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2023-03-31-accounts

Independent Examination Report

DESCENDANTS

Registered Charity Number: 1109057 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 |

Contents

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Section 1: Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Descendants

Charity Name: Descendants

Charity Registration Number: 1109057

Registered Office: Acton Gardens Community Centre, Bollo Bridge Road, Acton, London W3 8UU

For the year ended: 31st March 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Descendants (the "Charity") for the year ended 31st March 2025.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the "2011 Act"). The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

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Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Signed:

Name: Address: Date:

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Section 2: Trustees' Annual Report

Reference and Administrative Details
Detail Information
Charity Name Descendants
Charity Registration Number 1109057
Principal Address Acton Gardens Community Centre, Bollo Bridge Road, Acton, London
W3 8UU
Telephone 0208 075 5241 / 077 4588 9521
Email descendantscharity@gmail.com
Website www.descendants.org.uk
Year Established September 1993
Reporting Period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025

Trustees Serving During the Year
Name Role
Denise Charles Chair
Wendy James Vice Chair
Chantel Noel-Morris Education Advisor (Founder Member)
Margaret Noel Founder, Director, Treasurer

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Name Role
Janet (Mitchell)-Amara Secretary, Special Needs Advisor
Celestina Uzoka Assistant Treasurer, Education Advisor (Founder Member)
Collette Noel Special Education, Dance Director (Founder Member)
Elaine Beresford Safeguarding
Christal Douglas Health and Assistant Treasurer

Patrons

The charity is honoured to have the support of the following distinguished patrons:

The charity also remembers with gratitude its past deceased patrons: Dr John Anthony Roberts CBE Q.C DCL, FCIArb; Mrs Connie Mark B.E.M, M.B.E.; and Mr Lennox Thomas.

Structure, Governance and Management

Descendants is a registered charity governed by its constitution. The charity is managed by a Board of Trustees who meet regularly to oversee the strategic direction and governance of the organisation. The trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity operates in accordance with its charitable objectives and complies with all relevant legislation.

The charity operates primarily through the dedication of its volunteer trustees, committee members, and parent volunteers. During the financial year 2024-2025, the charity employed a paid staff member for three months; however, the majority of the charity's work is delivered by volunteers.

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Objectives and Activities

Descendants was established in September 1993 following an overwhelming parental response to a performance by young people of African and Caribbean descent at St Vincent's RC School in Acton, West London. The charity's principal objectives are:

Primary Objectives:

The charity exists to create an environment where children and young people, primarily but not exclusively of African and Caribbean descent, aged 4-18 years, can learn together to appreciate each other's cultures and traditions. Specifically, the charity aims to:

Focus Areas:

At Descendants, the focus is on African and Caribbean culture. The charity explores history and experiments with arts, craft, music, drama, and dance. Significant times in world history are marked with celebrations, plays, exhibitions, and events.

Public Benefit Statement

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The charity's activities are designed to benefit children and young people, primarily of African and Caribbean descent, by providing educational and cultural programmes that develop confidence, knowledge, and cultural pride.

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Achievements and Performance

Director's Report

The year 2024-2025 was a remarkable year for Descendants. Despite operating without a permanent paid member of staff, the trustees, committee members, and parent volunteers worked tirelessly and collaboratively to deliver impactful programmes and events. The charity was awarded "Best Youth Empowerment and Cultural Heritage Charity of the Year 2025" .

Key Highlights

Paxton House Project and Caribbean Connection Weekend: The Paxton House project marked 20 years of partnership and concluded with the Caribbean Connection Weekend, where the charity premiered its film and celebrated community achievements with groups from Scotland and Grenada. The event was attended by the UK High Commissioner of Grenada, H.E. Rachér Croney.

20th Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards: The charity marked the 20th anniversary of its Achievement Awards with a special celebration. Tim Campbell, who was a guest at the inaugural 2005 ceremony, joined the occasion, which showcased the outstanding talent of children and young people in the Ealing Borough.

Windrush Pioneers Initiative: Plans are progressing to name four buildings in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkie and Mr. and Mrs. Carter, recognising their contributions to education. Discussions with Ealing Council regarding recognition for Ms Mollie Hunte are ongoing.

Roots and Wings Health Project: In March 2025, Descendants was awarded £5,000 through the Ealing Roots and Wings grant programme funded by NHS North-West London and delivered with Ealing Council and EHCVS. The charity was one of ten organisations commissioned to support improving health outcomes for Black and minoritised communities. The project culminated in a showcase at Ealing Town Hall on 23 October 2025.

Mind, Body and Soul Health Programme: This programme was launched to deepen engagement and well-being within the community.

Education Programme

The 2024-2025 year was another productive year of projects and activities for Descendants children. Over the past 18 months, Descendants worked on a five-way collaboration between the Paxton House Trust, Grenadian Artist Billy Gerard Frank, children in Grenada, and children from Scotland. The project honoured the life of the Ghanaian-born abolitionist and activist, Ottobah Cugoano.

Children were introduced to children currently living in Ghana via Zoom, exchanging information about their daily lives and learning about Ghanaian traditions, kings and queens,

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language, signs and symbols including Adinkra and Kente. They were taught about slavery and its devastating effects on individuals and whole communities.

The project culminated in a weekend trip to Paxton House, Scotland, where all involved parties met and presented their pieces. The children's work was premiered alongside that of Mr Gerard Franks and was extremely well received.

The school year began with the project called "New Year, New Me," where young people explored what success looks like and how to attain it. Sessions were led by dedicated volunteers and attended by children online, with participants joining from Shropshire, Hertfordshire, various London boroughs, and even Ghana.

Alumni Success

The charity is proud of its alumni, whose achievements reflect the talent and resilience of the community:

Chair's Report

The theme for the year was "AI and What It Means to Everyone Going Forward." The Chair reflected on the role of technology in shaping the charity's future, noting that AI tools have been used to support the growth and development of the charity, from writing funding applications and designing newsletters to creating social media content and educational materials.

The charity's programmes continued to nurture confidence, knowledge, and cultural pride among young people. Workshops and activities encouraged critical discussion about the impact of AI on jobs, education, and daily life.

Like many small charities, Descendants continues to face challenges around long-term sustainability and funding. However, by using AI-assisted tools for bid writing and communication, the charity has been able to strengthen its fundraising strategy and improve efficiency in project planning and evaluation.

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Financial Review

Treasurer's Summary Statement

During the financial year 2024-2025, Descendants continued to operate with diligence and care, ensuring that available resources were used effectively. Although growth was modest, all planned goals were achieved thanks to the commitment of the dedicated trustees, committee members, volunteers, and supporters.

Income Sources

Income Sources
Source Amount (£)
Ealing Education Department (Dr John Roberts QC CBE Awards) 5,500
L@Q (February Holiday Project) 4,800
Ealing CVS (Roots and Wings Health Project) 5,000
Twyford C of E School (Charitable Donation) 1,049.81
Fiona Hinds Marathon Run for Descendants 1,200
Parental Contributions Various
Total Income 22,882

Expenditure Summary

Regular expenses included wages for a paid staff member (3 months), monthly office rent, Zoom, website and subscriptions, club space, projects and events, volunteer DBS checks, travel and subsistence, office stationery and equipment, and hotel hire and event costs for the 20th Annual Achievement Awards.

In-Kind Support

The charity gratefully acknowledges the Paxton House Trust, which provided in-kind financial support for the Scotland trip, including coach travel, accommodation at the holiday village, and meals for participating families.

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Reserves Policy

The charity maintains a building fund of £15,000 as part of its reserves. The bank balance at year-end was £43,284.68, of which approximately £15,000 is designated for the building fund and £250 is held for Jamaica relief.

Significant Events

During the year, Descendants experienced a website hijacking incident. Trustee Collette Noel navigated the situation and created a new temporary website, which has received positive feedback. The charity is committed to purchasing antivirus software as the first line of defence against cyberthreats.

Plans for Future Periods

The charity has planned the following activities for the coming year:

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above.

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Section 3: Statement of Financial Activities (Income and Expenditure Account)

For the Year Ended 31st March 2025

For the Year Ended 31st March 2025
Category 2025 (£) 2024 (£)
INCOME 22,882 14,163
EXPENDITURE
Premises Costs
Rent & Rates 4,350 3,267
Cleaning — 28
Total Premises Costs 4,350 3,295
Administration
Printing, Postage & Stationery 244 1,339
Telephone & Internet — 1
Computer & IT Costs 170 290
Total Administration 414 1,630

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Category 2025 (£) 2024 (£)
Staff Costs
Wages & Salaries 4,270 25,068
Staff Training 74 257
Total Staff Costs 4,344 25,325
Charitable Activities
Programme Costs 1,020 5,063
Events & Conferences 6,705 5,503
Hospitality 666 —
Total Charitable Activities 8,391 10,566
Professional Fees
Accountancy Fees 605 —
Total Professional Fees 605 —
Other Costs
Travel & Motor Expenses 106 205

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Category 2025 (£) 2024 (£)
Insurance (Other) 315 315
Sundry Expenses 54 8
Total Other Costs 475 528
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 18,579 41,344
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 4,303 (27,181)
Surplus Brought Forward (27,181) —
SURPLUS CARRIED FORWARD (22,878) (27,181)

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Section 4: Notes to the Accounts

1. Accounting Policies

1.1 Basis of Preparation

The accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and applicable accounting standards.

1.2 Income Recognition

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

1.3 Expenditure Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

1.4 Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.

2. Income Analysis

Total income for the year was £22,882, representing an increase of £8,719 (62%) compared to the prior year income of £14,163. The increase was primarily due to successful grant applications and fundraising activities.

3. Expenditure Analysis

Total expenditure for the year was £18,579, representing a decrease of £22,765 (55%) compared to the prior year expenditure of £41,344. The significant decrease was primarily due to reduced staff costs, as the charity moved from employing paid staff to operating primarily through volunteer support.

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4. Staff Costs

Staff costs decreased significantly from £25,325 in the prior year to £4,344 in the current year. This reflects the charity's transition to operating primarily through volunteer support, with paid staff employed for only three months during the year.

5. Trustees' Remuneration and Expenses

No trustee received any remuneration during the year. Trustees were reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

6. Related Party Transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year that require disclosure.

7. Reserves

At the year-end, the charity held total funds of £43,284.68 in its TSB bank account. Of this amount, £15,000 is designated as a building fund, and approximately £250 is held for Jamaica relief. The remaining balance is available for general charitable purposes.

8. Post Balance Sheet Events

There are no post-balance sheet events that require disclosure or adjustment to these accounts.

9. Independent Examination

The accounts have been subject to independent examination in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The independent examiner's report is included at Section 1 of this document.

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Approval

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on …….. and signed on their behalf by:

Signed: ____

Name: Denise Charles

Position: Chair of Trustees

Date:

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Signed: ____
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Name: Margaret Noel
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Position: Treasurer

Date:

Contact Information

Descendants

Acton Gardens Community Centre Bollo Bridge Road Acton London W3 8UU

Telephone: 0208 075 5241 / 077 4588 9521

Email: descendantscharity@gmail.com

Website: www.descendants.org.uk

Charity Registration Number: 1109057

Descendants Charity — Inspiring Children and Young People Since 1993

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