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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1027704 (England and Wales)

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Annette Zera R Ahmed R Miah K J Dudley Nadia Shahanaz Hussain

Charity number (England and Wales)

Independent examiner

1027704 Gooding Accounts Ltd 24 Warminster Road Westbury Wiltshire United Kingdom BA13 3PE

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 14

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

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 Declaration of Trust Deed, 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)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are the advancement of education in Bangladesh through the provision of learning and support services for vulnerable children who, due to the impoverishment of their families, work illegally in hazardous environments including domestic labour, and are excluded from education.

The area of benefit is the Sylhet district of Bangladesh.

Charity overview

Working to end child labour in Bangladesh. We deliver education and support to children forced into domestic and hazardous child labour with a view to getting them back into education or vocational training. We also provide teacher training courses for secondary school English teachers and professionals.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance

Background to our work

Doorstep Learning Programme 2024

Since 2019, UKBET’s Doorstep Learning Programme (DLP) has provided a vital lifeline to over 1,600 girls engaged in child domestic labour, offering a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of child labour and ensuring children’s access to education. The core DLP initiative provides basic education aligned with the national curriculum through three weekly sessions covering literacy, numeracy, and life skills. These sessions are delivered in the homes where the children work by our specially trained and supported local community teachers with the consent of children, their parents/guardians and employers.

Our work aims to support the transition of working children out of child labour into formal schooling or vocational training. To date UKBET has facilitated the progression of 755 child domestic workers into education or training, giving them their right to access learning and prepare for legal and safe employment or work as adults.

Family poverty is a root cause of child labour and UKBET’s Family Futures micro-grants have empowered over 280 families to date to establish, continue or expand small businesses such as sewing, tea stalls, and vegetable farming. Increasing and stabilising family income helps to stop families’ financial dependence on income from their children’s labour, and increases children’s likelihood of being able to attend school instead of having to work.

Another key priority for UKBET is raising awareness about children’s rights and the law in relation to child labour. Our extensive community awareness and advocacy efforts challenge societal norms around child labour, engaging families, employers, and policymakers in promoting systemic change. In 2024, the programme expanded beyond urban areas to include the marginalised Tea Garden and Bedey* communities, two of the most socially excluded groups in Bangladesh.

* The Bedey community in Bangladesh, traditionally known for snake charming, fortune-telling, and herbal medicine, faces financial hardship as demand for their professions declines. Many struggle with social and economic marginalisation.

Quantifiable impact in 2024

In addition

Community-Based Awareness

A Day of Joy for Child Domestic Workers

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Teacher Training & Education Initiatives

Emergency Response to 2024 Floods

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

Financial review

Income

UKBET’s total income for the year ending 31 December 2024 was £61,629, a reduction compared to 2023, reflecting a strategic shift towards focused programme delivery and sustainable partnerships. Our income was drawn from a diverse range of supporters including individual donors, community groups, and charitable trusts such as The Big Give, Tomoro Foundation, Rangoonwala Foundation UK, Mageni Trust, Solomon’s Charitable Trust, and The Farthing Trust.

Despite the reduced total income compared to 2023 (£68,265), UKBET successfully maintained programme delivery and achieved key strategic goals, including expanding outreach to the Tea Garden and Bedey communities and launching new advocacy and policy Initiatives.

Expenditure

Total charitable expenditure in 2024 was £53,738, reflecting a responsible and targeted use of funds. The majority of expenditure was allocated to programme delivery in Bangladesh - supporting the Doorstep Learning Programme, vocational training, and family micro-grants. Administrative and governance costs were kept to a minimum to ensure maximum impact of donor contributions.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted reserves - those not designated for a specific purpose - at a level equivalent to between three and six months’ core expenditure. The trustees believe this is essential to safeguard the continuity of UKBET’s work, enabling the charity to respond to unforeseen income fluctuations while exploring new funding opportunities.

This prudent approach to financial planning has been upheld throughout the year. UKBET closed the financial year with a robust reserve balance of £67,761 - equivalent to just over six months’ operating costs. This strong financial position reflects sound stewardship and ensures that the charity can continue delivering vital services without disruption, even in challenging times. This ensures financial stability and the capacity to continue operations in the event of income shortfalls.

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Restricted vs. Unrestricted Funds

In 2024 the funding was received without specific restrictions. This provided UKBET with the flexibility to allocate resources where they were most needed, ensuring both strategic continuity and responsiveness to emerging needs such as the 2024 flood response.

Key Financial Outcomes

Plans for future periods Plans for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, UKBET aims to expand its reach and impact further by:

Structure, governance and management

The charity is an unincorporated charity set up by a deed of trust. The Trustees oversee the strategic direction, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while pursuing the charity’s mission. The day-to-day operations are managed by the staff and volunteers in Bangladesh, who report regularly to the Board of Trustees.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Annette Zera

R Ahmed R Miah K J Dudley Nadia Shahanaz Hussain

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the charity.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Annette Zera Trustee

26 June 2025

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET) (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

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.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Katy Gooding FCA Gooding Accounts Ltd

24 Warminster Road Westbury Wiltshire BA13 3PE United Kingdom

Dated: 2 July 2025

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Current financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds
general designated
2024 2024 2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 43,387 18,242 61,629 68,265
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 35,496 18,242 53,738 58,217
Net income 7,891 - 7,891 10,048
Net movement in funds 7,891 - 7,891 10,048
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024 59,870 - 59,870 49,822
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 67,761 - 67,761 59,870
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure
derive from continuing activities.
Prior financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2023 2023 2023 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 42,575 21,890 3,800 68,265
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 32,527 21,890 3,800 58,217
Net income 10,048 - - 10,048
Transfers between funds (29,443) - 29,443 -
Net movement in funds (19,395) - 29,443 10,048
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2023 79,265 - (29,443) 49,822
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 59,870 - - 59,870

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
11
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
12
2024
£
-
69,153
69,153
(1,392)
£
67,761
67,761
67,761
2023
£
830
60,360
61,190
(1,320)
£
59,870
59,870
59,870

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 26 June 2025

Annette Zera Trustee

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET) is a an unincorporated charity.

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" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements 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. 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.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

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.

1.5 Expenditure

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

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 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.

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general designated
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
24,137
18,242
-
Grants
19,250
-
-
43,387
18,242
-
Grants
The Mageni Trust
750
-
-
The Tomoro Foundation
6,250
-
-
The Souter Charitable Trust
-
-
-
The Solomons Charitable Trust
5,000
-
-
The Farthing Trust
-
-
-
Rangoonwala
7,250
-
-
19,250
-
-
Total
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general designated
2024
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
42,379
26,075
21,890
-
19,250
16,500
-
3,800
61,629
42,575
21,890
3,800
750
750
-
-
6,250
6,250
-
-
-
-
-
3,800
5,000
4,500
-
-
-
5,000
-
-
7,250
-
-
-
19,250
16,500
-
3,800
Total
2023
£
47,965
20,300
68,265
750
6,250
3,800
4,500
5,000
-
20,300

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
activity activity
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Grant funding of activities (see note 5) 50,720 47,256
Share of support and governance costs (see note 6)
Support 1,626 9,401
Governance 1,392 1,560
53,738 58,217
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general 35,496 32,527
Unrestricted funds - designated 18,242 21,890
Restricted funds - 3,800
53,738 58,217
5 Grants payable
Charitable Charitable
activity activity
2024 2023
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Other 50,720 47,256
The charity made a grant to NGO in Bangladesh for educating children in Bangladesh.
6
Support costs allocated to activities
Employee expenses
Kickstarter
Admin costs
Printing, postage & stationery
Advertising & marketing
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activity
2024
£
-
216
-
105
1,305
1,392
3,018
3,018
2023
£
4,669
-
446
257
4,029
1,560
10,961
10,961

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6
Support costs allocated to activities
Governance costs comprise:
Accountancy
(Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
1,392
1,560
1,392
1,560
(Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
1,392
1,560
1,392
1,560
1,560

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
Total - -
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The key management personnel are the trustees who did not receive any
remuneration.

9 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

10 Debtors

10
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income
2024
£
-
2024
£
1,392
2023
£
830
2023
£
1,320

UK BANGLADESH EDUCATION TRUST (UKBET)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31
2024 resources expended December
2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 59,870 43,387 (35,496) - 67,761
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31
2023 resources expended December
2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 79,265 42,575 (32,527) (29,443) 59,870

13 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity paid Nadia Shahanaz Limited (a company owned by a trustee) £1,196 (2023; £4,105) for advertising and markerting services and £nil (2023; £118 ) for goods purchased and claimed back.