The Amber Trust
Music for Blind Children
Report and Accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Amber
Sound Touc
STEIN W
Music is not just a pastime,
it's a lifeline.
Registered Company Number 03117803

Contents
Chair's Introduction.
About Amber
Young Musicians' Stories
Initiatives and Collaborations
Fundraising, Events, and Other News.
Objectives and Achievements for the Year.
Plans for the Future...
Thank You
Summary of Financial Activities...
Structure, Governance and Management.
Financial Statements..
Independent Examiner's Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet.
Notes to Financial Statements
Legal and Administrative Information...
Cover photo: Benjamin
Current page: Leila
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Chair's Introduction
The year 2024-2025 represented an exciting
period of change and development for The
Amber Trust.
Sophie Amstell, our new CEO, who joined us in
September from her position of Deputy Hub
Lead at Wiltshire Music Connect, brought a
fresh vibrancy and energy to Amber as we
approach our 30th year as a registered charity.
Her networks within the statutory arts sector
(particularly Music Hubs and Services) proved
invaluable as we sought a higher level of
partnership working with other organisations.
Our greatest challenge over the past five years has been the increase in demand of
more than 50% across all of our programmes, and the number of families applying
for support during 2024-2025 was particularly high. This growth, while a welcome
Signal of a greater level of awareness of music's potential to enhance the lives of
blind and partially sighted children, meant that, for the first time in Amber's history,
we had to set up a waiting list for new applicants. Clearly, no amount of fundraising
could ever address the musical needs of all 29,000 blind and partially sighted
children in the UK1, so, led by Sophie, we are seeking to work closely with Music
Services to ensure they can meet their diversity obligations set out in the new
National Plan for Music Education.
Financially, we were very fortunate to receive a generous transfer of funds from the
charity Webster & Davidson Mortification for the Blind, which has now been wound
up, and which strengthens our position going forward, though a phasing issue
meant that this was received just after our year-end. The detail is explained in our
accounts.
Looking ahead, we continue to support new research initiatives, always seeking to
improve the services, strategies and resources that we offer. These include a
doctoral study by Claire Bowes, who is herself a blind musician, into memorisation
strategies for pianists learning by ear or through Braille, and the ongoing
development of the 'Mugo' - a new device for converting movement into sound -
with trials taking place across the UK.
Professor Adam Ockelford, Chair of Trustees
3

About Amber
The Amber Trust was founded in 1995 with the aim of providing blind and partially
sighted children, including those with additional disabilities, the best possible
chance to meet their musical needs and aspirations.
There are 29,000 vision-impaired children and young people in the UK, and it is our
aim to enhance the lives of as many of these children as possible through high-
quality music provision, both directly (through our Awards and Services) and
indirectly (through training and resources for teachers).
Why does Amber exist?
Children with a vision impairment, including those with additional disabilities, are
less likely than their sighted peers to receive specialist music education. This is
often due to unintended discrimination brought about through people's
misunderstanding of the implications of being blind or partially sighted.
Moreover, as many blind children in the UK live in relative poverty, they can suffer a
double disadvantage, since their families cannot afford to give them the musical
experiences that can make such a difference to their lives.
Children with a vision impairment, including those
with additional disabilities, are less likely than their
sighted peers to receive specialist music
education. This is often due to unintended
discrimination brought about through people's
misunderstanding of the implications of being blind
or partially sighted.
Moreover, as many blind children in the UK live in
relative poverty, they can suffer a double
disadvantage, since their families cannot afford to
give them the musical experiences that can make
such a difference to their lives.
George
For many blind and partially sighted children, learning to play an instrument or to
sing can add immeasurably to their lives.
With the right encouragement, some can develop their talents to remarkable ends,
break down barriers and fulfil their potential as individual musicians. For others,
music can provide a medium for enhancing communication, fostering friendships
and supporting emotional regulation.
4

What we do
The Amber Trust offers Music Awards and Services that provide direct support to
blind and partially sighted children. These include:
• instrumental and singing lessons
• the purchase of musical instruments or items of specialist musical technology
• travel and accommodation to access opportunities for making music
• family music-making sessions delivered at home (for under 5s and those with
additional disabilities)
• the provision of resources to aid music making
• online music-making sessions
• workshops for schools
In addition, our indirect services include training for music teachers and
practitioners, online resources (that are available free of charge worldwide), and
advice and guidance for other music education providers.
PIANOS
The Associated Board
of the Royal Schools of Music
CHEON NG CHARMAN SEEM
Chapman
In 2024/25 we supported 722 blind and
partially sighted children across the UK
5

The Year in Numbers
The Amber Trust worked directly with 722 blind and
partially sighted children across the UK during 2024-2025
AMBER MUSIC
AWARDS
303 children received
AMBER MUSIC AWARDS
for instrumental / vocal
lessons, support with
instrument hire or purchase,
and specialist resources
WITH
MUSIC IN MIND
22 children participated in
WITH MUSIC IN MIND
receiving instrumental lessons
or family music-making
sessions for those with neuro-
degenerative
disease
AMBER
TOGETHER
152 children participated in
AMBER TOGETHER group
music-making sessions in
schools and
community settings
AMBER MUSIC
SERVICES
119 children
participated in
AMBERPLUS family
music-making sessions
delivered a home for
those with additional
disabilities
126 children
participated in
LITTLE AMBER
family music-making
sessions delivered at
home for
under 5s
74.2% of Amber beneficiaries
have an additional disability as well
as being blind or partially sighted
192 teachers across the UK
delivered lessons to children in
receipt of an Amber Music Award
75 practitioners were contracted
by Amber to deliver music sessions
through our Little Amber,
AmberPlus and With Music in Mind
services.
51% of Amber's beneficiaries
identify as female, and 49%
identify as male.
By the end of the year, we had placed 111
children on waiting lists for our Awards and
Services.
Amber's beneficiaries span all four nations in
the UK; 91% are based in England and the
remaining 9% are spread across Northern
Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The piano is the most popular instrument
amongst the beneficiaries of Amber's Music
Awards. This is closely followed by singing.
Other instruments played include drums
trombone, violin, ukulele, harp, guitar and
saxophone.
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Young Musicians' Stories
Marco's story
6-year-old Marco loves music. He was born with bilateral retinoblastoma,
which was diagnosed when he was six weeks old. Marco underwent several
chemotherapy treatments for the first two years of his life, which saved his
eyes and restored some of his vision. He is now severely vision-impaired.
Marco
Marco is an Amber Music Award
recipient, receiving funds for
drumming lessons with his teacher,
Alberto.
I love drumming because /
like music, concerts and
funky music. I like Alberto
because he is my friend.
MARCO
Musical engagement can not only help with physical development, but it can also
improve a sense of well-being and enjoyment. 'Making music is funny!' says Marco. I
enjoy using different percussion all the time with Alberto.'
Marco's mother, Anna, reports that Marco's lessons are so engaging that
'sometimes the whole family joins in!'
Reflecting on his time working with Marco, Alberto says, 'Teaching Marco for the
last two years has been a pleasure - his family are very welcoming. Marco is gifted
musically and has an excellent sense of rhythm. He enjoys playing musical games
with percussion instruments - he always wants to be the leader!
It's wonderful to hear of the musical bond Marco shares with Alberto, and the young
talent that is being nurtured.
7

Young Musicians' Stories
Sofia's story
17-year-old Sofia receives an Amber Music Award for braille music lessons, which
support her love for song composition.
'I have a retinal dystrophy and I am registered as
severely sight-impaired,' says Sofia. 'I have been
song-writing since I was nine years old and I have
always had a love for music and performing.'
Sofia
I started learning the piano at seven, but reading
sheet music was very difficult, and I found exams
stressful with the pressure of sight reading. Music
exams were taking the enjoyment of music away
from me. I continued learning piano by ear, which
is my most useful tool.'
Sofia experienced some barriers related to her vision impairment when starting her
music GCSE. 'I didn't feel I had the same access to resources and time to work
through them as my peers. All the lessons were tailored to sighted people
annotating scores.
I was encouraged to seek support in the
blind community. This is how I met braille
music teacher Kate Risdon and The
Amber Trust.'
Music and songs
are my way to
express myself.
Sofia is one of 15 young musicians who
SOFIA
currently receive an Amber Music Award
for braille music lessons.
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'Without Kate and Amber, I wouldn't be in the position I find myself in today' Sofia is
proud to have reached Grade 8 in her Music GCSE exam.
I am currently training in musical theatre at The Brit School,' says Sofia. 'Braille
music, and braille as a whole, has been so important in supporting my compositions
and my current studies.'
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Young Musicians' Stories
Little Amber: Cody's story
3-year-old Cody absolutely loves music and has been a Little Amber recipient since
2022. He has Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, is completely blind and has
developmental delay.
His mother, Ana, observes that 'Cody really enjoys his music lessons with
practitioner Steve Harper. He loves listening to the different instruments and enjoys
feeling the vibration with his hands and feet.
I love to see the
smile on his face
during his sessions.
CODY'S MUM, ANA
Cody
'Cody doesn't usually like being touched but he will happily sit on Steve's lap while
Steve shows him different instruments,' Ana continues. 'We are so grateful to The
Amber Trust for providing this opportunity for Cody. It makes a big difference to his
development, and I love to see the smile on his face during his sessions. Steve is
amazing with Cody'
Little Amber caters for babies and children aged 0-5, including those with
additional disabilities. Families receive percussion instruments, activity cards, and
home visits from a music practitioner. Many children will graduate from Little Amber
to an Amber Music Award or our AmberPlus scheme.
I started visiting Cody when he was just eight months old,' says Steve. 'He was very
unsure about people he didn't know when we first met, so we started slowly. It
became clear very early on just how much he was inspired by sound, song, music
and vibration.
'Over the years he has slowly "let me in" to his world. He hums tuneful patterns,
loves finding phrases on the tuned bells, and can't restrain himself from exploring
the joys of the floor drums - whether it is playing them, feeling them with his feet or
lying down on them to get the full experience. It is always a pleasure to make music
with Cody!'
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Young Musicians' Stories
AmberPlus: Leon's story
Leon, 14, is blind, has stage 4 cerebral palsy and global developmental delay.
He always looks forward to his AmberPlus sessions with music practitioner
Steve Harper.
I was searching for additional activities for Leon
outside of school, says Aga, Leon's mother.
'Given his complex disabilities, there is nothing
in our local area that suits his needs. We felt he
was left out completely. I reached out to Guide
Dogs and they directed us towards The Amber
Trust?
Leon
Leon joined our AmberPlus scheme for children
and young people aged 5-18, including those
with additional disabilities. Children receive
music sessions at home, which include the
whole family as much as possible to encourage
musical engagement outside of home visits.
'Steve comes to our house to play music on so many different instruments,'
continues Aga. 'These lessons give Leon a lot of excitement, as well as teaching
him new skills. Leon learnt how to play on bells and can repeat a sequence of
sounds following Steve's instructions. He is exploring musical instruments with the
use of his hands and feet and is less tactile-defensive. Steve has also managed to
teach him a few words, which is amazing!'
Steve describes Leon as 'bright, cheerful and ready for action' during their sessions.
'He will choose the activities we work on, but at some point during each visit we will
always tap rhythms on the floor, drum together (Leon with his feet), vocalise, and
choose, play and feel a range of percussion and melodic instruments.
'Leon's favourite activity is listening to and feeling the saxophone. There are lots of
whoops of joy and excitement when I visit Leon - long may it continue.'
10

Initiatives and Collaborations
The Mugo - A new musical instrument
Amber was proud to work in partnership this year with University of Roehampton,
Technology in Music Education (TiME), Sounds of Intent, and digital instrument
maker Gawain Hughes in creating the 'Mugo', a new musical instrument that
converts movement into sound.
Mugo
The Mugo was originally designed for young people with Batten Disease, following a
study commissioned by The Amber Trust and undertaken by the University of
Roehampton (published in 2019). Batten Disease leads to sight and speech loss,
and a decline in motor skills, but the Mugo enables children to continue making
music, even when the more complicated movements needed to play conventional
instruments are lost.
The team has now identified a much wider applicability beyond the Batten Disease
community. The Mugo has the potential to benefit the thousands of children in the
UK and beyond who have severe physical disabilities.
While the Mugo is currently in prototype form, the next steps for the project team
are to refine it further and create supporting educational resources, before
exploring the manufacturing potential.
11

Music Hub Partnerships
Amber's long-term goal is to work more closely with Music Hubs in England and so,
towards the end of the year, we recruited three Music Services / Hubs to join a pilot
project to explore the potential of partnership working. Our three new partners are
Lancashire Music Hub, Merton Music Foundation, and Southampton & Isle of Wight
Music.
Music For Youth
In March, a number of Amber beneficiaries performed at Together for Music 2025',
a large-scale inclusive music festival run by Music for Youth. The event was hosted
at B:Music's Symphony Hall in Birmingham, giving our young people a fantastic
platform to showcase their talents on a national stage.
Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB)
Music Teacher Directory
Amber was commissioned by the Music Team at RNIB to create a new Music
Teacher Directory, with funding from Arts Council England.
The directory is a straightforward and accessible tool designed to help families find
suitable music teachers who understand the unique needs of pupils with vision
impairments. The directory features music teachers proficient in a wide range of
instruments. This includes those with expertise in teaching braille music and
providing braille transcription services. The Music Teacher Directory was published
on our website just after the financial year end.
The Amber Trust
Music Teacher Directory
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Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) Workshops
RSBC Workshops
We partnered with The RSBC on Early Years workshops at their Life Without Limits
Centre in London in August and October of this year. Sessions were led by Amber
practitioner, Caterina Dellabona. Parents and children took part in singing,
movement and call-and-response songs, and enjoyed some inclusive games.
Further sessions are planned, and we will work with the RSBC to ensure activity
takes place in other parts of the country next year.
Statisticians for Society
We have continued to work with volunteer statistician Folasade Ariyibi, who gives her
time through the Royal Statistical Society's Statisticians for Society scheme. Fola has
helped us to organise and maximise our data for analysis so that we can improve our
monitoring and evaluation processes.
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Fundraising, Events, and Other News
A year of fundraising with One Step Ahead
Talia Monnickendam's music school, 'One Step
Ahead, raised a phenomenal £1,144.24 in aid of The
Amber Trust during the academic year. The music
school put on several concerts at the end of each
term, with HSBC doubling every donation through
their matched funding scheme.
It has been a pleasure to be able to support such an
important charity,' says Talia. 'We believe music
should be accessible to everyone, and that is
something Amber believes in too.'
We are sincerely grateful to Talia and the pupils of
One Step Ahead.
A concert and guitar auction in memory of Woody Mann
In March, Stevington Guitar Concerts held a very special concert in aid of Amber.
The event was in memory of Woody Mann, an American guitarist, teacher, and
film-maker. For this event, co-ordinator John Duffield not only arranged for
musicians to perform, but also organised an auction of a unique guitar and the sale
of bespoke artwork created especially for the event.
The event raised an incredible £1,900 - equivalent to 76 instrumental lessons for a
blind or vision-impaired young person on our Amber Music Awards.
John told us: 'Woody Mann regularly performed and taught in Europe. He played
for Stevington Guitar Concerts on several occasions, where he made many friends.
Not only was Woody a wonderful player, he also went out of his way to help
musicians wherever they were on their musical journey.
It was a pleasure raising funds for The Amber Trust. The amount was significantly
increased due to all of the musicians, who knew Woody, performing for expenses
only, the donation of the bespoke guitar made by Simon Hewlett and the artwork
created for the event by Artist Jo Dennis. The work you do at The Amber Trust is
wonderful and inspiring. You were the perfect charity to benefit from our concert.
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Team Amber at the Big Half
Georgiana Roe, Rob Watkins and Jan Inge Solberg undertook The Big Half' in
September, running in aid of Amber. Together they raised an impressive £1,881 -
the equivalent of 75 music lessons!
'It was lovely to run on behalf of The Amber Trust,' said Rob. ' hope the money
raised helps with the amazing work you're doing.'
Jan said he was 'truly grateful for the opportunity,' reflecting that the atmosphere
of the event was 'unbeatable.'
Georgiana, a regular Amber fundraiser, said that 'raising money for such an
amazing charity was very special.
Rob
Jan
Georgiana
Caroline's First Marathon
Caroline Fisher raised an amazing £950
by running the 2024 TCS London
Marathon. I've been running for 8 years,'
says Caroline. 'I'm a keen musician and
work for the Hospital Eye Service, so
supporting Amber seemed like the
perfect fit. Turning onto The Mall was an
amazing and emotional experience - I
couldn't believe I'd done it!'
Congratulations Caroline!
LORDSH
ROAD RUNI
CAROLI
tcs
Caroline
15

Staff Changes
After four years at Amber, latterly as CEO, Angela Voyajolu left to pursue a career
in academia. She was replaced by Sophie Amstell in September 2024.
Hannah ElMohankr, Fundraising Assistant, left Amber at the end of her fixed-term
contract in December 2024.
Amber now has a core team of six employees:
• Sophie Amstell, CEO (F/T)
• Elissa Turay, Music Awards Manager (P/T)
• Patrick Shepherd, Music Services Manager (P/T)
• Dominic Millard, Music Administrator (F/T)
• Ying Lin, Finance Officer (P/T)
• Hannah Cykowski, Communications and Events Officer (P/T)
During the course of year, Amber has also benefitted from freelance support from
the following individuals:
• Mikaela West, Communications Assistant
• Andrew Duhig, Website Development
• Nitzan Marinov, Salesforce Consultant
75 different music practitioners were contracted to deliver music sessions for Little
Amber, AmberPlus, With Music in Mind and school workshops.
A further 192 teachers across the UK delivered individual music lessons to Amber's
beneficiaries.
16

Amber's 2024 Annual Concert
We had a fantastic afternoon at Amber's 2024 Annual Concert on the 19th May.
There was a diverse repertoire of music, from Dvořák, Sinatra and Queen. Our
youngest performer, six-year-old Evan Tsang, performed Bach's 'Prelude in C', and
rising star Lucy delighted the audience with a performance of Debussy' Arabesque
No. 1.
It was Steele's first performance at Amber's Annual Concert. Steele, 18, performed
her own song, Squeeze My Hand, a personal and heartfelt piece that moved the
audience to complete silence.
11-year-old Benjamin performed two Grade 7 pieces: one of Mendelssohn's Songs
Without Words and Norton's New Kid. Children's newspaper First News invited
Benjamin to write about the concert, where he described the event as 'quite the
experience,' and 'an enjoyable afternoon.'
'What I like about piano playing is that it is fun and satisfying when I finally learn a
tricky bit, wrote Benjamin. 'Those two pieces were really nice to learn.'
Thank you to our performers, to St Paul's School, and to our volunteers for making
the day so special.
Amber
Sound Touc
Benjamin
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Objectives and Achievements for the Year
• To maintain an annual income of at least £400,000 to provide sufficient funds
for Amber's charitable activities. Amber's total income was £315,673. A
phasing issue meant that £200,000 in income from Webster and Davidson
Mortification for the Blind was received just after the year-end.
• To continue to gradually increase the reach of Music Awards and Music
Services, where possible, to meet the needs of at least 750 blind and partially
sighted children and families throughout the UK. We reached 722 children
through our Music Awards and Music Services in 2024/2025 compared to 708
children in 2023/2024.
• To set up a Youth Board of young people who benefit from the awards and
services that Amber offers, with Trustee representation, to ensure that the
voices of those we serve are at the heart of what we do. Six Amber
beneficiaries, aged between 11 and 18 years, have been recruited to form our
first Youth Board.
• To take the midi-based instrument for children and young people with Batten
disease and other conditions (now named the Mugo) that limit movement to the
next stage of development, trialling prototypes with different potential users
across the country, and to develop a partnership with a manufacturer to see
the device ultimately put into production. The Mugo has been trialled with
multiple users, and a steering group has been formed to drive the project
forward. A funding application to UKRI is underway to progress the manufacture
and commercialisation of the instrument.
• To ensure that all the children and young people whom Amber supports, who
wish to, are entered for a Trinity Award. Staff have undertaken training on the
Trinity Award and practitioners and teachers are encouraged to enter children
where appropriate.
• To work with the newly constituted Music Hubs in England to ensure they are
aware of the needs of vision-impaired children and young people in their region
and of the services that Amber provides, and to support and encourage them
to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted pupils and students
themselves. We have launched a pilot partnership with three of the new Music
Hubs: Lancashire Music Hub, Merton Music Foundation, and Southampton &
Isle of Wight Music.
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Plans for the future
To maintain an annual income of
at least £400,000 to provide
sufficient funds for Amber's
charitable activities.
To improve our marketing and
communications through
segmentation of our audiences.
To broaden our sources of
income to include Corporate
Sponsorship, and increased
Individual Donations.
To secure funding for the
manufacture and
commercialisation of
The Mugo.
To move the 111 children
currently on our Amber's waiting
lists onto Music Awards and
Services where possible.
To enter a minimum of 30
children for a Trinity Award
during the course of the year.
To develop the new Amber Youth
Board further to ensure that the
voices of those we serve are at
the heart of what we do.
To develop the working
relationship with our first three
Music Hub partners and secure a
further five partners by the end
of the year.
19

Thank You
Volunteers contribute to Amber's activities in many ways and their support has
again been invaluable to us this year. We are grateful to Lady Julia Walport for
sitting on our Music Awards Committee, to Folasade Ariyibi for her continued
support with statistical analysis, and to all the volunteers who made our Annual
Concert possible.
The Amber Trust is incredibly grateful for the generous support provided by trusts
and foundations, community organisations, corporate donors, individuals, and
regular donors.
We wholeheartedly thank all those who have given so generously, including those
who supported Amber by taking part in a challenge, those who gave their time and
energy to organise events in aid of Amber, and those who donated in memory of a
loved one.
We thank the following community organisations for supporting our work this year:
Age No Concern, All Saints Festival Choir, Chelmsford Guitar Orchestra, St
Columba Church, Fareham, Stevington Guitar Concerts, Wedmore Festival
Every donation makes a difference and helps us empower blind and partially sighted
children across the UK to engage in and pursue their love of music. On behalf of us
all at The Amber Trust, thank you.
Grants from Trusts and Foundations are crucial for Amber to reach as many blind
and partially sighted children as possible. For their vital support this year, we thank:
• Arts Council England
• Blue Skies Trust
• The Blyth Watson Charitable Trust
• The Charles Hayward Foundation
• CMS Global Impact Fund
• The Cosman Keller Art and Music
Trust
• The DMF Trust
• The Douglas and Elaine Biart
Charitable Trust
• The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
• The GC Gibson Charitable Trust
• The Hedley Foundation
• The John Horseman Charitable Trust
• Kathleen Beryl Sleigh Charitable
Trust
• The Linbury Trust
• The Mackintosh Foundation
• MariaMarina Foundation
• Masonic Charitable Foundation
• Middle Way Trust
• The Patricia Routledge Foundation
• The RN and G Maini Charitable Trust
• Schroder Charity Trust
We also thank those who have given generously but prefer no public
acknowledgement.
20

Summary of Financial Activities
Charitable Activities
During the year to 31 March 2025, the charity raised funds of £305,730 including funds
raised for specific projects of £161,244 which have been classified as restricted funds. The
charity also received investment income of £9,942. The directors spent £470,886 on
charitable activities and raising funds (with £214,978 pledged but not yet paid at the year-
end) and £7,528 on the governance of the charity. The planned deficit aimed to reduce
reserves that exceeded our policy limits, which was preventing the charity from applying to
some major funders. The year-end balance was lower than anticipated due to a phasing
issue relating to funds received from Webster & Davidson Mortification for the Blind. These
funds of £200,000 were received after the year end, on 20 June 2025.
Investment performance
During the year, the charity sold investments to secure £123,780 for the daily operational
costs. Therefore, the investments held by the charity on 31 March 2025 decreased in value
by £105,178 compared to the start of the year, £318,408. The market value of investments
at the year-end of £213,230 represents an increase in value of £64,016 when compared to
the book cost of £149,214. At 31 March 2025 the charity also held cash with the charity's
bankers and stockbrokers of £70,024 with sales proceeds and investment income due to
be received shortly after the year-end of £3,414.
Internal and external factors
In common with many charities, The Amber Trust dealt with factors related to the ongoing
cost-of-living crisis of 2024, and the growing number of children with SEND. There are no
other significant internal or external factors currently affecting the charity.
Investment and Reserves Policy
The charity is reliant on income from Charitable Trusts, individual donors, and its own
fundraising activities. Since this is difficult to predict, month by month, the policy of the
trustees is to maintain a general reserve sufficient to cover six months' operational costs. In
addition, the Charity holds monies committed at any one time to cover the awards made to
beneficiaries, which can be between 1 and 12 months in the future. The directors have no
plans to accumulate reserves beyond those it currently holds. At 31 March 2025, the
charity had reserves of £71,691 with £6,993 being held in restricted funds, to be used for
specific projects (see note 11 of the Financial Statements). The remaining funds are
available for distribution and expenses necessarily incurred in furtherance of the charity's
objectives.
21

Structure, Governance and Management
Principal funding sources
The charity's funds are derived from its fundraising activities and investment income.
Governing Instrument
The Amber Trust was established by a Trust Deed dated 9 June 1994 and was incorporated
as a private limited company registered with Companies House on 25 October 1995. The
Trust's Memorandum and Articles of Association were amended by special resolution on 26
October 2022 to provide for the appointment of a vice chair and to bring the Trust's
governing documents in line with current company and charity law and good practice.
Recruitment and Appointment of New Directors
The power to appoint new directors of the charitable company is vested in the directors
who are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. Under the requirements of the Articles of
Association, one third of the directors are required to retire from office each year and are
eligible for re-appointment. Simon Vincent, Adam Ockelford, and Victoria Oruwari retired
this year by rotation. Simon Vincent, Adam Ockelford and Victoria Oruwari, being eligible,
stood for re-election and were re-appointed. In looking for new directors, the directors bear
in mind the experience and qualifications of the existing directors and possible candidates.
The successful candidates are appointed by a meeting of the existing directors.
Induction and Training of New Directors
The directors share responsibility for the induction and training of all new directors of the
charity. New directors are provided with copies of:
• The Articles of Association
• The latest accounts of the charity
• The Trustees Handbook
New directors are asked to read and familiarise themselves with Charity Commission
guidance notes CC3 - 'The Essential Trustee'. In addition, directors are encouraged to read
Charity Commission and other newsletters and to attend courses designed to keep them
abreast of their duties and responsibilities.
Organisational Structure
The directors of the charitable company are the same as its company law members. The
directors manage the charity generally and together with the Chief Executive Officer,
ensure that the charity delivers its aims and objectives and take responsibility for the
charity's performance and strategy. Day to day activities are the responsibility of the Chief
Executive who reports to the trustees. Sophie Amstell is Chief Executive Officer and Adam
Ockelford is Chair.
22

Wider Network
The charity is not part of a wider network.
Public Benefit Statement
The directors consider that the charity's activities, as set out in its Objectives and
Achievements for the Year are for the public benefit. The directors confirm that they have
complied with their duty under s17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the
guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Related parties
The charity works closely with the Research Centre for Teaching, Learning and Human
Development at the University of Roehampton to fund specific projects. Adam Ockelford, a
director of The Amber Trust is Professor of Music in the School of Education. Professor
Ockelford received no personal benefit from the grants. The charity has no subsidiaries.
Risk Management
The directors have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed
and to ensure appropriate controls are in place. Risks are considered in the context of a
complex, evolving external environment and an increasingly challenging fundraising
landscape.
In the last year, we have seen the rise of artificial intelligence, increased regulations around
topics such as bribery and fraud, and internal and external financial challenges affect both
small and large charities.
Approch to Risk Management
Our risk register considers operational, financial, compliance, strategic and reputational
risks. The directors have reviewed the risks to which the charity is exposed and consider
that they have established sufficient systems and procedures to mitigate those risks.
Both Risk and Safeguarding are agenda items at each directors' meeting. In 2025, we
developed and reviewed our Digital Safeguarding Policy to respond to emerging risks and
updated regulations in this space. We have made risk-based decisions to ensure we can
continue to support our existing beneficiaries in a challenging fundraising market. During
the year, a risk professional joined the Board of Trustees to support a greater focus on risk
and our ambition/plans to do more risk-based work in 2025-26.
23

Principal Risks
The principal risks and related controls during the year were:
Rating
1. Risk of financial deficit
caused by inability to
fundraise to meet
growing demand
2. Risk of harm to our
vulnerable beneficiaries
if safeguarding practices
are not sufficient.
Mitigation:
Mitigation
• Waiting lists were
established to manage
demand
- A new fundraising was
developed which identified
broader income streams
including corporate income,
increased individual
donations and community
fundraising
• Quarterly Safeguarding
review meetings.
• Updated criminal record
check processes.
• Regular training for staff,
trustees and teachers /
practitioners.
Further Controls
• Regular
monitoring of
waiting lists to
anticipate demand
more effectively
-
- • Policy review
- Teacher/
practitioner
consultation
This year ahead
In 2025, we aim to develop our corporate governance and risk management maturity. We
plan to build out our existing risk register to consider risks that require operational
management versus those that require strategic direction and ensure those risks are owned
by the appropriate risk owner. We will report on progress of the mitigation of our top risks at
each Board meeting as part of the standing agenda, enabling productive risk conversations
and ensuring risk gets the focus it needs at all levels.
24

Amber's President
In 2024 Amber's President, Her Majesty the Queen (formerly HRH the Duchess of
Cornwall), continued to be a great support to Amber. Her involvement has been invaluable
in ensuring that Amber's important work with blind and partially sighted children maintains a
high profile.
Directors
The following directors held office during the year:
Adam Ockelford, (Chair), Chun Wai Shum (Vice-Chair), Angelica Bomford, Fiona Costa,
Veronica Franklin-Gould, Victoria Oruwari, Simon Vincent, Kym Smith and Charles Aktins.
Professor Ockelford and Simon Vincent are trustees of the charity Sounds of Intent, which
promotes the music education of young people with a focus on neurodiversity. Professor
Ockelford is a trustee of Live Music Now, a UK-wide charity offering music for social
benefit, and a trustee of SEMPRE, an organisation that encourages music education and
music psychology research.
The directors who held office at the end of the financial period have no beneficial interest in
the Company. All new directors are elected on the collective agreement of the present
directors.
25

Financial Statements
Independent Examiner
The accountants, Burgess Hodgson Limited, have indicated their willingness to
continue in office and a resolution concerning their appointment will be proposed in
due course at the appropriate juncture.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part
15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in Respect of the Accounts
Company law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year
which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the
surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing those accounts the
directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to
enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Am aberfer
Fiore laste
Fiona Costa
Director and Trustee
Professor Adam Ockelford
Chair
23 September 2025
26

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Amber Trust
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31
March 2025, which comprise the statement of financial activities, statement of financial
position and the related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are
responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited
under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in
respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of
the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the
Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's statement
The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the
examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the
examination giving me cause to believe:
a) accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies
Act 2006; or
b) the accounts do not accord with these records; or
c) the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the
2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is
not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
d) the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of
the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities
(FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the
examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Colin Reid FCA
Independent Examiner
1oYl1
Burgess Hodgson Limited, Camburgh House, 27 New Dover Road, Canterbury,
Kent, CT1 3DN.
27

The Amber Trust - Statement of financial activities for the year ended
31 March 2025 including income and expenditure accounts
Incoming resources:
Donations
Income from fundraising events
Investments
Total incoming resources
Notes
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025
Funds S
Funds E
3
3
Total
2024 €
122,010
22,476
9,942
154,429
161,244
-
-
161,244
283,254
22,476
9,942
315,673
255,037
48,651
10,640
314,328
Resources expended:
Charitable activities
Raising funds
Governance costs
Total resources expended
4a)
4a)
4b)
155,368
94,598
7,528
257,494
220,920
-
-
220,920
376,288
94,598
7,528
478,414
431,438
101,034
7,977
540,449
(103,065)
(59,676) (162,741) 226,121)
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources for the year
Other recognised gains/(losses)
Gains/(losses) on investment
assets
Net movement in funds
Funds brought forward at 1 April
Funds carried forward at 31
March
6
7,470
(95,595)
160,293
64,698
-
7,470
21,027
(59,676) (155,271) (205,094)
66,669
226,962
432,056
6,993
71,691
226,962
All of the company's activities are classed as continuing and there are no other
recognised gains and losses other than the net movement of funds for the financial
periods presented.
28

The Amber Trust - Balance sheet as at 31 March 2025
Notes
Total 2025 Total 2024
Current assets:
Debtors
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
7
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted - undesignated funds
Unrestricted - designated funds
8
3,414
213,230
70,024
286,668
(214,978)
71,691
4,144
318,407
180,774
503,325
(276,363)
226,962
11
11
Restricted funds
Total charity funds
64,698
-
64,698
6,993
71,691
145,024
15,270
160,293
66,669
226,962
29

The trustees are satisfied that the charity is entitled to exemption from the
provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial
statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and no member or members have
requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
I. ensuring that the charity keeps proper accounting records which comply with
section 386 of the Act; and
Il. preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and its profit or loss for the
financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which
otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements,
so far as applicable to the charity.
These statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 1A for smaller
entities.
These accounts were approved by the board of directors on 23 September 2025.
Signed on behalf of the board
Am aberfer
Professor Adam Ockelford
Chair
23 September 2025
fiere loste
Fiona Costa
Director and Trustee
30

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025
1. Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, in
accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102 1A for smaller entities and in
accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of
the entity.
2. Accounting policies
a) Income
Donations are recognised as income when received. If paid under covenant or gift aid,
the related tax recoverable is recognised when the original donation is received.
Other income is recognised when received.
b) Expenditure
Charitable activities are those activities undertaken to achieve the charity's objectives.
Expenditure on charitable activities is recognised when the Charity's Music Awards
Committee has agreed a grant to a beneficiary or when payment is due.
Expenditure on raising funds comprises costs incurred in generating voluntary income,
including fundraising events.
Governance costs are incurred on constitutional and statutory requirements.
Support costs have been allocated to charitable activities and fundraising activities on a
basis consistent with the use of resources.
c) Funds
The charity's funds have been classified as unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted
funds may be used at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the charity's objectives
and aims. Where the trustees have set aside a part of the unrestricted fund to be used
for specific projects, this fund is described as 'designated'. Restricted funds may only
be used in accordance with the donor's wishes.
d) Investment valuation
Investments are valued at their year-end market values.
31

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025
e) Taxation
No provision has been made for either income tax or corporation tax, the company
being exempt as a registered charity. The Amber Trust is not registered for Value
Added Tax.
f) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and
judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors,
including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
g) Financial Instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of
the contractual arrangements entered into.
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one
year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are
recognised in the profit and loss account in other administrative expenses.
Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the transaction price including
transaction costs.
Subsequently, they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate
method, less impairment. If an arrangement constitutes a finance transaction it is
measured at present value.
32

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
3. Incoming resources
Unrestricted
Funds f
Restricted
Funds f
Total 2025 Total 2024
Donations:
From Trusts and Foundations
From individual donors
Corporate
Legacies
Gift Aid recovery
66,775
46,862
-
-
8,374
122,011
159,869
1,375
-
226,644
48,237
184,504
43,360
11,000
161,244
-
8,374
283,255
16,173
255,037
Income from fundraising events:
Major fundraising events
Community fundraising
Investments
Total incoming resources
10,449
12,027
22,475
9,942
154,429
161,244
10,449
12,027
22,476
9,942
315,673
29,058
19,594
48,651
10,640
314,328

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
4. Resources expended
a) Analysis of total resources expended
Direct activity Support costs Total 2025 Total 2024
Charitable activities
Expenditure on programmes:
Music Awards
Little Amber
AmberPlus
With Music in Mind
Workshops
Discretionary
Development of resources
Cost of raising funds:
Fundraising and events
Investment fees
Governance costs
147,101
26,650
22,494
15,906
13,062
225,213
4,713
13,341
243,267
24,177
2,763
7,528
277,735
47,608
27,346
27,346
18,625
12,097
133,021
-
-
133,021
67,657
-
-
200,679
194,709
53,996
49,840
34,531
25,159
358,234
4,713
13,341
376,288
91,834
2,763
7,528
478,414
241,902
52,351
51,464
30,554
46,299
422,568
205
8,664
431,438
98,508
2,526
7,977
540,449
34

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
b) Analysis of total support costs
Charitable
activities
133,021
Music programmes
management
Fundraising events
Fundraising administration
Office Costs/ General
Administration
Office IT costs
Legal fees/bank charges
HR/ Audit fees
133,021
Cost of
raising funds
-
5,733
30,252
46,311
12,302
-
-
94,598
Governance
-
-
-
-
4,924
2,602
7,528
Total
2025 $
133,021
5,733
30,252
46,311
12,302
4,924
2,604
235,147
Total
2024 S
103,859
11,160
24,699
52,414
12,760
6,019
1,958
212,870
c) Wages and salaries
Total support costs include the following amounts in respect of staff costs:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Total 2025
183,397
11,780
5,502
200,679
Total 2024
162,289
9,426
4,806
176,521
Average headcount during the year was 7 (2024: 6.5).
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024:
Nil).
35

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
5. Directors' fees and expenses
No remuneration, benefits or expenses were paid to the Directors during the year.
6. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses
a) Realised gains and losses
Profit/(loss) on sale of investments
TOTAL
2025 S
37,786
TOTAL
2024 S
18,564
b) Unrealised gains and losses
Value of investments at beginning of year
Less: value of investments sold
Add: cost of investments purchased
Adjusted value at beginning of year
Market value of investments at end of year
Unrealised gain/(loss)
TOTAL
2025 €
318,408
(84,401)
9,540
243,547
213, 230
(30,317)
TOTAL
2024 $
284,236
(33,470)
65,088
315,944
318,408
2,464
7. Debtors
Investment income
TOTAL
2025 S
3,414
TOTAL
2024 $
4,144
8. Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
Grants approved but unpaid at end of year
TOTAL
2025 S
214,978
TOTAL
2024S
276,363
36

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
9. Capital
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Each member has a
liability limited to £1 for payment of the company's debts if the company is wound up or
dissolved.
10. Related party transactions
Adam Ockelford, a director of The Amber Trust, is Professor of Music and Director of
the Applied Music Research Centre at the University of Roehampton. The University
has undertaken research and development projects for The Amber Trust, payments for
which are negotiated and approved by other Trustees of the Trust. Professor Ockelford
receives no personal benefit from these payments.
There have been no other related party transactions in the year.
11. Funds
below:
An analysis of the company's assets at 31 March 2025 by fund is provided in the table
Restricted
Current assets
Creditors amounts falling due
within one year
59,466
(52,473)
6,993
Unrestricted
Undesignated
227,202
Designated
(162,505)
64,697
Total
-
286,667
- (214,978)
71,691
12. Independent Examination fees
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of financial statements
2025
1,200
2024
1,110
37

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
Movements on restricted and unrestricted designated funds during the year ended 31
March 2024 are analysed in the table below:
At 1 April
2024
Incoming
Outgoing
Resources
Resources
Balance at
March
2025
Restricted funds source
MariaMarina Foundation
The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust
Arts Council England
The de Lazslo Foundation
The Linbury Trust
Individual Donor
CMS Social Impact Fund
The Hedley Foundation
Cosman Keller Art&Music Trust
Global's Make Some Noise
Arts Council England via RNIB
Garfield Weston Foundation
Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust
Designated funds source
The Thomas J Horne Memorial Trust
Trustees meeting 16.05.23 approved
£30k designated funds for Little Amber
15,993
5,676
-
2,471
7,308
1,015
-
-
-
4,551
4,156
25,000
500
66,669
5,500
9,770
15,270
60,000
-
30,098
64,000
1,250
500
2,396
3,000
-
161,244
(75,993)
(5,676)
(24,380)
(2,471)
(71,307)
(990)
(500)
(2,396)
(3,000)
(4,551)
(4,156)
(25,000)
(500)
(220,920)
5,718
-
1,275
-
-
-
6,993
-
(5,500)
(9,770)
(15,271)
-
-
38

The Amber Trust - notes to the financial statements for the year
ended 31 March 2025 continued
Notes to the Restricted funds:
The awards from the MariaMarina Foundation were used to fund the development of the
charity's infrastructure; Music Awards and Little Amber programmes.
Funds from The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust were used to fund Music Awards.
Funds from Arts Council England were used to fund the Braille music lessons and
workshops.
The funds from The de Laszlo Foundation were used to fund new music awards for children
who have had no first-hand experience of music lessons.
The award from The Linbury Trust was used to fund Music Awards, the With Music in Mind
programme and the TiME Sound Moves (Mugo) project.
The donation from an individual donor is being restricted to Music Awards.
The funds from CMS Social Impact Fund were used to support two students at New College
Worcester.
The funds from The Hedley Foundation were used to support two students' Braille music
lessons.
The funds from Cosman Keller Art & Music Trust were used to fund five students with
Music Award lessons.
The remining funds from Global's Make Some Noise were used to pay for the charity's
Salesforce system improvement.
The funds from Arts Council England, via Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB),
were used towards a teacher directory development project.
The grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation was used for the Little Amber and
AmberPlus Programmes.
The award from the Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust was used to co-fund two
students' musical instruments.
The award from The Thomas J Horne Memorial Trust has been designated by the trustees
to fund part of the Little Amber programme.
The remaining designated funds of £30,000 were used for the Little Amber programme.
12. Controlling party
The directors are the ultimate controlling party.
39

Legal and Administrative Information
President
Patrons
Directors and Trustees
Ambassadors
Her Majesty the Queen (formerly HRH the Duchess of
Cornwall)
Jools Holland OBE, James Lisney, Derek Paravicini,
Nic Paravicini DL, Lady Eleanor Shearing,
Lady Julia Walport.
Adam Ockelford (Chair), Chun Wai Shum (Vice-Chair),
Charles Atkins, Angelica Bomford, Fiona Costa,
Veronica Franklin Gould, Victoria Oruwari, Kym Smith,
Simon Vincent.
Roderic Hill, Pablo Urbina.
Email
Website
Registered Address
Charity Registration Number
Company Registration Number
Status
Bankers
Independent Examiner
Solicitors
Investment Advisers
contact@ambertrust.org
www.ambertrust.org
64a Princes Way, London, SW19 6JF
1050503
03117803
Company limited by guarantee
CAF Bank Ltd, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent,
ME19 4TA
Burgess Hodgson Limited, 27 New Dover Road,
Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3DN
Bates Wells, 10 Queen Street Place, London,
EC4R 1BE
Rathbone Investment Management Ltd, Fiennes
House, 32 Southgate Street, Winchester, SO23 9EH
40

The Amber Trust
Music for Blind Children
FR
Registered with
FUNDRAISING
REGULATOR
The Amber Trust
64a Princes Way, London, SW19 6JF
Registered Charity No: 1050503
Company No: 03117803
+XC
in
@TheAmberTrust
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