OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Charity Registered Number 1108777 Company Registered Number 05300691
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative Information | 2 |
| Trustees’ report | 3 - 7 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Statement of cash flows | 11 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 12 - 22 |
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(A company limited by guarantee)
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees: Graham Hollebon (resigned 24 September 2024) David Jonathan Mellard, Chair (appointed 17 September 2024) Simon Ritchie, Treasurer Gerhard Schulz (resigned 4 June 2024) Jean Cooke Matthew Weir Hannah Lancaster (resigned 4 June 2024) Daniela Bayman (resigned 16 April 2025) Max Mkandawire Rebecca Du Preez (resigned 4 June 2024) Aat Janet Shelley (appointed 4 June 2024) Company registered number: 05300691 Charity registered number: 1108777 Registered Office: 37 Portland Road Hove BN3 5DQ Company secretary: Sarah White Chief executive officer: Julio Abraham Independent Examiner: Kim Gomes FCIE MAAT Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester PO20 7EG Bankers: HSBC Bank plc 153 North Street Brighton East Sussex BN1 1SW Patrons: Dr Rodney Queen, Peter Kyle MP, Dee Simpson, Michael Chowen, Maureen Chowen, Bruno Salter, George Verwer, Claire Martin OBE, Graham and Rachel Potter
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Off The Fence Trust Limited is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association.
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.
Organisational structure
The projects are supervised by Managers who report to the Chief Operations Officer, who reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is responsible for the day to day operations of the charity and is accountable to the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees provides governance and strategic direction, ensuring that the charity's activities align with its charitable objectives and legal responsibilities. In addition to the full Board, we have established subcommittees focused on key areas such as Finance and Safeguarding. These committees provide specialised oversight and contribute to informed decision-making.
To ensure a safe and healthy working environment, we partner with Adastra HR for comprehensive HR, Health & Safety support.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed, for each of the projects and in particular those related to the operations and finances of the company. The Trustees are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks (full risk management strategy document available on request).
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The charity's vision is to create a community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, free from spiritual and social poverty.
Mission Statement
Off the Fence Trust Mission is Resisting Poverty, Empowering People, and Restoring Hope. We provide practical and emotional support to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk, empowering them to overcome challenges such as addiction and unemployment, and access stable accommodation. We offer a safe space and support groups for vulnerable women and work with young people in schools through mentoring and prayer spaces. To address the root causes of social issues, such as broken relationships, addictions, and mental health needs, through a holistic, Christcentred approach.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Values
The values agreed by the Off the Fence team and the underpinning to our day-to-day decision making are:
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Compassion
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Excellence
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Integrity
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Unity
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Christ-like
The objectives are to:
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End spiritual and social poverty in Brighton and Hove.
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Relieve hardship and distress among those experiencing homelessness by providing practical and emotional support, primarily through the 'Antifreeze' project.
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Promote the preservation and protection of mental and physical health among vulnerable women by offering a safe space, support groups, and crisis intervention, primarily through the 'Gateway' women’s centre.
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Advance the education and emotional wellbeing of young people in ‘Schools’ through mentoring, prayer spaces, and pastoral support.
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Address the root causes of social inequality and isolation through the development of holistic preventative services, such as the 'Wellness Hub' .
Public benefit
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
To achieve the stated objectives, the charity has engaged in the following key activities during the financial year, supporting over 1,000 individuals across the city:
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Holistic Homeless Support (Antifreeze): We supported 563 individuals through our day centre and outreach teams, recording 2,571 general drop-in attendances. A key focus this year was integrating physical health with social support; we deepened partnerships with NHS providers (nurses, dentists, and physiotherapists), resulting in a 49% increase in health drop-in attendance. Additionally, we introduced Occupational Therapy placements to offer faithbased mindfulness and trauma recovery tools, alongside a 120% increase in attendance at our optional Bible studies.
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Women’s Crisis & Skills Intervention (Gateway): The Gateway centre provided a sanctuary for 183 women, facilitating 616 one-to-one support sessions to address increasingly complex needs regarding mental health and housing. We expanded our activity to include practical skills workshops, notably the 'Cooking on a Budget' course, which equipped women to manage food poverty while building community resilience.
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Schools & Youth Engagement: Our team achieved 17,339 student contacts across 8 partner schools. We delivered 801 one-to-one mentoring sessions and appointed a Neurodiversity Champion to ensure our pastoral care—including the 'Where's Your Head At?' mental health syllabus—is inclusive and accessible. We also facilitated reflective prayer spaces, engaging hundreds of students in themes of gratitude and forgiveness.
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Preventative Strategy Development: The Senior Management Team progressed the "Pathways to Rehabilitation" framework, specifically developing the Biophilic Wellness Hub
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
concept. This activity focused on designing an integrated service model to address the root causes of poverty—integrating mental health, addiction recovery, and community services— moving beyond symptom management toward lasting restoration.
- Financial Stewardship & Strategic Planning: In response to sector-wide financial pressures, the Trustees and Executive Team implemented a Renewed Fundraising Strategy. Activities included diversifying income through the 'Friends of OTF' regular giving scheme, streamlining leadership structures to protect the Living Wage commitment, and engaging corporate partners to transform a challenging deficit into a strategic opportunity for sustainable growth.
Volunteers
We would like to thank the army of volunteers who give to us many thousands of man hours per year free of charge; the impact on this City is incalculable.
Financial review
Principal funding
The charity received total income of £595,031 (2024- £1,095,236) which included Gifts in kind amounting to £14,376 (2024 - £19,123).
As you will notice, OTF concluded the financial year having navigated a challenging climate. However, the deficit incurred is fully covered by our unrestricted reserves, and the Trustees have taken proactive steps to address the financial shape of the charity through the Renewed Fundraising Strategy . This strategy underpins the budget for the new financial year, ensuring our long-term stability and resilience. The FY26 budget is ambitious, yet realistic, and remains firmly aligned with our five-year business plan.
Crucially, the FY26 budget included a necessary staff restructuring which was successfully executed in the first part of the FY26 year. This action was painful but essential to secure the long-term future of the charity and focus resources on frontline delivery.
Continued strategic investment is being made in Fundraising and Core functions. This ensures we can sustain the increasing demand across our projects and guarantees that Off The Fence continues to operate as a well-run and stable Christian charity. Given the continued increase in the number of clients visiting our services, we forecast that even in this time of economic uncertainty, our careful planning and strategic execution will allow us to deliver even better, long-term services to the city.
Reserves policy
The required level of reserves (as set out in our policy) was to set aside up to six months running costs. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the case of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to the ways in which additional funding may be raised. Budgeted monthly running costs for the next year are £62,500 per month, with a six months reserve being £375,000.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Achievements and performance
Review of Activities
This reporting year has been defined by the energy and determination to build upon the legacy established by our founders, Paul and Wendy, whose dedicated service concluded in the previous fiscal year. We continue to operate with immense gratitude for their vision, which forged the strong foundation necessary for us to pursue our mission to end spiritual and social poverty in Brighton and Hove. This year, our focus has been entirely on operational momentum and strategic delivery.
Operationally, the new leadership team is now fully established and driving our renewed strategy. Julio Abraham, CEO, and Sarah White, COO, have successfully navigated the post-transition period. The addition of new expertise to our Board of Trustees has further strengthened our governance, ensuring that we have the necessary guidance to make impactful, prudent decisions.
We acknowledge that the prevailing global economic climate has introduced significant financial challenges. As a responsible charity, we are actively managing these pressures through rigorous cost control and expenditure prioritisation. The Fundraising and Finance teams, under the direction of the CEO and Treasurer, have implemented a renewed, comprehensive fundraising strategy aimed at diversifying our income streams and creating long-term financial stability to safeguard our frontline services.
Central to our impact is the direct support for those experiencing homelessness. Our teams continue to provide essential practical and emotional care. Furthermore, we are investing strategically in the Wellness Hub concept—a vital initiative designed not just to alleviate immediate suffering but to address the root causes of social issues, setting individuals on a path toward stable and self-sustaining futures. This focus on long-term systemic change remains a cornerstone of our work.
Across our other key mission areas, we have maintained continuous, high-quality support. We offer a safe space and vital support groups for vulnerable women, creating a community of healing and empowerment. Simultaneously, our work with young people in schools, including mentoring programmes and prayer spaces, ensures that the next generation in Brighton & Hove has the emotional and spiritual resources necessary to thrive.
As we look ahead, we are confident in the resilience of our staff, the strength of our governance, and the effectiveness of our renewed strategy. We remain debt-free and retain ownership of two key properties indispensable to mission delivery. We are profoundly thankful for the trust and generosity of our partners, volunteers, and donors, whose unwavering commitment makes it possible for Off The Fence to make a lasting, transformative difference.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Trustees’ responsibilities statement
The Trustees (who are directors of Off The Fence Trust Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In preparing this report, the Trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 5 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
______ Simon Richie
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(A company limited by guarantee)
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Off The Fence Trust Limited
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year 31 March 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the Trustees of the company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for 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 the company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since Off The Fence Trust Limited's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a Fellow Member of the Association of Independent Examiners, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
______ Kim Gomes FCIE MAAT Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester PO20 7EG
5 December 2025
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Investments 5 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 7 TOTAL EXPENDITURE Transfers between funds Gains/(losses) on sale of fixed assets RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS 15 NET INCOMING RESOURCES/(RESOURCES EXPENDED) BEFORE TRANSFERS TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD NET INCOMING RESOURCES/(RESOURCES EXPENDED) BEFORE OTHER GAINS AND LOSSES NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 266,327 251,903 518,230 496,704 - 10,000 10,000 90,187 30,795 9,245 40,040 93,026 26,761 - 26,761 4,502 323,883 271,147 595,031 684,419 |
|---|---|
| 99,632 - 99,632 101,326 36,686 702,564 739,250 820,438 136,318 702,564 838,882 921,764 187,565 (431,416) (243,851) (237,345) (282,075) 282,075 - - (94,510) (149,341) (243,851) (237,345) - - - 410,817 (94,510) (149,341) (243,851) 173,472 658,680 1,024,288 1,682,968 1,509,496 564,170 874,947 1,439,117 1,682,968 |
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Registered number: 05300691 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 12 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand 14 NET ASSETS CHARITY FUNDS Restricted funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 16 NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) CREDITORS:amounts falling due within one year |
2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 782,704 801,158 4,946 2,975 664,124 921,281 669,070 924,256 (12,657) (42,446) 656,413 881,810 1,439,117 1,682,967 874,947 1,024,288 564,170 658,680 1,439,117 1,682,968 |
|---|---|
The company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The Trustees consider that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act") and members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 21 October 2025 and signed on their behalf, by:
Simon Richie
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Total funds | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||
| Net cash provided by/ (used in) operating activities | (275,199) | (216,041) |
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||
| Dividends, interest and rents from investments | 26,761 | 4,502 |
| Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment | - | - |
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (8,719) | (11,643) |
| Proceeds from sale of investments | - | - |
| Purchase of investments | - | - |
| Net cash provided by/(used in)used in investing activities | 18,042 | (7,141) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||
| Repayments of borrowing | - | - |
| Cash inflows from new borrowing | - | - |
| Receipt of endowment | - | - |
| Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities | - | - |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year | (257,157) | (223,182) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 921,281 | 1,144,463 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 664,124 | 921,281 |
| Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities | ||
| Total funds | Total funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Net income/ (expenditure) for the reporting period | ||
| (as per the statement of financial activities) | (243,851) | (237,345) |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Depreciation charges | 27,173 | 26,697 |
| (Gains)/ losses on investments | - | - |
| Dividends, interest and rents from investments | (26,761) | (4,502) |
| Loss/ (profit) on the sale of fixed assets | - | - |
| (Increase)/ decrease in stocks | - | - |
| (Increase)/decrease in debtors | (1,971) | (2,141) |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | (29,790) | 1,250 |
| Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | (275,199) | (216,041) |
| Analysis of cash and cash equivalents | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 664,124 | 921,281 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 664,124 | 921,281 |
| The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements |
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Company status
The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 2. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
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) (effective 1 October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Off The Fence Trust Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Gift aid
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Gifts in kind
Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the company to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and noncharitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
Freehold property - 2% straight line on buildings Property improvements - 10% straight line Plant and machinery - 25% straight line Fixtures and fittings - 25% straight line Computer equipment - 33% straight line
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Financial instruments
The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations Legacies Grants Similar incoming resources |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 175,656 24,757 200,413 184,537 34,300 12,439 46,739 68,000 56,360 214,707 271,067 230,301 11 - 11 13,866 266,327 251,903 518,230 496,704 |
|---|---|
3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Gateway Rental income |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ - 10,000 10,000 87,342 - - - 2,845 - 10,000 10,000 90,187 |
|---|---|
4. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Income from fundraising events
| Sponsored Events | Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 30,795 9,245 40,040 93,026 30,795 9,245 40,040 93,026 |
|---|---|
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Bank interest | Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 26,761 - 26,761 4,502 26,761 - 26,761 4,502 |
|---|---|
6. EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS
| Note Fundraising staff costs 10 Other fundraising costs |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ 57,867 - 57,867 41,765 - 41,765 99,632 - 99,632 |
Total funds 2024 £ 91,517 9,809 |
|---|---|---|
| 101,326 |
7. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES
| Antifreeze Gateway Schools & Youth Ministry Capital appeal Core |
Direct Support Total Total costs costs costs funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 196,482 35,547 232,029 127,669 147,852 33,731 181,583 141,786 152,460 37,436 189,896 123,630 78,089 20,970 99,059 140,992 - - - 88,701 - 36,683 36,683 197,660 574,884 164,366 739,250 820,438 |
|---|---|
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Note Staff costs 10 Other staff costs Rent and rates Utilities Vehicle expenses Travel and subsistence Stationery, post and printing Communications Computer expenses Professional and legal fees Equipment Building maintenance Bank charges Subscriptions Insurance, health and safety Meetings and events Outreach costs Sundry Depreciation Support costs 9 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ - 432,116 432,116 428,015 - 7,853 7,853 - - 6,545 6,545 6,519 - 8,892 8,892 4,458 - 5,393 5,393 6,387 - 5,223 5,223 4,422 - 5,035 5,035 7,580 - 6,587 6,587 6,094 - 7,879 7,879 1,527 - 12,991 12,991 76,889 - 2,849 2,849 1,571 - 6,409 6,409 26,552 - 110 110 68 - 1,288 1,288 969 - 5,330 5,330 3,442 - 3,547 3,547 1,121 - 33,225 33,225 29,482 - 219 219 1,500 - 23,392 23,392 16,183 36,685 127,681 164,366 197,660 - 36,685 702,565 739,250 820,438 |
|---|---|
Support costs are allocated on a staff cost basis to each activity.
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OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. SUPPORT COSTS
| Note Staff costs 10 Other staff costs Rent and rates Utilities Travel and subsistence Stationery, post and printing Communications Computer expenses Professional fees Equipment Building maintenance Bank charges Subscriptions Marketing and advertising Insurance, health and safety Meetings and events Outreach costs Sundry Depreciation Independent examination/Audit |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 28,197 98,143 126,340 109,190 13 47 60 6,250 620 2,156 2,776 4,114 (1,697) (5,906) (7,603) 6,123 16 54 70 216 277 964 1,241 1,561 420 1,461 1,881 2,395 1,440 5,013 6,453 6,843 2,449 8,526 10,975 6,115 17 57 74 88 160 556 716 2,203 776 2,700 3,476 3,795 939 3,270 4,209 2,293 - - - 12,000 1,298 4,513 5,811 5,492 380 1,326 1,706 10,846 21 68 89 - 688 303 991 3,121 377 3,404 3,781 10,515 295 1,025 1,320 4,500 36,686 127,680 164,366 197,660 |
|---|---|
18 | P a g e
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension Redundancies |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 160,190 360,469 520,659 549,968 13,045 27,027 40,072 40,241 10,972 24,606 35,578 38,513 20,014 20,014 - 184,207 432,116 616,323 628,722 |
|---|---|
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Administration and management Charitable activities |
2025 2024 6 6 21 23 27 29 |
|---|---|
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
Key management personnel are considered to be the Chief Executive Officer. His remuneration in the current year amounts to £61,620 (2024 – CEO and his wife £67,900).
11. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
During the year, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL).
19 | P a g e
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12. FIXED ASSETS
| Freehold | Property | Plant and | Fixtures & | Computer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| property | Improvem. | machinery | Fittings | Equipment | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | ||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 858,217 | 94,510 | 68,148 | 17,039 | 54,104 | 1,092,018 |
| Additions | - | 2,268 | 3,503 | - | 2,948 | 8,719 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2025 | 858,217 | 96,778 | 71,651 | 17,039 | 57,052 | 1,100,737 |
| Accumulated Depreciation | ||||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 96,198 | 64,252 | 62,430 | 17,039 | 50,941 | 290,861 |
| Charged in the period | 17,165 | 4,313 | 3,432 | - | 2,263 | 27,173 |
| Disposals | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 March 2025 | 113,363 | 68,565 | 65,862 | 17,039 | 53,204 | 318,033 |
| Net Book Value: | ||||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 744,854 | 28,213 | 5,789 | - | 3,848 | 782,704 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 762,019 | 30,258 | 5,718 | - | 3,163 | 801,158 |
13. DEBTORS
| CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year Prepayments Accrued income Other debtors Accruals and deferred income Other creditors Other taxation and social security |
2025 2024 £ £ 2,504 2,249 693 726 1,749 - 4,946 2,975 2025 2024 £ £ 1,800 12,653 - 17,649 10,857 12,144 12,657 42,446 |
|---|---|
14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
20 | P a g e
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
14. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
| Accruals and deferred income Other creditors Other taxation and social security |
2025 2024 £ £ 1,800 12,653 - 17,649 10,857 12,144 12,657 42,446 |
|---|---|
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
| Current year Unrestricted funds: General funds Restricted funds: Antifreeze Gateway Schools and youth Ministry Capital appeal 2014 Capital appeal 2021 Total funds |
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Gains/ Balance at 1 Apr 2024 resources expended in/out (Losses) 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ £ £ £ 658,680 323,883 (136,318) (282,075) - 564,170 |
|---|---|
| 240,286 107,395 (225,742) - 121,939 10,919 73,792 (167,793) 83,082 - - - 51,461 (189,897) 138,437 - - - 38,500 (99,056) 60,556 - - 257,703 - (6,286) - - 251,417 515,380 - (13,789) - 501,591 |
|
| 1,024,288 271,147 (702,564) 282,075 - 874,947 |
|
| 1,682,968 595,031 (838,882) - - 1,439,117 |
The Antifreeze fund is used to provide a place for those who find themselves sleeping on the streets of Brighton & Hove.
The Gateway fund is used to offer to women a professional and quality service that meets the needs of women experiencing emotional distress and to tailor support to their individual needs.
The Schools and youth fund is used to offer to local schools a reliable, committed and professional service helping them to meet the requirement of providing for the spiritual needs of their students.
The Ministry fund is used to show God's love in action and also to inspire and help local churches to be involved better in social outreach.
The building refurbishment fund is for the refurbishment of the Antifreeze Centre and David Perrin Centre at 37 Portland Road.
The Capital appeal was established to raise funds for the purchase of a building to house the Antifreeze Centre. The acquisition of 37 Portland Road for this purpose was completed in January 2013. A 2021 appeal was launched to raise funds for the purchase of the Gateway Women's Centre.
21 | P a g e
OFF THE FENCE TRUST LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Prior year Unrestricted funds: General funds Restricted funds: Antifreeze Gateway Schools and youth Ministry Capital appeal 2014 Capital appeal 2021 Total funds |
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Gains/ Balance at 1 Apr 2023 resources expended in/out (Losses) 31 Mat 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ 479,447 364,424 (426,658) (169,350) 410,817 658,680 |
|---|---|
| 244,390 136,888 (140,992) - - 240,286 - 135,029 (124,110) - - 10,919 - 19,611 (127,175) 107,564 - - - 20,000 (81,786) 61,786 - - 257,703 - - - - 257,703 527,956 8,467 (21,043) - - 515,380 |
|
| 1,030,049 319,995 (495,106) 169,350 - 1,024,288 |
|
| 1,509,496 684,419 (921,764) - 410,817 1,682,968 |
16. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current year Fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Prior year Fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ 12,353 770,351 782,704 564,474 104,596 669,070 (12,657) - (12,657) |
|---|---|
| 564,170 874,947 1,439,117 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 19,366 781,792 801,158 681,760 242,496 924,256 (42,446) - (42,446) |
|
| 658,680 1,024,288 1,682,968 |
17. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £35,578 (2024 - £38,513). Contributions totalling £977 were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors (2024 - £2,139).
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