Charity registratlon number 1069993 (England and Walesl Company r•gl•tr•tlon numb•r 03487635 SKILLS FOR PEOPLE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 •AEHR6XYB* 1911212025 COMPANIES HOUSE A24 SKILLS FOR PEOPLE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees J Whaley S Halpin D Sellers D Rudd K Chaplin J Cairns (Appointed 17 July 2024) (Appolnted 4 June 2024} (Appcinted 4 June 2024) (Appolnted 25 November 2025) S•cr•tary R Vlgurs S•nlor man*9•m•nt R Vlgur8 L Geritz L Cottrell J Proudlock Chief Executive Dlrecior of Aduft SeTvIGé OITeclor of Corporale Seprflce$ Keyworkef Serylce Manager Ch•rSty nurnb•r (England and W•l•¥l 1069993 C￿1panY nurnb•r 03487635 R•glst•r•d offic• 4 Glendalo Terrace Bykèr Newcasll? upon Tyne Tyno and Wear NE8 1P8 Audbtor Robson Laidler Ac¢ountanl8 Llmlted Fornwood House Femwoorj Road Jesmond Now¢•$tle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear England NE2 1TJ 8onk•rn UntyTrusl Bank 4 Brlndley Place Blrmingham SKILLS FOR PEOPLE CONTENTS Pag• Trustées. report Indepfrndent •udltofs report Slatemfrnt of finanryal activitigN 10-11 8alanc• sh￿t 12 Staterrnnl af Gqsh flow8 13 Nolos to the Ilnancial stal•m8nts 14-22 SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 IntToduGtlon The Trustees ol Sklns foi People are pleased lo pre6eDI their annual report for the year ended 31 March 202S. This report provides an overwlew of the charity's work, achievements, and financlal position, alongside ils slrategic dlfoction 4nd govemance arrangemènls. Skills lor People L8 a charltable organlsalion worklng lo support Pgople wllh a18arning disablllly, aullsllc people, and Ihelf famili08 to live good, ordlnary liv•s. We do this through rights-based support, c￿Produced $ervice8, advlxacy, training, and peer-led projects. Our work is shap8d and drivèn by people with lived experlence. Th• way w• wanl the world to be (Our Vl$lon> All ￿0P[0 are v¥lu8d and treated faidy. Dlsabled people ond Ihoir famill8$ hav8 the Some Chancos, cholces snd rlghls 83 everyone also, so Ih8t Ihey18ad go¢xl. heallhy and moaninglul Ilvas. Disabled peopl¢ play Iheir lull role In 8rt1•ty b8cau8• Ih•y hav8 tsl•nts and slr•n9lh$ that enrfch our so¢l•ty. What w•'r• dolng about It {Our Ml8slon) Wo work lo makè 8uro that disabled pooplè and their f8mlli•s org In control ol Ihoir I1￿8, are strong, confident and included in the communlties of thelr choi¢e. We promote and prole¢l the rights of disabled people ang their famllles. Wo chall¢ngo b•rrt¢rs 8nd promolfj •qUa￿ty. Dis•blvd peoplo and thgir lamill03 are at tho h60rt of 811 wo do. How w• 90 •bout Is (Our Values) We are P￿erfUl We are respéetful We lislen We ￿me up wlth ideas We don'l glve up Compllanc• The financial sialement8 h8v• boan prepared in actordanco with the •ecountsng policies set out in rK>le 1 lo the financial slalement$ and eornply with the ch#rity's gov•rning document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "Th8 Financial Reportlng Standard applicable In Ihe UK and Republic of Iréland. and the Charlties SORP 'Pccounlrn9 and Réportlng by Charities.. Ststemenl of Recommended Proetice applicable lo eharilies pr6paTing Iheir a¢counts in OcCOrdan￿ wlth the Financial Reporting Standard 8ppllcable In Iho UK and RepuNic 01 Ireland (FRS 102).. ObJ•¢tlv•s and *¢tlvltl•s Our key chorit4ble objeGtive$ 8re= To 5UPPOrt people wlth o learning disabllity and aulisti¢ people to have control over thoir liv•s. To help pèople develop skills, confidence, and Indèpend8n¢e. To challenge discrlmin8lion and promote inclusion. To work in partnershlp wrih individuals, families. communlties, and seryices lo improve IIvo8. In 2024-25. we dellvered these oble¢lives through a wide rango of projects, self-advocacy groups. IrAining programmes, one-lTrone support. co*)roduetion work with services. and policy InfluenrA. SKILLS POR PEOPLE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achhv•mènts and p•rfomian Thls year. Skills for People dellvered a dlveTse and Impactful rangt of seTh*i¢e$ 3C¥OSS the North East and Cumbrla. Paople wilh INed exp•rlence remainod al the heart of our work, shaping and leadin9 lh8 way. P•er4ed group8 and selt•advKaey Pthcts Ilke Geordlè Voices. Geordle Mums. Mon of tho Norlh, Women's Zone, and Independ8nl Volcès continuèd lo thrive. providing space for people to connect, campaign. and build confidence. These gmups t3ckled IsBU85 Ilke a¢coÈ8ible transport, vollng, loneliness, and 8afoty, while 8180 ctrprodu¢ing tralning arbd research. Th8 Newt48lle Advlsory Group playod arn e8sent181 role In shaping the Nèwcastlo CounGlls local strategy. Th18 year. w• lacilllaled 53 dlfferont community groups. convenln9 580 rneetln98 and actlvllles th￿UghOut th• year. wth over 3,300 attendances. This remarkable leval of eng8gement r8flects thè strength of our pe•r4od model and th8 Importance of creating Indusive, empowerlng spaces where people can come together to share expfflen¢es and drlvo ¢hang•. Rlghl•, health and tralnlng We expanded our atsality Checkers pf(>Jrnmme and dollvered pB8r-18d h•alth Inlli3tNe$ Inctudlng BÈ Caneer Aware. Be Epilepsy Aware, and Dlabetes Awareness. Our Oliver McGowan Trainlng progr8mmg tralned new co lacllltalor8 and reoched a wide range of prolessionals. The Confim #nd Challeng6 group influenced NHS plannlng. while our Newca6Ue Hospitsls work brought Ilv•d experfence dlre¢tly inlo hospltal ¥eThice impiovemenl. Inclualon, conn•ctlon, and w•llbolng Our Help and Connect and Comrnunlty Connectors s•Nces helped people bulld Independence and reduce Isolation. Unk Worf(ers based In GP pra¢tlcos $￿pported Indlvlduals around wellbeing, financal, and 8¢Ge85 lo core. The Love Lifo and AJI AthiGtIc8 A¢¢8Ptad programm$ promoted seM•expresslon and safety. Our Toth Orop-ln Improved digital Ir+duslon, and Student Engagement Introduced fiAure professionals to the value ol lived oxperfence. Employmènt. famlly lif•, and Int•n81v• 8UPPOrt In Redcar and Cleveland. we dallver•d onfrlowone omployment support and facllilaled peerknled groups, Our Keyworklng serylce supported 71 young people al risk of inpatlent mont81 health 8dmlssion. hlping lo avold an esllmated 61 hospilal admisslons and Improve qu811ty of life for lamilio3. S￿teM Inllu•nc• and lo￿1 partn•r•hlp8 Through inlllallves Ilke the Safe Places 8¢heme and provldér workshops, people wilh a leaming disablllly influenced local systems and Service quality. Across all our work, we conllnuod to bulld 6trong partnership$ wlth local authorities, NHS Trusts. universities. and VCSE partners. Jow4hln• and Jack ProJ•cl This year. we were honored to be enlfUSled wllh thè légacy of the Josephlne and Jack ProJe¢l a8 th• t*)8rlty PTep8rod to closg. Skills for People ?s now aclivèly oxploTing hi)w to continue Ihis craatbve and irnpactlul work under the new n￿&"josePhIne arKI Jack at Skills.. Tho Josephlne and Jack Project has for many years deliver¢d engagln9 and ac¢858•bkn18ornin9 experie￿8$ using Ilffrslzed anatomlcally correct cloth flgures, Jo$ephlne and Jack. Through wort(shops and one-to-one support, Ihey have helped people with 8 learning dlsablllty learn about health. relationshlps, and sell-advocacy. Their person centered approach is widely admlrod and has made a 8lgnificanl differen¢a to the Ilves of many. SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Josephlne and Jack Projè¢1 {Contlnu•d) We are saddened by the vlnding down of the Josephine and Jack Proiecl but feel Incredlbly Prlv￿eged lo carry forward their misslon. The project has generously transferred its remainin9 funds, cloth figures, lesson plans, and matenals lo Skills for People. We are commttted lo continuing Ihelr work with integrity. crealivily, and 8 focus on values. We believe that belng part of a lar9er organisation wlll provide the support and sustalnabtlity needed lo ensure the Josephine 8nd Jack legaty contlnuets lo flourlsh. We extend oui doepesl thanks lo everyone al the Josephine and Jack Project for thelr insplring work and for placing IhelT tvust In u&. L•Jd•r$hlp Transltlon Thls yo8r morked a Syn￿1CanI moment In the history of S￿118 for Peopl¢. a$ we sald larewell to our long-seivln9 Chlef Executlve, Llz Vvrlght, who retlred after an Incredlble 32 years of servl¢e ￿ Uie chartty. Llz'$ leaOor5hlp. vlsion, and unwavering commllmenl have shaped sk￿13 for People Into the value>drlven, p¢rson- Cgnlered organlsalion it Is loday. Over more thon three decades, she guld8d the chailly through ¢hange 8nd grovrth, always ensurln9 we siayed true lo our roots and to the voices ol Ihe people we 8UPPOrt. We were also Immensely proud that Llz Wrlghl was awarded a Lrfètlm8 Achlevemeni Olamond Awafd by the North Easl and Cumbria Learning Disabillty Nehvork Sn December 2024. To be reGognised lor her tlreless ¢ampaignln9 10 Improve the Ilv68 of people wllh a leamlng dlsablllty and Ihek fami118s 18 both Ilttlng and Tlchly desepled. On behall of 8voryono In¥olv•¢J In Sklllg lor Peoplè In¢ludin9 Qui Iruslees, Staff, volunloers. and th• many Indlvlduals and famlllgs wo work olongsld•, we thank Llz for hor oul8landlng c(JnlribuUon and dedlcallon. Following Liz'$ retiremént, Skllls for People was delighted lo appoinl Scott Vigur5 as our new Chi?f ExecLbtiv• In 08cember. Scotl brlngs more thar* 25 year$ of108dershlp •xperience across tho $18tulory and voluntary sectors. with a 81rong track record of championing inclusion, Tl9hls. •n(J c¢>produclion. Scott look up post in January 8nd 1$ now lèadlng th& developmenl of our nexl fiwo*yeor slraie9y, which will be co- desrgned wllh people wilh Ilved fj¥perieDce. our stall leam, and key partners. This marks Ihe beglnning of an oxciting new ¢h8pler in Skllls for People's journey bullding on our Strong loundatK>n8 while oxpltyirwJ n•w ways to in¢re880 our Impa¢t and reo¢h. Flnanelal r•vlèw The Statement of Flnancial ActlvlUe8 shows a lolal surplus lor the year of £187.155 (a tolal surplus of £28,731 In 2024). Th¢ surplus In unreslri¢led fvnds for Ihe year is £71,8131£59,330 In 2024}. There has been an Increase in Income from £1,3S6,717 to £1,717.268. The In¢rease was dug lo an Increase In donatlons. and contract incorne from statutory bodie$, Ilke councNs and the health servlce. There was a redu¢llon In olher tradln9 inry)me regardlng the recharges made lo the Better Days organisallon. Exp8ndllure Incrèased from £1,327,986 to £1.530,113, whlch was due lo rises in slaff costs. malorial expgnses for Projects. an¢J IT provlsioning. Other costs remain con$lstenl to the Prlor year. and our expgctations. The trustees have looked at restrlcted fund balances durlng th8 year and ensurèd thal th&5e balan￿3 have ullllsed in accgrdan¢e wilh the donofs, fequiiemeTrts. As at 31 March 2025, these reslTlCttd reseryes stood al £115,342 {£nll In 2024). The b8lan¢e sheet remains healthy. with on increose ol funds from £903.368 10 £1,090,523. Going concem The Imslees have prepared a budget and cashflow forecasl and have conduded that Ihe Charity continues to be a going concem foT Ihe loresegabie luture. On that basls they have conunued lo adopt the going ¢on¢wn basls when preparin9 thp financial slalements. SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Rosetves poIIcy Unrestricted funds 81and at £975.181 of whk* £527.892 (£441.S10 In 20241 1$ cia680d 48 freo reser￿8. The ¢alculatlon of re3eTVeS bs b8sad on the defiTrltlon Included In the charlty statement recommended practlce {SORP) whlch provides recornmendauons for accountlng and repo￿ng for chariiles. The I￿￿tee5 have examlned the requirements of the charitsbl8 company lo hokl free reserrfes tr￿$0 reseNes nol Inve8tod in tanglble fixéd assels. excludlng long term liabilhies, or deslgnated for 8 particular purpose. This exercise consideied.. Idenlific8tlon and p18nnlng for the malntenance of essential sorvlces for benellclarle8; ThL4 risk5 of unplanned closure, spending commitments, polenttal li8bilities and financlal forec08ts: The risk$ of unplanned dosure on thelr beneff¢iarlo$ (in parllcular, vulner8ble beneficl8ries). stsff and volunteers,. and The challenges faced by tha charfty S•¢tor In the curronl finan¢lo1 climato. Plan• for fvtur• perl¢)d8 The Board has taken precaullons to ensure thal th• organl8alion 18 8uslalnable. The 80ord and the atoff team manage budggts cloggly. Th? Board plan8 lo secure Ihe knluro of the organisalion through cqreful finand81 management, and raislng in¢omo through a divarse rang& of Mnlrads, grants and sales. We will contiiue to provide and build on the 5u¢c6ssful programm&$ de$¢ribed earlier In thls report, whlch will 8nable a¢tts$ to new 80urc8• of Income. Slructur¢i govorMn¢• and manag•m•nt Skills for People Is a (*mpany limited by guarantee {Comp8ny No. 02647839) and a regl8lered charlty (Charity No. 1089993). Its govemlng documonl IJ its M•mor4ndum •nd Articlgj of A¥Bocigts0n. The ¢harrty Is governed by a Board of Twstee$ who ara also the dlrectors of the charitable company for the purposes ol th• Compani05 Act 2006. The BO8￿ meèts every ￿ monlhs and 58 responslblè for lh• overdll governance and $lralgglG directjon of th8 organisation. 11 d8legate8 day-to4ay m8nagemgnl lo th8 Chtaf Exocutiv• and Senlor ManAg8m8nt Team. The tru8lee8. who are also the dlrectors for the pu￿08• ol company ￿w. and who 8oryed durlng the year and up to tho date o18rgnalure ol the financlal stat8menl8 Warn.. J Whalèy G Atwal IR8signed 24 September 2024) {Re81gnod 22 Sepl•mbw 2024) (Appointed 17 July 2024) (Appointed 4 June 2024) (Appointed 4 June 2024 and resigned 25 November 20251 (Appolnted 4 June 20241 (Appolnted 25 Nov•mber 2026) SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Recruilmenl and appolnlment oftrustees New twstees receive a slruclured induction Includlng infomatbon aboul lh8 chariV$ work, responslbllities under ¢harlty and company 18w. and relevant policlos and procedures. The Board ¢onducls an annual review of its effeeliveness and ensures that il maintains a broad mix of skills and livèd experien¢e felevanl to the charity's work. The 8oard of T￿￿tee5 also h8S two sUb￿MmItteeS . Finance and HR. Each sub•commrtlee 1$ ¢haiied by a truslee and attended by the Chief Exe¢utlve and relevant members of Ihe Emeculive Senlor Management Team. The Finance Committee is chaired by our Tnjslee Treasurer, Duncan Sellers. These sub26. a new Performance and Govemance SV￿cOMmIttee w511 also b8 convened to stren9then oversight in th0$0 orea$. In 2024-25. we were pleased io welcome four now trustees lo the Board.. Duncan Sellers {treasurer}. Danlèlle Rudd, Ed Collins. and Kale Ch8plin. Each brings significant exp8rience Irom a wide range of seclors arKI has significantly slr8nglhened the leadèrship, govemanc?, and over¥ighl of Ihe charlty. S•lf-Advoeat•s Board The Sell-AdvoGales Board is a group of p¢oplo wlth learnlng disabilities who lead on making 6Ufe SkI113 lor People 51gys Iru• to ils purpose and values. The Board 8xi3ls to represent the voiGe$ of people wilh Ilvod experience, challenge deci91ons where needod and ensuie Ihat the organisation is led ty the people it sen4èS. Tho Self-Advoc8le$ Board play8 an important role in advlslnq th8 Board of Tru81e8s about wh81 is most importanl to peoplé with learning dl$ablllll8s and their familie$. 11 providos crllical challènoe to the or9anlsallon. helping Iruslees and senior le8d8r8 undersland Ihe real Imp8ct of decislon$ and ensuring that the voices of people we support are aNvays at Ihe heart of our govemance. Throughoul the year, Ihe Self-Advo¢alo$ Board has mel repularty to feview and influence our plans and prioritle$. Thelr Input has bèen inslNm8nlal in ghaping our new fivfryegr slraleoy. ensurfng Ihat It is firmly anchored in the social model of disability 8nd fighls•based approaches. Self-advo¢ale$ have brought forward powerlul Ilved &xpèrienc6s and insights thal have helped us understand the real impacl ol our $eNices. as well as opportunitles lor improvement. This year, members of the Sell-Advocaies Board p8rticipaled in $lTalegic planning sessions wilh ITUSteos and senior managers, provldlng clear and actionablè guldance on ￿at matters m05t lo the people wo support. Thelr work o¥emplifie5 the values of Skills for People ensurin9 Ihat people with lived experience are not only at the cèntre of our soNices but also ptay a leading role in qovemance and decision-maklng. K•y Manag•ment Rèmun•ratlon The Tru$lee$ consider Ihal tho Board of Twsltes and the Sanlor Management Team comprlse the key managemenl per50nng1 of Ihe tharity in charge of direcling and CDntrolling. funning and operalln9 the chaflty cfi a day-to4ay basis. All Trustees give of thgir lime Ireety and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Details of Trustee expenses 8ro disGlosed in the noles to the accounls. Rlsk M•nag•ment The Tfuslges have a duty lo Idenlrfy and revi•w the risks lo which the charity rs exposed and lo ensure appropriat• onlrols are in place lo provide reasonable •ssurance 8galnsl fraud and error. The charity rnaintains a comwehensive risk regisler b*hich is regulady reviewed by the Board of Trustees and its sub.committe•s. Key areas of focu$ durin9 the ye8r induded financial sustainability, safe9uarding, seNice quality, compliance with regulation. and th¢ well-being of Staff and volunteers. Miligallng acth)ns Include regular finanual monitoring, robust policies and procedures, ongoing training. and str￿9 partnership working. Risk management is embedded In strateg¢c planning and operational delivery. SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Stat•m•nt of IrustM$' r•8ponslbllltles The Tnjstees (who ar• also the dire¢loTS of Skills for People for the pury>o$os of company law} are responsible lor preparlng the Trustees, Report and the flnan¢lal statements in accordance ￿th applicable law aftd Unlied Kingdom Aceounllng Standards (Unitod Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounllng PracliGo). Company law requlrès the Trustèes to pr6pare fin8nclal stslements for each financial year whlch glve a true and fair view of the slate of affair8 of Ihe chorllabl8 company and of the incomlng resources and appltC8Uon ol r•60urce8. including the Income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that period. In preparln9 Iheso flnan¢lal $tatfrmenl8, Ih? Tru8t¢èJ ar8 req￿r￿ lo.. select 8uil8ble accounting pollcie8 and then appty them consislenlly.. observe tha melhodg and principles in the Charities Slalemenl of Recommendéd Practlca (SORP I; make ludgemfjnls and esllmales that afe reasonablè and prudont: state whether appllcable UK accounting standards hav• be•n followed. gubjecl to any matorlal departures di8clo8ed and explalned in Ihe financial statèm8nts', and prepar6 th01Snan¢ial slaternenls on the going concem ba$ls unles$ It Is Inappropriate lo presume Ihat the Charltable company wlll contlnuo in bu8lne88. The Trustees are re$ponslble for keeplng adequate ac¢ountifig record$ thal disclose with regsonable ac¢urncy at any time the finanGlal position of the ¢haritable ¢ompany and enable them lo ensuro that the finanual slatemenls mply with the Companlg5 Acl 2006. Thw aro also Tgsponsiblo for 8afeguordlng Ihe asse1¥ of the ¢harltable company and h8n¢o for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and dalectlon of fraud and other Sffegularities. The Trustees ar• reBpon8lblo for the moint•nanrA and Inl•grlty of Iho c4)rporete and In•n¢bl Inft>rrnalion Induded Ihe d)8rftabl8 companvs webslte. Legislallon Sn the Unlted Kingdom governing the preparètlon and dis8ernlnailon of fin8n¢lal statements may dlffor from leglslalion in oth•r lurf8dlclbon8. Audltor In accordance with the company's 8rtlcles, 8 r8801ution PToposln9 Ihal Robson Laldler Ac¢ounlants Llmlled be rnippolnted •8 auditor of the company WUI be pul at a Ganèral MeotlrKJ. Dl8closuro of Inlomutlon lo audllor Each of the Iwslees hBs conflmied that there Is no Inf0M￿tIon of whlch they 8re aware which Is relevant to the audit, but ol whleh the auditor Is unawar8. They have further cfjnfirmèd that they have ￿kOn 8ppropri8le steps lo Identy such relevant information and to esl8bli$h th81 lh8 audltor Is ¥waT8 of such Informatlon. Thé Iruslees. report Was approved by Board of Trustees. J Whaley Trugto¢ SKILLS FOR PEOPLE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SKILLS FOR PEOPLE Oplnlan We havfr audlled the financial stalgments ol Skblls For People lihe 'chartty > for the year ended 31 March 2025 which ¢omprise the 81alemenl of financial acliville9. Ihè balance sheet, Ihe statement of cash flows and nol88 to Ihè financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework th81 has been applied in thelr preparation 16 applicable law and Unlted ￿'ngdorn Ac¢ounling Sland8Tds. Includino Finanoal Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicabl• in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Uniled lQ'ngdom Generally Accepted Accountin9 Practice). In our oplnion, the financial statements- give a true and fair view of the stale of the charitsble ¢cmpanVs affalryJ as al 31 March 2025 and ol itg incoming resoLJrces and appllcallon ol r•sources, includinp il? income and expenditure, for the year Ihen ended.. have been propedy Prepared In accordance wllh Uniled Klngdom Generally A￿epted A¢countSng PractlL*; and hove been prepared in a¢cordanc& wlth the requlrements of Ille Companles Act 2006. 8asls lor oplnlon We conducted ovr audit in 8ccordance wlth Intefnatlonal Standards on Audltlng {UKI {ISAs IUK)18nd applicablo 18w. Oui responsibllili8s under Iho$e standards 8fe lurther descrlbed in the Atsditor￿ respon&)illlie$ for thg audil ol th• finonual slatemenls section of our report. Wo are independent of the charlty In a¢cordanc8 wlth Ihe elhlcal requir6meDl$ that are felevant to our audit of the financi81 818tements In th8 UK. In¢ludlng the FRC'S Ethical Standard, an¢J we have lulfilled our olher ethlc81 responsibilllies in accordance ￿th these requirèm•nts. W• belleve thal th• 8udlt evldgn¢6 we have obtaln8d 18 Sufficient and approprlale to Pfovlde a balis for our Onlon. Canclu¥lons r•lallnq lo golng conc•m In 8udrtlng the financial stalemenls. w• have ¢onduded Ih81 Ihe trwta•s' use of tho golng eoncem ba818 of accounting in thè preparation of the financial statements is appropriatè. Based on the work we have pertormed, we have not idenllfied any material u￿ertain￿o$ rel81ing to events or condilions Ihal, indlvidually or collectively, may casl signrf1￿nt doubl on the charity's ability to conb'nue as a goirva con¢em lor a period ol at least fvielve month5 from when the flnanGIBI statements are authoNsed for issue. Our responslbmlllos and Iho responslbllilley ol Ihe tru$lees wllh respect to golng ¢oncern are descrlbed In the relevant sections ol Ihls report. ¢Xh•r lTh1orniatlon The olher Inlofm8tion cornprises tho inforrnats'on Included in the annual report other than the fina￿181 $181em•nts ond our audilorfs report thereon. Thè Irus16es arg responsible lor the other Inform811on contaIr￿d wilhln the annual r8POrt. Our oplnion on the fin8ncial statements does nol ¢ovgr th& olhgr information ond, except lo the extent olherwse explicllty slated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thernon. Our re8ponsibility is to road Ihe other infomi81ion and. in doing so, consider whether the other inlonTralion is materially Irwnsistvnl with the finanual Slatemenls or our knowledge obl8ined in tho course of Ihe audit. or olheNisa apFears lo be rnaterlally mi5slaled. If we idtrntfy svch malertal Incon51slencies or appa￿nI malerial misslalements. we are reoulred to determine whether U)Is gives rise lo a material miss181emenl Sn Ihe financial slatemenls Ihemsefves. ff. based on the work we have perfoméd, we conclude that there Is a malerlal mi$stslement of Ihis other Inlomlalion, wo are required lo roport Ih8t 18Ct. We have nothing lo rèport in Ihls regard. Qplnlons on oth•r m#tt•rs pre•crf￿d by lh• Comp•nl•8 Acl 2006 In our oplnion. ba9ed on the work undertaken in the course of our audit: Ihe infomation glven in the trustees, report for the financial yeor for which th• flnancial slalemenls arè prepared. which includes the directors. report prepared for Ihe purposes of company law, Is consistent with the rinancial slalements; and the direclor5' report induded wlthin the Injslees, r•port has been preparod in a¢¢ordance wlh applirablo legal requirements. SKILLS FOR PEOPLE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF SKILLS FOR PEOPLE M•tt•rs on whl¢h w• ar• r•qulr•d to roport by •xc•pllon In the Ilght of the knowledge and unde￿landing ol the charity and Its environment obiained in course of the audll, we have not ideniified materoal mlsstatements in the dlrectors. rnport Included wilhln the tNstees' report. We hav• nothlng lo report In r•$poct ol th¢ follo￿n9 mattars In rnlatlon to whlch the Componlos Acl 2006 rnquirfjs us to report lo you If, in our Onlon: adequate occounting record8 ha￿ not bgen kept, or rolums adequate for our audrt hav• nol beon rerAlved Irom branches not vislted by us: or the fin8ncl8181olements aré not In ogreem•nl wilh th8 8ccountlng record8 and rotums; ¢r eertAin dlsrjosures of twslees. rernuneralion specafied by law are not made: or w& have not received 811 th8 Inforniation and explanallons wo requlr8 lor our audlt,. or Iru$lees were not entitled to prepare the financial Statemenls In arfordance wih the small companlo$ reglme and take &dv8ntape of Iho sm811 companios. axemptr'on8 in prepgrlng th• trustoe8' report and fram lh• requirement to prepare a strategic report. Re$ponslbS1itlos of trust•es As explalned more fully In the $18ièment of Irusts8s' rn8pon8lbllltles. tha tW8te8g. who are •l$o lh• dlr•ctors of th8 charity for the purpose of company law. are responslble for the preparats'on of tha financlal statements and for belng satisfied Ihat they glve a true and falr waw, and such Intemol control as the truste68 delem)ine 1$ necessary lo enable tha preparatlon ol Ilnanclal slalemenls Ihal are free Irom material mi5StatomeTrt. whether due lo fraud or error. In prep8ring tho finand81 statemants, the tru$tees are re8ponslble for assesslng tho chaflly's abllty to conllnue as a golng con￿rn, dlscloslng, as appllcable, matters related lo going concem and uslng the golng concèrn bas1$ of accounllng unl988 the tnJstee8 either Intend lo liquldat• the charitable company or to cea operations, or have no realistic altemativo but to do 80. Audltoes respon51bllftl•s for the audit ol the flnancial statements Our objectlves ar• to obtsln roasonabla assurance about whether the flnandal glolemenls as 8 whole ar• free from malerfal misslatemenl, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an audiiofs report that includes our oplnlon. Reasonable assurance Is a highlovel of 89surance bul 18 not a guarantee that an audlt ￿ndUct0d in accotylance with ISAS IUKI viill olways delact 8 material missialement when it exists. Misslatemenls can arise from fraud or error and are ¢onsider•d m•terl81 If, indNidu8lly or In the aggre9atO. thèy could reas1￿&blY be expected lo Influ•nee tho economic decisions of users t8ken on the basis of these financlal statements. Tho extent lo whlch our procedures ara capable of detecting irregularltles, including fraud. Is d?tailed b610w. The risk of materfal mlgstaternenl due to error or fraud has been assessed in conjunction wtth how Inlemal controls may mltigalo any Such risk. Th858 contro15 are rnviewed as part of tho audit by performing systems walkthrough6 to ensure they are operating effectively. Analytical review and subslanlive lesth'ng is also parformed on all malertal bolances and therefore any inslan¢e5 of non-compliance 8houfd be Identified or consldered as insignfficanl. In Idenllfying and assesslng rfsks of malerlal mlsstatement in respecl of irwularilles. Includkng frajd. the audli engagement tgam,. oblain8d an understsnding of the nature ol the industry and sector. includlrvj lh8 Iggal and re9ulatory framework. In which the company operates and how thè company wmplies wllh that legal and regulatory fram&work inquired with management and Ihose charged with governance 8boul their own Identlllcats'on and a$$essment of the risks ol Irrogularrknes, including any know actual. suspected or alleged instances of fraud dlscussfjd wilh managèmgnl and those charged wilh govemance any non operation8 49.326 (40,813) Invostlng actlvltlos Purchasè of tangible fixed assets Inveslment incorne received (168) 10,158 N•1 ¢•8h g•n•ial•d from Inv••llng •dvltles 9,990 N•t ¢a8h gen?rat•d from finan¢lng •¢tlvltl•• Net Increasol(docr•ase) in ¢•gh and cash •qulvalents 59,316 {40,813} Cash and cash 0qu1va￿nts al beginnlng of year 540.479 581,292 Cash •nd ea8h •qulval•nts al •nd of y•ar 599,795 540,479 13 SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcl•• Charlty Infomiallon Skllls For Peopl8 is 8 prtV8te company Ilmlled by gu8rante8 Incorporated in England and Wales. Tha registered office is 4 Glendale Terrace. Byker, Newcastle upon Tyn8. Tyne and Wear. NE6 IP8. 1.1 B•sl8 of pr•poratk¥n The financial slatements have been prepared In acoydance wlth the charlvs govemlng document, the Companles Acl 2006, FRS 102 Flnanclal ReportlrvJ Stsndard applicable In Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland. I'FRS 102.) arml the Charillo8 SORP 'Accounting and Reporting by Charttie$.' Slalomenl ol R0￿Mm0￿￿ed Pra¢tlce appllcabl& to charftlas proparfng thelr accounts In a(￿ordanCe wlth the Flnancjal Reportlng Standard appllcable In the UK and RepublSc of Ireland {FRS 102)" (ellectivo 1 January 2019). The charfty Is a Publlc Benefit Enllty as defined by FRS 102. The flnandal statements are prepared In sterflng. wthlch Is the lunctlonal currency of tha charlty. Monetary •mount$ In these finan¢l•l ststements are rounded lo the neare$l £. The financial statements have been prepared under th8 hlstorf￿l ¢08t convention. The princlpal accounting polldo8 adoplod arn Set out below. 12 Golng ¢onc•rn At the tlme ol approvlng the financlal 8tatomgnls. the Iruslees have a rea$onablo oxp8ci8tion thel the chartty has adequats resources to continue In operatlonal existence for the foreseeable future. Thus th• trLL8toes ontinuo lo adopt Ihe golng ¢oncem basis of acix)unting in prgparing tho financial slalements. 1.3 Ch•rftablo funds Unrestrlcled fund5 are avallable for u$a at the dl8cretlon of the trustees In furtherance of Ihelr charitAblo oblacllv•$. Restrlcted fuftds are sublect to speclflc condltlons by donor8 or grantors as to how they may be usod. Th• purposes and u88s ol the restrlcltd ￿ndS are set out In the no1•8 to the financ1818talement8. Endowment fvnds are subject to specrfic condltions by donors thal tho capltal must be maintained by the ¢harfty. 1.4 InGomo Incune Is re¢ognlsed when the eharity18189ally èntitled to It after any performance condltlms hav8 beon m¢( Ihe amounts can be measured reliably, and It is probable Ihat Income wlll bo received. Cash donatlons are recognlsed on r￿elpt. Other donallons are recognlsed once the chadty has been nollfiod of the donation. unless performance conditions require deferral of the amounL In￿me tax racoverable in relation to donations rocebved under Glft Aid or deeds of covenant Is recognlsed at tha time of the don811on. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwlse W the Charity has been notified of an irnpermling dlthbulion. Ihe amount is known, and re¢elpt 1$ oxpect8d. ff the amount 15 not known, the legacy is treated 8$ 8 conlingenl aTA•t. Assets for dislribulion aro rocognised only when distributed. Assets glven for use by the charlty are recognlsed when recelvable. St¢xk8 of undlstrlbuted donaled goods are not valued for balance sheet purposes. 14- SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A¢¢ounling poll¢les (Continued) 1.5 Expend5turn Expendilure is recognisèd once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic beneflt lo a thlrd paty, il 1$ probable that a transfer of economlc beneflls wlll be required In settlement. and the arnount of the obli9alion Con be m8asur¢d reliabiy. Exptndilure is classified by 8¢llvlly. The cosis of each 8cts.vily are made up of the Ioial of dlr&l ¢o$t$ and shared costs. including support costs involved in urKl&rtaking each aclivity. Direct costs attributable to a singlé aclSvity are allocated directly lo thal a¢ll￿ty. Sharod costs whi¢h conlribule to more than one activity and support cogls which are not attributable to a single aclivily are apportioned belween those aclNilies on a basis consistent wilh the use of resources. Cenlr81 stsff costs are allocaled on the basis of Ilme spent, and doprecSallon ¢h•rgtss are allocal•d on tho portlw of the as$¢l'J use. 1.6 Tanglble fixed 4g8•ts Tanglble flxed a$s615 are In6tially mg88ured al cost and sub$•quonlly measurod at cost or valuatlon, net of depreciation and any Impalrmenl losses. DgpreGi81ion Is r•cognis8d so as to vthle off the cost or valuallon of 8s8el$ le88 thelr resldual v81ues over thelr useful lives on the followlng bases.. L8asehold land and bulldings Fixtures and fitting3 Over lemi ol the lease 25% redu¢lng balanco ba51S The gain or108S 8rl8ing on the d18poso1 of qn a$$el 1$ detam)Ined as the dlfferonce belween tho $818 proc88d8 and Ihp carrying value of the asset. and is reeognlsed In the statemenl of financial aclivilies. 1.7 Impalrm•nt of flx•d ••••t• At each reportlng end dale. the charity revie￿ the carrying amounts of Its langible assets to determine whèlhar there is any Indication that those assets have suffered an Impalrmenl loss. V any Such Indtstion èxi$tS, the recoveiable amount d tho a$801 1$ eslimaled in order lo dalerrnine the oxt•nt of the impairment loss lif any). 1.8 Cash and cash •qulval•rtts Cash and cash equivalents includa cash in hand, deposlts held at Co11 with banks, other short-term Ilquld Inveslmenls wlih orlginal malurllies ol three months or less. and bhnk overdrafts. Bank overdrafts 8re shown wilhin borrowings in currgnl liabilitie$. 1.9 Taxatlon The ¢harily is exempl from corporation lax on its charitable 8Ctivities. 1.10 R•tlr•m•nt b•n•flt# Payments to defined contribution rttiremanl benefit schemes Ore charged as an expense as they fall due. 15- SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Incom• from donallons and 1oga¢los Llnr•$trlcted R•5trleted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unr•strlct•d R•gtrfct•d funds funds 2024 2024 Totsl 2025 2024 Donations and glfts Grants 4,259 24,904 7,000 189.040 11,259 213.944 932 18.329 2,633 14,325 3.565 32.654 29.163 196.040 225,203 19.261 18,958 36,219 Gr•nts Bentley Motor Group Communlly Foundallon Contact A FamNy G8rfiald Weston Foundation David Famlly Foundation National Lottery NewrA$tle Clty Councll The Jolcey Trust 8arbour Trust Molablllty Olhor 500 500 1.904 25,178 14,904 27,080 14,904 6.175 11.325 17.500 20,000 20.000 5,000 73.421 5,000 73.421 10,936 10.936 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 60,539 10,000 60,539 10,000 718 718 24,904 189.040 213.944 18.329 14,325 32.654 In¢orn• from other trading a¢tfvitl•• UnrnstrlGted R•slrlctod funds lunds 2025 2025 Total Unr•strlct•d Re5trlcted lunds funds 2024 2024 Tolal 2025 2024 Rent• r￿01vabl• Better Days recharge Room hire Othor Irading income 7,682 13,735 6,791 2.705 7,682 14,218 7,291 3,130 7,996 35.900 6,330 92 483 500 425 35.765 6,330 32 135 60 Other tradlng aclvllles 30.913 1.408 32,321 50.123 195 50.318 SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expendlture on charltable actlvlUes Charitable a¢tlvl¢les 2025 Charilable actlvltles 2024 Olr•ct ¢osls Sl#ff costs Depreciation and Impairment on$u118ncy fees Olhor stsff ¢o$ts Project costs 1.132.974 14,738 25.727 66,069 113,953 1,025.450 16,499 16.866 47.940 86.512 r li IT costs Rent & rates Insurance Llghl and heal Promises rèpairs Telgphone PubllcAtions and marketing Health & 8afoly Sundry expenses Bad debts 69.983 6.008 8.22T 6,913 17,527 12.563 28,713 5,605 4,526 28.239 4.758 7,042 10.312 16.682 12,427 28,257 4,976 2.200 8,005 1,513,526 1,316.165 Sh•r• of support and governanc• costs (8•• not• 5) Support Governan 2.109 14,478 2,613 9,208 1.530.113 1,327,986 An•ly•l• by lund Unrestrlcted funds Restrlded funds 1,436,462 93,651 1,270,328 57,658 1.530.113 1,327,986 Support Costs allocated to activitles 2025 2024 Bank Inl•rest Clganing Govemance costs 410 1,899 14,478 321 2.292 9.208 16,587 11,821 An•lysod b•lween: Charilable aclfvitles 16,587 11.821 17- SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs alloeatéd to aellvltl {Conllnu•d) 2025 2024 Gov•rnanu cMt• ¢omprf••: Audit fees Légal and prolesstonal 3,635 10,843 5,029 4,179 14.478 9,208 N•1 mov•ment In lund• 2025 2024 The net movemont In lunds 18 slated after ¢harglngl(¢r•dltingl: Feès payable for the 8udit of the charitys finandal ststgrnents Oeprec1811on ol owned tangiblè fixed 8s$ets 3.635 14,738 5.029 16,499 TNst• None of the trustees (or any persons connected wlth tsm) recelved any romun8ration or beneffts from the ch8rity durlng Ihe year. Employ••• The average monthly number of employ8e8 durfng the year was.. 2026 Numbor 2024 Numb¢r Employees Employffl•nt ¢ost• 2025 2024 Wagès 8nd 801arlo8 Sodal Socurlty costs (Xher penslon ¢03ts 1.025.908 82,099 24.967 937,281 65,014 23,155 1.132,974 1,025.450 The total employee bonefits of the key management personnel ofthe charity bvern £220,69112024: £62,704). TheTe were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.000. Tuatlon The charity 18 exempl from taxation on its activitiés because all its in¢om& is applied for charitable purposes. 18- SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 10 Tanglble fix•d asstts L•oaehold Flxtur•s and land ond buildlng• Tot•1 Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions 468.511 94.977 563,488 168 Al 31 March 2025 468,511 95.145 563,656 D•pr•cl•tlon and Impalrni•nt Al 1 April 2024 Depreclatlon charg•d In the year 28,030 9,370 73,599 5,368 101,629 14.738 Al 31 March 2025 37,400 78.967 116,387 Carrylng arnoufftt At 31 March 2025 431.111 16.178 447.289 At 31 March 2024 440,481 21,377 461,858 11 D•btorn 2025 2024 Amounts falllng duo wlthln one y•ar: Trade debtors Other debto 143,156 1.793 28.204 13,251 144,949 41.455 12 Cr•dltOfS: amount$ lalllng due wlthln one y•ar 2025 2024 Notes oiher taxation and Soclal security Deforred income Trnda credilors Other creditors Accruals 18.358 65,309 8,056 6.914 4.875 18.342 115,038 2,123 1,231 3.690 101.510 140.424 Dolerred Income represents contract income received in advance of the ￿lated gervi¢e bwng Pfovided. 19- SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 13 R•tlr•m•nt b•n•fll sch•m•s 2025 2024 Dèfln•d Contrlbutlon sc￿M•S Charg8 lo profft or lo88 in respect ol dellned conlributlon 8chem8 24.967 23.155 The charfly operates a defined ¢ontributlon pgn$lorb schorrn for all qu8llfylng employee8. The a¥set3 of the s¢heme are held separately from those of the charlty In an Independently admin15tered fvnd. 14 R••lrlct•d fund• The restricted funds of the charity compri$8 the unexpended balances of d¢)natlons and grants held on trust sublecl to Specific condith'ons by donors as lo how they may bo used. At 1 Aprll 2024 Incomlng r•sour¢•s R•sour¢?s •xpend•d Transfars At 31 March 2025 Geordie Mums S￿etruM Ent8rprl8a8 CIC Your Volc• Count$ Mind Body Planet Glendale Tefface 29,298 10,945 60.539 108.411 (24,191) (10,9451 5,107 60,539 49.696 158,715) 200 <200> 209.193 (93,651 > (2001 115,342 Pr•vloug y•ar: At 1 Aprll 2023 In¢oMlng resources R•iourct• expended Transfèrs At 31 March 2024 Geordi• Murns Speaking Up Group$ Pottery Parents Forum Spectrum Enterprises CIC 1,778 4,195 (3.508) 136.926) 1.690 3,149 (977) 3,399 29,582 977 11,325 2,500 {14.724) (2.500) 30,599 19,798 {57,658) 7.261 -20- SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14 Ro$trf¢t•d funds (Continued Purpos• of restrl¢tsd funds G•ordl• Mum$: Funds to 5UPPOrt Ihe aclNill8s of a group of mother8 who havè a le8mlng dlsabillly. Gl•ndal• T•ffac•: Funds lo fflalnlain Ihe hoad offlce. Mlnd Body Plan•t: Funds lo énable disabled people 8nd their famil￿5 to lead rt¢h and independent Ilves. Parenls Fowm: Funds to ensure ser¥icés in thè local area meet the needs ol disable children and Ihelr lamllies. Pottery: Funds to empowerlng dlsable people and their larnilie$ through poltery. Speaklng Up Groups.. Funds to support tho acliviiles of groups speaklng up for people ￿th a leaming disabillty. Sp¢¢trum Ent•rprlse8 CIC: Funds lo create or Sustain p8ld èmployment opportunities for neuro-dlvergent people, in Ilna with current employment lagislation. Your Volc• count•: Funds to support accredited Ir8vg1 training lor adults wllh leamlng dlJabllit4es. 15 Unr••lTlct•d lund8 The unfestrided lunds ol the Charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants whlch are not subiecl to 8peclllc condlilons by donors and gr8ntors as to how they may be used. These include designaled lunds which have been sel aside out of unlestricted funds by Ihe tfuslees for speciflc purposes. At 1 ApTII 2024 In¢omlng R•$our¢•$ r•sourus expend•d Tranthr• At 31 Mar¢h 2025 Goneral fvnds 903,368 1,508,075 <1.436,4621 200 975.181 Prévlou$ yèar: At 1 Aprfl 2023 Ineomlng Resou￿•9 reJour¢•s expend•d Tran5f•ts At 31 March 2024 General funds 844,038 1.336.919 (1,270,328) {7,2611 903.368 16 Anatysls of net a$s•ts belween funds Unie8trlct•d fvnds 2025 R•strl¢t•d lund$ 2025 Total 2025 Al 31 March 202S: Tangible assets Cuff¢nt a$setsl{liabI￿ti8s) 447.289 527,892 447,289 643.234 115.342 975,181 115.342 1.090.523 21 SKILLS FOR PEOPLE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16 Analysls of n•1 assels between funds (Contlnuodl Unr•itrlcled funds 2024 R•$lrlcted funds 2024 Totsl 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Current asselsllliabilitiesl 461,858 441.510 461,858 441.510 903,388 903.368 17 R•lat•d party trans•cllons Thore were no dlsclosobla relatod party Iransacllons durtng lh• year (2024- none). 18 Cash g•nornled froml{•bgorb•d by) op•r•llons 2025 2024 Surplus for tho yoar 187.154 28.731 AdJu•tm•nts for: Invastrnent Inc()m8 recognlsed In statèment of financlal actlvilie$ Deprec18tlon and Impolrmont of langlbla flxed 8$sets 110,158) 14,738 16,499 Mov•ment8 In worklng eapital: (Incre8se)Idecrease in debtors Incro8sellde¢rèase> In cre(Illor8 {Decre8sel In deferred inwme (103.494) 10,815 (49,729) 635,511 (7.612) (713,9421 Ca•h q•n•rat•d fromllbb•orf)•d by) aP•rntlon• 49,328 (40,8131 19 Analysls of ¢hanq•8 In nat funds The charity had no matsrial dobt during the year. -22-