REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1096101
THE G D CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE G D CHARITABLE TRUST
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Report | 1 – 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 8 -12 |
THE G D CHARITABLE TRUST
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the Trust’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Trust was established by a Deed dated 1 November 2002 and was registered as a Charity (No. 1096101). The founder was George Lincoln Duffield. The Trust’s objectives, as per its Deed, are to support charities registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, in particular those which fall within one of the four described classifications of charitable activity, as listed below.
In general terms, the Trust aims to support the following charitable areas (but not exclusively):-
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(a) relief of animal suffering;
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(b) preservation of the environment;
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(c) promotion of equal opportunities for disabled people;
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(d) relief for the homeless.
The objects of the Trust are defined as meaning such purposes as are charitable according to the law of England and Wales. The activities undertaken in relation to the Trust’s governing Deed and to further the Trust’s purposes for the public benefit are set out in the ‘Achievements’ review below.
Selecting applicants and making awards
In general, grants are made to registered charitable organisations rather than individuals and the Trustees consider applications for grants at their regular meetings.
Where proposed recipients are not registered charities, the Trustees undertake a thorough examination of the organisation to ensure the purpose of the grant is properly considered to be charitable and that there are means of ensuring, so far as reasonably practicable, that any grant made to the organisation shall be properly applied to such charitable purpose or repaid to the Trustees. Advice will be sought, as necessary, from the Trust’s lawyers as to the eligibility of such proposed recipient.
Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Trust’s aims are far-reaching and for the public benefit. By making grants to organisations in accordance with the Trust’s aims the Trustees are confident that their public benefit duty is fulfilled. The Trustees also consider that there is no detriment, harm or private benefit that arises from carrying out the Trust’s aims.
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THE G D CHARITABLE TRUST
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (Continued)
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Trustees are again pleased to report a strong grant making programme. The Trust Funds are held in investments and cash. The investment managers throughout the year were Julius Bar. Investment performance is regularly reviewed by the trustees. During the year, the investment portfolio increased in value by £104,510 from £4,360,612 to £4,465,122 as per Note 4 (2023: an increase of £226,748).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income
The total income for 2024 was £106,691 (2023: £90,572). This comprised dividends and other investment income.
Charitable and other expenditure
Eight grants were committed totalling of £120,800 (2023: twelve grants - £50,171). Administration/support costs were £14,289 (2023: £11,520). The total charitable expenditure was therefore £135,089 (2023: £61,691). Expenditure relating to fundraising costs was £51,990 (2023: £52,089). Other than grants, the total expenses were £66,279 (2023: £63,609), which represents approximately 1.36% of the net assets of the Trust Fund as at 31 December 2024 (1.35% in 2023).
Investment policy
The Trust Deed gives the Trustees very wide powers of investment and the policy of the Trustees is to seek to achieve a balanced portfolio of income producing securities, which may include fixed interest securities, and UK and overseas publicly quoted equities in such proportions as is appropriate to economic and investment conditions at any given time. The Trustees do not wish to invest in private equity holdings.
Reserves Policy and Going Concern
The Trustees have established a Reserves Policy with reference to Charity Commission guidance (CC19) and accounting standards, with the aim of spending any income from investments in any one year. Cash flow is carefully monitored to match income receipts with operating expenditure. Subject to this, they do not feel that reserves are necessary. Whilst the Trustees do not intend to build up reserves for unspecified purposes, if the applications received do not warrant grants equal to the income any unspent income will be carried forward to the next period. All incoming resources in 2023 were used to pay grants and expenses. The year-end balance on the unrestricted fund was £1,014. The Trust also held reserves of £4,867,384 in the expendable endowment fund.
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THE G D CHARITABLE TRUST
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (Continued)
Risk Management Policy
The major risks to which the Trust is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed and systems and procedures have been established to manage those risks. In particular, as mentioned above, the Trustees do not enter into commitments in excess of their available cash resources and as a result they operate in a very low risk environment. Any drop in income received will be matched by an appropriate reduction in expenditure.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document
The Trust deed dated 1 November 2002 directs the Trustees to use the income of the Trust and confers on the Trustees the power to use the capital of the Trust in promoting such charitable objects as the Trustees may, in their absolute discretion, determine. The Trustees also have power to accumulate the income of the Trust for 21 years from the date of the deed.
Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed by Deed in accordance with the Trust Deed. The Founder (George Lincoln Duffield) is a Trustee for life and the other Trustees hold fixed terms of office. The Founder will appoint future Trustees during his lifetime and after his death Natasha Duffield will make the appointments as declared by Deed dated 26 November 2002.
Trustee Induction and Training
New Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, informed of the contents of the Will, decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the Trust and before taking on the role they meet key advisors and other Trustees.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
The registered name of the Trust is The GD Charitable Trust. It is registered with the Charity Commission under number 1096101. The principal office of the Trust is One Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7BL.
Trustees
The Trustees on the date the report was approved or who served as a Trustee in the reporting period were:
George Lincoln Duffield (Founder) Natasha Velvet Duffield Alexander Seamus Fitzgibbons
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THE G D CHARITABLE TRUST
Trustees’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 (Continued)
Advisors
Principal Office: One Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7BL Solicitors: BDB Pitmans, One Bartholomew Close, London, EC1A 7BL Investment Managers: Julius Bar International Ltd, 1 St Martin le Grand, London EC1A 4AS Independent Examiner: MHA, MHA House, Charter Court, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9FS
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Signed for and on behalf of the Trust /
3 October 2025
…………………………………… ………………………………..
Trustee: George Duffield Date
3 October 2025
…………………………………… ……………………………….. babaspypll
Trustee: Natasha Duffield Date
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 12.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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2 The accounts do not accord with those records; or
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3 The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Rachel Doyle ACA DChA
MHA, Chartered Accountants, MHA House Charter Court Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9FS
Date: 3rd October 2025
Note: MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC312313)
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20747241.1
THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes INCOME FROM Investment income - dividends Total Incoming EXPENDITURE ON Expenditure on raising funds 2 Charitable Activities 3 Total Expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments 4 Net Income/(Expenditure) Exchange rate (loss)/gain 10 Net Movement in Funds Reconciliation of Funds Fund Balances brought forward 7 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 |
Unrestricted Fund £ 106,691 |
Expendable Endowment £ - |
TOTAL 2024 £ 106,691 |
TOTAL 2023 £ 90,572 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106,691 | - | 106,691 | 90,572 | |
| - 135,089 |
51,990 - |
51,990 135,089 |
52,089 61,691 |
|
| 135,089 | 51,990 | 187,079 | 113,780 | |
| - | 266,230 | 266,230 | 146,715 | |
| (28,398) | 214,240 (4,610) |
185,842 (4,610) |
123,507 (12,507) |
|
| (28,398) 29,412 |
209,630 4,657,755 |
181,232 4,687,167 |
111,000 4,576,167 |
|
| 1,014 £ |
4,867,385 £ |
4,868,399 £ |
4,687,167 £ |
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of the financial statements
In 2023 all income from investments was allocated to the Unrestricted fund.
In 2023 all expenditure on raising funds was allocated to the Expendable Endowment fund. All expenditure on charitable activities was allocated to the Unrestricted fund.
In 2023 all net gains on investments were allocated to the Expendable Endowment fund and all exchange rate gains were allocated to the Unrestricted fund.
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THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed Assets | |||||||
| Investments | 4 | 4,465,122 | 4,360,612 | ||||
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Debtor (dividends receivable) | - | 1,267 | |||||
| Bank and cash | 408,743 | 332,928 | |||||
| Total Current Assets | 408,743 | 334,195 | |||||
| 4,873,865 | 4,694,807 | ||||||
| Less: Creditors | |||||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | |||||||
| Accruals | 5 | 5,466 | 7,640 | ||||
| 5,466 | 7,640 | ||||||
| Total Net Assets | £ | 4,868,399 £ |
£ | 4,687,167 £ |
|||
| Funds of the Trust | |||||||
| Capital Funds | |||||||
| Expendable Endowment | 7 | 4,867,385 | 4,657,755 | ||||
| Income Funds | |||||||
| Unrestricted Income Fund | 7 | 1,014 | 29,412 | ||||
| Total Funds | £ | 4,868,399 £ |
£ | 4,687,167 £ |
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of the financial statements
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on:
Authorised to sign on behalf of the Trustees:
3 October 2025
Trustee : George Duffield Date 3 October 2025 ~~Gf fer. ; i hp oo~~ Trustee : Natasha Duffield Date
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THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting Policies
1.1. General information and basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
1.2 Funds
The Unrestricted Fund comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects. The Expendable Endowment Fund represents those assets which are held for the longer term for the Trust, in accordance with the terms of the Trust deed. Income arising on the Expendable Endowment Fund can be used in accordance with the objects of the Trust and is included in the Unrestricted Fund. As an Expendable Endowment, capital can also be spent in certain circumstances in fulfilment of the Trust's objects. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments held in the Expendable Endowment Fund form part of the fund.
1.3 Income Recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the Trust is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. Investment income is accounted for on a received basis with the exception of dividends due but not yet received at the year-end, in which case the income will be shown in the subsequent year when received.
1.4 Expenditure Recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
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Costs of raising funds includes the costs incurred from investment manager fees during the year;
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Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred on furthering the objects of the Trust; and
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Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above.
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THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting Policies
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.
Grants are recognised when the trustees have made a decision to make a payment and that decision has been communicated to the recipient and it is probable that payment will take place. However, the recognition of any liability will be dependent on any conditions attached to the commitment being fulfilled.
Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside of the control of the Trust.
1.5 Support costs allocation
Support costs are those that assist the work of the Trust but do not directly represent charitable activities and include general management, administration and governance costs. They are incurred in support of expenditure on the objects of the Trust. The analysis of these costs are included in note 3.
1.6 Investments
Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and represent UK quoted and overseas securities. They are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value using the closing quoted market price. All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. The Statement of Financial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.
1.7 Creditors payable within one year
Creditors are recognised when the Trust has a present legal or constructive obligation resulting from a past event and the settlement is expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits.
1.8 Foreign Currencies
Transactions carried out and investments valued in foreign currencies are converted into sterling using the figures published in the Portfolio Managers' reports. The Sterling equivalent of any cash held in foreign currencies on the year end date is restated using the closing rate. An exchange rate adjustment is included in the accounts reflecting this.
1.9 Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the impact this has had on the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months when authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Trust to be able to continue as a going concern.
1.10 Tax
The GD Charitable Trust is a registered Trust and is exempt from tax under the provisions of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 on its activities.
1.11 Financial instruments
The Trust only holds basic Financial Instruments. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Trust are as follows:
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Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
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Liabilities – accruals and other creditors are classified as financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 5.
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THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 2. Expenditure on Raising Funds Julius Bar investment management fees 3. Charitable Expenditure Grants paid to institutions Blue Marine Foundation Chichester Festival Theatre (2 grants) Child Bereavement UK Clymping Dog Sanctuary Depaul International Maggie's Mission Ukraine Save the Children Sylvia Beaufoy Centre (3 grants) Tillington PCC - Ukraine Fund Thousand Year Trust Wild Touch Wildlife Reserve Support Costs HSBC Private Bank (UK) Ltd - remittance charges BDB Pitmans Administration fees Governance costs MHA independent examination fees Total Support costs Total Charitable expenditure |
2024 2023 £ £ 51,990 52,089 51,990 £ £ 52,089 2024 2023 £ £ 10,000 - 25,800 - 15,000 - - 1,000 5,000 - - 2,500 - 1,000 12,000 12,320 33,000 27,651 - 4,700 20,000 - - 1,000 120,800 50,171 75 48 11,754 9,252 2,460 2,220 14,289 11,520 135,089 £ £ 61,691 |
|---|---|
A total of 8 Grants were made in the year, with 1 charity receiving more than one grant (2023: 12 grants).
Disclosure of Trustees remuneration, benefits and expenses
The Trustees (who are considered to be key management personnel of the Trust) received no personal remuneration, benefits nor reimbursement of expenses during the current or prior periods under review in their capacity as Trustees.
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THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4. Investments
| Quoted investments were as follows: (All Listed) Fair value at 1 January 2024 Add: acquisitions at cost Less: disposals at carrying value Net gain (loss) on revaluation Market value at 31 December 2024 Historical cost 31 December 2024 |
2024 £ 4,360,612 590,352 (752,072) 266,230 £ 4,465,122 £ 3,671,845 |
2023 £ 4,133,864 1,004,575 (924,542) 146,715 |
|---|---|---|
| £ 4,360,612 | ||
| £ 3,700,410 |
All investments are listed on a recognised stock exchange.
5. Liabilities - amounts falling due within one year
| . Liabilities - amounts falling due within one year Accruals Grants committed Independent examination fees BDB Pitmans LLP - Administration fees |
2024 £ - 2,340 3,126 5,466 £ |
2023 £ 5,420 2,220 - |
|---|---|---|
| £ 7,640 |
6. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are represented by:
| Investments Current Assets Creditors Total Net Assets |
Income Fund (unrestricted) £ - 6,480 (5,466) 1,014 £ |
Expendable Endowment £ 4,465,122 402,263 - 4,867,385 £ |
Total Funds 2024 £ 4,465,122 408,743 (5,466) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,868,399 £ |
The summary of net assets between funds for 31 December 2023 was as follows:
| Investments Current Assets Creditors Total Net Assets |
Income Fund (unrestricted) £ - 37,052 (7,640) 29,412 £ |
Expendable Endowment £ 4,360,612 297,143 - 4,657,755 £ |
Total Funds 2023 £ 4,360,612 334,195 (7,640) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,687,167 £ |
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THE GD CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
7. Fund reconciliation
| Unrestricted Fund Expendable Endowment Total Funds Unrestricted Fund Expendable Endowment Total Funds |
Balance Income Expenditure Gains/ Transfers Balance 01.01.24 (Losses) 31.12.24 £ £ £ £ £ £ 29,412 106,691 (135,089) - - 1,014 4,657,755 - (51,990) 261,620 - 4,867,385 |
|---|---|
| 4,687,167 £ 106,691 £ (187,079) £ 261,620 £ - £ 4,868,399 £ |
|
| Balance Income Expenditure Gains/ Transfers Balance 01.01.23 (Losses) 31.12.23 £ £ £ £ £ £ 531 90,572 (61,691) - - 29,412 4,575,636 - (52,089) 134,209 - 4,657,755 |
|
| 4,576,167 £ 90,572 £ (113,780) £ 134,209 £ - £ 4,687,167 £ |
The funds held in the Expendable Endowment fund were gifted by the founder, George Lincoln Duffield, and can be used for the furtherance of the Trust's objects in accordance with the Trust Deed. The Endowment Fund is an expendable fund (unrestricted), and if needed it can be used for grants payable on the Unrestricted Fund.
8. Transactions with Related Parties
Charity made grants totalling £10,000 (2023: NIL) to Blue Marine Foundation, a charity with common trustees.
9. Staff Costs
The Trustees do not employ any staff (2023: none).
10. Exchange rate gains and losses
An exchange rate loss of £4,610 occurred on revaluing the Sterling equivalent of the portfolio's various foreign currency accounts on 31 December 2024 (2023: £12,507 loss).
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