Charity registration number 1026617
PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
lan Gray - Chairman Sandra Moules - Vice Chair Maureen Goodyear - Treasurer Brenda White - Secretary Louis Verdegem Norman Bell Lynda Brimmell Alan Locke Elaine Locke Ann Ritchie John Bradshaw Janet Lavender
Elected 26 October 2024
Elected 26 October 2024
Elected 8 January 2025 Elected 26 October 2024
Charity number
1026617
independent examiner
Mark Jackson FCA DChA Azets Westpoint Lynch Wood Peterborough Cambridgeshire United Kingdom PE2 6FZ
PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
CONTENTS
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Page
Trustees’ report 1-3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7-12
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
Objectives and activities
The objects of Peterborough University of the Third Age (PU3A) are the advancement of education and, in particular, the education of older people and those who are retired from full-time work by all means, including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development, primarily but not exclusively for those residing in the City of Peterborough and its surrounding area.
The charity is a self-help organisation providing educational, social and leisure opportunities for retired and semi-retired people. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are of public benefit and there has been ongoing review and, where appropriate, revision. In some instances, such revision has simply been the consolidation of various policies into single ones. Other than that, there has been no substantial change of note in them during the year.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a unincorporated entity. Its governing document is its constitution as revised and adopted at the AGM on 28 October 2023. The charity is an association with over 2,300 members.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: lan Gray Chairman Louis Verdegem Vice Chairman (until 26 October 2024) Sandra Moules Vice Chairman (elected 26 October 2024) Terry Young Treasurer (resigned 26 October 2024) Maureen Goodyear Treasurer (elected 26 October 2024) Brenda White Secretary Norman Bell Elected 26 October 2024 Lynda Brimmell Shirley Chilvers Resigned 26 October 2024 Joy Green Resigned 26 October 2024 Connie Hunt Resigned 26 October 2024 Adrienne Just Resigned 23 May 2025 Hilary Keegan Resigned 26 October 2024 Jan Lavender Elected 26 October 2024 Alan Locke Elaine Locke Elected 26 October 2024 Ann Ritchie John Bradshaw Elected 8 January 2025
The trustees are appointed annually from among the membership at the AGM.
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
The PU3A is run by a committee of up to 12 trustees (including the officers); this may include up to 3 co-optees. They are the trustees of the charity and meet at least once a month. The constitution allows the creation of subcommittees and during the year there were two of these, dealing with financial and membership matters respectively. Various short-term working groups have been organised to consider and address various ad hoc matters. All committee members give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits.
The PU3A is a member of the Third Age Trust (the national organisation overseeing the University of the Third Age movement in the UK) who provide help and advice on running the organisation.
Review of the year
The main activities undertaken in relation to the objects are the approximately 140 groups organised for PU3A members, which cover a wide variety of subjects including foreign languages, sports activities (indoors and out), science and technology, art, crafts, history and music. Most of these meet either weekly, fortnightly or monthly, although some such as the travel, theatre and day visit groups operate on an ad hoc basis. In addition, there are regular members’ meetings with speakers on different subjects, now established under the ‘Tea &Talk’ branding (generally) at the Fleet Centre. Attendance has grown significantly, regularly exceeding 100 members plus a steady flow of potential new members, with very positive feedback from those attending. There are also occasional social activities such as a disco, quiz night or barn dance. In organising these activities the trustees have regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
All of these activities are organised by members of the PU3A on a voluntary basis, and the organisation is greatly indebted to them for their time and efforts. Other members help with the running of the organisation and its activities in different ways, not least by supporting the now well-established Really Useful Group (RUGs) to deliver various tasks.
The main achievements in 2024-25 were:
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¢ Continuing to plan and deliver a variety of well-attended events, such as a Craft Fair, a Disco, a Barn Dance, a Quiz Night and a Xmas Party.
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¢ The further development of new voluntary roles, in support of the Committee, with members drawn from the Really Useful Group (RUGs), for the meeting and greeting of new and potential members, refreshments servers, car parking stewards and a roving reporter, etc
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e The development of a semi-automated invoice management system, to support the Treasurer, and to better control payment processes, all staffed by volunteers
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¢ Working with a not-for-profit organisation, Welle Film Productions, to film and produce new promotional videos for events, groups and PU3A as a whole
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e Planning a significant upgrade to our website systems, planned for go-live by the AGM
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Opening negotiations with the local New and Key Theatres to develop mutually beneficial arrangements for our members and their audiences
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Training first-aid volunteers so all PU3A events are now supported accordingly
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¢ Ongoing review of all policies in a timely manner to ensure their relevance and legality
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¢ Further development of the use of ‘shadow’ and ‘deputy’ roles to support the Committee for futureproofing and succession planning.
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
Financial review
At the end of the year the PU3A’s Charity Account unrestricted reserves that had not been designated stood at £41,868 (£41,993 last year). The trustees have decided that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to 6 months operating expenditure, which at current levels would be approximately £15,000. An amount of £19,255 is ring-fenced in the Charity Reserves Bank Account to support the Reserves Policy. The remaining unrestricted funds are maintained in an operating bank account to cover day-to-day expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue with the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds could be raised. The reserves are also held in order to meet any significant unforeseen expenditure.
The organisation is funded mainly by members’ subscriptions, which go primarily towards the costs of running the organisation. Individual groups within the organisation are expected to be self-financing.
TheLeg, by the Board ofTrustees. pated: >
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Peterborough University of the Third Age (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
| report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
| understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
| have completed my examination. | confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 _ the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Mr Mark Jackson FCA DChA
Westpoint
Lynch Wood Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6FZ United Kingdom
Dated: S24). .272S%.
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: Donations and legacies |
3 | 29,126 | 26,421 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 89,702 | 87,417 |
| Investments | 5 | 341 | 355 |
| Total income | 119,169 | 114,193 | |
| Expenditure on: Charitable activities |
6 | 120,007 | 105,037 |
| Net(expenditure)/income forthe year/ | |||
| Netmovement in funds | (838) | 9,156 | |
| Fund balances at 1 August2024 | 64,429 | 55,273 | |
| Fund balances at 31 July 2025 | 63,591 | 64,429 | |
| The statement offinancial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. | |||
| Allincomeandexpenditurederivefromcontinuingactivities. |
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2025
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2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 1 23,464 18,095
Cash at bank and in hand 76,926 65,088
100,390 83,183
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 12 (36,799) (18,754)
Net current assets 63,591 64,429
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds 14 21;723 22,436
General unrestricted funds 41,868 41,993
63,591 64,429
63,591 64,429
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on walil23
lan Gray - Chairman
Trustee
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
- 1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Peterborough University of the Third Age is a not for profit entity.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2. Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
- 1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received, specifically income on the social fund is recognised when the activity takes place.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
- 1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 1.5 Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Costs comprise direct expenditure including direct staff costs attributable to the activity. Administration and management costs are allocated in the same way. Other costs are allocated in proportion to income generated by the activity.
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory examinations and legal fees. Support costs are allocated to charitable activities when relevant.
- 1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
- 1.7 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 29,126 | 26,421 |
| Donations and gifts | ||
| Membership income | 22,477 | 22,482 |
| Gift aid claims | 6,468 | 3,737 |
| Donations | 181 | 202 |
| 29,126 | 26,421 |
4 Charitable activities
| General | Accommodation | Social | Total | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fund | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Sales | within | charitable | activities | 1,310 | 43,421 | 44,971 | 89,702 | 87,417 |
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
5 Investments
Interest receivable
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
|---|---|
| funds | funds |
| 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ |
| 341 | 355 |
6 Charitable activities
| General | Accommodation | Social | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fund | |||||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| ThirdAge Trust subscription | 9,031 | - | - | 9,031 | 3,013 |
| Accommodation | 5,764 | 44,251 | - | 60,015 | 46,301 |
| Website | 781 | - | - | 781 | 325 |
| Refreshments | 26 | - | - | 26 | 14 |
| Speakers | 684 | 890 | - | 1,574 | 1,375 |
| Storage | 1,304 | - | - | 1,304 | 911 |
| Miscellaneous expense | 4,141 | - | - | 4,141 | 3,073 |
| Postage, telephone and stationery | 568 | - | - | 568 | 1,641 |
| Magazine costs | 6,203 | - | - | 6,203 | 6,628 |
| Social | - | - | 43,964 | 43,964 | 39,476 |
| 28,502 | 45,141 | 43,964 | 117,607 | 102,757 | |
| Share ofgovernance costs (see note 7) | 2,400 | - | - | 2,400 | 2,280 |
| 30,902 | 45,141 | 43,964 | 120,007 | 105,037 |
7 Support costs
| Support costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support | Governance | 2025 | 2024 | |
| costs | costs | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Accountancy | - | 2,400 | 2,400 | 2,280 |
| - | 2,400 | 2,400 | 2,280 | |
| Analysed between | ||||
| Charitableactivities | - | 2,400 | 2,400 | 2,280 |
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
9 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
11 Debtors
| Debtors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ | |
| Other debtors | 3,260 | - | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 20,204 | 18,095 | |
| 23,464 | 18,095 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Deferred income | 13 | 15,383 | 9,172 |
| Trade creditors | 17,764 | 4,049 | |
| Accruals | 3,652 | 5,533 | |
| 36,799 | 18,754 | ||
| Deferred income | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Deferred membership income | 9,443 | 1,472 | |
| Deferred social activities | 5,940 | 7,700 | |
| 15,383 | 9,172 |
12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13 Deferred income
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PETERBOROUGH UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
14 Designated funds
The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:
| Movement in funds | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | ||
| 1 | August 2023 | resources | expended 1 August 2024 | resources | expended | 31 July 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Accommodation | 9,800 | 45,829 | (42,314) | 13,315 | 43,421 | (45,141) | 11,595 | |
| Social | 8,721 | 39,876 | (39,476) | 9,121 | 44,971 | (43,964) | 10,128 | |
| 18,521 | 85,705 | (81,790) | 22,436 | 88,392 | (89,105) | 21,723 |
The Accommodation fund relates to local activities run by the charity.
The Social fund relates to trips organised by the charity.
15 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Analysis of net assetsassets between funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Designated | Total | |
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Fund balances at 31 July 2025 are represented by: | |||
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 41,868 | 21,723 | 63,591 |
| 41,868 | 21,723 | 63,591 |
16 Related party transactions
The trustees participate in the activities of the charity on the same basis as other members.
17 Analysis of changes in net funds
The charity had no debt during the year.
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