 1HH |
SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 11 |
SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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 Sikh Education Council is a team of professional Sikh volunteers concentrating on esoteric teachings from the Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh history, working for the betterment of humankind. Amongst other educational projects, we commemorate key milestones in Sikh history by organising high-profile events to educate and empower people through the teachings of Guru Nanak.
To advance religion in accordance with the tenets and doctrines of the Sikh way of life and to promote the education of the public in accordance with the tenets and doctrines of Sikhi.
Public benefit
The trustees of the Sikh Education Council confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when exercising their powers and duties in the running of the charity.
The SEC actively furthers its charitable objectives by:
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delivering open-access educational programming;
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supporting schools and institutions via curricula and exhibitions;
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publishing scholarly research;
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hosting academic conferences and seminars pertaining to the Sikh way of life and the Punjabi language;
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engaging the broader community through commemorative events;
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engaging with Sikh institutions and places of worship to serve their congregations through information.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
The Sikh Education Council has significantly advanced its charitable objectives by educating and empowering individuals — from students and teachers to wider audiences — through high-quality courses, scholarly forums, cultural exhibitions, and communal events. The volunteer-led model ensures efficient use of resources while delivering lasting impact in cultural understanding, academic visibility, community cohesion, and youth engagement. - Operating transparently as a volunteer led charity, the Sikh Education Council continues to focus on education, religious understanding, and cultural heritage.
Financial review
The Sikh Education Council is a not for profit charitable organisation run by volunteers. Our financial position is proportionally healthy.
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Going concern
As described in our most recent UK Company Limited accounts under contingent liabilities.
The Sikh Education Council organised a fun day for children at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Hitchin on 25 July 2024. The Sikh Education Council arranged for Amazing Occasions, otherwise known as Herts Bouncy Castles, (the 'Company') to provide the fun day activities including a climbing wall. The Company set up and provided two trained operatives to operate and supervise the climbing wall. A child fell from the climbing wall and was injured. The Sikh Education Council has received a letter of claim from solicitors on behalf of the injured party and is in communication with the loss adjustors instructed by the Company's insurers.
There has been no update on the claim however as per the last communication in May 2025, the claimant is more focused on the other parties 'Amazing Occasions' who had complete control of the climbing wall, expertise and insurance.
Reserves policy
As at the year ended 31st March 2025, the amount of reserves held were £4,326 (2024: £4,439).
Structure, governance and management
The Sikh Education Council is a charitable company governed by both company law and charity law.
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:
Mr Harwinder Singh
Dr Pargat Singh
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The method for appointing trustees is set out in the governing document of the Sikh Education Council. Trustees are typically elected by the existing board of trustees, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the constitution. New trustees may be nominated based on relevant skills, experience, and alignment with the charity’s aims and values.
Where applicable, the governing document may allow for specific individuals or bodies to nominate or appoint trustees. However, as of the date of this report, no external body has exercised such a power. All appointments are made following careful consideration to ensure the board maintains a suitable mix of skills and perspectives to effectively govern the charity.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
.............................. eegh Dr Pargat Singh Chair
Date: ............................................. Thursday 5 March, 2026
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Sikh Education Council Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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.
Independent examiner's statement
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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 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
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4 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.
Tom Wilcox
Counterculture Partnership LLP 23 St Leonards Road Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN40 1HH Date: ............................ Thursday 5 March, 2026
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
| Notes | £ | £ | ||||
| Income from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 77,490 | 47,546 | |||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 8,816 | 1,812 | |||
| Total income | 86,306 | 49,358 | ||||
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 87,299 | 59,228 | |||
| Total expenditure | 87,299 | 59,228 | ||||
| Net expenditure and movement in funds | (993) | (9,870) | ||||
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||||||
| Fund balances at 1 April 2024 | 4,439 | 14,309 | ||||
| Fund balances at 31 March 2025 | 3,446 | 4,439 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Fixed assets | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 11 | 1,566 | 2,088 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 7,020 | 4,485 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 12 | ||||||
| one year | (5,140) | (2,134) | |||||
| Net current assets | 1,880 | 2,351 | |||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 3,446 | 4,439 | |||||
| The funds of the charity | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | 3,446 | 4,439 | ||||
| 3,446 | 4,439 |
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 2025.
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 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.
Thursday 5 March, 2026
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................
.............................. Poegh Dr Pargat Singh
Chair
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Sikh Education Council Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 40 Meadowbank, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0HY.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum of Association, 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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. 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.
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.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
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.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
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.
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:
Fixtures and fittings 25% on reducing balance basis
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.
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).
1.8 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.
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 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.
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.
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.9 Employee benefits
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.
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.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Donations and gifts | 77,490 | 47,546 | ||
| Income from charitable activities | ||||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |||
| funds | funds | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Total | ||||
| Ticket sales | 2,876 | 1,812 | ||
| Mobile Exhibitions | 940 | - | ||
| Award Income | 5,000 | - | ||
| 8,816 | 1,812 |
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4 Income from charitable activities
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Direct costs | ||||
| Depreciation and impairment | 522 | 418 | ||
| Printing costs | 1,078 | 928 | ||
| General expenses | 1,549 | 8,148 | ||
| IT software and consumables | - | 1,254 | ||
| Hanover square costs | 50,076 | 41,148 | ||
| Hitchin office costs | 6,024 | 1,822 | ||
| Subscriptions | 844 | 395 | ||
| Internal meeting expenses | 9,250 | 1,795 | ||
| Southall office costs | 2,500 | 2,000 | ||
| Legal expenses | 2,376 | - | ||
| Staff training | 880 | - | ||
| Awards expenses | 10,000 | - | ||
| 85,099 | 57,908 | |||
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 6) | ||||
| Governance | 2,200 | 1,320 | ||
| 87,299 | 59,228 | |||
| Analysis by fund | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 87,299 | 59,228 | ||
| 6 | Support costs allocated to activities | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Governance costs | 2,200 | 1,320 | ||
| Analysed between: | ||||
| Total | 2,200 | 1,320 | ||
| 7 | Net movement in funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | ||||
| Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial | ||||
| statements | 2,200 | 1,320 | ||
| Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets | 522 | 418 |
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
9 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures and | ||
| fittings | ||
| £ | ||
| Cost | ||
| At 1 April 2024 | 2,506 | |
| At 31 March 2025 | 2,506 | |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||
| At 1 April 2024 | 418 | |
| Depreciation charged in the year | 522 | |
| At 31 March 2025 | 940 | |
| Carrying amount | ||
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,566 | |
| At 31 March 2024 | 2,088 |
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 2,940 | 814 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 2,200 | 1,320 |
| 5,140 | 2,134 |
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SIKH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13 Unrestricted funds
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. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At | 1 April | Incoming |
Incoming |
Resources |
Resources |
At 31 |
March | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | resources | expended | 2025 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| General funds | 4,439 | 86,306 | (87,299) | 3,446 | |||||
| Previous year: | At | 1 April | Incoming |
Resources |
At 31 |
March | |||
| 2023 | resources | expended | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| General funds | 14,309 | 49,358 | (59,228) | 4,439 |
14 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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