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← The Design And Technology Association

2024-12-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

Registered number: 03089012 Charity number: 1062270

The Design & Technology Association

Trustees' Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Contents

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Association, its Trustees and Advisers 1 - 2
Chair's statement and Chief Executive’s statement 3 - 6
Trustees' Report 7 - 16
Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements 17 - 20
Statement of Financial Activities 21
Balance Sheet 22
Statement of Cash Flows 23
Notes to the Financial Statements 24 - 47

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Reference and Administrative Details of the Association, its Trustees and Advisers For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Trustees Ms S Adams-Foster
Ms H Birch
Mr P Calver,Vice Chair from 1 January2024
Ms S Davis
Mr C Grinyer(appointed 1 April 2024)
Mr C Hatherall
Mr M McLain
Ms F Milton
Mr H Sadheura(resigned 1 March 2024)
Mr D Wicken
Mr M Williams,Chair
Ms L Yap (appointed 1 August 2024)
Ms N Yardim Mericliler(appointed 1 June 2024)
Company registered
number
03089012
Charity registered number
1062270
Registered office
11 Manor Park
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 3TB
Company secretary
Mrs B van Beijnum
Chief executive officer
Mr T Ryan
Independent auditor
Dains Audit Limited
2 Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3AX

Page 1

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Reference and Administrative Details of the Association, its Trustees and Advisers (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Bankers Barclays Bank Plc Warwickshire Group of Branches Santander UK Plc Bootle Merseyside L30 4GB

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Chair's statement and Chief Executive's statement

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

I am pleased to report on another year of progress as we continue to push forward with our mission: delivering worldclass services to our members, championing the value of Design and Technology in education, and building stronger connections between industry and schools.

Despite the challenges we faced in 2024, our dedicated team have been exceptional. Their skill, commitment, and passion have been the driving force behind everything we do, and it’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented group of people.

A Year of Growth and Innovation

Following years of rapid membership growth, we’ve focused on deepening our engagement with our members, rolling out new services and resources that make a real difference in classrooms across the country. Our support materials are helping teachers deliver high-quality Design and Technology education, even in the face of tightening budgets. Taking Lobbying to the Next Level.

Our lobbying efforts reached new heights in 2024. We’ve ramped up our work with industry partners to showcase the critical importance of Design and Technology in today’s education system. Through collaboration with leaders from engineering, manufacturing, and design, we’ve amplified our message in key political meetings, advocating for the future of the subject and publishing a groundbreaking report in partnership with the Design Council last summer. Our transparent approach to the Curriculum Review process continues to gain traction, with our response and analysis of the interim report now publicly available.

Reimagining Design and Technology

Our Reimagined Design and Technology paper has continued to gain momentum, with teachers and sector leaders nationwide endorsing our calls for change. In 2024, we saw initial steps towards implementing the recommendations within the paper, a testament to the growing recognition of the subject’s importance. We’re committed to seeing these changes through and ensuring Design and Technology remains at the heart of our education system.

Building Stronger Industry Connections

One of our key objectives is to bridge the gap between schools and local industry, providing students with enriched learning experiences that prepare them for a fast-evolving world. We’re expanding our Teachers in Residence programme, which allows teachers to work directly with industry partners, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Our Inspired by Industry resources, now available in over 20 contexts at Key Stage 3, are being embraced by schools and industry leaders across the country.

In partnership with Nottingham Trent University, we’ve also launched a major research project to assess the impact of these initiatives, and we’re working hard to extend regional training for teachers to embed this valuable experience in the school curriculum.

A Vision for the Future

We are committed to ensuring that Design and Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. The introduction of the subject into the national curriculum was a landmark decision, one that continues to hold immense value for an advanced economy like the UK. As we approach the next stage of the education review, we remain optimistic about the subject’s future and are excited about the potential impact on our students and schools.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Chair's statement and Chief Executive's statement (continued)

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

In the coming year, our goal is to see the subject firmly placed at the forefront of the national education agenda. Together with our partners, we will continue to advocate, innovate, and lead the way in shaping the future of Design and Technology education.

[BalSignedEO3F3C2AFF764AE...Wiliamsby: Mr M Williams (Chair) Date: 15 May 2025

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Chair's statement and Chief Executive's statement (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The financial year 2024 threw up some fresh challenges for the Association as, for the first time in several years, the membership growth that has heavily featured within the charity slowed and started to regress at primary level. We exist primarily to assist teachers in delivering high-quality design and technology education to their pupils; membership growth has never been about finance but building a community empowered to work at the highest levels within the subject.

This has caused us to reflect and reach out to the community to gather the reasons for the reduced growth levels, which are many and complex, as is usually the case with our subject. We are seeing several ‘whole curriculum’ commercial content providers grow their market share within primary, with many teachers reporting that purchasing other subject solutions is impermissible once these solutions have been purchased (often by school senior management). In addition to this, there appears to be a less urgent emphasis on Ofsted and the need to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum. Finally, stretched school budgets are cited as the main reason membership is not purchased or maintained.

Secondary membership is holding steady, which is no mean feat as the number of schools delivering the subject continues to decline and with many schools selecting to offer an Art & design qualification at GCSE as it is seen as being more easily accessible and more ‘manageable’ due to its 100% NEA assessment.

In recent years, we developed a three-point focus to our strategy: to deliver a world-class service to our membership, to lobby the government of the day to represent the interests of our members and further establish the value of the subject in the eyes of government; and thirdly, to engage with industry and employers, providing a service to bridge the gap between industry and education. This strategic focus continues; over 2024, we have made significant progress across these key areas.

Our lobbying activities have pulled many organisations and companies closer to the Association and, consequentially, to the subject. We worked closely with the Design Council last year, culminating in a report, “A Blueprint for Renewal Design & Technology”, released in late June. We also worked hard to continue to build a direction and vision for the subject building on our reimagining D&T paper, with work carried out over the last three to four years helping to feed input given to the House of Lords 11-16 Committee report and ultimately to the Government’s Curriculum Review Team, led by Professor Becky Francis (our full response to the call for evidence and a recent analysis of the interim report are available on our website).

Last year, we doubled down on our efforts to work closely with industry partners to produce more of our ‘Inspired by Industry’ resources. These real-world contexts present students aged 11-14 with industry-inspired problems aimed to challenge and inspire in equal measure at KS3. We now have twenty of these contexts live with more in development, and we are delighted that, as a result of partner financial support, we have started an eighteen-month research study into the effectiveness of these units, engaging Nottingham Trent University to carry out this research.

As a result of the above work and our Blueprint 1000 initiative, we ended 2024 with a significantly increased number of companies working with and alongside the Association in its work. Better joining the work of educators and business/industry remains a key focus of the Association’s work.

We won the tender to deliver design & technology work across Key Stages 1/2/3 and 4 for Oak National Academy last year. This work is now well underway, with work continuing until at least summer 2025. Work for Oak on Cooking and Food/Nutrition has been subcontracted to our partners at the British Nutrition Foundation. We are working hard to ensure D&T is well-represented on this national platform.

Our biggest problem as a subject remains within recruitment and retention. To put it succinctly, government(s) have

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Chair's statement and Chief Executive's statement (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

failed to make teaching an attractive profession over the last decade or longer, as the accountability system loads pressure on young teachers and headteachers to perform and deliver. Young people operate their lives differently than previous generations, with ‘Gen Z’ seeing work as an important part of life but not the sole reason to live. Modern-day teaching simply asks too much from our young people for it to be an attractive proposition. The result is recruitment numbers are down across all subjects, but design and technology has suffered more than most.

We failed to hit some ambitious financial targets in 2024, but we did make a small profit overall, which is an important aspiration for any third-sector organisation. These are challenging economic times as UK business and industry seeks to navigate an increasingly turbulent and volatile business environment. That said, we are helping to solve some of industry’s most significant issues across talent acquisition and a need for increased diversity, areas that almost all businesses recognise as problems that they must battle and solve now and in the near future.

We approach 2025 in a buoyant mood and with renewed energy and drive. This subject matters and is worth fighting for. The journey was never going to be easy, but we continue to make significant progress.

Mr T Ryan (Chief Executive) Date: 15 May 2025

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the The Design and Technology Association for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the Association qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

Objectives and activities

a. Objectives

The object of the Association is to:

Advance public education through supporting, promoting and developing design and technology, and related areas, through a range of publications, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, award schemes and educational courses.

The Association’s vision is to help all young people shape their world and to nurture those who will become the innovators, wealth creators and problem solvers of tomorrow, by being the authority on developing high quality design and technology teaching and learning in schools.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

b. Public benefit statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

The D&T Association carries out its aims for the public benefit by providing advice, support and general information about design and technology education to those working in design and technology education, government, industry and the general public. This is done by:

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance

a. Review of activities

Membership

Our membership growth, which has increased exponentially in recent years, stalled in 2024, resulting in a decline that left us with just over 25,000 members by year-end. Our strong membership base has been a valuable asset in our lobbying efforts, sponsorship opportunities, and fundraising activities, reinforcing the association’s position as a key influence in the education sector. This recent decline is a concern, and following a period of reflection, new strategies will be introduced in 2025 to reverse the drop in new memberships and strengthen retention.

Throughout the year, the Association has actively enhanced engagement with members, industry partners, and the wider design and technology community. By leveraging email, social media, and digital marketing channels, we have effectively shared updates, introduced new services, and provided timely access to essential educational news.

Events

In-person training remains the preferred method for teachers, while live online learning, which gained popularity during the pandemic, continues to be widely used. Its appeal lies in its flexibility—shorter sessions, no travel required, reduced costs, and minimal time away from the classroom. Although

E-Learning has not gained as much traction as expected, it remains a valuable component of our flexible training offering.

In 2024, we continued to provide a range of training options, including in-person sessions, live online CPD, E-Learning courses, and one-hour bite-sized learning opportunities. INSET training, consultancy, and SCITT student teacher training have all provided significant areas of success, with plans to expand consultancy services in 2025, while INSET demand is expected to remain steady.

Flexible Training Formats in 2024

  1. In-Person CPD – A program of scheduled training sessions covering a wide range of topics, delivered at venues nationwide.

  2. E-Learning CPD Modules – Self-paced, high-quality professional and certified development that allows teachers to learn at their convenience.

  3. Live Online Remote CPD – Curriculum-focused training for primary and secondary teachers, delivered via Zoom.

  4. One-Hour Bite-Sized CPD Sessions – Short, focused sessions available during lunch breaks or after school, free for members.

  5. INSET Training – Bespoke training tailored to the needs of individual schools or Trusts.

  6. Free Webinars for Members and Non-Members – Covering a wide range of topics, including industry insights, support for early career teachers (ECTs), SEND in D&T, and networking opportunities for UK and international teachers.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Excellence Awards 2024

The 2024 Excellence Awards took place in October at The Heritage Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, marking our second event outside London. The event continues to grow in impact and prestige, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. Sponsors greatly benefited from the heightened visibility at this new venue, with many committing on the evening to renew their sponsorship for 2025.

Health and Safety Training and Accreditation Scheme

6,780 accreditations were processed in 2024. The senior H&S consultant group met regularly to discuss and develop elements of the training and accreditation process as part of continual improvement. The 2024 H&S conference in Northampton was a great success with positive responses from consultants and exhibitors. The nature of training is fast-changing in schools as trainers meet a very wide range of need and experiences, this is an area that we will be looking into in some depth across 2025.

Consultancy

The Association continues to provide bespoke consultancy services, supporting schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and industry partners in developing a deeper understanding of the subject and curriculum. Our goal is to help teachers, technicians and school leaders implement a modern, real-world curriculum that is both engaging and inspiring.

Much of this work is delivered through in-person consultancy days tailored to address specific challenges within individual schools. Additionally, we have successfully delivered a year-long training program for student teachers at a SCITT in Manchester. Building on this success, a new SCITT program in Wigan has been developed and is being delivered throughout the 2024/25 school year.

Resources

Teaching and curriculum resources continue to be developed and/or edited to ensure they are useful to teachers. Our main KS3 resources ‘Inspired by Industry’ were produced in conjunction with a number of industry partners including Mamas & Papas, Scalextric and JCB. These have recorded thousands of downloads and are free to members and nonmembers alike as we seek to instigate change within the KS3 curriculum offer nationally. Members gain access to over one-hundred support units that have been carefully crafted by teachers, for teachers to further support this work. A research project with Nottingham Trent University was approved in 2024, with the main work completing in early 2026.

Subject Consultation Group

The Subject Consultation Group has 23 members from schools, universities, consultancies, and commerce and provides feedback and contributions across a range of areas. We met once in 2024 and utilised their expertise on a few occasions for sense-checking support resources.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Restricted fund acquisition

In 2024, £51,600 was secured from external sources, in what has been an increasingly challenging fundraising climate.

Funding for both our Blueprint 1000 education/industry initiative and to support our ‘Inspired by Industry’ KS3 initiative failed to reach targets set, this resulting in a failure to reach ambitious financial targets set for the year, although the charity did make a modest profit.

Further funding has been secured for the Teachers in Residence programme with the IMechE continuing their generous support of this scheme enabling us to continue to grow the range of opportunities available for teachers. The Teachers in Residence programme enables teachers to take part in an internship with a UK-based design, engineering, manufacturing, or construction business, to get an in-depth understanding of modern industry. Companies ran face to face opportunities for teachers, including placements in design studios and an international firm of architects.

The Association has continued to grow the Designed for Life Podcasts, thanks to continued sponsorship from The Edge Foundation who were with us from the beginning. This year saw a continuation of the live Podcast’s started in 2022 as part of the London Design Festival. We have secured a new sponsor for 2025 in Arachne.digital and their support will enable us to run more live podcasts around the UK in 2025. We are grateful for the breadth of guests who have supported these podcasts, from industry and education and the podcast now has over 32,000 streams and approaches its one-hundredth episode.

Work was completed on a SEND project, which involves the development of D&T related symbols to help improve teachers’ communication with pupils with little or no vocabulary, and enhance their design and technology experience this work was well received by the SEND and mainstream sectors alike.

The team continues to identify funding opportunities with both existing and potential new funders, which align with the Association’s longer-term strategy, focusing on building opportunities to inspire teachers and improve subject learning for their students.

b. Key performance indicators

The Association’s key non-financial performance indicators are the maintenance of growth in subscriptions and registrations and the provision of the services required by members. For grant funded activities the aim is to achieve the targets set by funders. The D&T Association’s performance in these respects is set out in the results for the year outlined above.

It also regularly monitors finances of unrestricted activities against targets at FAC meetings at least five times a year.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

c. Duty to promote the success of the Association to achieve its charitable purposes

The Trustees of the charitable company, as those of all UK companies, must act in accordance with a set of general duties. These duties are detailed in section 172 of the UK Companies Act 2006 which is summarised as follows:

“A director of a company must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and in doing so, have regard to the likely consequences of any decisions in the long term; the interests of the company’s employees; the need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others; the impact of the company’s operations on the community and environment; the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and the need to act fairly as between shareholders and the company”.

Details of how the Trustees have fulfilled these duties when dealing with strategic decisions are covered in the Chair and Chief Executive's Report and the Trustees Report.

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Association has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

b. Investment powers and policy

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Association has the power to invest funds not immediately required for its purposes. Trustees actively consider the most appropriate policy for investing funds considering the need to balance achieving a reasonable return with the need to maintain liquidity and to minimise risk.

c. Reserves policy

The Association aims to maintain reserves that represent nine months of annual operating costs for unrestricted activity plus other commitments. This is estimated as £970,000 and aims to cover any membership liabilities and costs to wind up the organisation so that, if this course of action was unavoidable, there are sufficient funds available.

Additional funds may be used in the form of designated funds to invest in activities to support the long-term ambitions for the organisation.

Trustees review the Investment powers and policy and Reserves policy on an annual basis.

d. Review of finances

Our unrestricted income was £1,303,294, a significant increase of £225,789 compared to 2023 (2023: £1,077,505), and our unrestricted expenditure was £1,283,027 (2023: £1,129,624). This resulted in a total unrestricted surplus of deficit of

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

£20,267 (2023: deficit of £52,119), an increase of £72,386. The lower level of restricted funds income obtained this year impact negatively on this expenditure as more costs were absorbed. In fact, most unrestricted activities performed well. At the end of 2024, the overall level of unrestricted reserves stood at £1,031,442 (2023: £1,011,175)

Restricted fund income was £51,600 (2023: £71,095), a reduction of £19,495. However, this level was far lower than planned. A number of our key planned activities were reframed and still took place, and a number of ‘Inspired by Industry’ projects were developed for use in secondary schools. This lower than budgeted level of restricted funds resulted in a lower level of overheads getting absorbed which explains the higher amount of unrestricted expenditure mentioned above. The restricted funding was awarded by several foundations, institutions, trusts, and companies. The Association continues to seek new funding opportunities in a challenging environment to enable the continuation of focused work that supports design and technology in schools and continues a particular focus on enabling schools to use resources based on real industry contexts and also helping to enable schools to collaborate with industry. The restricted fund at the end of the year stood at £21,070 (2023: £28,929).

Membership and subscription income in 2024 only just exceeded that in the previous year. However, strategies are in place to turn the curve back and start increasing the number of members again in 2025.

Expenditure on lobbying continued in 2023 and, whilst this does not provide a direct income, it is an essential part of the work we do to secure the future of design and technology for young people.

Investment income grew to £53,633 (2023: £33,638), mainly as a result of enhanced interest rates and the careful use of fixed term deposit options. The invested funds held on deposit achieved a return commensurate with the economic climate during the year. Trustees have continued to invest cash that is not required for outgoings in the immediate future. At the end of 2024, the Association had funds totalling £1,007,216 deposited with a number of FSCS-protected banks through the Flagstone platform, with favourable rates.

Overall, 2024 was a very successful year for the Association in terms of its achievements and impact, even though it resulted in a smaller than anticipated surplus of £12,408. Plans for 2025 will continue the focus on lobbying for the subject and improving the teaching and status of D&T in schools. The organisation remains in a strong position with clear direction and significant reserves.

Structure, governance and management

a. Status

The Design and Technology Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee (Company No. 03089012) and a registered charity (Charity No. 1062270). The company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Trustees deal with the detailed running of the Company.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

b. Governing document

The Design and Technology Association is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and does not have share capital.

It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. The Trustees have no interest in the company’s surplus or assets and receive no remuneration.

Anyone involved in design and technology education can become an associate member of the Company. Members of the Board of Trustees agree to contribute £5 in the event of the charity winding up.

c. Appointment of Trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association the Chairperson of the Trustees is nominated by other Trustees. The maximum number of Trustees is 14 and one third of Trustees are elected annually by members and serve for a period of three years. The Trustees have the power to co-opt for any places available and members so appointed will retain office only until the next Annual Retirement Meeting when he/she shall be eligible for election.

All associate members are circulated with invitations to nominate Trustees prior to the Annual Retirement Meeting, advising them of the retiring trustees and requesting nominations.

Trustees induction and training

The charity has an induction programme for newcomers to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. During the induction they meet key employees and other Trustees.

All Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role and a number of existing Trustees have taken this opportunity in the last few years. Occasionally internal training for the Board of Trustees is also arranged on specific topics.

d. Organisation

The Board of Trustees, which can have up to 14 members, administers the Association and meets five times a year. A Finance and Audit sub-Committee (FAC) addresses finance issues.

A Chief Executive is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the Association. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance and employment.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

e. Risk management

The Trustees have considered the risks to which the Association is exposed, and have established systems for mitigating those risks. A risk register is reviewed and updated at every Board meeting. External risks have been minimised by the adoption of a strategic plan, reviewed on a regular basis, which includes a strategy for securing funds from a wide range of sources. Internal risks are minimised by implementing procedures for authorising transactions, and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. The Trustees review these systems regularly and accept that there are certain risks inherent to the Association.

Plans for future periods

We have a clear strategy that directs our work, staff deployment, and how we direct and utilise our budget. The last twelve months have been challenging as an uncertain political and economic climate created a volatile business climate. We are hopeful that with a new government now in place and the Curriculum Review currently in motion showing signs that it may assist the subject’s growth, 2025 may provide a more productive business climate.

We exist as an organisation to support the subject of design and technology and work with our members to improve and enhance the delivery of the subject nationally.

We believe that the subject adds value to a broad and rich curriculum offer. Its interdisciplinary nature lends itself to explorative and contextualised learning, but we also cannot ignore the fact that design, engineering, manufacturing, and work across other creative sectors offers an ever-increasing career focus for young people. Our Blueprint 1000® initiative is an essential part of the Association’s future as we seek to join the worlds of education and business, we will be reviewing this and adapting the offer within the coming year.

We additionally added a significant body of work to our industry work in 2024 as our ‘Inspired by Industry’ initiative, born from research carried out as we compiled our Reimagining paper moved from strength to strength, with twenty learning contexts released to date. This work has been well received by both teachers and industry professionals, and we will now seek to embed this work in schools and support teachers with free or low cost CPD that will encourage them to introduce this work to their curriculum offer. At the same time, Nottingham Trent University is about to start an indepth research programme aimed at assessing the effectiveness of this initiative.

In 2025 we have committed that we will:

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Plans for future periods (continued)

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Association for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Trustees' Report (continued)

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities (continued)

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Association's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' Report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditor

The auditor, Dains Audit Limited, has indicated its willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditor at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 15 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

[Bal _________ SignedEO3F3C2AFF764AE...Wiliamsby: Mr M Williams

Chair

Page 16

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Design & Technology Association

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Design & Technology Association (the 'association') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditor's Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine

Page 17

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Design & Technology Association (continued)

whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

Page 18

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Design & Technology Association (continued)

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

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

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the Association’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

Page 19

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Design & Technology Association (continued)

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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

Use of our report

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

Mark Gurney FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of

Dains Audit Limited

Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants

Birmingham

20 August 2025

Page 20

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Investments
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
17,636
1,232,025
53,633
1,303,294
1,283,027
1,283,027
20,267
1,011,175
20,267
1,031,442		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
51,600
-
-
51,600
59,459
59,459
(7,859)
28,929
(7,859)
21,070		 Total
funds
2024
£
69,236
1,232,025
53,633
1,354,894
1,342,486
1,342,486
12,408
1,040,104
12,408
1,052,512		 Total
funds
2023
£
88,964
1,025,998
33,638
1,148,600
1,179,596
1,179,596
(30,996)
1,071,100
(30,996)
1,040,104

The notes on pages 24 to 47 form part of these financial statements.

Page 21

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee) Registered number: 03089012

Balance Sheet

As at 31 December 2024

2024 2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 12 171,799 9,129
Tangible assets 13 7,034 8,601
178,833 17,730
Current assets
Stocks 14 2,800 4,045
Debtors 15 113,454 91,443
Cash at bank and in hand 1,168,068 1,360,626
1,284,322 1,456,114
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 (410,643) (433,740)
Net current assets 873,679 1,022,374
Total net assets 1,052,512 1,040,104
Charity funds
Restricted funds 17 21,070 28,929
Unrestricted funds 17 1,031,442 1,011,175
Total funds 1,052,512 1,040,104

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 15 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Mr M Williams

Chair of Trustees

The notes on pages 24 to 47 form part of these financial statements.

Page 22

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
20
Cash flows from investing activities
Bank interest
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of intangible assets
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
21		 2024
£
(75,705)
53,633
(3,841)
(166,645)
(116,853)
(192,558)
1,360,626
1,168,068		 2023
£
31,518
33,638
(3,486)
-
30,152
61,670
1,298,956
1,360,626

The notes on pages 24 to 47 form part of these financial statements

Page 23

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. General information

The Design and Technology Association is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, incorporated in the United Kingdom and registered in England and Wales under the Companies Act. The address of the registered office is 11 Manor Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 3TB. The Association is a membership organisation for employers and individuals and further information regarding the Association's principal activities are set out in the Chair and Chief Executive's statement and the Trustees' report.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Design & Technology Association meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional currency is GBP. The financial statements are prepared and rounded to the nearest £.

2.2 Company Status

The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member of the company.

2.3 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Association and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Association for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 24

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Going concern

The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

2.5 Income

All income is recognised once the Association has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the company is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the company has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the company, or the company is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the Friends is not recognised and refer to the Trustees' report for more information about their contribution.

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

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Page 25

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.6 Expenditure

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

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Association's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the company's operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of financial activities incorporating income and expenditure account.

At each reporting date the Association assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

2.8 Interest receivable

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

2.9 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities incorporating income and expenditure account on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Page 26

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.10 Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.

2.11 Debtors

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

2.12 Intangible assets and amortisation

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Trademarks - 10 years Goodwill - 4 years

2.13 Cash at bank and in hand

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

2.14 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Association anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

2.15 Financial instruments

The Association only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 27

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.16 Taxation

The Association is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Association is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

2.17 Government grants

Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of Financial Activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities as the related expenditure is incurred.

2.18 Pensions

The Association operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Association to the fund in respect of the year.

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Association makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Critical areas of judgement:

Tangible fixed assets are depreicated over their useful lives taking into account residual values where appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In re-assessing the asset lives, factors such as technological innovation, product life cycles and maintenance programmes are taken into account. Residual values consider such things such as future market conditions, the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a straightline basis over its expected useful life.

Page 28

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

4. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Grants
Total 2024
Donations
Grants
Total 2023
5.
Income from charitable activities
Annual subscriptions
Conferences and courses
Consultancy and management fees
Registration fees
Sales of publications
Other income
Total 2024		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
17,636
-
17,636
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
17,869
-
17,869		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
51,600
51,600
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
71,095
71,095
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
810,704
116,138
31,026
157,621
110,273
6,263
1,232,025		 Total
funds
2024
£
17,636
51,600
69,236
Total
funds
2023
£
17,869
71,095
88,964
Total
funds
2024
£
810,704
116,138
31,026
157,621
110,273
6,263
1,232,025

Page 29

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

5. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Annual subscriptions
Conferences and courses
Consultancy and management fees
Registration fees
Sales of publications
Other income
Total 2023		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
501,173
115,653
74,176
159,043
166,467
9,486
1,025,998		 Total
funds
2023
£
501,173
115,653
74,176
159,043
166,467
9,486
1,025,998

6. Income from investments

Bank interest
Bank interest		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
53,633
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
33,638		 Total
funds
2024
£
53,633
Total
funds
2023
£
33,638

Page 30

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Projects
Sales, fees and publications
Membership Services
Curriculum Development
Governance
Projects
Sales, fees and publications
Membership Services
Curriculum Development
Governance		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
564
520,628
709,204
3,740
48,891
1,283,027
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
576
363,577
689,801
18,303
57,367
1,129,624		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
58,895
-
-
-
564
59,459
Restricted
funds
2023
£
49,395
-
-
-
577
49,972		 Total
2024
£
59,459
520,628
709,204
3,740
49,455
1,342,486
Total
2023
£
49,971
363,577
689,801
18,303
57,944
1,179,596

Page 31

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued)

Summary by expenditure type

Projects
Sales, fees and publications
Membership Services
Curriculum Development
Governance
Projects
Sales, fees and publications
Membership Services
Curriculum Development
Governance		 Staff costs
2024
£
22,396
234,322
401,275
-
-
657,993
Staff costs
2023
£
23,815
222,210
362,425
-
-
608,450		 Depreciation
2024
£
564
2,257
2,257
3,740
564
9,382
Depreciation
2023
£
576
2,307
2,307
3,740
577
9,507		 Other costs
2024
£
36,499
284,049
305,672
-
48,891
675,111
Other costs
2023
£
25,580
139,060
325,069
14,563
57,367
561,639		 Total
2024
£
59,459
520,628
709,204
3,740
49,455
1,342,486
Total
2023
£
49,971
363,577
689,801
18,303
57,944
1,179,596

Page 32

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Projects
Sales, fees and publications
Membership Services
Curriculum Development
Governance
Projects
Sales, fees and publications
Membership Services
Curriculum Development
Governance		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
29,251
371,835
570,349
-
-
971,435
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
29,001
220,822
535,687
18,303
-
803,813		 Support
costs
2024
£
30,208
148,793
138,855
3,740
49,455
371,051
Support costs
2023
£
20,970
142,755
154,114
-
57,944
375,783		 Total
funds
2024
£
59,459
520,628
709,204
3,740
49,455
1,342,486
Total
funds
2023
£
49,971
363,577
689,801
18,303
57,944
1,179,596

Page 33

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Project expenditure
Cost of sales
Membership costs
Conferences organised
Marketing and promotion
Staff costs
Depreciation
Project expenditure
Cost of sales
Membership costs
Conferences organised
Marketing and promotion		 Projects
2024
£
10,967
18,284
-
-
-
-
29,251
Projects
2023
£
12,201
-
16,800
-
-
-
-
29,001		 Sales, fees
and
publications
2024
£
142,445
-
229,390
-
-
-
371,835
Sales, fees
and
publications
2023
£
132,869
-
-
87,953
-
-
-
220,822		 Membership
Services
2024
£
309,398
-
-
132,821
112,030
16,100
570,349
Membership
Services
2023
£
273,082
-
-
-
135,445
103,454
23,706
535,687		 Curriculum
Development
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Curriculum
Development
2023
£
-
3,740
14,563
-
-
-
-
18,303		 Total
funds
2024
£
462,810
18,284
229,390
132,821
112,030
16,100
971,435
Total
funds
2023
£
418,152
3,740
31,363
87,953
135,445
103,454
23,706
803,813

Page 34

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Office overheads
Staff costs
Depreciation
Office overheads
Legal and professional
Trustee costs		 Projects
2024
£
11,429
564
18,215
30,208		 Sales, fees
and
publications
2024
£
91,877
2,257
54,659
148,793		 Membership
Services
2024
£
91,877
2,257
44,721
138,855
Governance
2024
£
-
564
24,845
23,123
923
49,455		 Curriculum
Development
2024
£
-
3,740
-
3,740
Total
funds
2024
£
195,183
9,382
142,440
23,123
923
371,051

Page 35

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Staff costs
Depreciation
Office overheads		 Projects
2023
£
11,614
576
8,780
20,970		 Sales, fees
and
publications
2023
£
89,341
2,307
51,107
142,755		 Membership
Services
2023
£
89,343
2,307
62,464
154,114		 Curriculum
Development
2023
£
-
-
-
-
Staff costs
Depreciation
Office overheads
Legal and professional
Trustee costs		 Governance
2023
£
-
577
28,391
27,957
1,019
57,944		 Total
funds
2023
£
190,298
5,767
150,742
27,957
1,019
375,783

Page 36

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

9. Net income/(expenditure)

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets:
- owned by the Association
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets:
- owned by the Association
Fees payable to the Association's auditors for the audit of the Association's
annual accounts
Operating lease rentals		 2024
£
5,408
3,975
8,250
28,550
46,183		 2023
£
5,532
3,975
7,750
25,211
42,468

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2024
£
574,867
54,604
28,522
657,993		 2023
£
533,709
48,964
25,777
608,450

The average number of persons employed by the Association during the year was as follows:

2024 2023
No. No.
Staff 16 16

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

2024 2023
No. No.
In the band £90,001 - £100,000 1 1

The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel is £103,580 (2023 - £103,580).

Page 37

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 December 2024, expenses totalling £3,569 were reimbursed or paid directly to Trustees (2023 - £2,099).

Trustee indemnity insurance was purchased by the Association at a cost of £252 (2023 - £433).

12. Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
Amortisation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 Trademarks
£
2,354
-
2,354
705
235
940
1,414
1,649		 Computer
software
£
-
166,645
166,645
-
-
-
166,645
-		 Brand
£
14,960
-
14,960
7,480
3,740
11,220
3,740
7,480		 Total
£
17,314
166,645
183,959
8,185
3,975
12,160
171,799
9,129

Page 38

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

13. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2024
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
14.
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
16,055
-
16,055
12,044
602
12,646
3,409
4,011		 Office
equipment
£
43,137
3,841
46,978
38,547
4,806
43,353
3,625
4,590
2024
£
2,800		 Total
£
59,192
3,841
63,033
50,591
5,408
55,999
7,034
8,601
2023
£
4,045

Page 39

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

15. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2024
£
63,455
12,221
37,778
113,454		 2023
£
39,237
774
51,432
91,443

16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 January 2024
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods		 2024
£
33,608
16,359
35,252
325,424
410,643
2024
£
252,131
254,868
(252,131)
254,868		 2023
£
70,305
15,131
42,797
305,507
433,740
2023
£
243,763
252,131
(243,763)
252,131

Deferred income consists of membership income received in advance of the period to which it relates.

Page 40

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

17. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Curriculum Development
Fixed asset reserve
General funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Supporting Professional
Development in D&T
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2024
£
48,258
-
48,258
962,917
1,011,175
28,929
1,040,104		 Income
£
-
-
-
1,303,294
1,303,294
51,600
1,354,894		 Expenditure
£
(3,740)
-
(3,740)
(1,279,287)
(1,283,027)
(59,459)
(1,342,486)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
178,833
178,833
(178,833)
-
-
-		 Balance at 31
December
2024
£
44,518
178,833
223,351
808,091
1,031,442
21,070
1,052,512

Page 41

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

17. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Curriculum Development
General funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Supporting Professional
Development in D&T
McIntosh Funds
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£
19,933
1,043,361
1,063,294
6,796
1,010
7,806
1,071,100		 Income
£
-
1,077,505
1,077,505
71,095
-
71,095
1,148,600		 Expenditure
£
(18,303)
(1,111,321)
(1,129,624)
(48,962)
(1,010)
(49,972)
(1,179,596)		 Transfers
in/out
£
46,628
(46,628)
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 December
2023
£
48,258
962,917
1,011,175
28,929
-
28,929
1,040,104

Page 42

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

17. Statement of funds (continued)

Designated Funds

Curriculum Development

The designated funds will be used to support the continuing campaign to raise the profile of design and technology and to diversify income streams.

Fixed asset reserve

The fixed asset reserve reflect fixed assets already purchased. As these assets are depreciated, a transfer is made from the designated reserve to the general reserve.

Restricted Funds

Supporting Professional Development in D&T

The restricted fund was established out of Government and other sponsoring organisations for developing resources and training material to support new pedagogical approaches in D&T teaching and learning.

McIntosh Funds

The restricted fund was established out of funding for the management and administration of activities at local branches.

18. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at 1
January
2024
£
48,258
962,917
28,929
1,040,104		 Income
£
-
1,303,294
51,600
1,354,894		 Expenditure
£
(3,740)
(1,279,287)
(59,459)
(1,342,486)		 Transfers
in/out
£
178,833
(178,833)
-
-		 Balance at 31
December
2024
£
223,351
808,091
21,070
1,052,512

Page 43

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

18. Summary of funds (continued)

Summary of funds - prior year

Designated funds
General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£
19,933
1,043,361
7,806
1,071,100		 Income
£
-
1,077,505
71,095
1,148,600		 Expenditure
£
(18,303)
(1,111,321)
(49,972)
(1,179,596)		 Transfers
in/out
£
46,628
(46,628)
-
-		 Balance at
31 December
2023
£
48,258
962,917
28,929
1,040,104

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
7,034
171,799
1,263,252
(410,643)
1,031,442		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
-
21,070
-
21,070		 Total
funds
2024
£
7,034
171,799
1,284,322
(410,643)
1,052,512

Page 44

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period

Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
8,601
9,129
1,427,185
(433,740)
1,011,175		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
-
28,929
-
28,929		 Total
funds
2023
£
8,601
9,129
1,456,114
(433,740)
1,040,104

20. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/expenditure for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Amortisation charges
Bank interest
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
(Decrease)/increase in debtors
(Increase)/decrease in creditors
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities		 2024
£
12,408
5,408
3,975
(53,633)
1,245
(22,011)
(23,097)
(75,705)		 2023
£
(30,996)
5,532
3,975
(33,638)
(1,777)
40,891
47,531
31,518

Page 45

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

21. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2024
£
1,168,068
1,168,068		 2023
£
1,360,626
1,360,626

22. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand At 1 January
2024
£
1,360,626
1,360,626		 Cash flows
£
(192,558)
(192,558)		 At 31
December
2024
£
1,168,068
1,168,068

23. Capital commitments

2024 2023
£ £
Contracted for but not provided in these financial statements
Acquisition of intangible assets - 37,499

24. Pension commitments

The Association operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Association in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Association to the fund and amounted to £28,522 (2023 - £25,777). Contributions totalling £Nil (2023 - £4,077) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

Page 46

Docusign Envelope ID: 55E02A9E-D7FE-4512-B69D-6715F6FB1FF2

The Design & Technology Association

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

25. Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2024 the Association had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years		 2024
£
30,000
137,500
167,500		 2023
£
13,867
-
13,867

26. Controlling party

The Association is under the control of its Trustees who are the members for company purposes.

Page 47