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2024-03-31-accounts

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ACTION FOR KIDS

CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31[st] MARCH 2024

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1068841 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 3487626 (ENGLAND & WALES)

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

Contents

Page
Chairman and Chief Executive Statement 2
Legal & Administrative Information 4
Trustees' Report 5
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 7
Independent Auditor’s Report 25
Statement of Financial Activities 30
Balance Sheet 31
Statement of Cashflows 32
Notes to the Financial Statements 33

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Chair’s Introduction

I was proud to continue my role as AFK Chair over the year, supporting the positive difference that AFK makes to the lives of those who are disabled or have neurodiverse conditions in facing a range of challenges. Everyday life has been difficult for many in recent years, with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis and we know this impacts the people we help more than the general population. We will continue to do our utmost to cater for the huge demand for our services and continue to grow our services in new and innovative ways.

I am honoured to represent AFK as Chair and will continue to promote and support the charity’s work with passion. Thank you to the AFK Team, and my fellow Trustees for working so hard to make a meaningful difference to so many lives.

CEO’s Report

30 years ago, AFK was founded to provide mobility equipment not available from the NHS and this year has been a standout performance by our mobility team. Our own spend increased by around £15k, but the huge difference has been the amount of money raised by our Mobility Team to help our young people purchase their mobility equipment, giving a purchase total of £426k, which is a record for us.

The other side of our work is help for disabled and neurodiverse young people to gain employment and this year we helped a record number of people achieve this. Just 5.1% of adults with a learning disability in England are in paid employment, which underlines the absolute need for our work. Employment and self employment provide social networks, better emotional and physical health, and increased independence.

Within our overall programme there are some great signs of growth. Our Schools Programme opened up the world of work to 125 young people to help inspire their work visions and our Health and Wellbeing Programme ensured that our young people were supported emotionally and socially.

Our Self Employment Programme was started in September 2023 and has gradually gathered pace. Selfemployment can offer advantages to those with disabilities or neurodiversity whether it is operating a micro enterprise from the supportive environment of a person’s home or a larger enterprise that avoids the need for standard office life and travel.

Many contacts have been made and we now have seven people enrolled with business ideas ranging from fashion design to cake making. This will culminate in July 2024 with our very first Summer Business School and we look forward to seeing great things from this group in the future as the programme develops.

Once we have inspired our young people about the World of Work and helped them gain their first job the next component is to help them get to work. Our Independent Travel Training

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Programme secured a first by gaining a substantial contract from Camden Council, which will boost this vital work over the next year.

Of note is our Cultural Ambassadors Programme delivered in partnership with A New Direction. 10 young people aged 16-25 who are deaf, disabled or neurodivergent worked to plan and deliver a creative arts festival week for over 30 schools in London to attend various locations in March, including Sadler’s Wells, The National Theatre and Kensington Palace.

We have delivered several courses of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training to employers and plan to increase the marketing and take up of this service in the future.

The overall fundraising environment remains difficult and against this backdrop our team managed to match income from the previous year to fund our vital services.

As we go forward into the next year, we will undertake a strategy review in July and examine our purpose, with a view to tailoring and growing our services and increasing our income.

The Trustees and Chief Executive wish to convey their heartfelt gratitude to our funders, partners, staff and volunteers who deliver or fund our vital work with enthusiasm and passion to enable those with disabilities or neurodiversity to achieve better lives and fulfil their potential.

G Dhillon Chair

D Coe Chief Executive

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity name: Action For Kids Charitable Trust
Charity registered number: 1068841
Company number: 3487626
Principal & registered office: 101 Pentonville Road
LondonN1 9LG
Trustees: Gurmeet Dhillon
(Chair)
(as at the date of this report) Athanasios Karampelas(Treasurer)
Stacey Body
Miriam Deakin
Timothy Meredith
Thembani Mkwananzi
Dom Hyams (co-opted 26 March 2024)
Alicia Loh (co-opted 17 May 2024)
Chief Executive: David Coe
Professional advisors
Auditors: MHA
6thFloor
2 London Wall Place
London EC2Y 5AU
Bankers: HSBC Bank plc
22 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0NJ
Solicitors: Muscatt Walker Hayim
Speen House
Porter Street
London W1U 6WH

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

The Trustees of the Action For Kids Charitable Trust (“the Charity”) present their Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and the “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).”

OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

The Objects of the Charity, as set out in the Charity’s Memorandum of Association, are:

  1. The relief of children and young people who are suffering from sickness or physical or mental disability by assisting them to lead full and independent lives and by any other means whatsoever.

  2. The provision of support and assistance to the carers of children or young people suffering from physical or mental disability.

  3. Such other charitable purposes as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.

There have been no changes in Objects since the last Trustees' Report.

In furtherance of the Objects, the Charity undertakes the following activities:

VISION & MISSION

As an integral part of delivering the Objects of the Charity, the Trustees and Management are committed to the following vision and mission for the Charity:

Our vision is a world where there are no barriers to independence for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse.

Our mission is to create opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face.

Helping students to develop their mobility, personal and independent living skills is an essential part of helping them to succeed. The Charity focuses on a young person’s potential to benefit from our support, not the apparent barriers they face.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

To achieve the mission the Charity:

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees have reviewed the activities of the Charity and consider that, in line with the Charity’s Objects, the Charity provides public benefit in a variety of ways, including:

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake. All the Charity’s services are open to all members of the public, irrespective of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. Most of the Charity’s services are provided without charge to the individual beneficiary.

GOVERNANCE

Governing document

The Charity was originally registered under a Deed of Trust in 1992, in response to the problems facing disabled children, young people and their families and in recognition of the disparity between the numbers of such children and the availability of appropriate support.

With effect from 1[st] April 1998, the Action For Kids Charitable Trust was registered as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association (amended on 12[th] November 2012). Each of the members has a liability to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up of the company.

Trustees

The Board of Trustees (“the Board”) sets the strategic direction of the Charity and is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the Charity’s Objects and charity and company law.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purpose of company law, who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Gurmeet Dhillon Chair Athanasios Karampelas Treasurer David Byrne (resigned 1[st] April 2023) Stacey Body Miriam Deakin Timothy Meredith Thembani Mkwananzi Devanshini Khatau (resigned 15[th] November 2023) Martin Kirke (resigned 25th October 2023) Neil Anthony Murrin (appointed 9[th] February 2023, resigned 1st June 2023) Dom Hyams (co-opted 26 March 2024) Alicia Loh (co-opted 17 May 2024)

New Trustees are appointed by the members of the Charity on the recommendation of the Board.

For all new Trustees, there is an induction process, and all Trustees have a role description and are subject to a Code of Conduct. In addition to regular Board meetings, there is an annual Board Away Day when Trustees receive appropriate briefings and training in their roles as Trustees of the Charity. Additionally, Board members can avail themselves of external training courses relevant to their roles as required.

The Charity has a Conflict of Interest policy that all Trustees and staff must comply with. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the Charity. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Risk Management

A comprehensive process is in place to identify any major risks to the Charity’s users, staff, operations, reputation, income and assets. The Trustees assess these risks regularly and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate them.

The Charity is an accredited Investor in People, and this continues to help ensure that policies, procedures and controls are regularly reviewed, updated and, where necessary, improved. This assists the Trustees and Senior Management Team in minimising risk exposure.

On-going review of the Charity’s strategy, plans and operations ensures that risk management is an integral part of the operation of the Charity.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

MANAGEMENT

The Chief Executive is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity and is accountable to the Board for the performance of the Charity. In turn, the Chief Executive appoints the other members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and together they manage the Charity’s activities.

Senior Management Team

The members of the Senior Management Team during the period and at the date the accounts are signed are:

David Coe Chief Executive Rachel Akehurst Executive Director, Services (on maternity leave from 1[st] June 2023) Katie Cavanagh Fundraising and Communications Director Angela Shaw Finance & Corporate Services Director (resigned 16[th] June 2023) Bernard McGrath Interim Head of Finance & Corporate Services (Contracted from 13[th] June 2023 to 8[th] December 2023) Ryan Tring Head of Finance & Corporate Services (appointed 10[th] October 2023) Kate Jackson Interim Services Director (appointed 1[st] June 2023)

Staff recruitment and management

The Charity’s policy is to consult and discuss with employees, at meetings and informally, matters likely to affect employees’ interests. Information on matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins, reports and meetings, which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the Charity’s performance.

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the Charity continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Charity that training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

All new members of staff are provided with a comprehensive induction programme. All roles have a detailed job description and annual staff appraisals are carried out in addition to more informal supervision meetings. Training requirements are primarily identified by reference to personal work-related objectives and other targets highlighted in the appraisals, which are directly linked to objectives for the Charity.

The pay of senior staff and of key management personnel is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. Pay is compared with similar positions in comparable organisations where applicable.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

OPERATING NAME AND BRAND

In addition to its legal name, “Action For Kids Charitable Trust”, the Charity operates under the name “AFK” (previously my-AFK).

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Our Services

This year, AFK’s Services Team has been affected by a leadership ‘reshuffle’, as our Executive Director was on Maternity Leave. During this period, our Business and Services Development Manager stepped up to become Interim Director of Services. She did fantastically in the role, as did the Team in supporting her. Evidence of this can be seen in the Key Performance Indicators below.

During 2023-2024, some of the team titles and job titles also changed. This was part of AFK’s strategy to ensure clarity across the organisation’s services, following the introduction of several new projects. In this way, our ‘Life and Work Programme’ has become ‘Employment & Skills’, and ‘Business and Service Development’ has become ‘Impact & Innovation’.

Programme Age Range Target for 2023- Age Range Target for 2023-
24
Actual 2023-
24
Actual 2022-
23
Young people on Employment and
Skills Programme
19-25 90 93 93
Work Placements overall 16-25 35 39 38
Paid work 19-25 20 22 21
Young people to develop the ability
to manage their own travel
arrangements
14-25 8 9 11
Young People still in education
accessing employability
programme
18-25 60 64 70
Number of young people co-
producingtrainingmaterials
n/a 50 45 31
Mobilityequipment ordered 0-25 90 165 116
Overall Unique Number of
Beneficiaries
Target 353 437 380

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS PROGRAMME

AFK’s main successes from 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024 have been getting 22 young people into paid work (our highest number yet), as well as placing 20 young people into various voluntary roles and 39 young people into work placements.

Voluntary roles varied from charity shops including Oxfam, British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research , to within local libraries.

Work placements included classroom assistants, Arcadis for a neurodivergent graduate in engineering, a vegan café in Tottenham Hale, and as a care assistant at a Dementia hub in Crouch End for older people.

Employment outcomes include temporary roles such as at the Mexico Embassy in administration and at The National Theatre within the hospitality areas. More permanent paid roles have included the Yellow Birds Play Academy in Waltham Cross and the Primark store in Reading, the latter showcasing how productive our virtual coaches are in reaching out to young people outside London who have got in touch with AFK and then successfully placed them into work.

To give some more background, the National Theatre roles, although temporary, have enabled young people to get roles elsewhere in hospitality. A partnership has been formed with AFK as these placements have given young people confidence and skills to believe in themselves, and in many instances has surprised them at what they are capable of, normally because they have never been given opportunities in work of any kind before they came to AFK.

These temporary roles also give confidence to families who may ‘unintentionally’ put up barriers as they don’t believe their young people are capable or view them as too vulnerable. Alternatively, they sometimes have their own idea of the ‘perfect’ role for them. AFK will have productive and meaningful discussions about the reality of the situation so that the young people are not compromised. As such, we aim to put families at ease, by reassuring them as to the fantastic potential of their young person. This is also our greatest achievement for and on behalf of the young people, and one we’re proud of, as changing mindsets that block positive progression, whether it be from well-meaning families or businesses, is something AFK seeks to do.

Challenges

There has always been a degree of high anxiety with many of the young people on the programme, and whilst extra wellbeing sessions have certainly helped, it has been a challenge for staff to deal with all the situations presented, some of which were serious this year. This has meant that employment for those individuals had to naturally take a back seat while the right type of interventions were sought. Thankfully all of these situations were resolved and the emphasis on getting back into positive activities, and for some employment, became a great result and outcome.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

AFK has an effective safeguarding team alongside a team of proactive Mental Health First Aiders who have subsequently put together additional information for young people in light of these concerns. These situations have also fed into AFK’s constant work with promoting disability and neurodiversity awareness in the form of presentations and discussions with businesses, which has included tips and techniques on what to do in the workplace if difficulties arise.

Regarding employment, the application process for most neurodiverse young people is hard to navigate, and since the pandemic, applications as a rule are still being requested online, this can present further barriers to entering employment. AFK knows that when an employer is introduced to a young person, and they are given the chance to experience the job role, and are interviewed whilst understanding the role (known as a working interview), that they are more likely to get offered the position. The application is filled in at the end of this process with appropriate support. AFK is encouraging this system for all potential new employees but especially for those who are neurodivergent.

Our Health and Wellbeing sessions have been ongoing since the first lockdown in 2020 and have been held at the Winkfield Centre and online and will now be held at the Sense offices in central London. All young people are invited to each session (including those who have started employment) and everyone is given useful information and techniques to aid their mental wellbeing. This has a positive knock-on effect when young people go into work as they are visibly happier in themselves and in their roles. These wellbeing sessions give a social outlet that for some are just as important as gaining relevant work and employment in their lives as many young people are isolated and have no circle of acquaintances or friends.

This year the group voted to go to the theatre to raise spirits and many had never been to a theatre before. Nobody was disappointed and there are now plans to get another theatre visit booked in 2024!

Trip to the National Theatre Christmas 2023

Social enterprises including Bikes for Good Causes make a huge difference to the confidence and skills obtained before a paid position is sought, and a voluntary role will often lead to employment, so it’s a winwin situation. The bike café and the high street chain Savers provide work placements to compliment the hospitality and retail options on a young person’s CV, which are still the most popular employment options with young people. 39 young people took part in work placements this year.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Barista Training Bikes for Good Causes fF

Some of the businesses who are employing young people placed by AFK are Oliver Bonas, Premier Inn, Vue Cinema, Arcadis, Tottenham Hotspur, Snappy Snaps, Gulf International bank and the civil service (Transport for London).

From September 2023, AFK has put more emphasis on offering all young people the opportunity to join Employer visits , which has been kept flexible to benefit young people who are also in education and training. Visits have included Greggs warehouse in Enfield to see behind the scenes, to businesses Segro and Havas in central London where young people get to do work-based activities, to Arriva in North London for those interested in transport.

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Employer Visit
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Against the backdrop of increasing prices, fuel hardships and decreasing services, the Employment team continue to strive to ease the burden felt by many young people and their families. Signposting and working in conjunction with social services and the DWP is still necessary work to enable families to gain the correct benefits, endorse their entitlement to travel passes and to ensure they have access to occupational health and counselling services.

Self-Employment Programme ‘We Mean Business’

A Self-Employment Programme Manager was appointed in September 2023 and has been designing and bringing the programme to life. Outreach work and networking have been pivotal to raising awareness among schools, colleges and partners promoting self-employment as an alternative option to the traditional route to employment. i.e. working for an employer.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

The programme’s framework consists of 1-2-1 sessions where each young person receives bespoke support to suit the requirements of their business and their individual learning styles. There are group workshops, peer to peer sessions and specialist sessions delivered by corporates and business owners. Topics included:

We have 7 applicants of which 5 have been enrolled as the initial cohort. Skills and passions vary from pet sitting, basketball, baking, knitting and crotchet, creative writing/poster designs.

Over the next few months, the planning for the business summer school will be underway and will be a platform for further development of the programme, introducing self-employment to those who are unaware of this option for employment and creating a pipeline for a new cohort for the beginning of October.

Impact and Innovation Programme

Impact and Innovation at AFK is a portfolio of Programmes, devised to bridge gaps and break down barriers, for young people with additional needs. Our Programmes which span ages 11-25, support young people to successfully identify the career pathway of their choice, develop new skills support from bestpractice employability experts, ready to meet their full potential upon entering the world of work.

Aspire to Work

Overall, we supported 125 young people to widen their understanding of the ‘world of work’ by the time they leave school at the end of Year 11. This year we worked with six London schools in Camden, Haringey and Islington to provide access to a range of new opportunities with employers to increase confidence and gain valuable insight to future work and career choices.

We worked with a range of sectors to offer employer visits to the schools including Berkeley Homes, Fireshine Games, Railway Fields and The National Theatre where we explored varying roles within each of the sectors.

We delivered a series of CV clinics and interview preparation skills to increase confidence and improve communication skills as well as delivering a four-week work placement for five students via our partner sites at Bikes for Good Causes and The Canals and River Trust.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Leadership and Cultural Ambassadors

This year we worked with 45 young people to develop their leadership skills as part of our City Bridge Foundation funded programme. Participants explored some of the challenges they face either at home or in the workplace, looked at ways they might overcome these challenges in the future and produced resources, which will enable other young people to feel more confident to ask for help.

The programme co-produced a series of accessible films, which include how to request reasonable adjustments in the workplace and support to become more independent with money, social media and travel. As part of our ongoing commitment to co-production and collaboration with young people, we have worked with 37 beneficiaries to deliver training , attend charity sector and local authority events and present to AFK Trustees at Board meetings about lived experiences, providing further insight into how the charity can support young people in the future.

We delivered The Cultural Ambassadors programme in partnership with A New Direction for the fourth year running. In March 2023 the programme supported 10 young people aged 16-25 who are deaf, disabled or neurodivergent to plan and deliver a creative arts festival week for over 30 schools in London at various locations, including Sadler’s Wells, The National Theatre and Kensington Palace. The programme provides an extended work placement opportunity for young people to practice their leadership and decision-making skills and act as a role model for younger children attending the festival.

Independent Travel Training

This year we supported 9 young people to organise and manage their own travel arrangements to school or work. The service works in partnership with young people, their families, schools or place of work to ensure that young people are safe and feel confident to travel alone.

MOBILITY SERVICES

This year, AFK’s Mobility team ordered equipment for a record 165 disabled children and young people , compared with 116 the previous year. With support of a substantial grant from the Motability Foundation we were able to increase our budget for equipment to £220,000 plus £30,000 to spend on maintenance.

We ordered 39 specialist trikes and 75 wheelchairs and pushchairs including several all-terrain buggies to enable access to rural areas, woodlands and beaches. We also ordered 13 powerchairs and AFK will fund the maintenance support . We also provided several specialist car seats, walkers and power add-ons, to add power to manual wheelchairs.

The total value of equipment ordered was £426,034 compared with £321,099 in the previous year. The total cost to AFK of items ordered during 2023/2024 was £224,056 and in 2022/2023 it was £209,541.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

The gap between the cost of equipment ordered by AFK and the actual cost of equipment is bridged through the efforts of the Mobility Team (who raise funds for specific items) as well as through personal wheelchair budgets and family contributions.

Powerchair maintenance

It is important for many disabled young people to have a reliable powerchair that they can drive with confidence and in safety. We appreciate the costs of keeping a powerchair on the road.

AFK is the only UK charity we know of that routinely covers the cost of maintenance on powerchairs we have provided funding for. We fund annual services as well as the replacement of items including batteries, tyres, joysticks, motors, cushions, and footplates.

The spend on powerchair maintenance in 2023/2024 was £29,347 compared with £34,624 in 2022/2023.

Individual fundraising and advocacy

The rising cost of mobility items has meant it has been crucial for AFK to bridge the gap between the total cost of the equipment and the proportion AFK can spend on it.

Families have less money to contribute to items and they, and AFK, have found it more challenging to raise the balance. Several charities we have worked with in the past have been closed to applicants for much of the year. Other charities have reduced their maximum pledges from around £1500 to £600 per item.

We therefore need to work harder and are submitting more applications for each family we are working with. By streamlining our processes, we have been able to help more families raise the funds they need. During 2023/2024 the Mobility Team raised (through their individual fundraising efforts) a record £117,780 . This was despite the challenges facing charities and compares favourably with the previous year (£78,845). AFK saved a further £12,780 through advocacy work (compared with £6,434 in 2022/2023). This represents the sum AFK would have spent on equipment had the Mobility Team not provided advocacy support to families and had not pursued new discounts with suppliers.

During 2023/2024 the Mobility Team worked with 38 families in terms of individual fundraising and advocacy work. We secured pledges for life changing equipment for children and young people from The Elifar Foundation, DTD Charity, The Boparan Charitable Trust, Children Today Charitable Trust, Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust, Independence at Home, The Hospital Saturday Fund, Barchester's Charitable Foundation, Caudwell Children, The Joseph Patrick Trust, Promise Dreams, The Victoria Foundation and The Heinz Anna & Carol Kroch Foundation.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Some of the young people we’ve supported this year

SI’s Story

SI is an intelligent young man with a dry sense of humour. In addition to autism, SI has dyslexia and experiences periods of extreme anxiety. SI had already undertaken a variety of work placements including being on reception for a large finance company and another at a Covid test centre during the pandemic when we met him in 2023. SI is very self-aware and is sure about his interests but has changing ideas about what sort of work he would like to do ranging from becoming a barista to working with animals.

His Employment Coach (EC) organised for SI to do a 4-week placement in the café at Bikes for Good Causes. Here SI demonstrated excellent customer service skills and engaged well with staff and customers alike. During the job searching process his EC saw that he would only read the Job Title of a vacancy and start applying for it. His EC encouraged him to break down the job description (JD) and person specifications to understand the requirements of each job before

deciding to apply.

His EC also explored his ongoing lack of confidence. In the past his difficulty with reading and writing had not been properly acknowledged so SI would be reprimanded over minor errors which was agreed could have been easily prevented with appropriate support and understanding.

SI was put forward for a Wetherspoons role as it called for excellent customer service skills. SI was given the interview questions beforehand, and his EC was at the interview as guidance (if required) only. Being prepared and supported had a noticeable effect on his interview performance and he got the job! During his training and induction his EC continued to support him.

SI now sees the value in reading JDs to assess if a job will be a good match for him. SI has since decided that he is not suited to working in a busy bar environment or with late shifts, so AFK secured a reception role at the British Library for him. SI is confident that he has the right skills to make this a great success!

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

PP’s Story

PP secured a paid job at the Premier Inn in September 2023 with support from AFK after joining the charity’s Employability Skills Training in 2019 - referred to us by Work Skills Learning, Haringey. He needed one-to-one Job Coaching support to help manage his anxieties and social skills. PP attended weekly sessions with AFK’s travel trainer coordinator, then we placed him at the Crisis Centre Charity shop in Archway and gave one-to-one positive behaviour support.

AFK got PP a Freedom Pass which motivated PP to get out and about independently. PP demonstrated great talent for learning new skills and attention to detail in his work. Covid interrupted PPs work placement, but we've stayed in contact for advocacy advice and PPs Employment Coach referred them to SEND Power in Haringey.

Here's a message from PP's mother, "He is so confident and respectful to all kinds of people in the hotel and the manager is so happy with his behaviour. Finally, I would like to thank all of you for helping PP succeed and progress. Please share PPs photos with everyone at AFK. Warmest Regards."

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Lacey’s Story

Lacey is a 12-year-old from St Albans who loves the outdoors, gaming, fashion, art and is a keen Girl scout. Lacey lives with hypermobility, muscle weakness, and epilepsy. These conditions significantly impact her daily life, and she is currently awaiting diagnoses for autism and ADHD. Lacey's parents observed a concerning shift in her behaviour; she had become increasingly withdrawn, reluctant to participate in PE classes, and hesitant to engage in outdoor activities.

Lacey struggles with anxiety, noise, smells, general processing, and cannot keep up with her peers physically. Recognising the vital importance of physical activity and social interaction for Lacey's overall well-being, her parents sought a solution that would address her unique mobility needs. They identified that a specially adapted bicycle could potentially help Lacey overcome her reservations and re-engage with her environment.

However, the family faced a significant financial barrier in acquiring the specialised equipment necessary for Lacey. It was at this juncture that AFK was able to help. Through our mobility

equipment programme, we facilitated the provision of a bicycle tailored to Lacey's specific requirements.

The impact of this intervention has been substantial. Lacey's mother reports notable improvements in her daughter's demeanour, including increased confidence and a willingness to participate in PE, despite her physical limitations.

Lacey is delighted. "Since I've had my bike, I felt really cool and I felt really happy, and it was a heartwarming moment just to be able to ride a bike."

This showcases the effect that targeted support can have on young people with disabilities. By providing appropriate tools and equipment, it is possible to remove barriers, increase confidence, and expand opportunities for personal growth and social engagement.

19

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Fundraising and Communications

As always, the Trustees are hugely grateful to the incredible people who have supported AFK over the last year, without whom we simply wouldn’t be here for the disabled or neurodiverse children and young people that the charity supports.

At AFK, we have a diverse fundraising portfolio with donations from many generous individual supporters, families, community groups, corporate partners and trusts and foundations.

We are particularly pleased to have increased our fundraised income again in this financial year, against a backdrop of ongoing external crises.

This year we consolidated our fundraising strategic approach, expanding our team to increase corporate support, embedding our fundraising database into our work, mobilising community support and delivering multi-year partnerships with corporates, trusts and foundations.

Thank you to our generous supporters including:

Trusts & Foundations

Corporate Partners

AFK is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, and all fundraising activities are aligned with the Code of Fundraising Practice to ensure that they are legal, open, honest and respectful. We have several policies and procedures that underpin our fundraising activities including the AFK Supporter Promise, Complaints Policy, Privacy Policy and Whistleblowing Policy.

20

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

We use an external supplier to process our raffle entries, and we visited them in 2023 to ensure that their processes and activities align with our high standards and are compliant with the relevant laws and regulations. All contracts and data sharing agreements were signed in line with current data protection legislation, and strict account management and monitoring processes are in place.

We ensure there is no unreasonable intrusion to vulnerable people, by limiting the number of times we contact our supporters in the year (currently three appeals and three raffles) and allowing supporters to opt out of all forms of communication from us. We are registered with the Fundraising Preference Service. We didn’t receive any complaints about our fundraising during the year.

Community & Events

Our Community & Events programme has gone from strength to strength, we’ve reignited partnerships with Paths Through Change to deliver a series of family friendly viewings at the Art House in Crouch End, maintained the support of our extremely generous supporters from our old home as well as finding opportunities in our new local community. The London Marathon was a highlight again this year, raising over £21,000 – a fantastic achievement!

Corporate Partnerships

We continued our long-term partnerships with several companies who have given their time to support our young people with employability skills as well as raising money for us. We received hugely generous donations from several small and large companies. SideOut and Canary Wharf Management helped to deliver our award-winning event, AFK Beach Volleyball, and it was back to its previous glory, with two sand-filled courts across four weeks in September at Canary Wharf in London. More than 200 people took part and over £100k was raised.

Trusts & Foundations

Trust & Foundations have continued to be an important part of our income generation and we have ongoing partnerships with multi-year funders and regular supporters. We’ve worked closely with the Services Delivery Team to secure funding for our mobility programme, our Impact & Innovation and our Employment & Skills services.

Individuals

We received thousands of generous donations from supporters in response to our Appeals that are sent three times a year. Our Christmas Appeal included a Christmas card for our supporters that featured Santa with Ella and Elsa, twins who received specialist trikes so they can join their family outside and exercise their leg muscles while they have fun! We sent an impact report in Spring which highlighted the young people’s lives that have been changed by our supporters’ generosity.

Raffle

Thousands of supporters play our raffle three times a year and this year we moved our raffle online too! Supporters can purchase tickets through our website that are more efficient to process, and we’ll be promoting this way to play in 2024-25.

21

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Legacies

We received legacies totalling over £250k this year; thank you so much to the wonderful generosity of supporters who left AFK a gift in their Will. In Spring we produced a brand-new Gift in Wills guide that was sent to hundreds of our supporters.

Marketing & Communications

Our ‘Little Big’ Campaign ran across all digital platforms, across our website and in our Appeals throughout the second half of 2023 focussing on the little things that AFK does to help our young people to dream big!

We produced a short film that highlighted the stories of three young people AFK supports, Lacey who has received a specialist trike, Matthew who wants to act on the stage and Aaliyah who has been supported into paid work. Engagement with the campaign was very successful with an increase in our social media followers of over 200%.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION (EDI) AND ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)

We recognise that the people we support and the people who support us want to see AFK driving positive, sustainable and ethical change for our employees and volunteers, the communities we work with, our suppliers and wider society and environment in general. Our Staff Culture and Communications Committee conducted an EDI survey of staff which provided some base data and following that and external advice we will be adding ‘Inclusion’ to our values to demonstrate our organisational commitment.

In the ESG area, we have moved to an office share arrangement with the charity Sense and they have a robust environmental policy in operation which covers our office arrangements. Later in 2024 we will be sending out an EDI /ESG questionnaire to all our suppliers to gauge their compliance and policies. On the Governance front, we have formed a Finance Audit and Risk Committee (FARC) to provide specialist oversight for this crucial area.

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Income for the year was £1,603,008 which included donations and legacies of £1,585,436. This compares with income for 2023 of £1,611,553 of which £1,606,530 was in respect of donations and legacies.

Regular expenditure was £1,776,773 a decrease of £56,177 on the previous year. The cost of raising funds decreased by £129,365 with charitable activities higher by £73,188. Additionally, £101,945 was spent from the designated investment reserve for a specific awareness and fundraising project. This is included in the total expenditure figure of £1,878,648

22

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

The overall result is a deficit before the specific awareness and fundraising project of £173,695 and a reduction in reserves of £275,640. Much of the deficit was caused by one-off expenditure on temporary staff during the restructure of the finance department and an expected new income stream not happening within 2023/24.

Opening reserves were £1,009,694 with reserves at the year end of £734,053 of which £544,742 were unrestricted and £189,311 restricted.

POLICIES & OTHER DISCLOSURES

Grant-making policy

In providing mobility aids which are appropriate for disabled children and young persons, the Charity assesses each applicant in accordance with the following criteria:

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the Charity to aim for reserves (unrestricted funds) that have not been designated for new projects as a minimum of six months’ expenditure on revenue items and charitable assets combined, which are considered at risk of loss of funding.

The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. The Trustees plan to move to a dynamic reserves policy in the next year to more closely reflect risk.

The level of reserves available to the Charity as at 31[st] March 2024 is £544,742.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information.

The Trustees, who are also the directors of the Action For Kids Charitable Trust for the purpose 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).

23

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity 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 Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signature and declaration

I declare, in my capacity as Trustee of the Charity, that the Trustees have approved the report above and authorised me to sign it on their behalf. .............................. lag ean —

Athanasios Karampelas, Treasurer

Date:

24

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Action For Kids Charitable Trust (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account), the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including 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 UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

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 Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

26

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

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 Directors’ report.

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

Responsibilities of 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.

Auditors 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,

27

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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: https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Audit/Audit-andassurance/Standards-and-guidance/Standards-and-guidance-for-auditors/Auditors-responsibilities-foraudit/Description-of-auditors-responsibilities-for-audit.aspx. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

28

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Use of this 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 the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

,

Stuart McKay BSc FCA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and behalf of

MHA

Statutory Auditor

London, United Kingdom

Date: 20/11/2024

MHA is the trading name of MacIntyre Hudson LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC312313).

29

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Investments
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) for the
year/
Net movement in funds
Fund balances brought forward
Fund balances carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
£
1,005,833
17,572
1,023,405
504,337
710,206
1,214,543
(191,138)
735,880
544,742
Restricted
funds
£
579,603
-
579,603
-
664,106
664,106
(84,503)
273,814
189,311
Total 2024
£
1,585,436
17,572
1,603,008
504,337
1,374,312
1,878,649
(275,641)
1,009,694
734,053
Total 2023
£
1,606,530
5,023
1,611,553
608,215
1,224,665
1,832,880
(221,327)
1,231,021
1,009,694

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

30

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] MARCH 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 54,503 116,994
Investments 11 3 3
54,506 116,997
Current assets
Debtors 12 312,358 139,747
Cash at bank and in hand 541,304 1,065,292
853,662 1,205,039
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 13 (163,022) (290,601)
Net current assets/(liabilities) 690,640 914,438
Total assets less current liabilities 745,146 1,031,435
Creditors: amounts falling due
after more than one year 15 (11,093) (21,741)
Net assets 734,053 1,009,694
Income funds
Restricted funds 16 189,311 273,814
Unrestricted funds 17 544,742 735,880
Total funds 734,053 1,009,694

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 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 by the Trustees on 22/10/2024.

..............................

Athanasios Karampelas, Treasurer

Company registration number: 3487626 Charity number: 1068841

The notes on pages 33 to 49 form an integral part of these financial statements

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating
activities
Cash generated from operations
23
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest and rental income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Financing activities
Repayment of bank loans
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing
activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
2024
£
£
(526,051)
(4,861)
17,572
12,711
(10,648)
(10,648)
(523,988)
1,065,292
541,304
2023
£
£
(84,139)
(111,937)
5,023
(106,914)
(9,707)
(9,707)
(200,760)
1,266,052
1,065,292
2023
£
£
(84,139)
(111,937)
5,023
(106,914)
(9,707)
(9,707)
(200,760)
1,266,052
1,065,292
(200,760)
1,266,052
1,065,292

32

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

1. Accounting policies

Charity information

Action For Kids Charitable Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 101 Pentonville Road London N1 9LG.

1.1 Accounting convention

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have assessed the use of going concern and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements. The Trustees have concluded there is a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. The Trustees have an agreed three year rolling financial plan covering the period up to March 2027.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

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

1.4 Income

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

33

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

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

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount can be reliably measured and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. The Charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT.

Costs of generating funds include salary, direct expenditures and overhead costs of staff to promote fundraising including events.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Resources expended allocated to a particular activity are the costs related to that activity and apportionments based on the percentage of total wages and salaries and floor area.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 2% on straight line Charitable assets 25% on reducing balance Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment 15% on reducing balance Tenants Improvements Over the period of the lease

Assets under £500 are not capitalised

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset,and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the

35

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.11 Employee benefits

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

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

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.

1.12 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

1.13 Group accounts

Consolidation of group accounts is not required as the subsidiary is and is not considered as material in the context of the group.

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

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

In the opinion of the trustees, there were no specific judgements and assumptions that were critical in the preparation of these financial statements.

3. Donations and legacies

Donations and gifts Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total 2024
Total 2023
£
£
£
£
1,005,833
579,603
1,585,436
1,576,969

4. Investments

vestments
Interest receivable Unrestricted
2024
Unrestricted
2023
£
£
17,572
5,023
17,572
5,023

5. Raising funds

Raising funds
Fundraising and communications
Staff costs
Support costs
Direct costs
2024
£
196,232
131,231
176,874
504,337
2023
£
286,743
131,943
189,529
608,215

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ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

6. Expenditure on charitable activities

Staff costs
Direct costs
Share of
support cost
Mobility
Services
£
42,494
262,816
-
305,310
Employme
nt & Skills
£
353,918
137,408
349,019
843,345
Communications
Governance
£
£
71,178
-
80,836
29,042
47,601
-
199,615
29,042
Total
2024
£
467,590
510,103
396,620
1,374,312
Total
2023
£
478,427
346,666
399,574
1,224,667

Support Costs

Office Admin
Bank Charges
Depreciation
Staff Cost
Legal
Consultancy
Training
Travel
Premises
HR
IT
Interest Payable
Insurance
Employment &
Skills
£
22,391
1,998
44,533
184,250
0
13,276
3,244
455
46,899
11,881
20,091
0
0
349,019
Communications
£
3,054
272
6,274
25,129
0
1,811
442
62
6,396
1,620
2,740
0
0
47,601
Fundraising
Total
2024
£
£
8,419
33,864
751
3,021
16,745
67,351
69,278
278,657
0
0
4,992
20,079
1,220
4,907
171
688
17,634
70,930
4,467
17,969
7,554
30,385
0
0
0
0
131,231
527,851
Total
2023
£
60,628
8,579
22,968
296,693
8,047
4,248
1,132
158
55,268
19,742
44,544
943
8,567
503,725

Employment and Skills was formerly known as Life and Work. It covers the same range of programmes

38

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Analysis by
fund
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted funds
Mobility
Services
£
0

305,310
305,310
Employme
nt & Skills
£
481,549
358,796
840,345
Communications
199,615
-
199,615
Governance
29,042
-
29,042
Total
2024
£
710,206
664,106
1,374,312
Total
2023
£
672,636
552,029
1,224,665

Grants to individuals in respect of the purchase of mobility equipment included within the Mobility Services above: £232,952 (2023: £209,540).

For year ended 31st March
2023
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Mobility
Services
Employment &
Skills
Communications Governance Total 2023
169,991
340,070
35,558
127,017
672,636
231,277
320,752
0
0
552,029
401,268
660,822
35,558
127,017
1,224,665

39

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Governance costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Other costs
Support costs
2024
£
-
-
29,042
-

29,042
2023
£
-
-
18,034
17,524
35,558

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £25,336 (2023: £17,820) for audit fees, and other regulatory fees.

Communications

Staff costs
Depreciation
Direct costs
Support costs
2024
£
71,178
-
80,836
47,601

199,615
2023
£
50,253
-
54,312
22,452
127,017

7. Trustees and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

None of the trustees (nor any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year. No expenses were reimbursed during the year (2023: Nil).

Key management personnel consist of trustees, the chief executive and other members of the senior management team.

The total amount of employee benefits including employer’s pension contributions received by key management personnel were £314,530 (2023: £303,399).

40

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

8. Staff costs and employee benefits

The average monthly number of employees during the year was 29 (2023: 28) with a full time equivalent (FTE) of 23 (2023: 23)

9. Staff costs and employee benefits (continued)

The total staff costs and employees’ benefits was as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security
Defined contribution pension costs
Other employee benefits
Redundancy costs
Temporary staff
2024
£
853,529
84,944
32,071
7,970
-
80,786
1,059,300
2023
£
855,616
83,851
28,500
8,960
33,212
51,726
1,061,865

The number of employees who received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 is as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
£60,001 - £70,000 - -
£70,001 - £80,000 - -
£80,001 - £90,000 1 1

41

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

10. Tangible fixed assets

ngible fixed assets
Cost
At 1stApril 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31st March 2024
Depreciation
At 1stApril 2023
Charge for the year
At 31st March 2024
Net book value at 31st
March 2024
At 31stMarch 2023
Tenants
Improvements
£
101,565
-
(3,748)
97,817
20,313
57,941
78,254
19,563
81,252
Charitable
assets
£
52,500
-
-
52,500
45,492
5,256
52,500
-
5,256
Fixtures, fittings
& equipment
£
41,081
8,609
-
49,690
10,596
4,154
14,750
34,940
30,485
Total
£
195,146
8,609
(3,748)
200,007
78,153
67,351
145,504
54,503
116,994

42

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

11.
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 31st March 2023 and 31st March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31st March 2023 and 31st March 2024
Other
investment
£
3
3
Other investments comprise:
Note
Investment in subsidiaries
22
12.
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
2024
£
3
2024
£
32,645
27,549
252,164
312,358
2023
£
3
2023
£
7,251
28,632
103,864
139,747

43

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Note
Bank loan
14
Taxes and other social security costs
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
2024
£
10,648
26,975
53,615
21,760
18,900
31,124
163,022
2023
£
10,648
23,110
69,613
16,583
33,750
136,897
290,601

Deferred income comprises funding received in advance of the year end for use in the subsequent financial year

14. Loans and overdrafts

ans and overdrafts
2024 2023
£ £
Bank loans 32,389 32,389
Payable within one year 10,648 10,648
Payable after one year 11,093 21,741

No security is held for this loan which incurs a fixed interest rate of 2.5% payable on the outstanding principal amount of the loan and is applicable until the final repayment date

15. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Note 2024 2023
£ £
Bank loan 14 11,093 21,741

44

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

16. Restricted funds

The income funds of the Charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes in relation to the Mobility Services and Employment & Skills. Further details about the work in relation to these two charitable activities can be found in the Trustees' Report.

Mobility Services
Employment & Skills
Balance at 1st
April 2023
Income
Expenditure
Balance
at 31st
March 2024
£
£
£
£
73,017
270,013
305,310
37,720
200,797
309,590
358,796
151,591
273,814
579,603
664,106
189,311

17. Unrestricted funds

The income of the Charity includes the following designated funds that have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes together with general unrestricted:

Unrestricted –
General
Office investment
Investment in
operations
Total unrestricted
funds
Balance
at 1st
April
2023
Income
Expenditur
e
Transfers
Balance at
31st March
2024
£
£
£
£
£
406,193
1,023,405
1,112,597
-
317,001
79,687
-
-
79,687
250,000
-
101,945
-
148,055
735,880
1,023,405
1,214,542
-
544,742

The unrestricted funds are funds that the charity has received that were not for specific purposes and as such held as unrestricted funds. Some of these funds have been

45

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

designated for the office fit-out (Office Investment) and some for investment in new operational ventures and work (Investment in Operations).

18. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
£
Fund balances at 31stMarch 2024 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
54,503
Investments
3
Current assets
501,329
Long term liabilities
(11,093)
544,742
Comparative analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
£
Fund balances at 31stMarch 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
111,738
Investments
3
Current assets/(liabilities)
645,880
Long term liabilities
(21,741)
735,880
Unrestricted
funds
£
Fund balances at 31stMarch 2024 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
54,503
Investments
3
Current assets
501,329
Long term liabilities
(11,093)
544,742
Comparative analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
£
Fund balances at 31stMarch 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
111,738
Investments
3
Current assets/(liabilities)
645,880
Long term liabilities
(21,741)
735,880
Restricted
funds
£
-
-
189,311
-
189,311
Restricted
funds
£
5,256
-
268,558
-
Total
£
54,503
3
690,640
(11,093)
734,053
Total
£
116,994
3
914,438
(21,741)
735,880 273,814 1,009,694

46

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

19. Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

At 31 March 2024 the charity had annual commitments for office rent under non-cancellable operation leases as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Expiry date:
In less than one year 15,400 46,200
Later than one year and not later than five
years - 15,400

20. Capital commitments

There were no capital commitments either authorised by the board or contracted for at the balance sheet date.

21. Transactions with related parties

There are no related party transactions during the year (2023: Nil).

22. Subsidiaries

These financial statements are separate charity financial statements for Action For Kids Charitable Trust.

Details of the Charity’s subsidiaries at 31[st] March 2024 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of Class of % held
office business shareholding Direct
Indirect
Action For Kids Limited UK Dormant Ordinary 100

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from consolidation was as follows:

Name of undertaking Profit/Loss Capital &
reserves
£ £
Action For Kids Limited - 3

The fixed asset investments are stated at cost.

47

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

23. Cash generated from operations

(Deficit)/surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised as profit or loss
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Cash generated from operations
2024
£
(275,640)
(17,572)
67,351
(172,611)
(127,579)
(526,051)
2023
£
(221,327)
(5,023)
24,720
(104,300)
221,791
(84,139)

24. Analysis of change in net (debt)/funds

Cash at bank and in hand
Loans falling due within one year
Loans falling due after more than one year but
less than five
At 1st April
2023
Cash flows
At 31st March
2024
£
£
£
1,068,132
(523,987)
544,145
(10,648)
-
(10,648)
(21,741)
10,648
(11,093)
1,035,743
(513,339)
522,404

25. Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects

48

ACTION FOR KIDS CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024

Comparative Statement of Financial Activities including income and expenditure account for the year ended 31[st] March 2023

Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Investments
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Fund balances brought forward
Fund balances carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
£
1,070,504
5,023
1,075,527
608,215
672,636

1,280,851
(205,324)
941,204
735,880
Restricted
funds
£
536,026
-
536,026
-
552,029

552,029
(16,003)
289,817
273,814
Total 2023
£
1,606,530
5,023
1,611,553
608,215
1,224,665

1,832,880
(221,327)
1,231,021
1,009,694

49