GLOBAL LEARNING LEEDS
A N N U A L R E P O R T F O R 2 0 2 4 - 2 5
Grimes Dyke Primary School receiving thier Climate Learning Award from the Lord Mayor of Leeds Abigail Marshall- Katung and Fabian Hamilton MP at Leeds Global Learning Awards 2024
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
It’s been a year in which many of us look around our world and city, and view the future, with deep concern. So much seems to be going so wrong! But it has only renewed our passion as an organisation for global learning. Now more than ever, we need education which develops our understanding of the ways in which global justice, national security, and respect for our planet home are deeply interconnected with our personal wellbeing. We have collaborated with the national Global Learning Network on the Case for Global Learning engaging with MPs and advocating for global learning to be supported nationally as it is in Scotland and many other European countries.
A stand-out event this year was the Leeds Global Learning Awards (see ‘Events’) The response to our call out for nominations was incredible: so much amazing global learning is happening across our city and region. We hope that this event will be the first of many, celebrating and spreading wonderful practice in global learning and contributing to our shared understanding of how it can help prepare our young people for the challenges we face.
This year we have continued to diversify our funding streams and were delighted, for example, to be invited to apply for Community Recovery funding by Leeds City Council (see below). It was a great year, but there is so much work we would love to do if we could find the funding for it! Global Learning Leeds continues to hold significant reserves, with the interest from these put into use as an income stream to maintain activities. Over the next year, we will continue to work on diversifying and growing our funding to maintain this vital work.
Dr. Martin Wedell Chair, Global Learning leeds
PROJECTS
HAREHILLS: WE BELONG!
This year saw delivery of the first part of a project funded through the Community Recovery Fund – a programme targeted at areas that had seen riots in the summer of 2024.
The project brought together a fantastic group of Community Champions from KS2 in 3 Harehills schools; Hovingham, Harehills and Coop Nightingale. The children worked together through a series of weekly meetings to consider: identity, where we come from and stories of migration; what it means to belong and what happens when people don’t feel they belong; discrimination and racism. They also explored how we can all live well together in community where we all belong? The Community Champions took back their learning to their classes and introduced the themes to their peers, who then went home and discussed key questions at home too. They also made plans to put their reflections into a song and to share their learning through an exhibition in Harehills to invite the local community into their conversation as well as planning to share with other schools across Leeds through a Live Lesson. This project continues into the next year.
Children’s artwork exploring community and belonging.
CLIMATE JUSTICE HEROES
We were funded through the Leeds Community Foundation to support the development of a group of KS2 ‘Climate Justice Heroes’ at All Saints Primary school in Richmond Hill. Through a series of weekly sessions through the Autumn term, we prepared the children for their role as Climate Justice Heroes! They considered why climate change is happening, its impacts, what are people in Leeds and elsewhere doing about it and how can we change ourselves and others so as to work towards the future we want to see. We worked with Young Climate Warriors to support the children to complete weekly challenges at home with their families. They then led a celebration event at the end to which family members came, and made climate promises together.
One Year 5 girl was one of the quietest in the group during the sessions. Her parents were both working so couldn’t come to the event at which the children shared their learning. However, her older brother came and told us:
"I couldn't not come because she has been talking about it so much at home and she’s told us just how important it is!”
Between them they selected all the climate action promises that were available!
The All Saints Climate Justice Heroes are now working to lead school-wide climate action.
.
Families sharing their climate action promises at the end of the Climate Justice Hero project.
CLIMATE ACTION LEEDS
We continued to promote the climate curriculum with schools across Leeds, and packedout the Civic Hall at two events enabling schools to share good practice and gain recognition for their work on embedding climate into the curriculum, pupil action, carbon reduction and climate justice. At our Climate schools conference in March young people and teachers spent time learning from each other about their work through a ‘world café’ style carousel. We created a film to showcase all this amazing work which has been shared to inspire all schools across the city (and more widely across West Yorkshire) via Leeds City Council, Leeds Climate Commission (Schools) and the Leeds Learning Alliance.
Climate Action Leeds funding enabled staff teams in West and East Leeds schools to access our impactful face-to-face Climate Curriculum CPD course, which is supported by an online platform created in partnership with, and featuring talks by, University of Leeds climate scientists.
Pupils sharing their climate work with other pupils at the March climate schools conference.
CROSS GREEN GROWING TOGETHER YOUTH GROUP
Funded by the Cheshire Community Fund: Brighter Futures, we partnered with Hyde Park Source to run a 5-month programme for young people to improve their understanding of sustainability and foster well-being and a sense of responsibility for the local area through growing food, cooking together and interacting with nature in the incredible Cross Green Growing Together garden.
“Even though it’s fun it teaches us stuff like how to cope and how to make fires” Naod “It’s been a fantastic time and I met new people and I learned how to cook things I haven't eaten before” Ahmad
“I’ve learned new skills like how to garden and to grow stuff as well” Jumila
“He found friends, last year he didn't have any. I used to try and force him to go outside but now he enjoys it so much he doesn’t want to come home . He loves to come here. I’m really impressed. It’s a few hours outside and he does with pleasure and spends less time on his computer which I think is great!” Parent
Acting on popular demand, we are applying for funding to continue and expand this work to support these amazing young people’s development as youth leaders.
Young people cooking outside and creating clay craft at Cross Green Growing Together.
THE LINKING NETWORK
Bunting exchanged by linking classes on display
Once again, this year Global Learning Leeds delivered the Leeds school linking programme for The Linking Network. We supported 10 link partnerships of contrasting settings across Leeds, both primary and secondary, to explore themes of identity and belonging. We created a film where children and teachers shared how the linking with another school deepened their understanding of themselves and others, built intercultural understanding and helped to bridge differences between communities.
“(Linking) makes people think about things they havent thought of before” Year 5 pupil
.
“Every school in Leeds should have a link .” Year 5 pupil
Pupils from Valley View and All Saints Richmond Hill getting to know each other on a class visit.
FAMILIES CLIMATE ACTION IMPACT RESEARCH
We worked with Beechwood Primary School Seacroft, and the University of Leeds, funded by the Horizons Connect Fund. We developed and researched the impact of the Climate Curriculum and take-home Climate Learning Mats on pupils and families. We developed a Carbon Action Tracker, with the University of Leeds to help families measure their carbon reduction actions.
“We are the role models and it starts from home” parent.
“If their behaviour changes at their age we will see a different world in the next 20 to 30 years” parent.
EVENTS
June 2024 saw the first ever Leeds Global Learning Awards. The Lord Mayor of Leeds hosted an Award ceremony at a packed Banqueting Suite at Leeds Civic Hall.
Following keynotes by Hilary Benn MP & Leeds Trinity University Vice Chancellor Charles Egbu, 51 awards were handed out to schools, youth and community groups for their fantastic work in categories including Global Justice Learning, Climate Action and Decolonising the Curriculum.
“ Winning the Anti-racism and Intercultural Understanding Award has meant so much to our school. We are redoubling our efforts!” (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)
Award winner from Ireland Wood Primary with Charles Egbu (left) and award winner from Kirstall St Stephens CE Primary with Hilary Benn MP (right)
In March 2025 we held a Climate Schools Eco Conference for teachers and KS2 / 3 students. Schools and support organisations showcased their work and shared ideas, enthusiasm and passion. One teacher said that they were leaving with “a renewed sense that we are, all together, part of the solution”
A pupil sharing her thoughts on climate change at our Eco Conference.
SERVICES
CPD AND TRAINING
This year we provided our 6th Form Climate Action online course to Notre Dame 6th Form College. We delivered our Climate Curriculum training to a cluster of Horsforth schools, funded through Climate Action Leeds.
The LS14 Trust in Seacroft commissioned us to create an online platform for youth leaders to develop social media literacy and critical thinking.
We franchised our Climate Curriculum training course and climate learning platform to Cumbria DEC.
WORKSHOPS
The centre delivered 43 workshops supporting schools to prepare 1,470 children for the challenges and contraditions of a rapidly changing and culturally diverse world.
Our most popular workshops were ‘Eco Hereoes’ ‘Local People Global Stories’ and ‘Be a Cocoa Farmer.’
“I loved that these were real people’s stories and children could relate” Year 6 teacher about the ‘Local People Global Stories’ workshop
“Immigrants have their own struggles” Year 5 pupil
“Tremendous delivery. Kids loved it ALL” Year 4 teacher about the ‘Be a Cocoa Farmer’ workshop
Global Learning Leeds (formerly Leeds DEC) Micklethwaite House, 70 Cross Green Lane, Leeds, LS9 0DG info@leedsdec.org.uk Registered charity no: 1003862 Limited Company no: 262750
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Charity number 1003862
A company limited by guarantee number 02627506
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st March 2025
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st March 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 to 4 |
| Examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the accounts | 8 to 11 |
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Trustees' report for the year ended 31st March 2025
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were:
Name Position Martin Wedell Chair Melanie Stockdale Treasurer June Brighouse Patrick Lewis Patricia Sandbach Parminder Smedley Charity number 1003862 Registered in England and Wales Company Number 02627506 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal address Bankers 70 Cross Green Lane Unity Trust Bank plc HSBC Leeds Nine Brindley place 1 Centenary Square LS9 0DG Birmingham Birmingham B1 2HB B1 1HQ independent examiner Richard Smedley Richard Smedley Chartered Accountants Richmond House Redvers Way Lawnswood Business Park LS166QY
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on the 8th July 1991. it is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees of the charity are also the directors for the purposes of company law and are appointed by the members at the AGM.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31st March 2025
Objectives and activities
The charity's objectives
To promote, maintain, improve and advance public education, particularly by the promotion of education in world problems of hunger, disease, poverty and ignorance and the solutions thereof and the economic and other problems of developing countries and their relationship with other countries.
Provided always, and for the avoidance of doubt, that the purpose of such objects is to inform and educate the public rather to campaign for a particular policy.
The charity's main objectives
To present, promote, organise, provide, manage and produce seminars, workshops, tutorials, conferences and publications to further the promotion, maintenance, improvement and advancement of education. Leeds DEC/ Global Learning Leeds provides face-to-face and blended learning training, and curriculum development support, for formal sector education and the informal sector, that includes an online training platform and education resources centre. In particular, the centre provides advice, training and support to schools, communities and the youth sector on Global Learning and local-global issues (including Climate Change; Intercultural Awareness & Understanding; Social Justice; Peace & Conflicts; Global Citizenship; Youth Agency & Action; Human Rights; Values & Perceptions; Critical Literacy).
To assist, advise and support individuals, groups and organisations engaged in development work. To carry out research in the field of development education and related areas and to disseminate the useful results of such research and related publications.
To supply or provide educational materials or publications.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of education, particularly global learning and climate education.
Achievements and performance
2024-5 saw the launch of a new initiative aimed at celebrating and sharing good practice in Global Learning through the first Leeds Global Schools Awards. Leeds DEC Trustees also agreed to rebrand the centre as Global Learning Leeds to make it easier to connect with our audience. The centre has continued to deliver a wide range of workshops, training and events to schools and community and youth settings on global themes of inequality, intercultural understanding and climate justice. We worked alongside Climate Action Leeds to deliver training to schools on our climate curriculum and to support climate action work in youth groups and community organisations. We partnered with schools in Harehills, one year on from the 'riots' to develop understanding of identity, diversity and community in our anti-racist 'Belonging in Leeds' project and supported intercultural linking across diverse schools all over Leeds. Leeds DEC/ Global Learning Leeds has worked with DECs and other organisations across the United Kingdom to develop a 'Case for Global Learning', advocating for enhanced support for Global Learning nationally.
Financial review
The net income (expenditure) of the year was £23,380 (Last year: (£40,785)) including net loss of £432 (Last year net loss of £9,482) on unrestricted funds and net expenditure of £35,473 (Last year: £63,938) on restricted funds
Reserves policy
The reserves of the charity are composed of unrestricted funds. These funds are maintained at a sufficient level in order to
allow the smooth operation of the charity's activities.
The trustees have reviewed these and agreed to invest the major part of the reserves to provide an annual income to support some of the charities costs during a period where there is no support for the Global Learning from the UK government or major trusts, and very limited support from other sources.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31st March 2025
Statement of trustees responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors for purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting standards.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare finance accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
Select Suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. they are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS102)), and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by the board of trustees on 13th October 2025
Martin Wedell
(Trustee)
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Leeds Development Education Centre Limited
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1 - accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as is required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2 - the accounts do not accord with those records
3 - the accounts do not comply with accounting requirements of section 285 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4 - the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.
Richard Smedley
13th October 2025
Richard Smedley Chartered Accountants
Richmond House Redvers Way Lawnswood Business park Leeds LS16 6QY
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Statement of Financial Activities
(including Summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31st March 2025
| Notes Income from: Grants and service level agreements Donations Workshop, courses and training Sundry income Bank interest Expenditure on: Salaries and on costs Premises and office costs Resources and other project costs independent examination bad debts Total expenditure Net Income/ (Expenditure) Other gains/(Losses) Transfers net movement in funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ - 63,293 63,293 28,864 235 - 235 120 9,656 - 9,656 19,352 - - - - 4,560 - 4,560 5,352 - |
|---|---|
| 14,451 63,293 77,744 53,688 |
|
| 11,100 40,722 51,822 56,764 5,489 - 5,489 5,225 - (5,250) (5,250) 29,573 990 - 990 1,490 - - - - |
|
| 17,579 35,472 53,051 93,052 |
|
| (3,128) 27,821 24,693 (39,364) (1,313) - (1,313) (1,421) 4,009 (4,009) - - |
|
| (432) 23,812 23,380 (40,785) 241,206 9,256 250,462 291,247 |
|
| 240,774 33,068 273,842 250,462 |
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Balance sheet as at 31st March 2025
| Balance sheet as at 31st March 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Notes Current assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals Net current assets/ (liabilities) Net assets Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ 2,513 2,513 4,598 265,517 33,068 298,585 279,100 |
| 268,030 33,068 301,098 283,698 |
|
| (1,960) (25,296) (27,255) (33,236) |
|
| (1,960) (25,296) (27,255) (33,236) |
|
| 266,070 7,772 273,842 250,462 |
|
| 266,070 7,772 273,842 250,462 |
|
| 240,774 240,774 241,206 33,068 33,068 9,256 |
|
| 240,774 33,068 273,842 250,462 |
For the year ending 31st March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. the trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provision applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and with FRS102 (effective January 2019)
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on the 13th October 2025
Martin Wedell
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning leeds
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31st March 2025
1) Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost of transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of recommended Practice:
Accounting and Reporting by 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) and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102 There has been no changes to the accounting policies since last year. no changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
Going concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured by its performance.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of these items to which it relates.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity of receipt.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets are rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic lives as follows:
Improvements to premises: over 10 years Office furniture and equipment : over 4 years
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31st March 2025
2 Grants and donations
| The Linking Network Leeds Tidal (CECAP) British Council (ERASMUS+) Hyde Park Source Climate Mats Action Tracker Community Foundation for Leeds Harehills we belong 3 Staff costs and numbers Gross salaries Social security costs Employment allowance Pensions |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 16,500 16,500 - 7,793 7,793 3,595 - - 25,269 6,000 6,000 3,000 3,000 5,000 5,000 25,000 25,000 - - |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 16,500 16,500 - 7,793 7,793 3,595 - - 25,269 6,000 6,000 3,000 3,000 5,000 5,000 25,000 25,000 - - |
|---|---|---|
| - 63,293 |
63,293 28,864 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 45,471 50,436 3,031 3,709 (3,031) (3,709) 6,352 6,328 |
||
| 51,822 56,764 |
The average number of employees during the year was 2.5, being an average of 1.7 full time equivalent (2023: 2.5, 1.7 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.
| Defined contribution pension scheme | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year | 5,627 | 5,550 |
| Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end | 725 | 778 |
| Amount of any contributions prepaid at the year end | - | - |
| 4 Restricted funds Leeds Tidal British Council (ERASMUS+) The Linking Network Climate Mats Action Tracker (Leeds Uni) Harehills We Belong (LCC Community recovery fund) Cal Small Grants LCF Hyde Park Source |
balance b/f Incoming Outgoing Transfers Balance c/f - 7,793 (10,440) 2,647 - - 5,854 (5,854) - 9,256 16,500 (9,316) 16,440 - 3,000 (3,035) 35 - 25,000 (8,372) 16,628 5,000 (4,672) (328) - 6,000 (5,492) (508) - - |
|---|---|
| 9,256 63,293 (35,473) (4,008) 33,068 |
| Fund name | Purpose of restriction |
|---|---|
| Leeds Tidal (CECAP) |
Towards the 'Climate Action Leeds' project.
British Council (ERASMUS+)
Towards the 'Climate curriculum for climate action' project, aimed at addressing climate challenges across schools in four countries.
The Linking Network
This is a project to help schools with awareness of global issues
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31st March 2025
4 Restricted funds continued Fund name Purpose of restriction Hyde Park Source - Cross Green Growing Together (Cheshire Community Fund : Brighter Futures)
This project ran a 5 month programme for young people to improve an understanding of sustainability and foster well-being and a sense responsibility for the local area through growing food and cooking together.
Climate Mats Action Tracker (Leeds University Horizons Connect Fund)
We worked with to Leeds University and local schools to develop and research the impact of Climate Teaching Mats on pupils and parents, using a Carbon Action Tracker we developed.
LCF CAL Small Grants This project prepared a group of KS2 primary pupils to be ‘Climate Justice Heroes’ and take climate action in their school and home lives.
Harehills We Belong (LCC Community Recovery Fund)
This project ran a programme supporting ‘Community Champion’ peer educators from 3 schools in Harehills to reflect and open conversations on identity, migration, racism and belonging in their school communities, and share their perspectives with the community and schools across Leeds.
| 5 Debtors and prepayments Debtors Prepayments Accrued income 6 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank Cash in hand 7 Creditors and accruals Accruals for partner payments Bank loans and overdrafts Accruals Taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 2024 £ £ 2,513 4,598 - - - - |
|---|---|
| 2,513 4,598 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 298,585 279,100 |
|
| 298,585 279,100 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 25,296 31,150 - - 720 720 515 586 725 780 |
|
| 27,255 33,236 |
8 Related party transactions
Trustees expenses
No trustee received any expenses during this year of the previous year.
Trustee remuneration and benefits
No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this year or the previous year.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds
(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31st March 2025
| Income Grants and service level agreements Donations Workshop, course and training Sundry income Bank interest Total Income Expenditure Salaries and on costs Premises and office costs Resources and other project costs Independent examination Bad debts Total expenditure Net income/ (expenditure) Other gains/(losses) Transfers Net movement in funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds funds funds funds funds £ £ £ £ £ £ - - 63,293 28,864 63,293 28,864 235 120 - - 235 120 9,656 19,352 - - 9,656 19,352 - - - - - - 4,560 5,352 - - 4,560 5,352 |
|---|---|
| 14,451 24,824 63,293 28,864 77,744 53,688 |
|
| 11,100 20,871 40,722 35,893 51,822 56,764 5,489 5,225 - 5,489 5,225 - 1,528 (5,250) 28,045 (5,250) 29,573 990 1,490 - 990 1,490 - - - - |
|
| 17,579 29,114 35,472 63,938 53,051 93,052 |
|
| (3,128) (4,290) 27,821 (35,074) 24,693 (39,364) (1,313) (1,421) - (1,313) (1,421) 4,009 (3,771) (4,009) 3,771 - - |
|
| (432) (9,482) 23,812 (31,303) 23,380 (40,785) 241,206 250,688 9,256 40,559 250,462 291,247 |
|
| 240,774 241,206 33,068 9,256 273,842 250,462 |
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Charity number 1003862
A company limited by guarantee number 02627506
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st March 2025
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31st March 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 to 4 |
| Examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the accounts | 8 to 11 |
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Trustees' report for the year ended 31st March 2025
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were:
Name Position Martin Wedell Chair Melanie Stockdale Treasurer June Brighouse Patrick Lewis Patricia Sandbach Parminder Smedley Charity number 1003862 Registered in England and Wales Company Number 02627506 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal address Bankers 70 Cross Green Lane Unity Trust Bank plc HSBC Leeds Nine Brindley place 1 Centenary Square LS9 0DG Birmingham Birmingham B1 2HB B1 1HQ independent examiner Richard Smedley Richard Smedley Chartered Accountants Richmond House Redvers Way Lawnswood Business Park LS166QY
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on the 8th July 1991. it is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees of the charity are also the directors for the purposes of company law and are appointed by the members at the AGM.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31st March 2025
Objectives and activities
The charity's objectives
To promote, maintain, improve and advance public education, particularly by the promotion of education in world problems of hunger, disease, poverty and ignorance and the solutions thereof and the economic and other problems of developing countries and their relationship with other countries.
Provided always, and for the avoidance of doubt, that the purpose of such objects is to inform and educate the public rather to campaign for a particular policy.
The charity's main objectives
To present, promote, organise, provide, manage and produce seminars, workshops, tutorials, conferences and publications to further the promotion, maintenance, improvement and advancement of education. Leeds DEC/ Global Learning Leeds provides face-to-face and blended learning training, and curriculum development support, for formal sector education and the informal sector, that includes an online training platform and education resources centre. In particular, the centre provides advice, training and support to schools, communities and the youth sector on Global Learning and local-global issues (including Climate Change; Intercultural Awareness & Understanding; Social Justice; Peace & Conflicts; Global Citizenship; Youth Agency & Action; Human Rights; Values & Perceptions; Critical Literacy).
To assist, advise and support individuals, groups and organisations engaged in development work. To carry out research in the field of development education and related areas and to disseminate the useful results of such research and related publications.
To supply or provide educational materials or publications.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of education, particularly global learning and climate education.
Achievements and performance
2024-5 saw the launch of a new initiative aimed at celebrating and sharing good practice in Global Learning through the first Leeds Global Schools Awards. Leeds DEC Trustees also agreed to rebrand the centre as Global Learning Leeds to make it easier to connect with our audience. The centre has continued to deliver a wide range of workshops, training and events to schools and community and youth settings on global themes of inequality, intercultural understanding and climate justice. We worked alongside Climate Action Leeds to deliver training to schools on our climate curriculum and to support climate action work in youth groups and community organisations. We partnered with schools in Harehills, one year on from the 'riots' to develop understanding of identity, diversity and community in our anti-racist 'Belonging in Leeds' project and supported intercultural linking across diverse schools all over Leeds. Leeds DEC/ Global Learning Leeds has worked with DECs and other organisations across the United Kingdom to develop a 'Case for Global Learning', advocating for enhanced support for Global Learning nationally.
Financial review
The net income (expenditure) of the year was £23,380 (Last year: (£40,785)) including net loss of £432 (Last year net loss of £9,482) on unrestricted funds and net expenditure of £35,473 (Last year: £63,938) on restricted funds
Reserves policy
The reserves of the charity are composed of unrestricted funds. These funds are maintained at a sufficient level in order to
allow the smooth operation of the charity's activities.
The trustees have reviewed these and agreed to invest the major part of the reserves to provide an annual income to support some of the charities costs during a period where there is no support for the Global Learning from the UK government or major trusts, and very limited support from other sources.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31st March 2025
Statement of trustees responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors for purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting standards.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare finance accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
Select Suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. they are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS102)), and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by the board of trustees on 13th October 2025
Martin Wedell
(Trustee)
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Leeds Development Education Centre Limited
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1 - accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as is required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2 - the accounts do not accord with those records
3 - the accounts do not comply with accounting requirements of section 285 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4 - the accounts 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 accounts 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 accounts to be reached.
Richard Smedley
13th October 2025
Richard Smedley Chartered Accountants
Richmond House Redvers Way Lawnswood Business park Leeds LS16 6QY
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Statement of Financial Activities
(including Summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31st March 2025
| Notes Income from: Grants and service level agreements Donations Workshop, courses and training Sundry income Bank interest Expenditure on: Salaries and on costs Premises and office costs Resources and other project costs independent examination bad debts Total expenditure Net Income/ (Expenditure) Other gains/(Losses) Transfers net movement in funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ - 63,293 63,293 28,864 235 - 235 120 9,656 - 9,656 19,352 - - - - 4,560 - 4,560 5,352 - |
|---|---|
| 14,451 63,293 77,744 53,688 |
|
| 11,100 40,722 51,822 56,764 5,489 - 5,489 5,225 - (5,250) (5,250) 29,573 990 - 990 1,490 - - - - |
|
| 17,579 35,472 53,051 93,052 |
|
| (3,128) 27,821 24,693 (39,364) (1,313) - (1,313) (1,421) 4,009 (4,009) - - |
|
| (432) 23,812 23,380 (40,785) 241,206 9,256 250,462 291,247 |
|
| 240,774 33,068 273,842 250,462 |
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Balance sheet as at 31st March 2025
| Balance sheet as at 31st March 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Notes Current assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals Net current assets/ (liabilities) Net assets Funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ 2,513 2,513 4,598 265,517 33,068 298,585 279,100 |
| 268,030 33,068 301,098 283,698 |
|
| (1,960) (25,296) (27,255) (33,236) |
|
| (1,960) (25,296) (27,255) (33,236) |
|
| 266,070 7,772 273,842 250,462 |
|
| 266,070 7,772 273,842 250,462 |
|
| 240,774 240,774 241,206 33,068 33,068 9,256 |
|
| 240,774 33,068 273,842 250,462 |
For the year ending 31st March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. the trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provision applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and with FRS102 (effective January 2019)
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on the 13th October 2025
Martin Wedell
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning leeds
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31st March 2025
1) Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost of transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of recommended Practice:
Accounting and Reporting by 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) and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102 There has been no changes to the accounting policies since last year. no changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
Going concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured by its performance.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of these items to which it relates.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity of receipt.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets are rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic lives as follows:
Improvements to premises: over 10 years Office furniture and equipment : over 4 years
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31st March 2025
2 Grants and donations
| The Linking Network Leeds Tidal (CECAP) British Council (ERASMUS+) Hyde Park Source Climate Mats Action Tracker Community Foundation for Leeds Harehills we belong 3 Staff costs and numbers Gross salaries Social security costs Employment allowance Pensions |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 16,500 16,500 - 7,793 7,793 3,595 - - 25,269 6,000 6,000 3,000 3,000 5,000 5,000 25,000 25,000 - - |
2025 2025 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 16,500 16,500 - 7,793 7,793 3,595 - - 25,269 6,000 6,000 3,000 3,000 5,000 5,000 25,000 25,000 - - |
|---|---|---|
| - 63,293 |
63,293 28,864 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 45,471 50,436 3,031 3,709 (3,031) (3,709) 6,352 6,328 |
||
| 51,822 56,764 |
The average number of employees during the year was 2.5, being an average of 1.7 full time equivalent (2023: 2.5, 1.7 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.
| Defined contribution pension scheme | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year | 5,627 | 5,550 |
| Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end | 725 | 778 |
| Amount of any contributions prepaid at the year end | - | - |
| 4 Restricted funds Leeds Tidal British Council (ERASMUS+) The Linking Network Climate Mats Action Tracker (Leeds Uni) Harehills We Belong (LCC Community recovery fund) Cal Small Grants LCF Hyde Park Source |
balance b/f Incoming Outgoing Transfers Balance c/f - 7,793 (10,440) 2,647 - - 5,854 (5,854) - 9,256 16,500 (9,316) 16,440 - 3,000 (3,035) 35 - 25,000 (8,372) 16,628 5,000 (4,672) (328) - 6,000 (5,492) (508) - - |
|---|---|
| 9,256 63,293 (35,473) (4,008) 33,068 |
| Fund name | Purpose of restriction |
|---|---|
| Leeds Tidal (CECAP) |
Towards the 'Climate Action Leeds' project.
British Council (ERASMUS+)
Towards the 'Climate curriculum for climate action' project, aimed at addressing climate challenges across schools in four countries.
The Linking Network
This is a project to help schools with awareness of global issues
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31st March 2025
4 Restricted funds continued Fund name Purpose of restriction Hyde Park Source - Cross Green Growing Together (Cheshire Community Fund : Brighter Futures)
This project ran a 5 month programme for young people to improve an understanding of sustainability and foster well-being and a sense responsibility for the local area through growing food and cooking together.
Climate Mats Action Tracker (Leeds University Horizons Connect Fund)
We worked with to Leeds University and local schools to develop and research the impact of Climate Teaching Mats on pupils and parents, using a Carbon Action Tracker we developed.
LCF CAL Small Grants This project prepared a group of KS2 primary pupils to be ‘Climate Justice Heroes’ and take climate action in their school and home lives.
Harehills We Belong (LCC Community Recovery Fund)
This project ran a programme supporting ‘Community Champion’ peer educators from 3 schools in Harehills to reflect and open conversations on identity, migration, racism and belonging in their school communities, and share their perspectives with the community and schools across Leeds.
| 5 Debtors and prepayments Debtors Prepayments Accrued income 6 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank Cash in hand 7 Creditors and accruals Accruals for partner payments Bank loans and overdrafts Accruals Taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 2024 £ £ 2,513 4,598 - - - - |
|---|---|
| 2,513 4,598 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 298,585 279,100 |
|
| 298,585 279,100 |
|
| 2025 2024 £ £ 25,296 31,150 - - 720 720 515 586 725 780 |
|
| 27,255 33,236 |
8 Related party transactions
Trustees expenses
No trustee received any expenses during this year of the previous year.
Trustee remuneration and benefits
No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this year or the previous year.
Leeds Development Education Centre Limited t/a Global Learning Leeds
Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds
(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31st March 2025
| Income Grants and service level agreements Donations Workshop, course and training Sundry income Bank interest Total Income Expenditure Salaries and on costs Premises and office costs Resources and other project costs Independent examination Bad debts Total expenditure Net income/ (expenditure) Other gains/(losses) Transfers Net movement in funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
2025 2024 2025 2024 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds funds funds funds funds £ £ £ £ £ £ - - 63,293 28,864 63,293 28,864 235 120 - - 235 120 9,656 19,352 - - 9,656 19,352 - - - - - - 4,560 5,352 - - 4,560 5,352 |
|---|---|
| 14,451 24,824 63,293 28,864 77,744 53,688 |
|
| 11,100 20,871 40,722 35,893 51,822 56,764 5,489 5,225 - 5,489 5,225 - 1,528 (5,250) 28,045 (5,250) 29,573 990 1,490 - 990 1,490 - - - - |
|
| 17,579 29,114 35,472 63,938 53,051 93,052 |
|
| (3,128) (4,290) 27,821 (35,074) 24,693 (39,364) (1,313) (1,421) - (1,313) (1,421) 4,009 (3,771) (4,009) 3,771 - - |
|
| (432) (9,482) 23,812 (31,303) 23,380 (40,785) 241,206 250,688 9,256 40,559 250,462 291,247 |
|
| 240,774 241,206 33,068 9,256 273,842 250,462 |