# Independent Examination Report 

## **DESCENDANTS** 

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



## **Contents** 

- 1 Independent Examiner's Report 

- 2 Trustees' Annual Report 

- 3 Statement of Financial Activities (Income and Expenditure Account) 

- 4 Notes to the Accounts 

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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: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; 

- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **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: 

- 5 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: 

   - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and 

   - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act 

- 6 have not been met; or 

- 7 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

**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<br>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: 

- Rt. Hon. Lord Paul Boateng 

- Camara Fearon (Community Activist, Singer/Songwriter) 

- Sister Monica Tywang DW (Community Activist) 

- Dr Abdullah Gulaid B.Sc. (Hon) MSc. PhD 

- Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE (Playwright, Director) 

- Dr Jak Beula (Entrepreneur, Community Activist, Blue Plaque Founder) 

- • Marcus Gayle (Brentford Football Team Ambassador) 

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: 

- Instil in young people a sense of identity and develop a true sense of pride in their heritage 

- Engage with children, young people, and parents through educational and cultural programmes 

- Engage with schools on aspects of heritage, culture, and black history 

- Develop partnerships with organisations that work directly with children of African and Caribbean descent 

- Establish and develop links with the wider community, Africa, and the Caribbean 

- Counteract negative images of the black community portrayed by the media by promoting positive achievements 

- Tell the forgotten stories and promote the wealth of accomplishments of black people who have led the way in science, mathematics, technology, and other fields 

- Promote accurate and honest world history 

## **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: 

- **Jaydon Goodfellow** — Graduated from Oxford University, studied Economics 

- **Saffiah** — Promoted to a management role and continues to support Descendants 

- **Jaquan** — Began studies at the University of West London 

- **Yethrib** — Advancing in her medical career 

- **Tatiana-Paris** — Now a First Officer with Jet2 

- **Lady** — Secured employment in Abu Dhabi after graduating 

- **Jada** — Commenced college and played a lead role in organising the October halfterm art project 

## **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: 

- December 2025: Annual Christmas Light Trip to see the lights and historic places (e.g., Mary Seacole Statue) 

- Installation of the Tree Plaque in honour of Descendants' 30th anniversary 

- Updating and launching Descendants' 2nd edition book "Our Story. Our Roots, Our Legacy" 

- Descendants' 21st Annual Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards 

- Family summer seaside trip 2026 

- Development of a youth-led branch of Descendants 

## **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:** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Signed:  ____________________________<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Name:  Margaret Noel<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **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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