DAMEVERA LYNN Children's Charity Discover together RWIed{h1dNffjlo996sT ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025 Charity number- 1089657 Company Registration no.- 042ffi040L) www.dvlcc.org.uk
Supporting Ghildren and their families, creating possibilities and enhanGing lives
CONTENTS Message from the Chair of Trustees Message from CEO About Us A brief history Spotlight on Otis 10 The year in numbers 11 Successes 12 Challenges 14 Spotlight on Finlay 15 Impact 16 Volunteers 17 The Future 18 Cornmunity Fundraising 19 Partnerships 20 Pl8tinum Partners 20 Trust and Foundations 21 Accounts 23
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR he Charity continues to provide an exceptional level of service to children and their amllie& To see the impact the charity have on the children is truly inspiring. ur most significant recent achievement has been the move from our base in Cuckfield to the halley Heritage site. The move was planned and executed brilliantly, with no disruption to the upport for our tomilies and providing a fantastic new centre. Ike all sirnilar charities, the ongoing financial challenges that we are experiencing, have ntinued to impact our efforts to raise funds, but through th@ hard work of the team, the 8nerosity of many Twsts & Foundations and particularly a large number of Individuals and oiporates, we feel we are in o good F)OSition as we move forward to build and develop what we ave. er the last year Paula Barnes and Tracey Trotter have stepped down as Trustee* oth have provided many years of service for which we are truly rateful. On behalf ot the Trustees, I would like to thank them for all thalr support nd efforts. s always, particular thanks are due to Glenys Creese. who as CEO of the harity, has done a tremendous job in continuing to build the harity and keep the money coming irk would also Ilke to thank all the Trustees who have given their ime and expertise so freely to help this wonderful charity- Inally, on behalf of the Trustees, I'd like to thank veryone who has supported the Charlty over the last year. and partlcularty to all the wonderful taff and volunteers who have worked so hard to dellver such an Invaluable service to ke a real difference to so many Nick Dutt Chair of Trustees
dESSAGE FROM THE-. CHIEF EXECUT-IVE OFFICER ¢1 As I reflect on the post year, l am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the progress we have made together as a charity. Despite the challenges faced in our ever evolving sector, we have demonstroted resilience. adoptability, and innovation. Our commitment to excellence and our focus on the changing needs of the children and their families has enabled us to deliver life changing services in a financially sustainable way. This year, we have made significant strides in exponding our service provision, investing in new team members both in service and fundraising, increasing the charities ability to provide first rate services and a secure financial future for the charity. Looking aheod, we remain committed to our strotegic vision and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We will continue to prioritise the children and their families. We continue to work towards supporting more fomilies giving them the best possible chance of o stronger, brighter future. None of this work would be possible without the support and generosity of our many supporters, the incredible families who attend every w*k and my amazing team who support them. My heart felt thanks to all of them. I would also like to thonk the. board of trustees and incredible stoff team who have supported all the changes that have been made this year. Glenys Creese CEO
ABOUT US Parentlcareer Support Music Therapy Child and their family speech and Language Therapy Outreach Play session
A BRIEF HISTORY Next year (2026) Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Like many charities, it has had a few changes along the way but it always remains steadfast in its determination to help the youngest children with rnotor learning impairments, such as Cerebrol Palsy. In 2001, following the removal of funding from SCOPE, Dame Vera, along with some of her friends, recognised th8 Vital need for support for young children with Cerebral Palsy to continue. She set up the charity in her own name, which was then housed at Ingfield Manor School and began fundralslng to enable SCOPE to continue to deliver the services to 0-5 year olds. The charity continued In this way until December 2016. At that point the charity moved away from SCOPE and away from Ingfield, to a converted barn in Cuckfield. The charity then started employing its own service staff and developing the serdices to reflect that is offered today. During March 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, all services were moved online in ord8r that the charity was able to continue to support families who spent many months shielding to keep their very vulnerable children safe. In the summer of 2024 the charity moved again because we needed more space to piovide the now wide range of holistic services to children with more complex needs. The charity is now housed in its current home on the site of Chailey Heritage Foundation. The new centre gives the charity not only the space it needs but hopefully enough space for it to remain there for a number of years to come.
Irfir
OTIS, STORY Otls and his trrfin brother Eddie were both bom prematurely crt 25 weeks old. Traglcalty, Eddie passed ¢Jwoy in th8 first 24 hours of his life and Otis went on to spend months in hospital battling serious complication& Suffering from two brain bleed4 a serlous condition in the gu( holes in his heart holes in hls lungs and numerous fractured bones, Otis resuscitated countless tlmes in thcrt tirst year. He was diagnosed with quodriplegic cerebral palsy, whlch means his brain injury affects all four limbs, and he experiences excruclatlng paln from abnormal muscle tightness that causes errotlc movement& HIS prognosis was bleak and uncertoi and Otig parents were told that he would nr walk or tak Although excited to finalty18ave hospltal wlth Otls at six months 01¢ the famity felt terrified ond alone with this tiny, fragile baby away from the security of the doctors and nurses. With a recommendatton from a trien4 the fomily started attending Dame Vera Lynn Children s Charity for physiotherapy. conductive education and hydrotherapy sessions in Juty 2023. Being part of sessions was initialty very stressful for Oti>, he rfidn't want to be touched or interact wtth other children and couldn't cope In group sessions. Having been given such a bleok outlool Otis. parents dldn't know what to expect and didnt want to give themselves too much hope. A year and a half on. Otis has ochi8v8d more than his parents ever dreamt mlght be possible. Through his sessÈons Otis has begun to progress his gross Motor and fine motor skills, using his honds to grip items such as holding o toy in two hands. Working on hond-eye coordination, he is learning how couse and effect worL by pushing cars on a trock or moving an item from one place to another. Whilst otis is non-verbal. he can make noises to communicate or attract attention. With full suppor¢ he is working on rolling, theeling sittlng and improving hls balance. He has even begun to ty and tak8 some step rnovements in hls sessions - something that his parents could never have Imagined him doing when he first started at the chority. Now Otis. parents are looking at gettlng hlm his own supported walker and he's practlclng taking steps at home too. Hydrotherapy allows Otis to enjoy himself in the swlmmlng PODI, just Ilko any other child. The upward force of the water counteracts Otis. bodyweight allowing him to f881 completety relaxed, reducing his pain and helping him to play and have fun vAth hls fomily and friends. Otis is happy In the wrjter ond can solidify the skills learnt in his physiotherapy session4 whilst experiencTng less pressure on his muscles. Now at rnrsery, hls parents are beginning to consider what the luture might hold for him at school. As he continues hls sesslons at DVLCC, the team will continue to support his developrnen¢ helping him gain as much indep8nd8nce as possible and allowing hlm futyjre opportunities. -coming here, Ille seen so many changes in so many children. I've met some amazing people here and everything has been so good for Otis. Its changed our lives massively." otis, mum, Kayleigh 10
THE YEAR IN NUMBERS Number of Swim sessions Number of physiotherapy sessions Num sessions ero music 304 76 988 outreach session Number of families supported 620 Number of SALT sessions 99 98 k¥
SUCCESS Our blggest success this year was moving to our new home. The barn in Cuckfield was a lovely home for the last 8 years, but the charity has grown significantly slnce taking ovar the lease in December 2016. The team spent Juty packing up the old home, August was spent painting the new home in Chailey and then unpacking all the moved boxe& In September we welcomed the first families into the new home on the site of Chailey Heritage Foundation. Before.... After.... We have also expanded the team this year. with Sophie and Molly comlng tojoin the fundraising team in August and Beth and Meghana jolning the service team in Februory. Sophle Bushell and Holly also returned from maternlty leave. The new team members have been working hord to increase Income for the charity and expand the amount of sessions and the range of services on offer to families. Molly Devine Content & Admin Offlcer Sophie Barriball Fundraising Officer Meghana Kolekar Pediatric Physlo Beth Perry Family Support Worker 12
SUCCESS During the 202412025 financial year. the charity has supported 36 new familles who came for assessment from right across the south east, travelling from Waterlooville in the wesL Hastings in the East and London boroughs in the north. In total, 99 families accessed services. Some attending only physiotherapy and others attending oll services that are on offer to them. Over the last18 months, the session leads have been using a new piece ot medical equlpment called Gali180, whlch glves each child full-body vibration therapy before the start of their session. It proved so beneficial to children that the charity was able to fund a second machine for our second service room. Flnanclal year 202412025 has been the strongest financial year for the charity. A combination of more corporate support and legacy donations as well as the hard work of the fundraising team has ensured that the charity starts the new financial year in a strong position. 13
CHALLENGES The biggest challenge during this financlal year was ensuring th8 building move was as seamless as possible wlth mlnlmal disruption to services. Good advance communication and frequent updatas during the move ensured that families telt thatthey knew what has happening. We hosted an open-house party before restarting sessions so families could come along and see the new bullding before the official opening. Fundralslng continues to be a challenge as it is for all charlties with the new team in place, the charity is in a much stronger posltlon and is now able to look forward and plan for the future. The charity contlnues to workwlth medical professionals both private and wlthln the NHS, to ensure that as manyfamilies as possible know about the charity and the support it Is able to provide to young children. The challenge remains in raising awareness of our work so that we can reach the families that need our services. LS 14
FINLAY'S STORY Born eight weeks early vio emergency c-$8Ction. Finlay suffered breathlng difficulties crt birth, spending the f irst five weeks in the neonatal intensive care, with his first week on o ventilator. Finlay was diognosed with a rore genetlc dlsorder, Hao Fountain Syndrom8, which affects chromosome 13. This rare condition is diagnosed In only 250 people worldwide, and is characterlsed by hypotonia (muscle weakness). developmental delay, including Speec and seizures. When Finlay first attended our centre, he was only 10 months old and initially accessed physiotherapy and conductive education. At this time, he could respond to his name, track people or noises and make choices with food. He hos always been a very social child, trying to join in conversations with a range of sounds and giggles. Finlay suffers with speech delayi meaning that it is difficult for him to express hlmself, and he struggles with formulating words verbally. Flnlay attend$ sessions with our highly specialist Speech and Language therapist. Using Mokaton sign language and his personallsed pragmotic Orgonisation Dynamic Display (PODD) book provided by the charity - Finlay is now able to better engage in activities, antlcipate thlngs happenlng, and has b8gun to vocafise sounds or word& He laughs loudly when excited and con say 'mammu' and 'dah' when speaking to his parents. using his signing knowl8dge, Finlay con now communicate his needs with almost 50 Makaton signs being used spontaneously - and he is keen to leam more! The speech and language therapist has also been able to demonstrate ways in which his family can continue to support development of his eommunieation skills at home Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Finlay now attends nursery, using the aided language boards to communicate with his peers. He can converse with his key worker ond nursery SENCO. using his PODD bool and is abl8 to tell staff when he is feeling unwell. Since coming to the centre, Finloy has becomè noticeably more confidenL communlcating more wlth staff and other children through gestures. vocalisations. and signs. He is now far better equipped to communicate his thoughts feelings and needs with those around him. 15
IMPACT The charity continues to use Outcome Star in order that is it able to demonstrate effectively the impact thot services have on chlldren and the families. Every child is given a set of learning goals which sit alongside a score, and these goals and scores are reassessed ev8ry 6 months. Leaming goals ore worked on during oll sessions at the centre, across all services to ensure joined-up progress for the child and their family. For example. rf the child is working on fine motor skill& every member of the team working with thot child, vthether that be swimming music, speech and language 01 home pl(Jy, will ensure that the child is given an opportunity to work on that skill. It may be holding a beater or a float In the pool or threading objects onto a string - the focus remains firmly on that key learning goal. Although the team work hard to ensurè that children are given every opportunty to continue to build on their skills. it Is sodly not always possible for children to proces& For some. this is because of their medical condition and others due to unexpected changes to medication as a result of a seizure. These children moy spend much of their time learning skills, losing those skills and then releaming. For those families, it is essential that they receive the emotional support that they need alongside the physical support that their child need& As a charity we are now oble to offer parents and careers access to o counselling S8rvices which provides them with a safe space to voice their concerns and feor 72% of childrTI have ma wogress i emotional wellbelng 85% ot chfftl hove mod progress wir their commurMCOt' -% of children hove made rogress wlth their gross otor skill*,' For every child we celebrate their success. no matter how small or how long the child is able to maintain that skill. Many parents who come to the charity t811 us how much they value that They tell us that they spènd so long listening to professionals telling them what their child can't do or will never be able to clo. Parents want to hear the positive - to see their child slt for the first time, even if it is for only a few seconds, can be life- changing for both child and the parent 69% Ogress tt.# sociol ski 16
VOLUNTEERS Volunt*rs play o vltol role at the charity. both in support service provlsion, helplng at fundraising events and supportlng with administration tasks. Colin and his wife Sue hcjve bn volunteering at the charity for a number of years. -we have been volunteering for DVICC for neoty 7 years since retirement and have enjoyed every minute of it It has been an extremely rewarding experience which has offered us the opportunity to give something back to the community and has broadened our horizons. We have been Involved In mony dlverse events and activities. These Include osslstlng In a sponsored abseiling event down Arundel Castle, supporting a garden paty event at Lambeth Paloce and running stalls at various fetes and fundralslng events (Including escorting Chrlstopher Biggins for the dayl) It has given us the opportunity to see the wonderful work that the chorivs staff do In helping children wlth cerebral palsy, and that is the most rewarding part. We have found it has helped our own physical health and wellbeing and we hove mude new friends and contacts and had some exciting days out Thank you DVICC for allowing us to become involved so closely in all the wonderful things you do, os well as becoming experts at selling Christmas card4 and barbecuing sausagesl Volunteering for DVLCC has been a wonderful experience for us and we would encourage others to consider the same to have the same rewarding experience. Volunteering is not a time consuming activity - you can choose as much or as little as suits you - but you will have funl" Colin and Sue DAMÈER LYNN Children's Charily i5cover bgether 17
THE FUTURE During the early part of the year, the Trustees adopted the Buslness strategy, which outlined a 3 year plan of new services and expanding the current ones on offer. Thefirst part of the strategy was to secure a new home as the barn at Cuckfield could no longer accommodate all of the children and their families who were attending every Wee The new home needed to be elth8r in addition to or a replacementfor the barn. Following a number of conversations with Chailey Heritage Foundation, it became apparent that sharing their site would not only provide an excellent home for the charity but also reflect the synergy between our two organisations. The second part of the strategy was to expand both the service and fundraising team. Now this has been successfully completed, the charity can focus on the other parts of the plan. Over the coming months, new services such as Rebound therapy will be introduced, and new fundraising strategy will come into force to support that expansion. As a charity. we are constantly reviewing the services on offer to ensure thatthey meet the changing needs of the familles who attend, and remain at the forefront of new technologies and therapies. An exciting project which the charity hopes will be starting in the next financial year is a research project with the University of Chichester. The research will look into areas such as the physlcal impact the charity has on the children and their families, the financlal impact on other healthcare providers such as the NHS, and what the charity would need to do to increase its provision further. 18
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING DVLCC receives no government fundlng and relies on donations from the local communlty to support the vital work. This year, it was extremely fortunate to be selected as the Charity of the Year for Hctywards Heath Golf Club who raised over £42,000. This is a life changing amount of money for a child under our car8. . Swtrtg Beaps M¢)top Glub. L*i¥¥w3 f[ CJMJiity Sporting Bears. for the first time, took part in Spring Llvel at Ardingly Showground and raised nearly £5.500 for DVLCC by giving people rides in thalr amazing sports cars in return for a donation to the charity. This year saw an impressive number of people toke on huge challenges to help raise funds including Brighton Marathon. London Marathon and climbing Mount Snowdon! Christmas 2024 saw the 3 year of Christmas Tree collections. supported by volunteers, local businesses and our parents! The team collected over 200 trees kindly recycled by Sussex Tree We are very thankful to the local community who have continued to support DVLCC over the last 24 years. Without their support and generosity it would not be possible to offer the vital early intervention seNlces that are off8red to families who need them.
PARTNERSHIPS Slater +Gordon ENABLELAW Partnerships for DVLCC are not just about money, we look to partners for support with their professional knowledge and help the charity to grow In other wuys. Enable Law continue to support families through the legal advice line, and national law firm Slater and Gordon have come onboard this year to offer families legal advice as well and sponsor a member of our outreach team. Wa continue to work with Portage as the kite mark of quolty for home play sessions. Thls year, becoming a Portage Approved Service from being accredited. A new relationship this year has also begun with the University of Chichester. Over tha next year, DVLCC wlll continue to work together and host placements for physiotherapy students as well the potential for larger research projects. UN'IVERSITY OF CHICHESTER Noliongl P•rt49• Assoctolion P. r4AIAQod PLATINUM PARTNERS September 2024 saw the launch of the Platinum Partners, with 6 partners joining. Platinum Partners are our major donor membershlp group who are invited to play a direct role in our future as well as attending special events and receptions to network with other like-minded people. We would like to extend special thanks to; apio ACS, &71 AJW:, aviation network group ang AVTf4ADC siwvI¢E P*O¥lOEA 20
TRUST AND FOUNDATIONS Trusts and Foundatlons remains a high percentage of the funds required to maintain and grow DVLCC. This year. the charity has secured funding from 57 different trust and foundations. This is o big increase from the year before. We have been able to build strong relationships with a number of these trusts and they remain critical in the future of the charlty. Chlldpen In Need THE CLOTHWORKERS, FOUNDATION We are incredlbly grateful to all the trusts and foundations Who have supported the charlty thls year. Focus Foundation The Hobson Charity the Hollyhock foundutz.on MID SUSSEX DISTRICT COUNCIL JaniLf¥ l)laLL' Charitabl Foundotio Sussex FOUNDATION 21
22
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Structure And Governance Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity is a Registered Charity, (number 1089657). Tt is a Company, (number 04230409). limited by guarantee. The Charity is governed by its Articles of A550ciation which were updated in March 2019 frotn the original document with hand-written notes. The directors of the company. who are also Charity Tntee5 for the purposes of chlty law, fonn the Board of Trustees. Two of the Tnjstees serve voluntarily as Treasurer and Company Secretary respectively. The Trustees who served during the period were: Paula Barnes- Secretary (resigned 20 February 2025) Nick Dutt- Chairperson Deborah Fry- Safeguarding Lead Elizabeth Haigh-Reeve Doug Hill - Tre&surer Carolyn Scott Tracey Trotter (resigned 15 April 2025) Sarah Whiteley (appointed 25 June 2025) A full board meeting is held six times in a 12-month period (more frequently if the need arises). One Trustee is appointed as Chairperson and staff are invited to report on the services and fi]ndraising activities via the respective sub-committees which also meet regularly during the perio& The budg¢t is approved annualty by the full Board of Trustees and is reviewed monthly. The minimum number of Trustees is three" there is no maxiD]um and Trusfres are appointed to serve for a terni of nine years. Prospective Trustees are required to complete an application forni and declare any conflict of interest. No person is appointed to serve as a Trustee unless approved by the existing Trustees. New Tntee$ are introduced to the Board and briefed. as necessary. in all aspects of the CILarity'S objectives and policies. Trustees are encouraged to seek training, as appropriate. also to observe and follow the requirements and guidelines set down by the Charity Commission. Trustees ore DBS checked on their appointment and then every two years thereafter. The Trustees have diverse professional backgrounds, and some are also parents of children who have used the service. Risk Management Risks have been identified to which the Charity is exporf and which might impact on tbe Charity's ability to achiev¢ its objectives. To mitigate those risks, policies and procedures have been established that are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute. assurance against material mis5tatetnent or loss and ensure a CODSiStenL hiJ quality of service and care for the hildren and appropriate working conditions for the staff. The SafegUding of our children is paramount to everything that this Charity does, The Trustees have established an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating, and managing the Cbarity's key risks, and this is reviewed regularly. In particular, there aT¢ procedur&s for: Ethi1 fundraising Providing the capacity to safelv deliver the service with fully qualified staff Ensuring that the Charity's services meet required standards, including for safeguarding. child PTOtection. health and Safety and well-being. Avoiding actions that could damage the Charity's reputation Ensuring that the Fundraising staff and all Charity fundraisino activities are fitlly compliant with all Fundraising Regulations and all Charity Commission requirements, including those for general dats protection. Ensuring a proper complaint procedure for service users, stafc and donors F.nsuring equal opportunities and safe recmitment and retaining Sle]ent levels of skilled staff Providing adewate ICT systerns and ensuring the protectiixl and security of confidential information The overall management and development of systems and HR prnctises and people Ensuring the Provision of adequate levels of governance. financial and operating control through its Trustees and management. Financial reporting within a comprehensive planning and aoUntIng framework, and mi)nitoring of other risks which are identified and reported to the Trustees. The Trustees continue to monitor the risks and the eff¢rtiveness of the system of control that has been put in place by the Charity. Management The Chief Executive Officer holds responsiTr*ility for ensuring that the delivery and standards of the services meet the objectives set out by the Trustees as well as havints full responsibility for staffin& delivery of the service provision and fundraising. 23
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Financial Review The Charity's Statement of Financial Activities is shown on page 28. The total income for the year was £676,762 (2024: £527,994) and total expenditle was £508,780 (2024: £441.758). Income has increased this year mainly due to three legacies totalling £174,179. tn the prior year, we received a one off endowment of £120,000. Excluding these, incotne was up 23 % and reflerts increas fundraising efforts witb events and COTpmt¢ income accowiting for all of this increase. Reserve policy The Charity is reliant on receiving funds from indivi(kn14 community groups, business and tDJst and foundations. M order to PTOtect against an unexpected drop in incom4 the Clwity ensures that it ha5 dep05lted fund5 that are set aside to get the fJnan¢ial ¢ornmitments explained in the report for at least a period of six (6) months. The main objective of the Trustees is to ensure the Charity has adequafr funding to safeguard its daily activities meet its fmancial obligations and commitsnents to th¢ children, parents and staff. At 31" March 2025, in additioll to the restricted and designated funds it carries over into the new fmancial ye, the Charity held free reserves of £215,743 (2024: £79,505) and is just short of meeting the free reserves tK)licy. However, the Charity continues to implement a comprehensive plan arising from a strdtegic review of its income geJ)eration undertaken 20234 and which is already beginning to yield significant positive results. Combined with a continuous review of its costs, the TNstees are confident that the Charity will meet the resaves policy going for4var In 2021122, the Trustees agreed to set aside the procee<Ls from a significant le8&y to fund initiative5 aimed at the expansion of the Charity's services as it emerged from the COVtD restrictiolls. These have been allocated to a designated fund. This policy will continue to be under Teview iti the coming funcIaL year. All funds are held in approved current and d¢posit accounts. including those managed by the CbaTities Aid Foundation. and position5 are monitornj Closely to ensure that there is no unduly high exwsure to any one financial institution. The Trnstees continually monitor the cash position and review this reserves policy each year in order to ensure that the Clthrity always has sufficient funds to meet its obligations and continue to provide its charity service. PreparatAon of the financial statetnents The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Companies Act 2006 and Charities Art 2011. 24
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Trustees, respollsibilities in relation to the fmancial statements The Trustees (who are also d]rtorS of Datne Vera Lynn Children's Cbarity) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, report and fmancial statements in accordance wRth applicable law and L:nited Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generdlly Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the Tntrs to prepare financial statements for each fJJw]cial year which give a true and fair view of the stste of affairs of the Charity at the year end and of the incoming resources and application ofresources, including the income and expenditure, ofthe Charity forthe year. In prepaTing these financial Stateents, the Tntstees are required to: select suitable accounting policie5 and then apply them consi5teDtIy" observe tbe method5 and principles ill the Charities SORP. make judwents and estimates that are reasonable and prudent" state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained Ill the fmancial statements. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation. The Trustee5 are responsible for keeping adequate accounting record5 which disclose M'ith reasonable accuracy at any time the fmancial position of tb¢ Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statem¢nts co]nply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also r¢sponsible for safeguardAng the assets of the Cl]arity and hence fortsking reasonable st¢Ps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by: 7th August 2025. Nick Diitt Chair of Board of Trustees 25
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Lirnited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Legal & Adminftstrative Inforniation Founder Dame Vera Lynn CH DBE LLD M. Mu5 Trnstees Paula Barnes- Secretary (resigned 20 February 2025) Nick Dutt- Chairperson Deborah Fry- Safeguarding Lead Elizabeth Haigh-Reeve Dg Hill . Treasurer Carolyn Scott Tracey Trotter (resigned 15 April 2025) Sarah Ivhiteley (appointed 25 June 2025) Vice Presidents VirgÉnia Lewis-Jones Tom Jones Sir Tim Rice Sir Cliff Richard OBE Hayley Westenra Patrons Kirstie Betts Richard Betts Christopher Biggins John Bowls OBE Richard Leon Barrie Roberts Sophia Warner Princtpal Advisers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill West Malling. Kent ME19 4JQ Accountants and Ind TC Group The Courtyrf Shoreham Roa(L Upper Beedin& Steyning. West Sussex BN44 3TN endent examiners Ambassadors Chris Andre Gary and Lorrie BirtIes Olivia Breen Adrian Brown D-Day Darlings Colin & Sue Darnell Mickie Driver Avril Gaynor Abbie Hunnisett James Lynes Christian Mitchell Stephanie Prior Katherine Samuelson Colin Thackery Registration Dumbers Registered Charity No. 1089657 Company Registration No. 04230409 Website i%7.dvICc.or CEO Glenys Creese Address (Reglstered) Rennie Building, Chailey Heritage Foundation, Haywards Heath RoaiL Chailey, BN8 4EF Tel.. 01444 473274 26
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Report of the Independent Examiner I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Ro¥ponsEbilities and basis ofreport As the Trustees of the Charitable Company (and also its dirertors for the pury05e5 of company law) you are responsiblefor the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts ascarried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 201 l Act,). tn carrying out my examination I have followedthe Directions given by the Chlty Comrnission under s¢¢tion 145(5) (b) of the 201 l Act. Independent UMIner'S slatemenl Since the Charitable Company's gross tncome exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. l ¢onfLm] that l am qualified to undertake the examinaEion because l am a member of the ACCA, which is a listed body. I have Completed my examination. I Conf that no Tnatter5 have cotne to tny attention in connection with the eXnination giving me cause to believe- accounting records were not kept in respert of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the awounts do not accord with those records" or 3. the accounts do llot comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than anyrequirement that the accoLLnts give a 'ttue and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination. or the accounts have not been prepared in accord2nee with the meth(xls and prillciples of tb¢ Statement of Recon)mended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities. I have no concerns and have cOe across no other matters in connection with the examination to wbich attention should be drawn in this report in OTder to enable a proper undeT5tanding of the account5 to be reach. Mr Mark Cummins FCCA FCIE for and on behalf of TC Group The Courtyasd, Sboreham Road, Upper Beedillg, Steyning West Sussex BN44 3TN Dated.. .1318r2025......................... 27
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity UAmited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 {including the Income & Expenditure Account) Not¢s UDrestrieted D£5igllated funds funds Restricted fund5 End0V]ellt funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Income from: Donations 8t legaeies 364,915 23350 38&165 123.575 Charitabl¢ activiti 65860 146043 211,803 315.277 Other tr&din£ activities 68,447 68,447 88.365 Investsnents 8J47 8J47 777 Tot&1 incojlle 507,109 169.593 676,762 527.994 enditure on: Raising fimds 168223 168323 127,020 Charitable activities 197,762 142.795 34057 314,738 Totsl Expenditure 365985 142.795 508.780 441,758 Net income l (expenditure) nd net rnovement in funds 141.184 26,798 167982 86236 Reconciliation DfFunds Tota] funds brought forward 83,182 77,850 36,009 120.(M)O 317,041 230,805 Total funds carried forward 224,366 770 62007 120,000 485,023 317.041 The ststement of flnancial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account wider the Companies Act 2006. There are llo reco]sed gains or105se5 otherthan those reported on the Statement of Fillancial Activities. All activities are classed &8 continuing. The notes forni part of these financial statements 28
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guargntee) Trustees, Report alld Accounts Balanee Sheet as at 31 March 2025 Notes Unrestricted Dd5 Designated nds Restricted funds Emdowment fullds Total 2025 Total 2024 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 13 8ffj23 8,623 3.677 Intangible a&s¢ts 14 8,623 8,623 3,677 Current Assets Debtors 15 37,775 37,775 32,051 Cash at bank and in hand 208J97 62807 120,000 469,054 309.596 246,172 770 62007 120,000 506,829 341,647 Creditors: amounts falling due ithin one year Net ¢urr¢nt 8ssetS 16 (30A29) (30,429) (28,283) 215.743 77850 62,807 120,IMJO 476,400 313,364 Nel 74s5ets 224J66 77150 6207 120,01)0 48S,023 317.041 Funds R¢stri¢ted funds 17 6207 62,807 36,009 Endowm¢nt funds 19 120,(X)O 120,000 120,000 Designated fund5 18 77850 77850 77.850 Unrestricted funds 224J66 224 J66 83.182 224J66 77,8SO 62,807 120,(M)O 485,023 317,041 The Trustees are satisfied that the ¢ompany is entitled to audit exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and that no member or members have requested an audit PUTsuant to section 476 of the Act. The financial statements have been prepared in acCdance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small Companies. The a¢¢ounts were approved by the Board of TTUStees on 7th August 2025. N Dutt (Chair) Charity number: 1089657 Company number. 04230409 291Page
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Lirnited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Statement of Cash FI(S for the year ended 31 Mareh 2025 2025 2024 Cash flow from o eratin activities Net cash from operating activities Nots below 159J74 53,471 Ash flow from investin activities P&ym¢nts to quIre tawble fixd &s5ets (8263) Interest received 8J47 777 Net cash flow from inv&%ting gdivih 777 Net increasel uivaleDts derrease in ¢sh csh 159,458 54248 Casb and cash equivalents at l April 2024 309596 255.348 Cash and ¢sh equivalents At 31 Mrch 2025 469,054 309.596 AnAI sis L)f casb 4nd cash ¢ ivalents Cash at bank and in hand 469,054 309,596 Reconciliation of lltt incomdlexpenditure) to n¢t ¢#$h flow fr•m operations Net income for the yexr 167,982 86,236 Interest received (8.347) {777) Deprectation of tangible fixed &ssets 3.317 2,584 Amortisation of intangible fixed 8ssets Increase in debtor5 (5.724) {9.706) Increase l (decrease) in creditors 2.146 {24.866) Net ¢ash tlow from operating activities 159J74 53.471 30IPage
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report alld Accounts Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 Cotnpany Inforniatiott Dame Vera Lynn Children's Clthrity is a charitable cojllpany. limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The charitable company's registerednumber and registered oifice address can be found on the legal and administrative infonnation page. Accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted are as follows: Basis ofaccoiinting The fllwicial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Clwities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applithle to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019) - Charities SORP (FRS 102), and the Ci)mpanies Art 2006. The Charity constithtes a public benefit entity as defined by FRSIO2. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the cbarity. Monetary amounts in these fin]C1a] statements are rounded to the llearest pound. Having considered future budgets and cash flows, the Trustees confllm that they have no material uncertainties about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. Jiicomg All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable tbat the income will be received. and the amount of income can be measured reliably. Botb grants and donations income are recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds. any perforniance conditions attached to tbe income stream have been rn¢L it is probable that the income will be receiveQ and the amount can be measured reliably. In the event that such income is subject to conditions tIt require a level of perfomiance before the Cbarity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not r¢¢ognised until those conditions are fully met. or the fulfibnent of those conditions is wholly within the control of th¢ Charity, and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfiLled in the reporting period. Income from otbertrading activities includes ti¢k¢tsal¢s and other income from events organised directly by the Charity together with other income from the sale of cPIstMaS cards and is recoJo ised When the entitlementh&s o¢curreLt Investment inwrne is credited to income when it is receivable, and the amount can be measured reliably by the CIMrity' this is nornially upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. Eypenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Support costs are those which assist the use of the Charity but do not directly represent charitable activities. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity. Support Costs are allocated on a basis consistent with use of resources. Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the Charity and its assets and aTe primarily associated with constitutional and stathtory requirements. These are included within support costs. 311Page
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) TangiblefLrgdassets Purchases of over £500 are consi(kred for capitalisation. Depreciation is provided as the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life: Fixtures and fittings 200/0 and 25 % straight line InlangiblefL¥edoF5gts Purchases of over £500 are considered for capitalisation. Amortisation is provided at 20% on a straigbt-line ba5iS in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Lease commiDnen¢s Operating leases and the payments n]ade urAder them are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line b&sis over ttLe lease tern]. Taralion The charltable company isregistered as a charity and all ofits inrne fallswithin the exemptionsunderPartl l ofthe Coryordtion Tax Act2010 Fiind accounting Unrestrictsd funds can be used in accordance with the cPritable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds are unrestricted funds have been designated towards a specific purpose by the trustee boar Restricted funds can onty be used for particular restricled purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particul r¢StrIct PUTposes. Endowtnent fim(Ls are restricted funds that genuate income to benefit the Charity over multiple years, Further explanation of the nature and pu>Se of each fi]nd is included in the notes to the financial statements, Penslon cosls and nthep'po.FÉ-reÈEremgni bgnefils The charitable copanY operat¢s a defLn¢d CQDtnlyJtion pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scherne are charged toth¢ Statement of Financial Activities in the periodto which they relate. Debioi's Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amowit due. Cash al bank aiid in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes bank aw)unts, cash and short tern] highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three onths or less frotll tbe date of acquisition or opening of the deposits or similar accounL Credilors andprovisiopls Creditors andprovisions are recognised where the Charity bas a present obligation resulting from ap&st eventthat will probably result in the transfer of fund5 to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be rneasuTed or estimated reliably. Critical eslima1 and accountingjudgemenl In the application of the chaTity'S accounting policies, the TrL]stees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumption5 about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Theestimates and associated assumptions arebased onhistoricalexperienceandotherfactors thatare considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and undeTlying a55Utnptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estirnate is revised. The Trustees do not consider that there are any critical estimates or areas of judgement that need to be brought to the attention of the readers of the fi[l¢la1 statements. 321P<ige
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by GuArantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 Mareh 2025 (continued) Income from donations and legacies Restrbcted L'nrestrirted Totsl 2025 Tota] 2024 Endividual donations 88A67 88,467 56,115 Corporate donations 23350 91W68 114,318 61.310 Legacieslitt memory donations 185,380 185J80 6,150 23250 364915 388,165 123,575 There was no designated or endowment incom¢ during the year, in the prior year there were no re5tric(L endowment or designated income . Income from charitable aetivities Reslrided Unrestricted Total 2025 Tots] 2024 Trusts and Foundations 146.343 65.460 211,803 315,277 146J43 65.460 211,803 315,277 There was £114,627 restricted income and a £120,000 Endowment from Tnlsts and Foundations during the prior year. There was no designated or endowment income during the year. Income from other trading activities Restrictsd Unrestrieted Tot#1 2025 Total 2024 Events 2641 2684] 39,668 Local Authority fees 36,086 36,086 47.902 Other SJ20 SA20 795 68A47 68.447 88,365 There w&s no restricted. endowment or designated income during the year, or in the prior year. Investment income Restricted UDre5tricted Totsl 2025 Total 2024 Interest receivablc 8J47 8J47 777 8J47 8J47 777 There was no restricted or designated income during the year, or in the prior year. 331Page
Dame Vera LyDn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 Marcb 2025 (contiDued) Allalysis of Expenditure Depreeiltionl Arnorti52tion Staff Costs Other eosts Total 2025 Total 2024 Raising Funds Activiti¢s undertaken directly 121,359 44.155 165514 124,212 Supp)rt costs 2,709 2,709 2,808 121J59 46064 16&223 127,020 Charitable activities Activities undertaken directly 3J17 235ffi 92,148 331,077 307,423 Support costs 9A80 9,480 7.315 3J17 235.612 101,628 340¥7 314,T38 Totsl 3J17 356,971 J48A92 508,780 441,758 Analysis of Support Costs Totsl 2025 Tthal 2024 Travel and training 4J70 2.881 HR & Paymll costs 175 950 Governance costs (not¢ 9) 7fi44 6292 12,189 10.123 Analysis of Governance Costs Ttstal 2025 Total 2024 Professional fees 4,543 3,890 Independent examination fee 3,1)00 2,100 Oth £ov¢mance costs 302 7,644 6,292 341P&ge
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Aceounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 10. Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted funds Designated funds Re5trirted funds Endowment nds Totsl 2024 Income frorn: Donations and leg&cies 123,575 123,575 Charitable activitie5 80&50 114,627 120,000 315,277 Other trading activities 88J65 88J65 Investments 777 777 Totsl income 293J67 114.627 120.000 527994 enditure on: Raising funds 127.020 127.020 Charitable a¢tiviti¢s 215519 99219 314,738 Totsl Expenditure 342539 99219 441,758 Net in¢L)me l (eApendithr*) #nd net movemenl i fund5 (49.172) 15.408 120,IJOO 86336 Reeoneiliation of Funds Total funds brought forward 132.354 77.850 20,601 230,805 Total funds rrIed fonyard 83,182 77,850 36,(K19 120,000 317,041 11. Trustees None of the trustees (nor any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses during the year nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. 351Page
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Account5 for the year ended 31 Marcb 2025 (continued) 12. Employees 2025 2024 Employee information Number Number Average DUtDber of etDploy¢e5 during the ycar. Employment costs Wages and salaries 280a28 242,628 Agency staff costs 44ffi84 56.962 soci Security costs 2381 19.188 Other pension costs 8,278 6,519 3S6971 325.297 The number of employees whose tota] ¢Jnploy¢e b¢nefits (excluding employer pension contrjbutions) were within the following rdnges". £70.000 - £79.999.' 1 (none in 2024). During the year the key management personnel of the charitable compan>. compTised ofthe CEO and the Fundraising Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel (including Employer's National Insurance Contributions) were £123,865 (2024.. £104,345). 13. Tangible fed assets Totsl Fixtures & Fittings Cost At l April 2024 70,579 Additions 8,263 At 31 M2rcb 2025 78042 Depreciation At l April 2024 66.902 Charge for the year 3.317 At 31 March 2025 70319 Net bookvalue At 31 M*reh 2025 8,623 At 31 March 2024 3,677 361Page
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity (Limited byGuarADtee) Trustees, Report alld Accounts Notes to the Accounts for tbe year eDded 31 March 2025 (continued) 14. Intangible fixed assets Totsl Softwar¢ Cost aDd accumulated amortisation Ai l April 2024 and 31 Mah 2025 25.992 N¢t book value At 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025 IS. Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one yr Trade debtors 22220 18.966 Prepayments and accrued inwme 15,555 1,385 Othcr debtors 11,700 37,775 32.051 16. Creditors 2025 2024 Amounts filling due wi¢hin one year Trade creditors 8,051 7,919 Social security and other taxes 8,828 5,610 Accruals atld defe¢d income 1150 13.500 Other credÈtors 2,050 1,254 30,429 28283 371Page
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Cbarity (Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 17. Restricted FuDds The income fun(Ls of the charity include restricted fimds c<>mprisino the following unexpended balances of donations and gTants held on trust for specific purposes: Movem¢nt in fund5 2024f£S Tran5fer$ between Funds Balance at I April 2024 Balance at 31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Salaries 33.0(VJ 132,541 (lQ2,743) 6207 Equipment 3,(K)O 37,052 {40,052) 36,009 I6993 (142,795) 62,807 Salaries The salaries restricted fund conjprises funds received to contrjlxrte towards specific roles within the service teatll (e.g., within the Charltable Service). Equipment The equipment restricted fund cornprises of income received that is specifically to be used to fimd the purchase of equipment. The transfer out of the fimd rq)resents capital expenditlwe inCUd in the year. 18. Designated Funds The income funds of the charity include designated funds comprising the following unexpended balances allocated by trustees towards specific purposes: MOvet in fiinds 2024125 Transfers between Funds BalAnce •t I April 2024 Balanee at 31 Marcb 2025 IDcome Expendithre Le8acy fund 77.850 77050 77.850 77,850 The legacy designated fund comprises a legacy receipt allocated by the trtee board towards future project funding. 381Page
Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity ILimited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Accounts Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 19. Endowment Funds The income thnds of the charity include endowment fuThds comprising of the following unexpended balances: Movtment in fuDd5 2024r25 Transfers between Funds Balance at I April 2024 Balance at 31 MAreh 2025 Eipenditure Edward Gosiling fund 120,000 120,000 120,1)00 120.000 The endowment fLmd was provided by The Edw3Td Gostling Foundation to help the charity provide educational and other relevant related services to children with cerebrdl palsy alld &8sociated disabilities and their parents and carers. 20. Commitments under operating lease5 At 31 March 2025 the company had total committnents under non-¢ancellable operating le&ses as follows.. Land & buildings Land & buildings 2025 2024 Expiry datc: Withtn one ycar 32,iK)O 34,850 Bctween two and fivc ycars 112,000 144,000 34,850 During 2024 the Charity took out a 5 year lease on premises at Chailey Heritage School after the termination of the lease at its previous premise at Unit l The Coutyarl Holmsted FaTm. CuckfKId. Total lease payments recognised as an expeDS¢ in the year amounted to £29,164 (2024: £47.800). 21. Related Party Transactions There were no related paty transaction5 in 2025 or 2024 22. Control Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share upit&l. The Charity is controlled by the Trustees. 391Page