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2023-12-31-accounts

Company no. 02777296 Charity no. 1019493

Youth Adventure Trust Report and Audited Financial Statements 31 December 2023

Youth Adventure Trust

Contents

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees
Chief Executive Introduction 2 - 3
Aims and Objectives 4
Activities and Achievements 5 - 18
Financial Review 19 - 23
Structure, Governance and Management 23 - 25
Plans for the Future 25 - 26
Chairman's Report 27
Statement of Responsibilities of Trustees 28
Independent Auditors’ Report 29 - 32
Statement of Financial Activities 33
Balance Sheet 34
Cash Flow 35
Notes to the Financial Statements 36 - 51

Youth Adventure Trust

Reference and administrative details

For theyear ended 31 December 2023 For theyear ended 31 December 2023
Company number 02777296
Charity number 1019493
Registered office and Windmill Hill Business Park
operational address Whitehill Way
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN5 6QR
Founder patron Mr David Hempleman-Adams OBE
Patrons Mr Neill Williams
Col Richard Mitchell
Mr Nigel Mitchell
Mr Vaughan Fullager
Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during
the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
Peter Coleman (Treasurer)
Craig Diamond
Lucy Holden (appointed 4 October 2023)
Mike Hughes (resigned 30 June 2023)
Suzanne McGladdery
Tom McPhail
Peter Redfern (Chair)
Oliver Robinson
Gabriella Wood
Chief executive officer Mark Davey
Bankers Co-operative Bank
PO Box 250
Delf House
Southway
Skelmersdale
WN8 6WT
Auditors Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor, Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Chief Executive Introduction

In this annual report, as we reflect on the events of the past year, we take pride in acknowledging the remarkable achievements and progress made by the young people on our Programmes. Despite the challenges they face, these individuals have demonstrated resilience, shown huge strength of character and achieved substantial success. As we embark on a new chapter, we are excited to introduce the Resilience Programme, piloted in 2023 and to be rolled out in Somerset, a new geographical area for us to work in, in 2024. Furthermore, we take the opportunity to thank the dedicated community of Youth Adventure Trust supporters. Your unwavering commitment has been instrumental in positively impacting the lives of the 320 young people aged 11-16, who actively participated in our programmes throughout 2023.

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting 98% of our families and we have noticed increasing levels of anxiety, stress, pressure and mental health concerns for our young people. There is a general awareness in society that this is a growing problem and that there are insufficient resources to deal with the mental health crisis facing the country. We need to look after the wellbeing of our young people; it is crucial that they are given the opportunities they need to build their resilience, get outdoors and connect with others in the non-digital world.

Recent analysis by the YMCA reveals spending on youth services in 2022/2023 was 73% lower than in 2010/2011. The same analysis calculated the spend per head on youth services in England in 2022/23 was £47.79 for each child aged five to seventeen, 75% less than in 2010/11.

The YAT Programmes are increasingly in-demand. The cost of living crisis, combined with deep cuts in youth services, means that the young people we work with have far fewer opportunities to develop social skills, build confidence, become resilient, learn strategies to deal with challenges or expand their horizons. We are ready to rise to the challenge - we have well-developed plans to increase our capacity, a commitment to investing in our team to ensure the quality of our service continues to improve and are driven by our ambition to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Our success is a collective effort. The Youth Adventure Trust community of volunteers, donors, funders, fundraisers and corporate partners, plays a pivotal role in inspiring young lives. Amid a challenging landscape, your support enables us to bridge the gap, offering invaluable opportunities for these vulnerable young people that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

“I wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team for giving our young people such a fantastic opportunity. The evidence of what they got from this is clear to see. I can honestly say that I witnessed watching their resilience and confidence grow which is something they will keep forever. “

Teacher

Thank you for inspiring young lives!

Mark Davey Chief Executive, Youth Adventure Trust

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Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The Youth Adventure Trust is the only organisation in Swindon and Wiltshire that provides a longterm, early intervention (starting age 11) programme of ongoing support for vulnerable young people that enables them to work towards individual objectives and personalised outcomes. Through regular interaction with a dedicated Programme Manager and by working with people over a longer timeframe, we build up a high level of trust with young people and their families. Our Programmes are completely free of charge to the young people, their families and their schools. We have no government contracts or service-level agreements in place and as such, rely wholly on the generosity of individuals, businesses, community groups and grant-makers to give the young people the opportunity they deserve to fulfil their potential.

We believe our core strengths lie in the fact that we:

▪ offer a long term intervention (between one and four years) starting at age 11;

"The Youth Adventure Trust is special because it provides opportunities that are otherwise unavailable. It helps give a boost to those that need an extra hand in life.”

Carer

The YAT Adventure Programme runs over 3 school years, from Year 7 to Year 9, and includes 3 residential camps (Mountain, Coastal and Forest) and 8 different one-day activities. The young people are supported throughout by their dedicated Programme Manager. The YAT Resilience Programme was piloted in 2023. It is a year-long Programme which includes monthly activity days, supplementary take-home activities, and a coherent thread that guarantees a progressive and meaningful experience. For selected young people who have completed another YAT Programme but are identified as in need of further, more individualised support, we offer our YAT Mentoring Programme. It includes fortnightly one-to-one sessions with a volunteer mentor for up to one year. All young people who have completed a YAT Programme can apply to our Bursary Programme.

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Youth Adventure Trust

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Achievements and performance

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“Before I started the programme I was very shy and unconfident with myself and my abilities and during the start I struggled with mental health issues, but this programme helped me to cope and let me grow in confidence”

Young person, Adventure Programme, 2021 - 2023

“As a young child George was incredibly shy, as such he would struggle in social situations, making friends, speaking up for himself or asking for assistance. YAT very much helped George develop confidence and helped him realise his abilities and assisted with bringing him out of his shell and discovering that he has good leadership skills”

Parent of a young person, Adventure Programme, 2021-2023

“I just wanted to say how grateful we are in getting Charlie to shine. She has become a more confident young lady with all your help and support. She couldn't have done it without your team. You have the patience of saints and I believe that has helped Charlie, and how you talk to Charlie. You’re very kind and warm towards her and very supportive to her work and progress and achievements. She can handle more than she did before and can control her moods better and approach people now. She also would like to become a volunteer with Youth Adventure. Where before she wouldn't even talk and was very shy now she is a shining star. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us.”

Parent of a young person, Adventure Programme, 2021-2023

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Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Mentoring programme

The 20 young people on the 2022-2023 Mentoring Programme continued their journey throughout the year, with their mentoring relationships coming to a close in the autumn of 2023. This was a unique group of young people as their year group had benefitted from an additional year on the Adventure Programme due to pandemic related interruptions, and were subsequently taking part in our Mentoring Programme during Year 11 rather than the usual Year 10. Whilst we entered this new situation conscious of how their final year of schooling may affect the mentoring process, we were delighted to find that all of the young people benefitted significantly from the additional support of a trusted adult during this year and its associated stresses. Whether sessions provided a fortnightly moment of respite from their academic pressures, gave additional support with revision and coursework, or helped to devise strategies to support their mental wellbeing during the exam period, our young people and their families fed back their appreciation for this additional support during such a key time in their lives.

In addition to the added pressures of their GCSEs, young people sought the support of their mentors with a variety of other objectives. In preparation for their post-16 plans, many requested the support of their mentor to talk through options, visiting college open days and focused on building their independence skills ready for this transition. For others, the mentoring sessions provided much needed respite from their home life, where they could share their daily challenges with an adult outside of their normal networks.

2023 saw the return of our Mentoring Celebration Events, an event designed to bring all young people and their mentors together for an evening of reflection and celebration at the end of their mentoring journey. These events were well attended and offered a fun and relaxed evening with an additional opportunity for reflection with other young people from their Adventure Programme days, their mentor, Mentoring Managers and their former Programme Manager.

Recruitment for the 2023-2024 intake of volunteer mentors and young people took place throughout the year and the majority of new mentoring relationships were set up in the autumn. We were delighted to have 8 mentors who chose to continue in their role for another year, testimony to their positive experiences and the level of support received. In comparison to previous years we experienced some significant challenges with the recruitment of volunteers for these year’s cohort, a common experience throughout the charitable sector. We were extremely pleased to meet our target and set all relationships underway in 2023 as planned. Young people and their mentors will meet fortnightly until autumn 2024, tailoring their sessions to the individual needs and wishes of the young person.

“Sharon was definitely a big part of helping me with my communication. Just having someone to talk to that was able to understand without me having to explain. And then from there I figured out what was working with Sharon to see how that would work with other people.”

Darcie, aged 15, Mentoring Programme

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

Bursary Programme

The Bursary Programme is an additional offer to all young people once they have finished their time on the Adventure and Mentoring Programmes. In 2023 we focused on promoting the Bursary opportunity throughout the programmes to ensure young people and families are aware of the opportunity it affords them. The Bursary Programme exists to help support young people to take up or continue with positive activities and can include items of kit or equipment, travel or membership fees. Successful requests in 2023 have included archery equipment for a boy inspired by his time on the Adventure Programme, football equipment for a budding female goalkeeper training at a professional club, and two climbing courses which allowed young people to make regular use of their local climbing centres. With limited youth provision, geographical and transport challenges within Wiltshire and the cost of living crisis leaving our families in additional hardship, this support has been gratefully received by young people and their families. It has enabled them to engage in positive activities to continue the learning and development from their time with YAT including building on social and teamwork skills, time outdoors, and developing further confidence and independence.

“I really cannot thank you and the YAT programme enough for getting me some new football boots and goalie gloves through the Bursary Programme! Football is my passion and drives me to always be better. The YAT programme and football have both helped me through some difficult times like when my parents separated. The items are already making a huge difference to my season. I think it is amazing how much this programme creates so many opportunities for young people, it is truly inspiring. Thank you for helping me enjoy new experiences in the past years during my time with the YAT programme. I wish all children could have this amazing experience.”

Beth, a young person who benefitted from the Bursary Programme in 2023

Adventure programme

2023 was another successful and impactful year on the Adventure Programme. We kicked off in the February and April half terms with both Activity Days and Pathway Days for our different groups. Activity Days included working with a local retired racehorse rehoming charity, and inviting providers to facilitate woodland, art & craft, and cookery days. Our Pathway Days are all themed and in February we focus on ‘Giving Back’, volunteering with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to help maintain and improve wildlife habitats. In April the focus was on ‘Looking Forward’. Here we invited Adventure Programme volunteers along to share their interests and expertise with our young people through a number of hobby workshops, with the aim to inspire young people to get involved in free, accessible, fun and positive activities.

The start of the year saw a range of activities being delivered during the February half-term and the Easter holidays. These days form an important part of the connectivity of the programme, ensuring continuity of contact and support for young people at the midpoint (Activity Days) and towards the end (Pathway Days) of their YAT journey. The days are engaging and fun, and also feature learning and development opportunities, challenges, and more individual time with staff. The need for additional support away from the programme is often identified during these days, and the team will then arrange an appropriate response such as meetings in school or at home, in person or online mentoring, or the need to work in partnership with other services.

Activity Days act as an important point of contact with young people between residential camps. They give the young people a chance to do something different and engaging in the holidays, whilst also allowing Programme Managers the chance for more individual time with them, to maintain and build upon existing relationships and make plans for their time away with us later in the year. Pathway Days are a celebration of their achievements on the programme, and a chance to look at what other opportunities they may wish to take up when they finish with YAT to keep the learning and development going.

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These days can often result in us identifying additional needs and support requirements for our young people. In 2023 we noted increased levels of mental wellbeing concerns across all our groups, and many issues with school attendance and additional pressures within the home environment. This is likely due to the effects of the pandemic as well as cost of living increases, whether this is in the form of increased worries, stresses and pressures on parents impacting on their wellbeing and availability, or higher levels of anxiety, lower self-esteem and additional stresses seen in the young people. Furthermore, we are noticing that there is still a lack of other available support or provision from schools and other services, which means our young people need our support now more than ever. We have often been praised for our flexible and committed approach towards our young people; going above and beyond, working closely with school and home, and adapting our approach depending on the young person’s needs. Additional input has included online and in person mentoring, referring and co-working with other agencies, advocacy support and meetings with parents, carers and young people to offer support to all. This support is often vital in ensuring continued attendance on our programme for some of our most anxious and complex young people. Families have also commented that our support often comes when they are feeling unheard by other organisations or unable to access the help they feel their child needs.

“I am eternally grateful for the support and opportunities that the Youth Adventure Trust have provided for my granddaughter. Life, before the Trust became involved in Year 7, was challenging for both of us and looking bleak. The Youth Adventure Trust community showed her acceptance, understanding and fun at a time when she crucially needed it. It is no exaggeration to say that the Trust has helped to change our lives for the better and put us on a more positive path for the future. I can’t thank the charity and recommend you enough.”

Guardian of a young person, Adventure Programme, 2022-2024

As the year progresses our focus quickly turns to the Coastal Camps in the May/June half term. This year saw us move to a new location for the camps, a beautiful private campsite on the Isle of Purbeck opposite the shores of Poole Harbour. For our young people, some of whom have never even been in the sea, the Coastal Camp is a real chance to challenge themselves, have new experiences and realise their full potential. Activities included coasteering, sea cliff climbing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Our two Coastal Camps in 2023 were incredibly well attended with over 95% of young people joining us.

In July we welcomed our new intake of 80 young people to the start of their Adventure Programme, the Explore Day, where they have the chance to meet half of their group, spend time with their Programme Manager and take part in various team building and adventurous activities. This is an ideal introduction to YAT before heading off to their first camp in August.

We also said goodbye to our 2021 - 2023 groups at their final Pathway Days in July. This was a celebration of all they have achieved on their programme where they received an ASDAN certificate evidencing the credits they had gained through taking part, participated in a reflection session about their Youth Adventure journey and thought about what they would like to continue to work on after the programme comes to an end.

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

July and August see our camps in full swing, firstly with Mountain Camps in the Brecon Beacons. Our new young people, fresh from their Explore Days, attended the first residential of their programme. This first camp is a big challenge for them, many of whom it is their first time away from home without their families. The camp environment and activities such as canoeing, caving, climbing and a mountain expedition enable them to build resilience and confidence, develop emotional control, social and communication skills, and learn how to reflect and take ownership of their own development. Across the two Mountain Camps, 81 new young people attended with everyone involved, including families, schools, staff and young people, feeling that both camps were incredibly successful.

Following the Mountain Camps we quickly turned our attention to Forest Camps, the third and final residential of a young person's Youth Adventure journey, which take place in the Forest of Dean. This year, with all our plans in place, nature threw us a curveball at the final moment with a major rockfall resulting in our usual climbing and caving venues being out of bounds. The team acted fast to come up with alternative venues and activities in the locality and managed to create a really valuable replacement programme at incredibly short notice. Young people’s experiences weren’t impacted by last-minute change, resulting in their Forest Camp experiences being enjoyable, challenging, rewarding, and exhausting in equal measure! Being the final camp on their Adventure Programme, we design the Forest Camp programme to really challenge young people to put to use the skills they have developed, and to operate outside of their comfort zone. Woodland and river bivi nights challenge their physical and mental resilience, while our continued emphasis on encouraging young people to reflect on their achievements and direct their own development can have far reaching positive effects.

“I feel like I am more confident around my peers and like I can be myself more. I feel like people saw a different side to me and I don’t feel the need to act differently to fit in.”

Feedback from a young person post Forest Camp, 2023.

After all of our camps, Programme Managers write individual feedback about how each young person gets on, which is sent to schools, families and young people.

“The positive reinforcement of her achievements after camp help us both so much to focus on the positive and how much she is trying her best. The booklet and written feedback from the last camp was fantastically helpful, it opened up dialogue and we have it up on the door as a reminder that each little step towards achievement is still a step closer, even if it's not the full goal in its entirety.”

Guardian of a young person, Adventure Programme, 2022-2024.

The final part of programme we delivered in 2023 was in the October. Here we welcomed those who had attended Mountain Camps to their first Activity Days, while the Forest Camp groups began the Pathway Days with a day focussed on ‘Looking Back’ and celebrating all they had achieved on the programme so far. This first Activity Day is a great opportunity for Programme Managers to spend more one on one time with the young people, continue to build relationships, and develop the trust they and their families have in us. Our October Activity Days included workshops at local community gardens and bushcraft skills days. Our October Pathway Days involved a reflective art session alongside a tree top trail through a pine woodland. Again these days often highlight challenges young people are facing outside the programme and lead to extended bespoke support running through the winter.

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“Thank you so much! I was apprehensive about her joining the programme initially as she’s struggled with risk in the past but she’s absolutely proved me wrong! She has such great things to say about you and her experience, I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I definitely think it’s helped her confidence and resilience. We received the feedback, I don’t mind admitting there was an emotional tear about how well she’s doing! She speaks really highly of you and it’s really reassuring to know she’s in safe hands.”

Parent of a young person, Adventure Programme, 2023-2025.

Resilience programme

In 2023 we launched our pilot YAT Resilience Programme, where over the course of the year 40 young people would take part in monthly activity days accompanied by takeaway challenges, a two day overnight adventure and receive ongoing support from a Programme Manager.

We kicked off the programme in February with a session where young people had the chance to challenge themselves at bouldering and climbing, as well as team based games and an introduction to the Resilience Journals and Takeaway Challenges. In March young people found themselves cooking a meal and dessert in the outdoors, where freezing temperatures really challenged their resolve. To warm up they built and raced go-karts with some fun team games and challenges. In April the group ventured into the woods to build fires, shelters and learn navigation skills. In May, we visited an agricultural college where they herded and cared for sheep, walked donkeys and goats, handled spiders and snakes and built feeders for the animals. The June Activity Days were spent on the Dorset coast where the young people jumped off cliffs into the waves and developed their climbing skills on the cliffs overlooking the sea. In July, they learnt outdoor first aid before practising a staged search and rescue. In August we took them in smaller groups to the Wye Valley for canoeing, sleeping in improvised shelters in the woods, hiking and caving. The September activity involved a 6 mile hike in the Wiltshire countryside. In October we navigated a challenging high ropes course and reflected on their time with YAT through a collaborative piece of artwork. The final Resilience Programme Activity Day in November saw young people take on team games and challenges, with some pizza making to celebrate their last day on the programme.

To ensure the learning and development is as meaningful and long lasting as possible, there has been a strong focus on young people understanding the concept of “Mental Toughness” or resilience, and the four elements within this of Confidence, Control, Commitment and Challenge. Understanding their strengths and challenges within these areas, setting themselves aims to work towards and taking ownership, committing to and practising the ways they can build resilience has been at the centre of the programme.

As part of this focus young people worked on their Resilience Journals during the Activity Days. These sessions centred on different themes each time; aim setting, building resilience, teamwork, not giving up, reviewing, managing fears and worries, and reflecting. Following discussion time, young people completed an engaging interactive worksheet to record their thoughts, ideas, goals and progress. These built a journal which they could look back through as they progressed, and also will be able to keep for future reference, ideas and motivation.

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

To ensure an ongoing thread of learning, connecting the days throughout the year, and maintaining a connection with their Programme Manager away from the days, young people were also set a Takeaway Challenge each time. The theme of these challenges was linked to the activity or reflective journal session from the day, and were tasks or challenges they could complete independently or with their families to showcase what they had been learning about or working on. Young people could submit photos and written accounts of what they had been up to, which were then added to their Resilience Journal and will act as further reminders and reinforcement of their learning and progress in the future. These also served to bring families into the learning to help ensure their support and reinforcement away from the programme days.

Once the programme was well underway, young people were also invited to take part in the YAT Thrive Award during their summer months. The award consists of three elements which young people had to complete: a challenge, some volunteering and creating something. The Programme Manager met with young people, along with their parents, to discuss their ideas for the three elements, create a written plan and to offer support. Young people were awarded a certificate, YAT Thrive Award T-shirt, and an outdoor adventure related prize for their efforts on completion, which were presented at a group celebration towards the end of the year.

Alongside these universal aspects of the programme, which went alongside meetings with all young people in their schools, some young people required additional bespoke support. Young people experiencing new or impactful challenges in their lives at home and school had additional mentoring and support sessions with the Programme Manager. In these sessions young people could talk with their Programme Manager who was able to offer support and advice, strategies and ideas, a listening ear and to signpost to other services where appropriate. Examples of issues where there was additional input include bullying at school, hectic home lives, school anxiety and concerns around negative behaviour and peer group. This additional support helped them manage issues, communicate better with those around them, and enabled them to continue attending the programme.

Completion rate for the programme was 88%, which reflects how much young people enjoyed their experiences, felt committed to the opportunity and valued what they were getting out of it.

Parents also hugely valued the programme, which was reflected in their feedback at the end:

“I would like to say thank you very much for helping my son on his journey I don't think without YAT my son would be where he is today. I am forever grateful.”

“Our son has enjoyed the programme. He really liked and respected the staff and helpers and has had opportunities to try new things that maybe I couldn’t have got him to try. He has matured and has a sense of confidence about him.”

“My daughter loved all aspects of the programme - she came home beaming with pride and her self esteem has grown so much.”

“I have led on the Youth Adventure Trust for Swindon Academy over the last 5 years. The outcomes our young people have achieved in that period is astounding. The young people's confidence and self-esteem has improved greatly by participating in the various enrichment opportunities the YAT programme provides.”

Chris Oke, Teacher at Swindon Academy

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

“For one student, her home life is very narrow and YAT has broadened her experience, resulting in her now being more forward thinking. Before there was a bit of hopelessness. She’s now talking about travelling the world! For another student it has helped her confidence, she’s much more approachable and more confident.”

Jane Hammerton, Teacher at Hardenhuish School, Chippenham

Volunteering

We rely on the help of volunteers to deliver all of our programmes, support our fundraising activities and to provide strategic direction and support as trustees; volunteers are at the heart of the organisation, and we are extremely grateful for all that they do to ensure we are able to have a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.

The impact that volunteers on our programmes have on the young people we support cannot be underestimated; their influence, kindness, care, support and fun is well remembered well after the programmes end. We continue to attract committed and skilled volunteers with a range of experience, backgrounds and motivations. We know that volunteering with us doesn’t come without its challenges; long days, tough environments, and young people with high needs, but as such it also comes with huge rewards.

In total across all of our programmes, our volunteers contributed to a total 10,590 hours, which would have cost us £113,057 if each volunteer had been paid a living wage, which demonstrates how what we do simply would not happen without them.

We were once again able to support our Programme Volunteers through the challenges and rewards, highs and lows, of volunteering at camp. We received some great feedback and our volunteers clearly take as much out of their experiences as they put in.

Across all days and camps on our Adventure Programme in 2023 there were a total of 208 volunteer opportunities, of which we successfully filled 90%, which was an improvement on the 83% of opportunities filled in 2022.

In total we were supported by 81 individual Programme Volunteers on our Adventure Programme, including day activities and camps. 30% of these volunteers were volunteering for the very first time in 2023. We were fortunate again to have a good balance of male and female volunteers, with a split of 48% male and 52% female.

Our annual Day Activity Training session and Volunteer Training Weekend were attended by 24 volunteers. In total we recruited and trained 27 new Programme Volunteers in 2023, with those unable to attend the courses being offered bespoke alternative training sessions.

Our Volunteer Committee continued to take responsibility for organising our volunteer social events and the new initiative; Reel Adventures film screenings. The screenings have proven to be a great way to encourage people to support the Trust by finding out a bit about what we do at the same time as watching a range of adventure films. This year for the first time we invited a past Adventure Programme participant to host the event, with an opportunity to share his experiences with audience members which was very well received.

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

To support our fundraising function, 22 individual Challenge Volunteers filled 28 volunteering opportunities across 5 Challenge Events, including 14 new volunteers.

To keep in touch with our volunteers and ensure they feel part of the charity, well informed and have the resources to hand they need, we have a range of different mechanisms. Our quarterly Volunteer Newsletter remains the primary tool for sharing news, volunteering dates and charity updates and is well received with an incredibly high average open rate. We manage a private Volunteer’s Group on Facebook which provides another useful platform to share news, volunteer requests and positive stories. Volunteer resources are available via the log-in Volunteer Dashboard pages of our website, including our YAT Safeguarding and Child Protection training and a range of other training materials, programme documents, policies, resources and forms. We have a high retention rate for volunteers, and believe the combination of having thoughtful and high quality communication and resources, investing in building a sense of community, appreciation and acknowledgement of impact and value, and a diverse range of opportunities keep our volunteers involved for many years.

“The Activity Days were a first for us and quite possibly the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done! Being with this diverse group of young people was a real privilege and super inspiring. It was hard work but I finished the weekend feeling totally energised and motivated to do more. You are the most organised, supportive and caring organisation I’ve ever worked with.”

Leoni, Day Activity Volunteer

“My experiences with the Youth Adventure Trust have greatly changed me as a person. You role model compassion, fun and resilience, working hard for the young people. You remind me to look beyond a behaviour, to see the person and think about what issues in their life might be causing that behaviour. I return from camp a more compassionate person, eager to continue my volunteering journey!”

Neil, Mountain Camp Volunteer

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

ASDAN

ASDAN is a nationally recognised awarding organisation whose curriculum programmes and qualifications help young people develop knowledge and skills for learning, work and life. The Youth Adventure Trust has been accredited since 2018 and young people earn credits through our Adventure Programme that motivates and enhances their confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Young people receive one ASDAN credit for each of the Adventure Programme camps they attend. They receive these credits on an ASDAN certificate at the final Pathway Day of their Adventure Programme. Credits can be used in the future to evidence their learning and commitment, and can be taken into account in college, training and job applications.

In 2023, across the two streams 71 young people received an ASDAN certificate on or after their final Pathway Day.

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For the year ended 31 December 2023

MTQ4Cs

In 2023 we continued to use the MTQ4Cs outcomes measurement tool to help us assess the effectiveness of our programme, and crucially to support young people in their learning and development. This is a psychometric measure that assesses a concept called ‘Mental Toughness’, which describes the mindset that every person adopts in everything they do. The tool measures young people’s overall Mental Toughness, alongside a breakdown of the 4 key components of

Young people complete a questionnaire with the support of their Programme Manager at the start, middle and end of the Adventure Programme, and again with the support of their Mentoring Manager at the end of the Mentoring Programme where relevant. Young People also completed a questionnaire at the beginning and end of their Resilience Programme.

Programme Managers facilitate sessions where young people are given feedback based on the outcome of the questionnaire. This is done in a way to create a positive and meaningful experience to ensure they don’t feel judged or compared to others. Non-hierarchical colours are used instead of scores, and they are given a summary and some ideas for strategies to build their Mental Toughness. They use this to set themselves aims to work on during the programme; these aims are reviewed and updated as they progress through their time with YAT.

In 2023 we had the following groups to assess:

  1. Young people completing our Mentoring Programme in 2023. They joined the Adventure Programme in 2019, finishing in the summer of 2022, a year delayed due to 2020 postponements as a result of COVID-19. They went onto the Mentoring Programme in the autumn of 2022, finishing a year later in the autumn of 2023. They completed their fourth MTQ4Cs questionnaire at the end of their mentoring year, having previously completed questionnaires at the very start of their Adventure Programme, at the middle point, and at the end.

The results for this group from the start to finish of the Adventure Programme and through the Mentoring Programme showed notable increases in all four areas; Confidence (up 9%), Commitment (up 43%), Control (up 29%) and Challenge (up 55%), and in their overall Mental Toughness (up 31%). This was an exceptional outcome taking into account the impact of COVID causing changes and delays to the Adventure Programme, and that the group took part in the Mentoring Programme during Year 11, so alongside their GCSE exam year, rather than the year before as is the norm. This delay occurred due to the pandemic causing a year delay to their finish date from the Adventure Programme. We were concerned for how the cohort would respond to mentoring during such a busy and stressful year. We wondered if mentoring might seem a commitment too many, resulting in low engagement, or that being a year older they may be less willing to spend some of the little free time they did have with a volunteer mentor. However it turned out to be an extremely well valued and impactful time to have access to mentoring support. Young people used the time on their sessions well to de-stress, share and reduce worries, and to think about and prepare for their next steps. We were extremely pleased that the outcome represented what we had witnessed in the growth of confidence, resilience and self awareness in these young people.

16

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

  1. Young people completing the Adventure Programme in 2023. These young people started their Adventure Programme in 2021 and finished in the summer of 2023. Their overall Mental Toughness and the four components have remained at a similar level throughout the programme, with no statistically significant change in any of the data. We have received a huge amount of verbal and written feedback from this group of young people, their parents, carers and schools, evidencing the impact their time on the programme has had on them, therefore we have considered at length why the data doesn’t appear to reflect the impact for this group. There are a wide array of reasons that may influence the data captured for the group; mood at the moment of completion, understanding of the questions and the questionnaire format, environmental factors, maturity or self awareness to enable honesty in answering for example. Then the reality of the impact of things external to YAT impacting on their wellbeing and therefore causing lower scores during the time such as impact of the pandemic, school stresses, overall decrease in mental wellbeing, increase in family stress and pressures including cost of living, serious world events impacting on feelings of control and resilience such as war, climate change and financial crisis. However we have also reflected on any areas that are within YAT’s control that may impact on the data capture, and are putting measures in place to see if there is improvement to be made. These include staff training, completing the questionnaires in smaller groups, using an increased adult to young person ratio and eliminating environmental factors where possible.

  2. We feel that the outcomes measurement tool is a really useful and positive addition to the work we are doing with our young people, helping them to understand, take ownership of and work towards building their resilience, and the outcomes sessions we are delivering have become a central and important part of ensuring young people get the most out of their time with us. However we’d now like to focus on the input sessions, ensuring we’re capturing the data in the best way possible, and will look forward to working on this and seeing any difference during 2024.

Young people who started and finished the Resilience Programme in 2023. These young people completed an MTQ4Cs questionnaire at the start of the year when they began the Resilience Programme, and again at the end of the year when they completed it. Similarly with the group above, the outcomes remained similar, with no statistically significant changes in the components or overall data. As described previously we believe there are a wide range of factors impacting on the outcomes data, and we are looking further into whether there are any aspects that we can change to ensure we are capturing it in the best way possible. We are confident that the programme had a real impact on the young people who took part as evidenced in the verbal and written feedback received directly from them, and collated from their parents and carers. This was backed up at interviews with schools, where their teachers reported improvements in areas such as attitude towards adults, peer interactions, confidence to engage and behaviour.

  1. Young people who are in the middle of their Adventure Programme during 2023. These young people started in 2022 and will complete the programme in 2024. They completed a questionnaire at their Explore Day, the very start of their programme in 2022, and just prior to their Forest Camp in 2023, the middle point of their Programme.

The results for this group showed an increase in Confidence and Control, and a small drop in Challenge and Commitment. This group has a year left to complete on the programme, and will have many opportunities to practise and develop their approach to challenge, and the commitment they show in setting their mind to something and sticking with it. We’re confident this time will help them further in these areas, and increase their overall Mental Toughness.

17

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

  1. Young people who joined the Adventure Programme in 2023. This group of young people completed their first MTQ4C questionnaire at the very beginning of their programme during their Explore Day, the first day they come along to shortly after the initial school meeting

The results for this group are the baseline assessments for their change throughout their YAT journey. As is consistent with our groups, the initial results show our demographic of young people are below the national average in terms of overall Mental Toughness when they start with us, evidencing the need for our support and the reason they have been selected for our programme in the first place. In fact this year’s intake had the lowest Mental Toughness starting point we have seen today, perhaps reflecting the current challenges facing and increasing for young people.

They will be measured again at the mid point before their Forest Camp in 2024, and at the end of the programme in 2025. Those going onto the Mentoring Programme will be further measured a year later when they complete their mentoring year in 2026.

“My son has become more confident in himself and isn't as afraid to try new things and tackle his worries.”

Parent of a young person, Resilience Programme, 2023

“Over this YAT experience, I’ve learnt that I shouldn’t not try something new because I am scared. Being scared is a reminder that afterwards I will feel proud. Since the start and now I have become more out of my shell and I feel more comfortable meeting new people.”

Young person, Adventure Programme, 2021 - 2023

18

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Financial Review

Fundraising plays a crucial role in enabling the Youth Adventure Trust to provide life-changing experiences for those who need it most. We do not charge for any of our activities and have no government contracts, so as such we rely on the generosity of individuals, companies, community organisations and grant-makers to deliver our programmes.

As we continue to navigate the cost-of-living crisis, the post-pandemic world and an uncertain geopolitical landscape, we remain committed to diversifying our income portfolio. The reduction in total funds raised in 2023 compared to 2022 is a sign of the challenging fundraising climate. However, far from being disheartened by this, we are greatly encouraged by the support shown to us by our community, which ensures we remain financially resilient and ready to embrace 2024. More individuals made a financial contribution to the Youth Adventure Trust, we had a higher number of fundraisers and received a record-number of grants. This positive momentum is undoubtedly because we have remained focused on excellent stewardship, increasing our networks and telling inspiring stories that clearly demonstrate the positive impact our programmes have on the young people. As such, we remain confident that the trajectory of income growth will resume in 2024.

Fundraising accounts for 79% of our total income with a further 2% raised through attracting sponsorship of the Beacons Challenge and the auction at the Adventure Dinner which also benefited from some corporate sponsorship. We have a diverse fundraising mix which reflects our recent efforts to minimise the risk of income shocks. 32% of total income is derived from Trusts & Foundations, 26% from fundraising events and challenge, 11% from individuals, fundraisers and gift aid, 8% from corporate partnerships and 2% from other fundraising activities. The remaining 19% comes from our trading activity as an event management provider.

This well balanced fundraising mix puts us in a strong position, less susceptible to financial shocks. However, it is worth noting that in order to achieve this position and continue to see growth in the funds we raise, we have invested in fundraising staff. Our fundraising costs have been declining over recent years but we acknowledge that the strategic decision to build a sustainable and diverse fundraising portfolio comes with necessary fundraising costs.

Challenge Events

Events remain a fundamental part of our fundraising portfolio, accounting for around 50% of our gross turnover. There are two aspects to our events:

  1. Event management services through the trading company, whereby companies pay us to deliver their events or pay to participate in an event organised through us; and

  2. Fundraising by event participants.

In 2023 we ran 3 events through the Trading company, and a further 2 in-house events, including the inaugural Wiltshire 3 Peaks challenge. 732 people ‘stepped up’ for the Youth Adventure Trust, but it’s worth noting that despite more people taking part in an event than in 2022, the amount raised was 7% less per participant than in the year before.

19

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Trusts

At the beginning of 2023 we conducted a survey of our families, to assess the impact of the cost-ofliving crisis on them. Although the results were sobering, they served as a crucial tool in illustrating the pressing need for support among the young individuals enrolled on our programmes, highlighting the tangible impact that our Trust funders can make.

We submitted 98 grant applications, a marginal reduction attributed to staff turnover, but achieved a slightly improved success rate of 50%. Notably, we secured multi-year funding from two new major grant-makers and solidified a three-year partnership with a corporate foundation, set to commence in 2024. Welcoming both new and existing funders to our residential camps provided a unique opportunity for them to witness firsthand the transformative effects of their contributions on the lives of our young people.

Fundraisers are facing considerable challenges as both the demand for and cost of services increase and trusts are certainly aware of this, with several offering separate cost of living grants or one off payments to charities they already support. Youth Adventure Trust received separate cost of living grants from 3 of our existing funders - BBC Children in Need, National Lottery and Wiltshire Community Foundation, for which we are extremely grateful. The impact of the cost-of-living crisis remains a funding priority for 2024 and we will continue to highlight to our trust and foundation funders the considerable impact it is having on our young people and their families.

In this difficult climate, increasing numbers of trusts are pausing funding while undertaking strategic reviews or closing completely and spending out. This, combined with the hugely increased number of charities applying for trust funding, makes for a difficult fundraising climate and we remain grateful to our multi-year and repeat funders for continuing to put their faith in us as well as welcoming trusts who are new to our work. It is thanks to the consistent generosity and support of our grant-makers that we have been able to fulfil our commitment to our vulnerable young people.

20

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Individuals

As a small charity, we have relatively limited reach when it comes to building our networks. We rely on introductions from people who already support us to those who might be interested in our work. This approach has proven to be highly successful in building a community of committed individuals who either make regular gifts to the Youth Adventure Trust.

We were extremely grateful to two of our supporters this year who agreed to host a Garden Party on our behalf. Their guests, who were carefully selected because they believed they would have an interest in the Youth Adventure Trust, were invited to look around the beautiful gardens, take part in some bushcraft-type activities, meet some of the young people on the YAT Mentoring Programme and listen to a presentation about the charity. Not only has the Garden Party facilitated many new relationships with individuals but has also secured a significant amount of income for the charity.

Furthermore, this approach of peer-to-peer networking ensured the success of our second Adventure Dinner. A committed volunteer Steering Group and a core of individuals who attended the inaugural event bringing guests back for a second time, helped us to establish this as a regular fixture in the calendar.

We continue to be pleasantly surprised by the number of ‘one-off’ or unexpected gifts we receive from people who have seen us on social media or receive our monthly e-newsletter and are pleased to see the continued growth of our regular giving scheme, Sponsor An Adventure. As expected, some of these givers have dropped off at the time of ‘rollover’ when they move onto a new young person’s journey, but feedback remains good and we hope to focus on this as a growth area throughout 2024.

21

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Corporate

We are extremely proud of our corporate partnerships, with local and regional businesses as well as bigger PLCs. The current economic climate has encouraged us to think creatively about our partnerships and come up with innovative ideas to facilitate staff engagement, fundraising, volunteering and general awareness of the importance of our work in the community. Staff teams have climbed mountains, played golf, competed in quizzes and baked cakes to support us as their charity of the year. We have benefitted from cause-related marketing campaigns, gifts-in-kind and sponsorship arrangements. We are grateful to all of our corporate partners and look forward to continuing many of those relationships in 2024.

Trading Company

We established our Trading Company to manage the flow of income and expenditure between our clients and the suppliers engaged to deliver their events. This keeps our trading activity distinctly separate from our charitable activities and reduces any inherent risks. The Trading Company continues to generate a profit which is gifted to the Charity at the end of each financial year. We are now using a deed of covenant which makes this a legal requirement. As we continue to develop new ways of supporting our charitable work we anticipate further development of this entity.

Income, Expenditure and Surplus

This year the charity raised £1,097k, a £95k decreased on funds raised in 2022. The deficit in 2023 was £20k compared to a surplus of £63k in the prior year.

The Trustees expect a continuing surplus during 2024 and an improvement in financial resilience. The 2024 budget has now been formally adopted by the Board of Trustees and shows a strong cash flow and continuing growth in surplus and an improving financial position through 2024 and 2025.

Charitable spending this year increased by 4% from 55% of total expenditure to 59%.

Going Concern Statement

The Group achieved a deficit for the financial year of £20k and had net assets of £298k as at 31 December 2023.

The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through its existing cash reserves. 40% of the projected turnover for 2024 (£1,174,000) has already been received or confidently secured, and cost control is being rigorously managed. The Trustees are satisfied that the draft budget for 2024 showing a £20k surplus will be achieved, thereby building reserves towards 6 months of charitable spending levels.

The Group has adopted a ‘Financial Scenario Plan’ where we have modelled best, worst and emergency options to ensure that we have options if restrictions are placed on our ability to fundraise. As we demonstrated during 2020 we can dramatically reduce costs at short notice should there be a significant and unexpected reduction in income.

Based on the liquid assets held by the Group as at 31 December 2023, the budgeted cash flows and the Trustees’ assessment of the Group’s ability to maintain satisfactory reserves and cash, the Trustees believe it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group’s financial statements.

22

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Reserves

Total funds held at 31st December 2023 were £298k (2022: £317k) of which £79k were restricted (2022: £76k).

Our current level of free reserves, defined as unrestricted current net assets is £219k (2022: £242k) and equates to less than 3 months expenditure*.

The board of trustee directors have decided that the charity should once again work towards a level of reserves that should equate to six months of total charity expenditure*

Principal risks and uncertainties

The risk register has been reviewed this year by the board.

Our most significant risks and corresponding mitigations are:

Structure, Governance and Management

Youth Adventure Trust is a limited liability company and a registered charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association of 5 January 1993, revised 8 February 2013 for the charity’s change of name. Charity number: 1019493. Company number: 02777296.

Staff - Operations & Fundraising

During 2023 we replaced our Trust Fundraising Officer and a Programme Manager along with recruiting an Operations Coordinator to support programme administration.

We also started preparing for the recruitment in 2024 of an additional Programme Manager and a Volunteers Manager to support the growth in our service delivery and ensure sustainable staffing for the future. Recruiting will also take place for a Regional Fundraiser (Somerset) to support the launch of the Resilience Programme in that county.

23

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

There is an annual review of all staff salaries on the 1st of April each year and the remuneration subgroup of the board sets pay levels in line with sector norms and in alignment with budget forecasts. There is also regular benchmarking for all salaries and all staff earn at least the National Living Wage.

Trustees and trustee recruitment

There was one new appointment in 2023. Lucy Holden who had previously been a volunteer with the charity joined the board from Microsoft.

All board appointments are discussed by all current serving trustees and a confirmation decision is taken at a board meeting.

We have established a succession planning document and recruitment plan that ensures we have a steady flow of new Trustees joining the board. This allows us to develop new ideas, to consider new viewpoints and to maintain enthusiasm and engagement.

We have created a wide network of supporters and are fortunate to be able to approach these people as potential trustees or in some cases they approach us. Some of our Trustees have previously been working with us as Volunteers working directly with our young people.

The background of the candidate is assessed to see if they meet the current needs of the board and fit within the ‘Trustee Skills, Knowledge & Experience Matrix’.

Potential Trustees will be interviewed by members of the current board and the Senior Leadership Team and will be invited to attend a board meeting as a visitor. A decision will then be made by the entire board.

For a successful candidate we implement a full ‘Safer Recruitment’ process to ensure they are suitable for the role and we have a comprehensive induction process that ensures new Trustees have a clear idea of their role and responsibilities.

Safeguarding

The charity trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems and procedures are well established in order to manage those risks. We continue to develop our Safeguarding Lead Trustee and will be supporting training and development in this role along with establishing our safeguarding management systems in 2023.

Statement of fundraising practices

The Youth Adventure Trust strives to maintain the highest standards of fundraising and comply with

industry best practices.

Fundraising practices are constantly monitored by the Senior Management Team and reported on to the board of trustees. We continue to encourage all fundraising members of staff to undertake relevant training, keep up to date with the not for profit sector developments and network with their peers from other organisations to ensure best practice.

The charity is regulated by the Fundraising Regulator, and has complied with the Fundraising Code of Practice throughout the year under review.

24

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees confirm that the organisation's conduct is legal, open, transparent, honest, fair, respectful, reasonable and accountable.

We do all we can to ensure that fundraisers and volunteers working with us to raise funds embody the organisation's values and comply with our best practices. We have not engaged the services of any fundraising contractors.

We have not received any complaints about fundraising activities carried out by the charity or by anybody acting on behalf of the charity.

The charity has a Gift Policy in place which guides the solicitation, acceptance and stewardship of all charitable gifts. All fundraising practices are GDPR compliant.

Communications & Digital

Newsletter

Our e-newsletter audience continues to grow, with an increase of 12% seen throughout 2023. We have spent the year getting to know our subscribers better and testing different formats for higher engagement rates. We are particularly pleased to note that our average open rate has also increased, as has the number of donations received as a direct result of the e-newsletter.

Social media and website

All staff continue to generate social media content and engagement rates across the board are improving. We have tried to keep content fresh, varied and interesting, whilst using evergreen content to ensure we have a healthy social media calendar.

Plans for the Future

We began a 5 year strategic planning process in 2022 when the trustees and members of the SLT took part in a series of internal meetings to consider our future operational needs and aspirations as well as our future financial needs and aspirations.

By the summer we had concluded that there should be three main pillars to our strategy:

  1. Reaching more vulnerable young people

  2. Diversification of income

  3. Sustainability

This strategy should build on the expansion strategy that we had developed in 2016 but forced to be placed on hold as a result of the pandemic. The initial strategic planning process conducted in 2022 enabled us to shape our objectives and begin to sketch out a more detailed plan. Our focus remains the resilience of the organisation, our ability to function in challenging circumstances and identifying risks we need to mitigate.

In mid 2022 our operational circumstances changed with a Programme Manager needing to take maternity leave in 2023, meaning practical and operational decisions needed to be made before we could review and update our strategic plan. We now find ourselves in the position of moving our plan forwards on the basis of the three main pillars, but without the final strategy being complete. This change in circumstances offered us an opportunity to make progress quickly, out of necessity, and to begin our journey towards achieving our 5 year vision.

25

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Reaching more vulnerable young people

The intention of the ‘YAT Resilience Programme’ which piloted in 2023 is that we will have a more flexible, cost-effective model which we can use to reach more young people in a more geographically diverse area more quickly than we could with the existing YAT Adventure Programme. We are also ensuring as a charity that we remain economically sustainable and that when we commit to young people, we will not let them down. We are aware that we are in a difficult economic climate with a cost-of-living crisis and the aftereffects of the pandemic causing problems for our families. The young people need us more than ever and we need to ensure that we have something of value to offer them.

The pandemic caused a drop in our income and it has taken 2 years to get back to a full programme. If another pandemic occurred or the economic climate worsened significantly, our ‘Resilience Programme’ will offer a viable, more cost-effective solution to ensure we can continue to support vulnerable young people in Wiltshire and Swindon and beyond.

Diversification of Income

We have been working on diversifying our income for 8 years now and, as we raise more funds, we recognise that it is important to have multiple income streams to ensure we are cushioned from financial shocks. In 2023 we intend to launch our new outdoor clothing online charity shop - ReWorn which we hope will help us reach new audiences and contribute to our sustainability priorities. We're thinking about earning more money by trading. One idea is to sell a version of our programmes to schools or other agencies. They have told us that we've made a difference to the young people they referred to us and this way, they can deliver something in-house for a wider audience. Another idea is to develop our challenge events into a team-building package which we can charge companies for.

Environmental Sustainability

As a small charity with all staff working from home, we already have quite a minimal impact on the environment, but as the focus on the climate emergency increases we believe that our funders, corporate supporters, volunteers, staff and young people will expect us to do all that we can to reduce our impact, especially with our focus on young people, resilience and the environment.

So our long-term view is that greener credentials will better support our fundraising, trading and operational activities.

26

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Chairman's Report

In 2023, we see the challenges grow for many of the young people and families that the Trust supports, at the same time as Government support for youth programs and the provision from the third sector as a whole both came under significant funding pressure. The Trust navigated these pressures well, and the Executive Team and staff should be particularly proud to have established the new Resilience Program against this backdrop, taking the Trust to a new audience of young people whilst maximising the use of its financial resources. The Trustees have also been particularly pleased to see the Mentoring Program go from strength to strength. This deepens and extends the contact that the Trust has with the young people we support and increases the whole program effectiveness as well as improving outcomes.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Mike Hughes, who left the Trustee Board this year after a long tenure. Mike has been a huge support and effective sounding board for Mark Davey, myself, and I am sure the prior Chair. I would also like to welcome Lucy Holden to the Board, bringing new energy and skills. And lastly, on behalf of the Board, I offer a huge thank you and respect, for the staff of the Trust, the volunteers and all of those who contribute to our fundraising efforts.

Peter Redfern - Chairman

27

Youth Adventure Trust

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees 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.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Auditors

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as auditors to the group and parent charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 24 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by

Peter Redfern - Chairman

28

Independent auditor's report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Youth Adventure Trust (the 'parent charity') and its subsidiary (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, consolidated and parent's balance sheets, consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the group and parent charity financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the group and parent charity financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

29

Independent auditor's report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charity and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out in the trustees’ report, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

30

Independent auditor's report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The procedures we carried out and the extent to which they are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, are detailed below:

(1) We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, and assessed the risk of non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Throughout the audit, we remained alert to possible indications of non-compliance.

(2) We reviewed the charity’s policies and procedures in relation to:

(3) We inspected the minutes of trustee meetings.

(4) We enquired about any non-routine communication with regulators and reviewed any reports made to them.

(5) We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and assessed their compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

(6) We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected transactions or balances that may indicate a risk of material fraud or error.

(7) We assessed the risk of fraud through management override of controls and carried out procedures to address this risk. Our procedures included:

▪Testing the appropriateness of journal entries;

▪Assessing judgements and accounting estimates for potential bias;

▪Reviewing related party transactions; and

▪Testing transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. Irregularities that arise due to fraud can be even harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

31

Independent auditor's report

To the members of

Youth Adventure Trust

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

William Guy Blake

Date: 28 May 2024

William Guy Blake ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of:

GODFREY WILSON LIMITED

Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor, Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

32

Youth Adventure Trust

Consolidated statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations
3
Other trading activities:
Youth Adventure Trading
Sponsorship and auction
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on trading
Total income net of trading expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds
Net income available for charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expenditure
5
6
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net income / (expenditure)
and movement in funds		 Restricted Unrestricted
£
£
290,130
575,663
-
209,154
-
21,947
290,130
806,764
-
205,927
290,130
600,837
-
252,199
290,130
348,638
287,426
370,878
287,426
829,004
2,704
(22,240)
75,589
241,807
78,293
219,567		 Total
2023
£
865,793
209,154
21,947
1,096,894
205,927
890,967
252,199
638,768
658,304
1,116,430
(19,536)
317,396
297,860		 Restated
Total
2022
£
946,160
234,860
10,635
290,130
-
290,130
-
290,130
287,426
287,426
2,704
75,589
78,293		 1,191,655
228,079
963,576
276,554
687,022
623,685
1,128,318
63,337
254,059
317,396

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 17 to the accounts.

Prior period income has been reclassified to reflect the requirements of the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and to be comparable with the current year as explained in Note 2. The restatements are purely reclassifications of income and do not affect net income.

33

Youth Adventure Trust

Consolidated balance sheets

As at 31 December 2023

The group
2023
Note
£
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
9
-
Investments
10
-
-
Current assets
Debtors
13
74,051
Cash at bank and in hand
272,015
346,066
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts due within 1 year
14
48,206
Net current assets
297,860
Net assets
16
297,860
Funds
17
Restricted funds
78,293
Unrestricted funds
General funds
219,567
Total charity funds
297,860		 The charity
2023
£
-
10
10
185,350
145,493
330,843
32,993
297,850
297,860
78,293
219,567
297,860		 The group
2022
£
-
-
-
61,093
289,101
350,194
32,798
317,396
317,396
75,589
241,807
317,396		 The charity
2022
£
-
10
10
100,380
231,746
332,126
29,843
302,283
302,293
75,589
226,704
302,293

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 24 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by

Peter Redfern - Chairman

34

Youth Adventure Trust

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2023

Cash used in operating activities:
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
(Increase) / decrease in debtors
Increase / (decrease) in creditors
Net cash (used in) / provided by operating activities
(Decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2023
£
(19,536)
(12,958)
15,408
(17,086)
(17,086)
289,101
272,015		 2022
£
63,337
52,917
(82,397)
33,857
33,857
255,244
289,101

The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.

35

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Youth Adventure Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

b) Group accounts

These financial statements consolidate the results of the charitable company and its wholly-owned (controlled) subsidiary on a line by line basis. Transactions and balances between the charitable company and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the charity and its subsidiary are disclosed in the notes of the charitable company's balance sheet.

c) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

d) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Event management fees received in advance of the event taking place are deferred until the event is held.

e) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

36

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e) Donated services and facilities (continued)

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

f) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

g) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

h) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

i) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between activities on the following basis, which is an estimate of staff time:

2023 2022
Trading costs 4.8% 3.6%
Raising funds 30.4% 34.6%
Charitable activities 64.8% 61.8%

j) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rate in use is 3 years straight line for event equipment.

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000.

k) Investments in subsidiary undertakings

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less impairment.

37

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

l) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

m) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

n) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charitable company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

o) Financial instruments

The trust 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 measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

p) Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

q) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no key sources of estimation or uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

38

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

2. Consolidated statement of financial activities: prior period comparatives

Income from:
Donations
Other trading activities:
Youth Adventure Trading
Fundraising
Total income
Expenditure on:
Expenditure on trading
Total income net of trading expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds
Net income available for charitable activities
Expenditure on charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income		 Restricted
£
299,128
-
-
299,128
-
299,128
-
299,128
269,201
269,201
29,927		 £
647,032
234,860
10,635
892,527
228,079
664,448
276,554
387,894
354,484
859,117
33,410
Unrestricted		 Restated
2022
Total
£
946,160
234,860
10,635
1,191,655
228,079
963,576
276,554
687,022
623,685
1,128,318
63,337

Prior period income has been restated to reclassify £373,307 of event team income within income from donations instead of income from other trading activities. This was deemed to better reflect the nature of the income in line with the Charities SORP.

39

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

3. Income from donations

Income from donations
Trusts and foundations:
National Lottery
SJP Foundation
The Henry Smith Charity
Masonic Charitable Trust
BBC Children In Need
POM Charitable Trust
Late Lord Meuthen
Leathersellers
Swire Trust
The Openwork Foundation
National Benevolent Charity
Wiltshire Community Foundation
Nationwide
Aviva
The Wates Foundation
MacRobert Trust
Columbia Threadneedle
Other grants < £5,000
Event team income
Major donations and individuals
Fundraisers
Corporates
Gift aid
Gifts in kind *
Community and other events		 Restricted
£
64,490
35,142
30,400
20,000
11,313
12,953
9,836
-
-
10,000
-
-
9,310
10,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
52,686
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
290,130		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,500
25,000
-
5,500
7,500
-
-
-
-
-
6,380
283,322
67,648
11,116
69,673
39,830
15,159
22,035
575,663
Unrestricted		 2023
Total
£
64,490
35,142
30,400
20,000
11,313
12,953
9,836
22,500
25,000
10,000
5,500
7,500
9,310
10,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
59,066
283,322
67,648
11,116
69,673
39,830
15,159
22,035
865,793

In accordance with the Charities SORP, general volunteer time is not recognised in the financial statements. The charity however recognises the considerable support from 137 volunteers who gave a total of 10,590 hours of their time. As detailed further on page 13 of the trustees report, these volunteers provide crucial support for the young people on the Adventure Programme, Resilience Programme, Mentoring Programme and also provide support on Challenge events. YAT simply could not operate without them and greatly appreciate their help.

40

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

3. Income from donations (continued)
Prior year comparative
Trusts and foundations:
National Lottery
The Henry Smith Charity
Masonic Charitable Trust
BBC Children In Need
POM Charitable Trust
Leathersellers
Swire Trust
The Openwork Foundation
National Benevolent Charity
Awards for All
SJP Foundation
Nationwide
The Whirlwind Charitable Trust
Columbia Threadneedle
Mark Benevolent Fund
Event team income
Major donations and individuals
Fundraisers
Corporates
Gift aid
Other grants and donations < £5,000
Gifts in kind *
Community and other events		 Restricted
£
61,314
30,400
27,006
25,102
24,290
-
-
13,821
10,000
10,000
10,000
9,488
6,000
6,000
5,450
-
-
-
-
-
60,257
-
-
299,128		 £
-
-
-
500
-
22,500
20,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
360,842
75,160
22,200
55,622
53,000
8,000
11,768
17,440
647,032
Unrestricted		 Restated
2022
Total
£
61,314
30,400
27,006
25,602
24,290
22,500
20,000
13,821
10,000
10,000
10,000
9,488
6,000
6,000
5,450
360,842
75,160
22,200
55,622
53,000
68,257
11,768
17,440
946,160

Government grants

The charitable company receives government grants (funding from Chippenham Town Council, National Lottery Community Fund, Westbury Town Council and Wiltshire Council (2022: the charity also received funding from Awards for All, Calne Town Council, Durrington Town Council and Melksham Town Council)) to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 December 2023 was £75,152 (2022: £79,949). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants.

41

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

4. Fundraising

Fundraising
Auction
Corporate sponsorship		 2023
Total
£
12,172
9,775
21,947		 Restated
2022
Total
£
2,535
8,100
10,635

All fundraising income was unrestricted in the current and prior year.

5. Total expenditure

Staff costs (note 7)
Programme costs
Event costs
Fundraising costs
Telephone
Website and IT
Audit and accountancy fees
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Other staff costs and
training
Volunteer and mentor
training and expenses
Stationery and other office
costs
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 £
28,635
-
-
-
167,296
-
-
-
-
5,406
201,337
4,590
205,927
Trading
costs		 £
180,831
-
-
-
11,025
31,355
-
-
-
-
223,211
28,988
252,199
Raising
funds		 £
385,075
-
189,780
21,718
-
-
-
-
-
-
596,573
61,731
658,304
Charitable
activities		 £
13,575
4,904
-
-
-
-
2,233
36,834
19,936
17,827
95,309
(95,309)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2023 Total
£
608,116
4,904
189,780
21,718
178,321
31,355
2,233
36,834
19,936
23,233
1,116,430
-
1,116,430

Total governance costs were £9,900.

Trading costs comprise event management activities undertaken by Youth Adventure Trading Limited. Raising funds comprise costs to raise funds within the parent charity.

42

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

5. Total expenditure (continued)

Prior year comparative

Prior year comparative
Staff costs (note 7)
Programme costs
Event costs
Fundraising costs
Telephone
Website and IT
Audit and accountancy fees
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Volunteer and mentor
training and expenses
Stationery and other office
costs
Allocation of support and
governance costs
Other staff costs and
training		 £
20,224
-
-
-
199,796
-
-
-
-
4,673
224,693
3,386
228,079
Trading
costs		 £
194,608
-
-
-
5,217
44,137
-
-
-
-
243,962
32,592
276,554
Raising
funds		 £
347,856
-
195,922
21,648
-
-
-
-
-
-
565,426
58,259
623,685
Charitable
activities		 £
13,013
1,563
-
-
-
-
2,368
36,950
23,936
16,407
94,237
(94,237)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2022 Total
£
575,701
1,563
195,922
21,648
205,013
44,137
2,368
36,950
23,936
21,080
1,128,318
-
1,128,318

Total governance costs were £8,700.

6. Net movement in funds This is stated after charging:

Auditors' remuneration:
Statutory audit (excluding VAT)
Other services (excluding VAT)
Trustees' indemnity insurance
Trustees' reimbursed expenses		 2023
£
-
-
8,250
11,111		 2022
£
-
-
7,250
10,526

43

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

7. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension contributions		 2023
£
532,208
48,385
27,523
608,116		 2022
£
503,020
47,477
25,204
575,701

The number of employees whose annual emoluments were £60,000 or more were:

£70,000 to £80,000 2023
No.
1
1		 2022
No.
1
1

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £91,011 (2022: £89,345). This is the combined total of gross salary £77,638 (2022: £75,877), employer's national insurance £9,459 (2022: £9,667) and employer's pension contributions £3,914 (2022: £3,801).

The average head count during the reporting period was 17 (2022: 15).

8. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The charity's trading subsidiary, Youth Adventure Trading Ltd, will donate its distributable profits in the current year to the charity.

44

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

9. Tangible fixed assets (Charity and group)

Cost
At 1 January 2023
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
On disposals
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
(Charity and group)		 Event
equipment
£
14,771
(14,771)
-
14,771
(14,771)
-
-
-

10. Investments

Investment in subsidiary company The group
2023
£
-		 The charity
2023
£
10		 The group
2022
£
-		 The charity
2022
£
10

The investment represents 100% of the ordinary share capital of Youth Adventure Trading Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (10138393), whose principal activity is to carry out trading activities in support of the charity. A summary of the financial results and position of Youth Adventure Trading Ltd is given below (see note 11).

45

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

11. Subsidiary undertakings

Youth Adventure Trading Ltd

Youth Adventure Trading Ltd is the trading arm of the charity and undertakes event management services and other corporate sponsorship activities.

Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
Profit for the financial year after taxation
Changes in equity:
Total retained profit brought forward
Total comprehensive income for the year
Gift aid distribution to parent charity
Total retained profit carried forward
The aggregate of the assets, liabilities and funds was:
Assets
Liabilities
Capital and reserves		 2023
£
209,154
(167,296)
41,858
(34,041)
7,817
(69)
7,748
15,103
7,748
(22,851)
-
2023
£
132,767
(132,757)
10		 2022
£
234,860
(195,003)
39,857
(25,017)
14,840
-
14,840
263
14,840
-
15,103
2022
£
71,027
(55,914)
15,113

12. Parent charity

The parent charity's gross income and the results for the year are disclosed as follows:

Gross income
Results for the year		 2023
£
910,591
(4,433)		 2022
£
956,795
48,496

46

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

13. Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
Amounts due from subsidiary		 The group
2023
£
19,245
14,760
38,000
2,046
-
74,051		 The charity
2023
£
13,000
14,760
38,000
2,046
117,544
185,350		 The group
2022
£
20,114
14,514
100
26,365
-
61,093		 The charity
2022
£
6,526
14,514
100
26,281
52,959
100,380

14. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year

The group
2023
£
Trade creditors
8,336
Accruals
9,330
Deferred income (see below)
10,000
Taxation and social security
19,801
Other creditors
739
48,206
Movements in deferred income (group)
At 1 January
Deferred during the year
Released during the year
At 31 December		 The charity
2023
£
7,634
6,480
-
18,140
739
32,993		 The group
2022
£
10,341
8,525
-
13,932
-
32,798
2023
£
-
10,000
-
10,000		 The charity
2022
£
9,986
5,925
-
13,932
-
29,843
2022
£
60,000
-
(60,000)
-

Deferred income relates to event income and sponsorship received in advance of the event or expedition taking place.

47

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

15. Conduit funding

Conduit funding
Funding received during year
Funding distributed during year
Admin and payment fees
Balance at end of year		 2023
£
24,478
(22,541)
(1,198)
739		 2022
£
32,314
(30,555)
(1,759)
-

Conduit funds are monies received for third parties and do not belong to the charity. Conduit funding is held on behalf 15 (2022: 17) charities in which fundraisers for an event raise 50% for YAT and 50% for a chosen charity. The charity passes them through the accounts under a unique project code as a service to other charities to help their charitable purposes, but does not claim gift aid nor has control over their use. The receipts and payments referred to above have been excluded from the Statement of Financial Activities. The balance held at the end of the year is included in Other creditors (note 14).

16. Analysis of group net assets between funds

Restricted Unrestricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Current assets 78,293 267,773 346,066
Current liabilities - (48,206) (48,206)
Net assets at 31 December 2023 78,293 219,567 297,860
Prior year comparative
Prior year comparative
Restricted Unrestricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Current assets 75,589 274,605 350,194
Current liabilities - (32,798) (32,798)
Net assets at 31 December 2022 75,589 241,807 317,396

48

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

17. Movements in funds (group)

Restricted funds
Activity Days
Coastal Camp
Equipment
Explore Days
Forest Camp
Improving Futures
Mentoring
Mountain Camp
Pathway Days
Programme manager
Programme places
Resilience Programme
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Youth Adventure Trading
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1
January
2023
£
5,222
7,475
2,256
-
13,789
15,663
8,010
-
5,881
-
17,293
-
75,589
226,704
15,103
241,807
317,396		 Income
£
3,901
10,000
22
200
29,166
64,490
30,400
32,413
2,150
35,142
58,146
24,100
290,130
597,610
209,154
806,764
1,096,894		 £
(9,123)
(12,475)
(2,278)
(200)
(42,955)
(64,031)
(35,430)
(32,413)
(6,001)
(11,817)
(46,603)
(24,100)
(287,426)
(627,608)
(201,396)
(829,004)
(1,116,430)
Expenditure		 Transfer
between
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,851
(22,851)
-
-		 At 31
December
2023
£
-
5,000
-
-
-
16,122
2,980
-
2,030
23,325
28,836
-
78,293
219,557
10
219,567
297,860

Purposes of restricted funds

Activity Days - funds for activity days which provide young people with activities such as bushcraft, team challenges and creative challenges.

Coastal Camp - A three day residential camp in Dorset which uses coastal activities to build resilience.

Equipment - to fund the purchase of new tents and sleeping equipment for camping trips and T-shirts for activities.

Explore Days - A one day opportunity at Mill on the Brue in Somerset, to experience the programme and meet the young people in their groups prior to starting the main program.

Forest Camp - Forest Camp is the final residential camp on the Youth Adventure Programme. Activities like bushcraft, an overnight canoe expedition and a high ropes course help develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

49

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

17. Movements in funds (continued) - purposes of restricted funds

Improving Futures - Through our Pathway Programme, Mentoring Scheme and Bursary, this project aims to support young people as they come to the end of their Youth Adventure journey.

Mentoring - The main Mentoring Scheme provides fortnightly one to one support for selected young people who have completed the Youth Adventure Programme for up to a year.

Mountain Camp - The Mountain Camp is the first residential camp on our three school-year programme. Activities like mountain expeditions, climbing and caving stretch the young people and help them believe they can achieve more than they thought they could.

Pathway Days - Funds for young people to attend Pathways Days .

Programme manager - Oversees and manages intakes of young people taking part in the Adventure, Resilience or Mentoring programmes

Programme places - A place on our programme lasts 3 school years and is completely free of charge to the young people. Funds cover the cost of activity days, residential camps, ongoing support, staff costs, travel, equipment and other items directly associated with running the Youth Adventure Programme.

Resilience Programme - A year-long programme which includes monthly activity days, an overnight expedition, take-home activities and one-to-one support by a dedicated Programme Manager

Transfer between funds

The transfer between funds represents the distribution of profits from the trading subsidiary to the parent charity.

50

Youth Adventure Trust

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2023

17. Movements in funds (continued)

Prior year comparative

Prior year comparative
Restricted funds
Activity Days
Coastal Camp
Equipment
Explore Days
Forest Camp
Improving Futures
Mentoring
Mountain Camp
Pathway Days
Programme manager
Programme places
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Youth Adventure Trading
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Volunteers supporting
young people		 At 1
January
2022
£
2,707
-
4,500
500
11,314
12,400
4,305
-
-
-
3,793
6,143
45,662
208,134
263
208,397
254,059		 Income
£
19,168
12,475
8,168
-
50,475
61,314
30,400
10,184
8,209
20,000
73,735
5,000
299,128
657,667
234,860
892,527
1,191,655		 Expenditure
£
(16,653)
(5,000)
(10,412)
(500)
(48,000)
(58,051)
(26,695)
(10,184)
(2,328)
(20,000)
(60,235)
(11,143)
(269,201)
(639,097)
(220,020)
(859,117)
(1,128,318)		 At 31
December
2022
£
5,222
7,475
2,256
-
13,789
15,663
8,010
-
5,881
-
17,293
-
-
75,589
226,704
15,103
241,807
317,396

18. Related party transactions

Youth Adventure Trust has a wholly owned subsidiary Youth Adventure Trading Ltd, a company limited by shares (company no. 10138393). During the year Youth Adventure Trust paid a gift aid donation of £22,851 (2022: Nil) to youth Adventure Trust. At 31 December 2023, Youth Adventure Trading owed Youth Adventure Trust £117,544 (2022: £52,959).

During the year trustees donated a total of £72 (2022: £95).

51

William Guy Blake ACA Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 5[th] Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

24 May 2024

Dear Guy

Letter of Representations on the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

This representation letter is provided in connection with your audit of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of enquiries of the trustees, management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience (and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation) sufficient to satisfy ourselves that we can properly make each of the following representations to you:

  1. We have fulfilled our responsibilities as trustees, as set out in the terms of your engagement letter dated 22 January 2024 under the Companies Act 2006 for preparing financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

  2. We confirm that in our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view and in particular that where any additional information must be disclosed in order to give a true and fair view that information has in fact been disclosed. We confirm that the selection and application of the accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial statements are appropriate, and we approve these accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.

  3. We confirm that all accounting records have been made available to you for the purpose of your audit, in accordance with your terms of engagement, and that all the transactions undertaken by the charity have been properly reflected and recorded in the accounting records. All other records and related information, including minutes of all management, trustees’ and members’ meetings, have been made available to you. We have given you unrestricted access to persons within the charity in order to obtain audit evidence and have provided any additional information that you have requested for the purposes of your audit.

  4. We acknowledge that it is a criminal offence to make a false statement in this regard, and where any director either makes a false statement; is aware that the statement is false; is reckless in preventing this statement; or fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the trustees’ report from being approved, we acknowledge that each director will be guilty of a criminal offence.

  5. We confirm the charity has satisfactory title to all assets and there are no liens or encumbrances on the assets, except for those disclosed in the financial statements.

Registered Charity No. 1019493

  1. We confirm that significant assumptions used by us in making accounting estimates, including those measured at fair value, are reasonable. We confirm that we have no plans or intentions that may materially alter the carrying value and where relevant the fair value measurements or classification of assets and liabilities reflected in the financial statements.

  2. We confirm that the charity has no liabilities or contingent liabilities other than those disclosed in the financial statements.

  3. We confirm that all known actual or possible litigation and claims whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statements have been disclosed to you and accounted for and disclosed in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

  4. We confirm that there have been no events since the balance sheet date which require disclosing or which would materially affect the amounts in the financial statements, other than those already disclosed or included in the financial statements.

  5. We confirm that we are aware that a related party of the charity is a person or organisation which either (directly or indirectly) controls, has joint control of, or significantly influences the charity or vice versa and as a result will include: trustees/directors, other key management, close family and other business interests of the previous. We confirm that the related party relationships and transactions set out in appendix 1 are a complete list of such relationships and transactions and that we are not aware of any further related parties or transactions.

  6. We confirm that the charity neither had, at any time during the year, any arrangement, transaction or agreement to provide credit facilities (including advances and credits granted by the charity) for trustees, nor provided guarantees of any kind on behalf of the trustees.

  7. We confirm that the charity has not contracted for any capital expenditure other than as disclosed in the financial statements.

  8. We confirm that the charity has complied with all aspects of contractual agreements that could have a material effect on the financial statements in the event of non-compliance.

  9. We confirm that we are not aware of any possible or actual instance of non-compliance with those laws and regulations which provide a legal framework within which the charity conducts its activities and which are central to the charity’s ability to conduct its activities, except as explained to you and as disclosed in the financial statements.

  10. We acknowledge our responsibility for the design, implementation and maintenance of internal controls to prevent and detect fraud. We confirm that we have disclosed to you the results of our risk assessment of the risk of fraud in the organisation. There have been no deficiencies in internal control of which we are aware.

  11. We confirm that there have been no actual or suspected instances of fraud involving trustees, management or employees who have a significant role in internal control or that could have a material effect on the financial statements. We also confirm that we are not aware of any allegations of fraud by trustees, former trustees, employees, former employees, regulators or others.

Registered Charity No. 1019493

  1. We confirm that, in our opinion, the charity’s financial statements should be prepared on the going concern basis on the grounds that rigorous cost control, future confirmed funding and recent financial performance will sustain the charity’s needs. In reaching this conclusion, we have taken into account all relevant matters of which we are aware, and have considered a period of at least one year from the date on which the financial statements will be approved.

  2. We confirm that in our opinion the effects of uncorrected misstatements are immaterial, both individually and in aggregate, to the financial statements as a whole. A list of the uncorrected misstatements is set out in the management letter.

  3. We confirm that we are not aware of any matters of material significance that should be reported to regulators. We confirm that all correspondence with the Charity Commission has been made available to you.

  4. We confirm that all grants, donations and other income, including those subject to special terms or conditions or received for restricted purposes, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions during the period regarding the application of such income.

  5. We acknowledge our legal responsibilities regarding disclosure of information to you as auditors and confirm that: (a) so far as each trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which you as auditors are unaware; and (b) each trustee has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that you are aware of that information.

  6. We acknowledge that it is a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly make you as an auditor, a statement (oral or written) that conveys, or purports to convey, information or explanations that you require in your capacity as auditor, or are entitled to require, that is misleading, false or deceptive in a material particular.

Yours sincerely

Peter Redfern – Chair

For and on behalf of the trustees of Youth Adventure Trust

Registered Charity No. 1019493

Appendix 1: Summary of Related Parties

Connected Organisation Name Youth Adventure Trading Ltd NA

Nature of Connection

Trading Subsidiary

Registered Charity No. 1019493