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2025-03-31-accounts

UK Youth Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024/25 (Year Ended 31 March 2025)

Company number 05402004 | Charity number 1110590

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Contents 04 Our 2024/25 in numbers 07 Statement from our CEO and Chair 08 Our public benefit and charitable objects 09 A message of gratitude and transition ~~Oo~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

The trustees, the directors for company law, present their annual report, together with the audited financial statements for UK Youth, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

UK Youth’s reference and information details, including key organisational and legal information that verify our legitimacy and governance, are provided throughout this report. Essential operational contacts, including our Charity and Company registration numbers, registered address, auditors, bankers, and website details, can be found on page 46 of this report, for easy reference.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2024/25 IN NUMBERS

Our 2024/25 in numbers

2024/25 in numbers

These figures showcase the scale and diversity of our work - from policy influence to direct youth engagement - with selected highlights from the 2024/25 period.

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) ~~—~~

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and ~~_~~ governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

04

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£13,800,000
, £7,000,000+
raised
to support youth work Col distributed
in grants
(total income for the year)
Our
youth work
£2,200,00 0+ £8,400,000+
secured in support
from public a from other &
sector sources funding sources
500+ 402
delegates organisations
attended our Joined Up now signed the Power
Summit in Birmingham of Youth Charter
100+ MPs
ip
and policy Our
stakeholders coalitions
engaged with
All major 20+ us at party
UK Youth-led events, conferences ,
political parties
referenced youth work summits, and cross- roundtables, and
in the 2024 general sector convenings took events
election manifestos place across the UK
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Our investment in youth work

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude ~~_~~ Financial, structure and governance review

The 2024/25 155,017+ 400+ = Adventures Away young people were young people at from Home (AAfH) supported through risk of violence took programme... programmes, part in paid summer grants, and our employment through Reached over outdoor learning our new Summer Jobs 9,750 centre Avon Tyrrell programme young people Involved 500 youth groups AAfH group leaders 95% observed improved of Summer Jobs Delivered through socio-emotional skills in participants reported 69 Outdoor 91% of increased confidence and workplace Learning Providers young people readiness across England @ vy wv

Our work with young people

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

+98 9,768 organisations 36% are part of our UK Youth of network network ; the highest Net Promoter organisations concentrations of network are in Score organisations are in the rN the most from grantees reflects North West, Yorkshire and deprived the strong approval Humber, West Midlands, areas of our Cost of Living and Greater London Fund in its 2nd year

Our network

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

05

“UK Youth show best practice in youth work and is at the forefront of new ways of working with young people. They prioritise excellent staff training and development opportunities. They prioritise the voice of young people.” - A grantee

The context of our work

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3 Strategic Challenge 4 ~~_~~ Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

06

Almost 1,000,000 young people are not in education, employment, or training – up 250,000 in the last three years 3 in 10 The number of young people children with mental in the UK are growing ‘t health up in poverty problems has doubled in a decade The number of paid youth workers has declined by a third Reducing local _ youth provision is associated with a rise in crime, 136,000 violent crime 16 to 24-year-olds and anti-social are homeless behaviour Closing youth centres ca in a local area is linked with reduced educational results – a GCSE grade lower for young people in deprived areas

And yet...

Youth work is proven to have positive outcomes

for for young people, delivering immediate benefits such as improved physical health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes , and lasting impact that supports their future development of

Young people supported by youth work are happier, healthier, and wealthier as adults, compared with other young people from the same background L

“Together we’ll ignite the change.” “ Harrison, 16, #iWill Ambassador

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WELCOME
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Statement from our CEO and Chair Written by Interim CEO Vicky Browning and Chair of Trustees David Thomlinson, reflecting the 2024/25 financial year.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3 ~~_—~~ Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

07

This past year has demanded courage, creativity, and resilience from young people. They have faced extraordinary challenges. The world they are growing up in is profoundly disrupted by political instability, economic uncertainty, deepening social divides, and the steady erosion of the services designed to support them. These forces haven’t just made life more challenging to cope with, they’ve made it harder for them to hope…

500+ 9,768 orgs delegates are part of our UK attended our Joined Up Youth network Summit in Birmingham KJ

402 £7,000,000+ organisations signed the Power of distributed Youth Charter in grants |

We’ve reached more than 680,000 young people over the past five years through our programmes, grants, and our sector-leading outdoor learning centre.

Yet, across the UK, young people continue to impress us with their ideas, ambition, and their drive to build something better. This is the power and potential of youth. And this is the transformative role of youth work: to recognise that power, nurture it, and help it thrive.

Our role as a national convener has grown, exemplified by the Joined Up Summit in November 2024, where more than 500 young people and cross-sector leaders came together to shape the future of youth support.

During the summer of 2024, the UK witnessed a wave of race-related unrest that shocked communities across the country. Youth workers were on the front lines. They were keeping young people safe, countering misinformation, providing positive alternatives, and beginning the long, often invisible work of rebuilding trust and connection within communities.

We have connected young people with decision-makers to envisage and build a more equitable future through Hope Hacks, No 10 roundtables, the #iWill Movement, and our Business Leaders for Youth Network.

This is just one example of why we at UK Youth have remained steadfast in our Unlocking Youth Work strategy (2020-2025) and in our mission to unlock youth work for all. In a year defined by volatility, our values – inclusivity, curiosity, courage, community, and excellence – have guided our every decision.

Internally, we’ve continued to strengthen our foundations, improving governance, investing in staff development, and sharpening our financial strategy to secure the long-term health of our organisation.

We’re especially proud of our work bringing new investment into the youth sector. The UK Youth Fund, delivered in partnership with the Pears Foundation and other funders, has now distributed over £7m in unrestricted funding to 212 youth organisations, reaching more than 100,000 young people. At a time when many

We are proud of our achievements. We’ve stood alongside youth workers and organisations nationwide, amplifying the voices of young people and championing their leadership.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

organisations face the threat of closure, this funding has truly been a lifeline.

Our partnership with Primark extended grants to youth organisations from Glasgow to Brighton, Swansea to Whitton. Our new collaboration with nexfibre is helping bridge the digital divide by bringing vital high-speed internet connectivity and support to grassroots youth spaces. Access to grants and expert guidance, provided by Osborne Clarke, is helping youth organisations harness the power of digital technologies.

Our pioneering research continues to build the evidence base for youth work, demonstrating its life-changing impact on education, mental health, employment, violence prevention, and other areas of young people’s lives.

Our commitment to outdoor learning through our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre social enterprise represents a strategic investment in nurturing a generation of healthier, more resilient, and environmentally conscious citizens. Through programmes including Summer Jobs, Adventures Away from Home, and Building Aspirations, we show that youth work doesn’t just respond to crises – it creates opportunity, fosters belonging, and lays the foundations for lifelong success.

of over 9,000 youth organisations, and our partners, for their belief, energy, and resilience. We are also thankful to our former CEO, Ndidi Okezie OBE, who left the organisation at the end of 2024. Her vision for systems change and cross-sector collaboration left a lasting legacy.

As we look ahead, the need for our work has never been greater – but neither have the opportunities we face. We were excited to welcome our new permanent CEO in September of 2025, and a new National Youth Strategy is on the horizon. This is a moment for courage, connection, and bold, sustained investment in the people and places that help young people thrive.

The work is far from over, but with unwavering belief in young people and each other, we are building a future where access to high-quality youth work is not the exception but the expectation.

As we close this reporting year, we also mark a moment of leadership transition at UK Youth.

Vicky David Vicky Browning David Thomlinson Interim CEO Chair of Trustees during 2024/25 during 2024/25

None of this would be possible without our people. We are deeply grateful to our staff and trustees, our network

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Our public benefit and charitable objects

As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, this annual report includes a detailed statement on UK Youth’s public beneft and charitable objects. Under the Charities Act, we ensure that all of our activities align with our mission to empower young people. We continually assess our impact to guarantee that we are delivering meaningful benefits to the public. Our work supports the advancement of education, promotes physical and mental well-being, and creates opportunities for young people to thrive across the UK.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

A message of gratitude and transition

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Rosie Ferguson, OBE
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This Annual Report marks both the conclusion of the 2024/25 financial year and a period of significant leadership transition for UK Youth. We are welcoming Rosie Ferguson, who began her role as Chief Executive on 1 September 2025, and Matt Price, our new Chair of Trustees. Rosie brings a wealth of leadership experience across the youth and charity sectors, as well as a deep commitment to social justice. Matt, who has served on the UK Youth Board since 2016, has both strong governance experience and a deep understanding of our mission.

challenge, championed the voice of young people at every level, and strengthened our governance and strategic direction. His legacy is evident in the stronger, more resilient organisation we are today, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication and service.

As we highlighted in last year's report, we owe sincere thanks to Ndidi Okezie OBE, who resigned in December 2024, for her five years of dedicated service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Vicky Browning, who served as Interim CEO with clarity, compassion, and purpose, during a period of significant change.

This period of change across our trustee board and senior leadership team is now complete. With Rosie and Matt in place, alongside a strengthened senior leadership team, UK Youth is entering a period of stability and renewed focus. We are confident that this strong leadership foundation will enable us to deliver lasting impact for young people in the years ahead.

We also want to pay special tribute to David Thomlinson, who concluded his term as Chair in June 2025. David’s leadership of UK Youth over the past five years has been marked by vision, steady guidance, and a deep commitment to the organisation’s mission. He steered the charity through a time of growth and

We involved some of our our brilliant young people in the CEO selection process. This is what they said...

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

09

"It was so amazing to be part of the selection “ but I was actually grateful for the opportunity. The thought of it was terrifying, but I really enjoyed doing it, connecting with the candidates and hearing more about their work." Gemma, 17, #iWill Ambassador

“People talked about the youth sector in such an inspiring way, with so much hope. I left each of the interviews smiling. I’m generally quite susceptible to the pessimism that exists within the world, and to be part of this process was exactly what I needed." Finlay, 19, #iWill Ambassador

2024/25 in numbers ~~UK YOUTH~~ Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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A message from Troy, #iWill Ambassador

Now I can go to events, be heard and make a difference, and speak to other young people out there who are making changes themselves. We work with amazing staff who go above and beyond to help us. It’s an honour to be part of such a big movement, having such an impact.

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Troy, 22,
#iWill
Ambassador
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A group of us went to a meeting at the House of Commons with #iWill, and that really empowered us. It made us all feel like we are leaders: leaders of now and our generation because we’ve lived through the experiences we’ve had. I’m able to make my points and I can make sure that everyone in the room is engaged and taking on board what I’m saying and others in the room are saying.

I became involved with UK Youth because I was so passionate about making a difference. I wanted to show other young people that we can use social action to make real change in our communities and the wider world.

iWill has helped me mould my voice, advocating for young people with disabilities. For me, what I am doing is about every other person who has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who wants to fit in and make a difference but doesn’t know how. I’m showing them how to have a voice and create their own opportunities to have a seat at the table. I want them to feel like they are going to be heard. I want to help create a platform for them to be who they want to be and know that their voice matters.

Being an #iWill Ambassador is about showcasing young people’s voices: showing that young people are leaders; we are change makers; and we inspire other young people to come with us on this journey.

Before this, I felt like the outsider looking in. I'm autistic and I have a learning disability, and I felt like I wasn’t good enough. When professionals didn’t listen to me – when they wrote things down and didn’t act on them – I didn’t feel heard or valued. It was as if I didn’t matter. I’ve had to prove myself and show professionals and other people that I can be an advocate.

Times were hard for me when I didn’t feel valued. My school didn’t understand my disability. I asked my mum once, ‘Why am I different?’ I felt forgotten.

iWill is home to me. It allows me to be open about what I feel. I’ve learnt to believe in myself. I talk to other young people, I hear their stories, and I share mine, and it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this. We're all in it together.

Now I know I’m different, but I embrace that. My disability is my power. Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t do things other young people can. That is my message and #iWill helps me spread it to others.

ABOUT US

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

Our vision, values and what we do

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Our vision

All young people are equipped to thrive and are empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our values

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Inclusivity Courage Curiosity Community Excellence We work to foster We drive We seek to learn We strive to We deliver higha respectful positive change: and communicate connect with all quality work understanding challenging the with an open who share our that consistently of the diverse status quo, taking mind, building our vision, ensuring prioritises the experiences risks and providing knowledge and they are valued, needs of young of different support to fail understanding, and respected, and people. communities. and grow. finding better ways empowered. to achieve our goals.

Our definition of youth work

Youth work is an educational process in which trusted adults support young people’s personal, social, and skills development in various settings. It helps them explore their values, build confidence, develop practical skills, and find their voice and place in society. At its core, youth work prioritises young people, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. (Based on the 2020 National Youth Work Curriculum)

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Our work

As a UK-wide infrastructure charity, we build coalitions to champion and deliver practical youth work and create programmes that support young people.

Grants and support: We provide grants and organisational support to make youth work more accessible and sustainable, increasing its impact.

Targeted programmes: We design and test youth work programmes to address urgent needs including mental health challenges, capacity to gain employment, and social action. These enable us to build evidence about the role of youth work in tackling the issues young people face.

Outdoor learning delivery: Our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre uses its many decades of outdoor learning experience to help young people learn vital life skills.

Partnerships: We collaborate with organisations across government, education, health, business and other sectors to promote understanding of youth work and encourage meaningful youth involvement and cross-sector collaboration. We actively participate in the Five Nations Network, encompassing England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, to foster co-operation, share best practices, and strengthen the capacity of youth work services.

Capacity building: We work with our network of thousands of organisations to increase their connections, confidence and capacity to change lives.

Research: We gather evidence to prove and improve the impact of youth work.

Advocacy: We advocate for youth work locally and nationally, ensuring policymakers recognise and invest in this life-changing sector.

Avon Tyrrell is our flagship outdoor learning centre, dedicated to the holistic development of young people and located in the heart of the New Forest National Park. The site has breathtaking surroundings and a variety of accommodation, including a Grade I listed manor house, self-catering lodges, and camping areas. The centre provides outdoor learning in a natural environment designed to enhance young people’s personal, social, and educational growth, improve their health, wellbeing, and physical literacy, and foster environmental awareness.

Our social enterprise

“My biggest challenge is believing in myself “ and having confidence, but this has improved, and I overcame this with different activities and having supporting friends. The trip has been spectacular.” Student visiting from St Joseph’s Primary School (Christchurch, Dorset)

“I loved the activities! I conquered my fear in climbing and I learnt a lot about trees in Shelter Building. The food was amazing, the lodge was so cosy, and I loved sharing it with my friends.” Student visiting from St Joseph’s Primary School (Christchurch, Dorset)

Key personnel

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

David Thomlinson Chair of Trustees Retired, June 2025

Nigel Mansell CBE Honorary President

HRH The Princess Royal Patron

Replaced by Matt Price , July 2025

Trustees

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People Committee
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Matt
Price Nneka Ben
Vice-chair
Succeeded David Thomlinson Orji Jessup Retired, March 2025
ae: as Chair in July 2025
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Gillian
Budd
Appointed June 2024
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Co-opted member

Vicky Browning Interim Chief Executive Succeeded Ndidi Okezie OBE , who led UK Youth until December 2024

Replaced by Rosie Ferguson OBE , September 2025.

Finance, Risk and Audit Committee

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Daniel
Anna
Chan MBE Aaron
Honorary Treasurer, Hope D’Souza
Chair Succeeded Daniel Chan as Retired, February 2025 Gabrielle
Honorary Treasurer in May 2025
Retired, April 2025 a oA Mathews
Colin
Jones Succeeded Daniel Chan as
Committee Chair in May 2025
Appointed June 2024
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Co-opted member
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2024/25 in numbers Welcome

~~Tr~~ About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

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Impact and Delivery Committee
Je Jolanta A ‘ Godfrey a Jodie
Lasota Iain Atuahene Lloyd-Jones
Chair McDougall Junior
Retired, September 2025
Obum Jon
Ekeke OBE Yates
Retired, June 2025
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Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent Auditor's ~~eee~~ report Our financial statements ~~—~~

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Senior Leadership Team
Kayleigh
Wainwright ye Jacob Diggle f Thora Eberts 2) David Watts
Director of Youth Chief Impact Director of Director of
9 Services and | Officer 3 Network Delivery FS Outdoor Learning
Innovation
Kerry Reid
: Oby Bamidele Director of Income . Pervez Akhtar = Jane Gould
Interim Chief Generation Director of Finance Assistant Director
Operating OfficerResigned, June 2025 and Strategic and Operations Joined, September 2025 of PeopleJoined, September 2025
Communications
Resigned, February 2025
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Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING UK STRATEGIC REPORT) YOUTH

2024/25 in numbersTrustees' Report Welcome ~~(including Str~~ ategic ~~Report)~~

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and governance review

Our 2020-2025 strategy: unlocking youth work

Today’s young people are growing up in an increasingly challenging world, with severe pressures on their employment prospects, mental health, and even their physical safety.

Youth work is essential in helping them to navigate these difficulties and build the skills they need to thrive. However, inequalities of access mean that millions of young people in the UK are unable to benefit from this life-changing support. Despite its many benefits, government funding for youth work in England has reduced by 73% over the past 15 years (YMCA, 2025).

The four major challenges facing youth work today are:

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

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1
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The lack of cross-sector understanding of how youth work makes a difference

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Equipping UK Youth for systems impact

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Our 2020-2025 strategy focuses on championing youth work and scaling up practical solutions for a generation. These goals are vital as a result of chronic underinvestment in youth provision in recent years, the longterm impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and inadequate communication and collaboration across sectors and professions.

For each of the four challenges facing youth work, UK Youth have a clear response from 2020-2025.

Bring leaders Lack of Secure Lack of & young investment sustainable cross-sector people in youth funding for understanding together to work youth work collaborate

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

Young people are always at the heart of our strategy. We involve them in every aspect of our work, including programme design, research, policy and influence, and strategic development.

This annual report details how we currently are addressing our four strategic challenges. To do this, we focus on five areas: employability, mental health, social action, physical literacy, and outdoor learning; places where we can meet the greatest need and have the most significant impact.

We want young people to find ways to transform their own lives and the communities around them. By fostering collaboration among professionals and those in authority, we can build the pathways young people need to flourish and grow.

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Grow
Limited Equipping Build a
evidence
opportunities UK Youth thriving,
& scale
to embed for systems innovative
effective
solutions impact organisation
solutions
3 4
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Our 5 priority areas

We deliver these responses through five priority areas, so we can meet the greatest need and have the most significant impact:

employability mental social physical outdoor health action literacy learning

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

STRATEGIC CHALLENGE 1

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Strategic challenge 1: tackling the lack of investment in youth work

UK Youth continued to make the case for investment in preventative youth services through robust evidence, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships.

“This report sets out a clear roadmap … to transform millions of lives and save billions of pounds. The rapidly rising needs of young people are not inevitable. Now we need policymakers to play their part and make the long-term commitment required.

This year, in partnership with the Institute for Government, we published landmark research on youth provision and life outcomes. The landmark report, Youth work and Prevention, showed that the UK has a clear opportunity to tackle problems before they become crises – easing pressure on prisons, hospitals, and overstretched youth services, while building a stronger future for young people and communities.

We cannot afford not to invest in preventative services, such as youth work.”

The message in the report was clear. Without urgent investment in prevention, the alternatives are stark: higher taxes, rising debt, or declining standards in essential services.

Jacob Diggle, Chief Impact Officer, UK Youth

Funding with Impact

Our case was reinforced through an evidence review, expert interviews, and a high-level roundtable with senior policymakers. The findings demonstrated consistently that services such as youth work, public health programmes and Sure Start centres delivered better outcomes and significant long-term savings.

Through our grants, we distributed vital funding to youth organisations nationwide, helping them to survive, adapt, and continue delivering in a highly challenging economic climate.

This investment provided:

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Yet preventative provision has not been prioritised. Between 2009 and 2023, local authority spending on youth clubs and children’s centres fell by more than three-quarters, while crisis spending on safeguarding and looked-after children rose by over half.

Our report is already starting to shape national policy conversations. It has set out a practical five-step plan for the government to adopt, offering a credible, costed programme to shift the system from crisis response to prevention-first.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

Working with corporate and philanthropic partners, we also backed:

Together, these investments ensured that youth organisations across the UK can continue to deliver highimpact, evidence-informed support to young people, when and where it’s needed most.

Flourishing amid rising costs

Throughout the year, UK Youth prioritised and advocated for the sustainability of youth provision across the UK, despite the persistently challenging funding environment.

One of the most significant initiatives was the UK Youth Fund: Cost of Living , delivered in partnership with the Pears Foundation . The fund supported 182 local youth organisations, enabling them to provide vital services to over 115,000 young people.

Launched as a £5m fund from the Pears Foundation, the programme’s flexible, accessible design earned a Net Promoter Score of +98 from participating organisations. Building on that success, Pears committed a further £2m - bringing total commitments to £7m since inception, with £1.8m carried forward at year end. It has also expanded to include non-financial support such as capacity-building, peer learning, and organisational development to strengthen long-term resilience.

Support to flourish

Stockton-on-Tees faces high deprivation, crime, substance misuse, and limited job prospects - made worse by deep cuts to youth services. Here, young people urgently need someone on their side.

Corner House Youth Project , a beneficiary of our Cost of Living Fund, has been that lifeline for 20 years. Working across four sites, trusted youth workers create safe spaces where young people feel they belong and can imagine a positive future. As one worker explained, it’s essential that there are safe spaces for young people:

“For the majority of localities we work in, the “ community in which they live has high levels of organised crime activity and violence. It’s vital there are safe spaces they can go where they feel they belong and are not at risk.”

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers ~~a~~ Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) ~~rr~~ Strategic Challenge 1 ~~oor~~ Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

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Independent Auditor's report ~~eee~~ Our financial statements

Corner House is embedded in local systems, partnering with the Violence Reduction Unit, police, and schools. It runs practical projects, including a long-standing street dance programme (with free studio space and hot meals) and a community allotment with a primary school, where children with SEND build confidence and emotional literacy.

Amid stretched budgets, our grant covered rising utilities, kept centre-based clubs open , and funded a cost-of-living pay rise - helping retain the skilled staff who anchor relationships. This continuity is crucial for delivering high-quality youth work. One Corner House representative told us:

“The grant has allowed us to pay the rise in utilities across two sites and keep centrebased youth clubs running. It has allowed us to provide our staff with a much-deserved cost-of-living pay increase.”

“We believe that this has helped maintain continuity of staffing by paying them fairly and according to their skill set. This continuity is key to our relationship-based practice and providing good quality youth work for our service users.”

Or as a young person said:

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

“Seeing youth workers when we are out makes us feel safer. They give us things to do and listen to us and help us.” Young person, The Corner House Project

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Thriving Minds across the UK

Helping young minds to thrive

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1

“It’s been so amazing to see the “ development in their confidence… It gives them a much-needed time away from the house where they can feel suffocated and gives them the opportunity to be unapologetically themselves.” Older-sister of teenage

members at Angel Shed Theatre

This year marked the conclusion of the UK Youth Fund: Thriving Minds , a three-year programme providing financial and practical support to youth organisations to strengthen their impact on young people’s mental health.

Backed by £10m from Julia and Hans Rausing and £1m from the Westminster Foundation , the fund aimed to maximise youth work’s role in supporting mental health and to share best practice across the sector.

Strategic Challenge 2

Over the course of the fund, 99 small charities and

Strategic Challenge 3 youth organisations received unrestricted grants of up Strategic Challenge 4 “I get in trouble all the time at school, to £55,000 per year, alongside a package of training, “ but being out here makes me be good. workshops, and peer-to-peer support. Our funding and gratitude It just feels good to be here. This is the Financial, structure and best place to be in Nottingham!” Young The results are clearly positive: governance review person, Wild Things Charity INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S 63% of youth practitioners expanded, adapted, REPORT AND FINANCIAL ~~q~~ #§ or developed their mental health offer. STATEMENTS Independent Auditor's “The grant funding has contributed to 59% strengthened delivery through new or report “ staff pay rises and specific training in deeper partnerships. Our financial statements response to the current needs of the young people accessing the session, 45% accessed professional development and such as child exploitation, gang culture training opportunities for staff. and knife crime.” Youth worker, Ourside Youth Association 41% reported being better able to support their staff. ~~~~ a 30% identified specific positive outcomes for “The grant allowed us to invest in our young people linked directly to Thriving Minds Annual report & “ staff training, which has made a big support. financial statements difference in how we work with young 2024/25 people, especially when it comes to 28% expanded their service offer, with the same mental health and trauma-informed percentage securing additional funding. approaches.” Youth worker, Youth Space

63% of youth practitioners expanded, adapted, or developed their mental health offer.

41% reported being better able to support their staff.

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Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Thriving Minds has left a lasting legacy: more resilient youth organisations, better equipped staff, and improved mental health outcomes for young people across the UK.

The necessary skills

One beneficiary of the Thriving Minds fund was Abergele Youth Den, working in partnership with Conwy Mind. Based in one of the most deprived areas in Wales, the project supports 10 to 18-year-olds who are excluded – or are at risk of exclusion – from education, social, and economic opportunities.

 Here’s more about the work at Abergele Youth Den, and how they support the children they help.

CIRCLE-PLAY

The grant enabled Abergele Youth Den to create a new practitioner role, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to manage their own mental health.

One practitioner said:

Opening doors to opportunity

The UK Youth Fund: Adventures Away from Home (AAfH) , funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) , provided more than 9,750 fully funded outdoor learning experiences between December 2024 and March 2025, working with 500 youth groups and 69 outdoor learning providers

AAfH offered bursaries for one-day experiences and two-night residentials to young people aged 11 to 18, with eligibility extended up to age 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The programme invested £1.5m to expand access to high-quality outdoor learning for under-represented young people across England. These experiences helped participants build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and essential life skills that support long-term wellbeing. They strengthened young people’s connection with their youth workers, peers, and the natural environment.

“I learned that I’m stronger and more “ independent than I thought. Even though I was nervous and missed my family, I managed to handle everything and enjoy the adventure. It showed me that I can face new challenges and grow from them.” Young participant

“I hope UK Youth continue to do the “ extraordinary work I’m lucky enough to have been a part of. It’s never been more necessary or more valuable.”

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Abergele Youth Den also sent a heartfelt message of thanks to the Rausings for their help for people they have never met:

“I’ve had a chance to help through your “ kindness. From myself, we offer them all our thanks and heartfelt love.”

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) “For our deaf students with “ additional needs this trip was 2024/25 in numbers nothing short of miraculous! Here’s more  We saw countless examples of about Adventures Welcome students doing things they – and Away from Home About us we! – never thought they could. CIRCLE-PLAY They developed confidence, TRUSTEES' REPORT deepened their relationships with (INCLUDING STRATEGIC each other, learnt so many new REPORT) skills. It was life changing. A large Strategic Challenge 1 portion of our young people had AAfH also demonstrated the power of local organisations Strategic Challenge 2 not been away from home before. meeting young people’s needs close to home. It Parents were astounded at what highlighted how investment in outdoor learning can Strategic Challenge 3 they saw.” Youth Group Leader on create stronger communities and unlock the potential of Strategic Challenge 4 Adventures Away from Home the next generation. Our funding and gratitude ~~_~~ _ a — As one young participant put it simply: Financial, structure and governance review “I’m enough.” INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S “ REPORT AND FINANCIAL “The opportunity that this twoSTATEMENTS “ night residential created for our David Watts, UK Youth’s Director of Outdoor Learning, Independent Auditor's students to experience outdoors reflected: report activities and be supported by Our financial statements a first-class specialist activities “Adventures Away from Home creates space organisation was outstanding. The “ for connection, sparks courage, and inspires students have left with memories hope, building self-belief and reminding and an experience that could not young people of their strength, voice, and be replicated elsewhere, from worth.”

“The opportunity that this twonight residential created for our students to experience outdoors activities and be supported by a first-class specialist activities organisation was outstanding. The students have left with memories and an experience that could not be replicated elsewhere, from being independent and away from home for the first time to taking on new physical challenges. (This has) equipped them with an additional tier of resilience to take on and manage new situations and challenges in their everyday lives.” Youth Group Leader on Adventures Away from Home

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STRATEGIC CHALLENGE 2

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

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Strategic challenge 2: building cross-sector understanding

Communicating the value of youth work

For youth work to be powerful and strategic, its value must be understood across all sectors working with young people.

Building on this, before its closure, the National Citizen Service (NCS) commissioned UK Youth to explore how young people and youth workers experience youth provision and how it must evolve. The result was In Our Own Words , a short, animated film and report that brought these voices to life, revealing both challenges

This year, UK Youth strengthened recognition of how youth work delivers meaningful, long-term outcomes, bringing together professionals, policymakers, and young people to explore insights and drive collective action.

A seat at the table

and the opportunities.

As part of the Back Youth Alliance , UK Youth played a central role in shaping the Government’s new National Youth Strategy . We led the evidence review underpinning the plans, analysing 99 data sources to demonstrate youth work’s impact on mental health, employability, and social connection.

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We are also co-leading the Deliver You national engagement programme with DCMS as part of the #iwill Movement. Using surveys, focus groups, democracy cafés, and hackathon-style events, Deliver You has already reached thousands of young people across England. A team of ten Youth Collaborators ensured that the programme reflected the diverse experiences and aspirations of young people today.

You can read more here 

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As young people told us:

2024/25 in numbers ~~rr~~ Welcome About us ~~rr~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Strategic Challenge 1 ~~OO~~ Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

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“For one young person going through a million “ transitions in their life, if they have access to the right support, it will really help them.”

“They are always there to listen to you. I feel “ like we can relate to them because they are not there to scold you or invalidate what you’re feeling.”

While welcoming the Government’s commitment to a national strategy, UK Youth publicly raised concerns about the lack of dedicated funding, advocating for greater investment to ensure its success.

Talking politics

UK Youth cemented its role as a trusted voice in shaping the future of youth services by engaging directly with political leaders and holding them to account.

Introduce a Youth Guarantee for 18 to 21-yearolds to ensure access to education, training, or employment.

Lower the voting age to 16.

Our #iWill Ambassadors played a prominent role, speaking directly with ministers and MPs, leading panel discussions, hosting six regional hack events, and spearheading a high-profile register-to-vote campaign that garnered national media coverage, including BBC Radio 4 and breakfast television.

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2024/25 in numbers Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

“UK Youth and the #iWill movement give young people a platform. I’m a huge advocate for children and young people’s rights – everything from youth participation to youth justice. I attended an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs in the Houses of Parliament; just one example of how UK Youth can be such a good vehicle for giving young people an opportunity to share our voices.

My drive for representation stems from my lived experience. I’m visually impaired. This meant that when I was in school, I really struggled to have a voice. All these decisions were being made about me and about my life and my future, and I didn’t really have a say in them.

I always remember saying to my mum that I used to feel invisible. Regardless of what I would say, nothing was ever done to make my life any better. It was that way for several years and it really beat me down. I really struggled to see a future where I would go on to be happy and do some of the things that I wanted to do. I didn’t have an ounce of self-belief. That’s not a position that a young person should find themselves in, and I know there are many young people like that.

Strategic Challenge 4

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It got to the point where I had to turn to independent advocacy for someone to be able to represent my voice, and for the decisions that were being made about me to be in my best interests.

This completely turned my life around. Knowing I was being listened to started a snowball effect. I became a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and a Young Advisor for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland. I would never have gone down that path had I not realized how important my own voice is.

I’m involved with UK Youth because I’m passionate about democracy and youth participation, and the overarching values embedded within UK Youth’s work. I’ve now been an #iWill Scotland Ambassador for

just over two years. Unbelievable.” Finlay, 19, #iWill Ambassador

“Being on the radio, before the election, “ was incredible. It was my first time voting in a general election last year and I was able to share my views and opinions about the issues other young people are facing. I felt like a politician at that point. It was such an empowering thing for a young person.” Troy 22, #iWill Ambassador a

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Welcome

About us ~~OO~~

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Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

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Improving outcomes nationwide

Another highlight was the Joined Up Summit in Birmingham, which brought together more than 500 cross-sector stakeholders, from young people to funders, government officials, educators, health professionals, and business leaders. Co-created with young producers, the event explored different subject areas: Our Potential, Our Communities, Our Power, and Our Wellbeing.

A key outcome was the launch of the Joined Up Institute , a year-round initiative uniting young people and professionals to scale evidence-based practices nationwide. This initiative is led by Prudence Trust (headline funder) , with collaboration from Youth Futures Foundation, NCS, Osborne Clarke, Big Change Charitable Trust, Blagrave Trust, and KKR.

Youth voice in action

Youth

10 Collaborators

Thousands of young people engaged through Deliver You

shaping the national engagement programme

In Our Own Words

#iWill Ambassadors

– a film capturing and amplifying the lived experiences of young people and the practitioners who support them.

leading a national

register-to-vote campaign , reaching BBC Radio 4 & TV

audiences

500+

young people & cross-

Engagement at both Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

sector stakeholders at the Joined Up Summit in Birmingham, co-designed with young people

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Making Promises Count, Our
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Community support

In response to community unrest, UK Youth partnered with the National Youth Agency (NYA) and Regional Youth Work Units to deliver Space to Connect sessions. These safe spaces allowed youth workers and allied professionals to reflect, share best practice ideas, and strengthen approaches to fostering unity and resilience, promoting constructive alternatives to violence and division.

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STRATEGIC CHALLENGE 3

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Strategic challenge 3: embedding effective solutions

Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude ~~Ss~~ Financial, structure and governance review

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Our role is to address today’s challenges for young people, while demonstrating how solutions can be scaled to improve as many lives as possible.

 

The programme will expand in 2025 to reach 800 placements across South Wales, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Sheffield.

This year, UK Youth moved from innovation to implementation, promoting evidence-backed solutions across our focus areas: employability, mental health, youth social action, and outdoor learning & physical literacy.

Summer Jobs: Tackling Violence Through Opportunity

Recently, my life… hasn’t been the most positive thing. So, it was just nice to see everyone was excited around me, that I’m doing something good.” Summer Jobs participant

This year also saw the launch of the Summer Jobs programme , co-designed and funded by the Youth Endowment Fund , DCMS , and the Youth Futures Foundation , inspired by successful US models such as One Summer Chicago.

Eessa’s story

The pilot placed more than 400 young people in sixweek paid work placements across Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and London. Benefits included pre-employment training, wraparound support from youth workers, and placements with more than 90 employers, including Timpson, Burger King and Veolia. Young people reported gaining new confidence, purpose and employability skills.

By 18, Eessa had lost his father, was growing up in a low-income household, and was struggling at school. He saw few opportunities ahead.

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The Summer Jobs programme

95% 80%

became a turning point. Over six weeks, he embraced every challenge, developing skills, confidence, and leadership qualities. Supported by community organisation Sporting Your Futures, Eessa became a role model to his peers.

of participants were very satisfied or satisfied with their experience

of employers said they would take part again

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Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

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Financial, structure and ~~_~~ governance review

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"When I was in my first year of college I went to sixth form and I got kicked out. I had no sense of direction about what I wanted to do. My placement has made me more confident. Now I can talk to anyone I meet. I recommend this to anyone. It's a perfect way to prove yourself, regardless of anything - your gender, your race, your sexuality, your religion, anything. " Eessa

By the end of the programme, he secured an apprenticeship as a Community Activator Coach. This offered him stability, a career path, and the chance to continue in a field he loves.

His journey is testament to how opportunity and mentorship can unlock potential, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.

Building Connections: navigating barriers to work

Driven by the belief that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, we work to dismantle the barriers that block young people from work. One standout example is Building Connections, delivered with CocaCola Europacific Partners. The programme supports 16 to 25-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or are at risk of this.

Youth workers build long-term partnerships with local employers and support young people to navigate barriers to work. Activities range from large-scale job fairs to one-to-one mentoring, ensuring delivery meets local needs.

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After attending one event, two thirds said they felt more confident about applying for a job , and 90% said they would recommend the event to a friend .

Louis’ path to employment

When Louis joined the Building Connections programme, he was feeling lost and unsure about his future. With limited qualifications and low confidence, finding a job felt out of reach.

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Through the programme’s support, Louis discovered his strengths, built his confidence, and found direction. He’s now in part-time work and excited about the career path ahead.

“Before joining the Building Connections programme, I was constantly job searching but getting nowhere, struggling to find a pathway to employment.

Since being referred, my situation has improved massively - I’ve gained confidence and belief that even in tough times, there’s always a goal to work toward.

With the programme’s 1-to-1 support, I’ve secured part-time work at Wigan Youth Zone and an after-school club. The youth workers have been amazing, and I’ll always be grateful for their help.” Louis

In 2024/25, 2,893 young people took part.

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Making a stand with #iWill

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Welcome

About us

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UK Youth, in partnership with Volunteering Matters, continued to play a national leadership role as

co-ordinator of the #iWill Movement, amplifying youth voices and championing youth social action. This year we contributed to two landmark publications:

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

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During #iWill Week (18 November 2024) , Ambassadors led the theme #StillWeRise , inspired by Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise. Against a backdrop of a polarising general election, the cost-of-living crisis, civil unrest, and global conflict, the campaign celebrated how young people continue to rise above division, choosing community and empathy over hate.

This was a powerful demonstration of resilience and leadership, proving once again that given the platform, young people can drive positive change.

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STRATEGIC CHALLENGE 4

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Strategic challenge 4: equipping ourselves for systems impact

Welcome

About us

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Young people in the UK face complex challenges. Our goal is to reshape systems that don’t work for young people by uniting sectors and embedding practical youth work. This year, we strengthened our internal systems and leadership to support lasting, system-wide change.

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

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Strengthening our systems

This year we made meaningful progress in strengthening our internal systems and leadership capacity to support long-term, systems-level change.

Senior leadership appointments across

Simplifying policies and procedures making them easier for staff to understand and implement.

Developing an operating blueprint to guide how we will achieve our strategic goals.

Launching a new safeguarding hub , ensuring staff are confident in their responsibilities and keeping safeguarding central to everything we do.

We embedded EDI more deeply across the organisation through training on inclusive practice, blind shortlisting in recruitment, and improved accountability using data and measurable goals.

Young people, including #iWill Ambassadors, helped appoint our new Chief Executive - reinforcing our commitment to youth-led decision-making.

Equipping ourselves at a glance

Leadership

Safeguarding first capacity Launched a new Appointed senior hub keeping leaders in operations safeguarding at the and people to heart of our work strengthen expertise ~~—~~ | ~~—~~ # ~~-~~

Inclusive culture Clear direction Embedded EDI Developed an through training, Operating Blueprint blind shortlisting, to guide delivery of and youth input in strategic goals CEO recruitment.

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OUR FUNDING AND GRATITUDE

How we funded our work

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Welcome

About us

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This year, we raised £13.8 million, a 14.9% reduction compared to 2023/24. The decrease mainly reflects the timing of Thriving Minds restricted income, with £4.1 million recognised in 2023/24 but distributed in 2024/25. Without this timing adjustment, income levels were broadly consistent, showing that our core income base remains strong and diverse, thanks to the continued generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations, government partners, corporate supporters, and guests of Avon Tyrrell, despite a challenging economic climate.

Strategic Challenge 1

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Strategic funding and partnerships

In addition to the funding partnerships already highlighted in this report, we were delighted to collaborate with Reed, securing the £1m Sir Alec Reed Prize to launch Building Wellbeing at Work . This new programme helps young people experiencing mental health challenges secure and sustain employment. The Big Give Christmas Challenge raised £32,875 , our most extensive campaign to date, backed by 41 donors and AESSEAL . The People’s Postcode Lottery was among those who enabled us to continue championing youth work. Through our advocacy and programmes, we continued to show that quality youth support sets young people up for life.

With very special thanks to Sport England , the Oak Foundation , The National Lottery Community Fund , the Paul Hamlyn Foundation , the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation , and the People’s Postcode Lottery , who provide critical strategic and core funding to strengthen our leadership role in the sector.

We also received a much-needed additional donation of £15,000 from Comic Relief to support our response to the UK race riots in August 2024 . Thousands of youth workers across the UK responded to what happened on the streets.

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Income sources
17%
Public / statutory
£2,411,000
5%
Other trading
income £640,000 40%
Trusts &
Foundations
£5,528,000
17%
Avon Tyrrell
Outdoor
Centre
£2,297,000
17%
3% Corporates
Fundraising £2,354,000
events
£472,000
1%
Individual giving
£79,000
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*Reduced by £4.1m for Thriving Minds & CoL income recongintion in 2023/24

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2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

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Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

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Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

The value of corporate partnerships

In its first year, the Building Aspirations programme, supported by Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA) has been an enormous success. It supports those not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Manchester and Liverpool. 135 young people completed the curriculum and reported increases in confidence and work-readiness, with four of them securing paid work with the RSA. The programme has been extended to Halifax and Leeds for the second year.

“Before Building Aspirations, I was recovering “ from addiction and struggling to find purpose. The sessions helped me see my potential and gave me the tools to make positive changes in my life. I gained the confidence and self-belief to turn my life around.” Participant

Our partnership with Burger King UK (BKUK) has continued to grow in scope and impact. This year BKUK launched of the ‘Pennies Donation’ scheme at all selfservice kiosks. Across the whole of the chain, customers can choose to donate to UK Youth with their order, boosting our brand visibility and increasing our ability to cover core costs.

Burger King works with us to support young people in other ways. In December 2024, a partnership between

UK Youth, Burger King UK and Stop the Traffik launched a county lines prevention campaign. Co-designed with young people, this important campaign looked to raise awareness and refer young people to critical support services. It reached over 380,000 young people across the UK with potentially life saving information.

UK Youth helped BKUK develop mandatory young person-focused training for Burger King staff, covering areas such as support for young people, youth work principles, and protecting young people by understanding county lines issues.

BKUK's dedication to our partnership is evident with its direct staff sponsorship of fundraisers, with twenty team members undertaking the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge. Even individual members of staff go out of their way to fundraise for UK Youth, for example Kerry Reid, who organised a family fun day in Mildenhall.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has worked closely with UK Youth since 2018. This year we expanded our Building Connections partnership significantly. We welcomed six new youth groups into this programme to build stronger pathways to employment. With nine youth organisations now participating, the programme reached over 2,800 young people.

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Reflections from a funder "When I joined CCEP eight years ago, one of my Our UK Youth Fund: Digital Inclusion, supported by 2024/25 in numbers first steps was building a partnership with UK Osborne Clarke , provided critical funds to 20 youth Welcome Youth – a charity that puts young people at the organisations and had worked with more than 15,000 heart of its mission. young people by its second year. All the organisations About us reported having improved digital access capacity and TRUSTEES' REPORT I pitched to the Senior Leadership Team and said that capability among the young people had (INCLUDING STRATEGIC gained the trust of Ann Vermeulen, whose increased. REPORT) passion inspired us to launch the first trial of an Strategic Challenge 1 employability programme, Reach Up. From that “The grant has enabled our young people Strategic Challenge 2 moment I was hooked. Seeing the challenges “ to improve their skills and confidence. It young people face up close – and how powerful has enabled them to improve their self- Strategic Challenge 3 the right support can be – made me and my esteem and tell themselves a different story Strategic Challenge 4 colleagues committed for the long term. around their future, particularly around their employability.” Smash Youth Project, grantee Our funding and gratitude Eight years on, youth work sadly hasn’t become Financial, structure and easier. Funding continues to slip away, leaving On top of this, Osborne Clarke has provided more governance review youth workers in insecure jobs and young people than 100 hours of pro-bono support to UK Youth and INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S with fewer safe spaces and trusted adults. Yet my the grantees. The company has been instrumental in REPORT AND FINANCIAL belief in the importance of youth work has only supporting the development of the Joined Up Institute STATEMENTS grown. This isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s essential. and the delivery of the Joined Up Summit. Independent Auditor's report That’s why I’ll keep banging the drum. The Our financial statements knowledge and experiences I’ve gained through our partnership with UK Youth fuel my determination to fight for this cause and bring others with me." Holly Annual report & Holly Firmin , financial statements Senior Community Partnerships Manager CCEP 2024/25 / 33

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Expanding our reach

2024/25 in numbers

This year we launched new corporate partnerships.

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2

Strategic Challenge 3 Strategic Challenge 4 ~~_—~~ Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements ~~_—~~

Primark donated £250,000 in unrestricted grants to 11 youth organisations through the UK Youth Fund.

nexfibre has launched a free, full-fibre broadband offer for youth organisations, aiming to reach over 1,000 youth groups within the next two years to support their digital inclusion and capacity.

Events and community support

Our events programme continues to inspire incredible generosity and creativity across our supporter community. This year’s highlights include:

The London Marathon: our London Marathon team of 36 runners raised £67,720 .

Gala dinner relaunch: The Gala Dinner was successfully relaunched at the Four Seasons Hotel, raising £118,912 .

An audience with our honorary president: an evening with Nigel Mansell CBE was held at Williams Racing and raised £38,092 .

Art for Youth London: raised an incredible £245,000 , through affordable art sales and a charity auction for us.

Community challenge events: Many inspiring individuals organised fundraising challenges, including the London to Paris Bike Ride, the Paris Marathon, and a quiz night held at St Edward’s School (Oxford).

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

National Gas and UK Youth launched a collaboration to establish a cross-sector partnership that meets the evolving needs of young people.

Details about our funding practice are found on our website.

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Looking ahead

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

35

UK Youth is entering a year of focus, reflection and continued momentum as we transition to a new CEO, welcome the new National Youth Strategy, and plan for the next phase of our future. Our business plan sets us on a bold course to deepen our impact, strengthen inclusion, and ensure long-term financial sustainability in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

We are committed to securing sufficient income while maintaining a break-even budget and protecting reserves. This financial discipline underpins our ambition to increase social enterprise contributions and deliver more of what we do best for young people, despite inflation and sector-wide funding pressures.

To significantly increase our reach and deepen our impact, our plans include:

In the coming year, and under the leadership of our new CEO, we will also be clarifying our long-term focus and sharpening our theory of change. Our refreshed strategy will expand UK Youth’s leadership on systems-level change and sector-wide impact. With a clear vision and a disciplined plan, UK Youth remains committed to championing high-quality youth work and ensuring that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Thank you 2024/25 in numbers Thank you to our Patron, Honorary President, and contributors, including our valued Welcome individual donors, trusts and foundations, government and corporate supporters, partners and community groups. About us TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC Trusts and foundations Government and public sector Professional bodies REPORT) Strategic Challenge 1 ♥ Astra Foundation ♥ #iWill Fund ♥ Institute for Outdoor Learning Strategic Challenge 2 ♥ Big Change Charitable Trust ♥ Department for Digital, ♥ Ending Youth Violence Lab Strategic Challenge 3 ♥ BBC Children in Need Culture, Media and Sport ♥ IFF Research ♥ Co-op Foundation ♥ National Citizen Service (NCS) ♥ Creative Youth Network Strategic Challenge 4 ♥ Comic Relief ♥ The Players of the People's ♥ Partnership for Young London Our funding and gratitude ♥ Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Postcode Lottery and the ♥ Youth Focus West Midlands ♥ Oak Foundation Postcode Education Trust ♥ Youth Focus North East Financial, structure and governance review ♥ Paul Hamlyn Foundation ♥ Youth Focus North West ♥ Peacock Charitable Trust ♥ Youth Focus South East INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S ♥ Pears Foundation ♥ Youth Focus South West REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ♥ The People’s Postcode Lottery ♥ Youth Focus West Midlands and its players Corporate ♥ Youth Focus East and East Independent Auditor's ♥ The Reed Foundation Midlands report ♥ The Blagrave Trust ♥ Burger King UK ♥ Youth Work Unit Yorkshire & Our financial statements ♥ The Edgar Lee Foundation ♥ Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Humber ♥ The Emilienne Charitable Trust ♥ Cosy Club ♥ Violence Reduction Network ♥ The G D Herbert Charitable ♥ IP Integration ♥ Volunteering Matters Trust ♥ KFC ♥ Big Change ♥ The Gilbert Edgar Trust ♥ Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. ♥ Fair Education Alliance ♥ The Julia Rausing Trust ♥ National Gas Transmission ♥ TRIUMPH Network ♥ Westminster Foundation ♥ nexfibre ♥ Youth Endowment Fund ♥ Osborne Clarke Annual report & ♥ Youth Futures Foundation ♥ Primark financial statements ♥ RSA Insurance 2024/25 ♥ SQW 36 ~~=~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Individual giving and events Allies and Ambassadors 2024/25 in numbers ♥ Art for Youth London Committee: Lady Griffiths (President), Sarah Austin ♥ Nigel Mansell Welcome (Chair), Henry Foreman (Vice-chair), Sam Fairbairn (Vice-Chair), Diana ♥ AESSEAL Ltd Brooks MBE (Founder), Tim Begg (Honorary Treasurer), Guy Allen, Arabella ♥ Give It Away - Charlotte Grobien About us Brooke, Charlie Brooks, Alexandra Campbell-Harris, Philippa HoganOBE TRUSTEES' REPORT Hern, Kiersty Long, Jen MacDonald, Aran Matharu, Caitlin Mavroleon, ♥ Investors in Youth (INCLUDING STRATEGIC Nick Melluish, Sam Melluish MBE, Karen Protopapa, Emily St Aubyn, Flora ♥ Our incredible London REPORT) Stobart, Anthony Yannaghas Marathon runners Strategic Challenge 1 ♥ Friends of UK Youth ♥ Art for Youth North Committee: Rachel Bowron (Chair), Anna Milbank, ♥ Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane Strategic Challenge 2 Ludo Compton, Antonia Consett, Caroline Lawson-Tancred, Emma ♥ Williams Racing Strategic Challenge 3 Manners, Fanny Green, Henriette Graham, Jayne Hopton, John Hollins, Kate ♥ Elite Fundraising Strategic Challenge 4 Preston, Morn Robson, Rachel Lindley, Sarah Hall, Sarah Pearson, Susan ♥ Jason Jenner Wilmot, Susie Dugdale, Victoria Hunt, Isabel Vaughan ♥ Peter Windsor Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and ♥ Gala Dinner Committee: Matt Price (Chair), Lisa O’Rahilly, Nneka Orji, ♥ Special thank you to the governance review Frances Martin-Isaacs, Danielle Perfect. Development Board INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S We also thank our Corporate REPORT AND FINANCIALCommunity Challenge Events: Matthew Price, Freddie Price, Charlie Price, Development Board members: STATEMENTS Andy Crinson, Jem Mavroleon, and St. Edward’s School Graeme Swan (Chair), David Independent Auditor's Thomlinson, Paul Ashley, Fond Farewell to Art for Youth North report Kate Boddington, Naomi After an astonishing 22 years, Art for Youth North has now closed. The Kasolowsky, Gayatri Raman Our financial statements dedication of committee members, artists, and sponsors who collectively and William Stancer. raised a phenomenal £350,000 for UK Youth has made a lasting difference. To the young people driving change To our delivery partners We are endlessly inspired by you as you work alongside Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to young Annual report & financial statements us to shape a better future. Your voices, ideas, and people are the driving force behind everything we 2024/25 leadership are at the heart of everything we do. Thank achieve. We extend to you heartfelt appreciation. you for partnering with us to shape and unlock youth Together we have turned innovative ideas into scalable, work for all. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow, you impactful programmes, bringing meaningful change 37 are the leaders of today. to thousands of young lives. ~~mm~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Financial, structure and governance review

Welcome

~~FINANCI~~ AL, About us STRUCTURE AND

TRUSTEES' REPORT GOVERNANCE (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REVIEW REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

38

Financial Review

We raised £13.8m in 2024/25, a decrease of 14.9% from 2023/24. This was mainly due to the timing of Thriving Minds restricted income, with £4.1m recognised in 2023/24 but distributed in 2024/25. Without this timing adjustment, income levels were broadly consistent, showing that our core income base remains strong and stable despite a challenging economic climate. Expenditure rose to £17.9m (2023/24: £14.7m), reflecting the timing of restricted programme funding, with income recognised in the prior year and delivery costs incurred this year. As expected, this produced a timing deficit of £4.1m, funded from restricted reserves built up over recent years. Excluding these timing effects, our underlying operating position remained strong, reflecting continued financial stability, and unrestricted reserves were maintained within the target range

Notably, the reduction in income does not indicate a fall in fundraising or programme activity but results from the accounting treatment of multi-year restricted grants. For example, income from Thriving Minds recognised last year continues to support delivery during 2024/25.

Our programme expenditure, including £7.1m in grant distribution, increased by almost 15%. Restricted funds, provided for specific purposes, grew by £2.2m. In contrast, designated funds, committed by the Trustees for particular schemes, increased by £157,000 and general expenditure, including fundraising, charitable activity delivery, and organisation costs, increased by £815,000, reflecting the expansion of our cross-sector work.

Income

Total income was £13.8m, of which £9.8m was restricted. Our income comprised individual donations, funding from trusts and foundations, government grants, corporate support, and social-enterprise activities at our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre.

Breakdown of income

67% Funding for youth work programmes £9,249,000

17% Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre £2,297,000

10% Donations & legacies £1,420,000

2% Fundraising events £315,000

1% UK Youth Movement £95,000

2% Other income £260,000 1% Investments £145,000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

Programme funding totalled £9.2m (2023/24: £12.0m). Operating income from Avon Tyrrell rose to £2.3m (2023/24: £2.1m), driven by site improvements and more flexible residential opportunities. Income from donations and legacies decreased slightly to £1.4m (2023/24: £1.5m), while fundraising events generated £315k (2023/24: £414k). In addition, £95k was received to support the UK Youth Movement - funding that we invest directly in our network through convening, capacity building, and shared tools. Other income totalled £260k, and investment income was £145k.

Expenditure

We spent £17.9m to achieve our mission (2023/24: £14.7m), representing a 22% increase. Programme expenditure, including grant distribution, rose by 32% to £13.7m (2023/24: £10.4m), reflecting the programme funds received in the prior year and the delivery costs incurred in the current year.

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre's operating costs before central allocations rose to £1.9m (2023/24: £1.7m), reflecting higher levels of activity. As a social enterprise, Avon Tyrrell contributes to cross-organisational costs, so not all expenses are directly tied to its operations. Its surplus is reinvested into core activities, demonstrating the strength of UK Youth's social enterprise model. Total costs at Avon Tyrrell increased from £2.1m to £2.3m.

Network support and advocacy expenditure also grew, reflecting the expansion of our cross-sector work. We invested £1.3m in income generation (2023/24: £1.2m). Support costs increased to £2.8m (2023/24: £2.3m), including £0.1m Ambition support, £0.1m for the temporary COO role to strengthen organisational capacity, and £0.2m one-off Leadership Transition and Organisational Development costs.

Restricted funds were £3.1m, including £411k for the Thriving Minds programme and £1.8m for the Cost of Living Fund, which will be distributed to youth organisations in 2025/26.

Designated funds totalled £810k, comprising the Tangible Fixed Asset Fund and other designated reserves set aside for specific strategic and operational purposes. Further details, including the nature and expected timing of expenditure, are provided in Note 20.

General funds were £1.4m, including £211k relating to properties held by NACYP/Ambition, a custodial trustee managed since 2017. These properties are expected to be sold when conditions allow, but are not considered free reserves due to the uncertainty of timing. Remaining general funds (our free reserves) totalled £1.17m, as shown in Note 21.

Breakdown of expenditure

76% Youth work programmes £13,695,000

13% Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre £2,314,000

1% Other movement support £227,000 2% Advocacy & communication £408,000 7% Raising income £1,261,000

Charitable funds

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As of 31 March 2025, total funds stood at £5.3m (2023/24: £9.4m). The reduction was mainly due to the distribution of Thriving Minds and Cost of Living funds received in previous years.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

40

Cash

Our cash position on 31 March 2025 was £5.1m, compared with £4.0m at the end of 2023/24. The increase reflects the receipt of a Cost of Living grant towards the end of the financial year, which is earmarked for distribution in the following year.

Overall, 2024/25 was a year of significant delivery against prior-year funding commitments, managed within a strong reserves position and with continued investment in programme quality, leadership transition, and future sustainability.

Reserve policy and going concern

UK Youth has experienced significant expansion over the past three years. We have almost doubled our income since 2020/21. This growth, combined with the uncertain economy, highlights the need for the charity to maintain sufficient reserves and regularly assess whether they are needed.

When setting the reserves policy, the Board of Trustees considered various factors. These include the charity’s financial position, recent performance, and expectations for future years, as well as current and future liquidity coverage. The goal is to ensure that we have the necessary funds to continue our activities during periods of uncertainty.

The key considerations of the Board of Trustees included:

The Finance, Risk and Audit Committee annually reviews the reserve policy and the level of reserves, including free reserves, as shown in the financial statements. The Board approves the review of the Trustees’ reserves policy.

Following guidance from the Charity Commission, the group’s strategic plans, and current economic conditions, the Board of Trustees has set a target range for free reserves between £1.1m and £1.3m.

These figures are considered appropriate to ensure financial stability and safeguard against volatile and unpredictable income streams, as well as unforeseen expenditures and liabilities. As of 31 March 2025, the group’s unrestricted (general) funds were £1.4m. As of 31 March 2024, the figure was £1.3m.

Our charity free reserves were £1.23m, slightly above the minimum level set out by our Trustees. This figure compares to £1.1m in 2024. We have set a budget for 2025/26 to maintain our free reserves to at least £1.2m by March 2026.

As part of its oversight of the Group’s financial position, the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee continues to monitor the Ambition subsidiary, which holds a small number of legacy property assets. While these assets are fully restricted to charitable purposes, their disposal and potential accounting treatment may impact reserves in future years. The Board considers this risk to be appropriately managed within the current reserves policy and group oversight framework.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

The Finance, Risk and Audit Committee regularly monitors our progress toward achieving this goal as part of its review of the management accounts.

The Board of Trustees reasonably expects that the charity and the Group have adequate resources to continue operating for at least 12 months from the approval date of these financial statements. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees believes that the going concern basis remains appropriate for preparing the annual report and financial statements.

Investment policy

The Board of Trustees believes that the optimal riskreturn balance can be achieved by investing some of the free reserves in medium-term investments with a time horizon of 3-5 years. The remaining free reserves will also be allocated to short-term cash deposits.

The Board of Trustees invests in socially responsible assets in line with our charity’s mission and our responsibility to maximise the positive impact we make on young people.

The Finance, Risk and Audit Committee reviews the investments quarterly as part of its review of our management accounts. The Cazenove Capital Responsible Multi-Asset Fund manages a range of investments. At the end of the year, the value of these investments was £536,000, compared with £531,000 in the previous year. All assets the charity holds fall within those permitted by our Memorandum and Articles of Association.

relationships that provide mutual value. These efforts are critical in sustaining the charity’s programmes and expanding its impact across the UK.

UK Youth is committed to upholding the highest standards of fundraising practice and complies with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. The charity monitors all fundraising carried out in its name to ensure it reflects our values and legal obligations.

During the year, no complaints were received regarding our fundraising activities. We have clear policies and staff training in place to protect vulnerable people from unreasonable intrusion into privacy, from persistent or excessive approaches, and from any undue pressure to donate. We continually review our fundraising practices to ensure that all interactions with supporters are respectful, transparent, and in line with the Code.

Our 2024/25 fundraising campaign is described in greater detail on pages 31 to 34 of this report.

Grant-making

As part of its charitable activities, UK Youth provide grants to support youth organisations across the UK.

Our grant-making policy is focused on ensuring that resources are allocated to organisations that align with our strategic priorities and aim to empower young people. All grants are awarded following a thorough assessment process that evaluates the applicant’s alignment with our objectives, the project’s potential impact, and the organisation’s financial sustainability.

Fundraising practice

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UK Youth’s fundraising practices are rooted in integrity, transparency, and a commitment to building sustainable partnerships. We engage a diverse range of supporters, from individuals to corporate partners, to secure funding that aligns with our mission of empowering young people. UK Youth ensures that all fundraising activities adhere to ethical standards, focusing on long-term

We support projects that contribute to the personal, social, and educational development of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Through multi-year grants and capacity-building support, we aim to ensure the sustainability and longterm impact of youth organisations. The grants we

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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provide play a crucial role in helping us achieve our broader aim of unlocking youth work for all by providing vital resources that enhance the reach and quality of youth services.

Structure and governance review

The Trustees understand that strong governance is essential to UK Youth’s success. They foster a culture of accountability, alignment with our charitable vision, and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The Board regularly reviews the charity’s governance and management structures, referencing the principles of the Charity Governance Code and adapting them as necessary to suit UK Youth’s size and complexity.

Legal structure

UK Youth is a charitable company registered in England and Wales, limited by guarantee. The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, dated initially 16 March 2005 and amended on 7 December 2016. We are registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

UK Youth consolidates the financial statements of the National Association of Clubs for Young People (operating as Ambition) as a subsidiary through deemed control. Ambition is a charitable company governed by a Royal Charter dated 25 May 1939 and amended on 20 May 1997. It is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and governed by its Charter and By-laws.

Board of trustees

The Board comprises Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Honorary Treasurer) and Ordinary Trustees. The minimum number of Trustees is six; there is no fixed maximum. Trustees are appointed by ordinary resolution at a general meeting of the Members, based on nominations from existing Trustees or Members submitted in writing in advance.

Appointments are based on expertise, experience, and a

commitment to diversity and sector knowledge. Trustees serve for three year terms and may be re-elected, serving a maximum of nine years, unless a special resolution approves an extension.

The Board is responsible for setting the charity’s strategic direction. It meets with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) four times yearly to review performance and ensure alignment with the charity’s objectives. The Chief Executive reports directly to the Board and is responsible for day-to-day leadership, policy implementation, and strategy execution, supported by the SLT.

Fundraising oversight

Trustees oversee all fundraising activities to comply with relevant legislation, including the Charities Act 2011 and the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice. Fundraising must be conducted in a manner that is legal, transparent, and respectful. The Board regularly reviews fundraising strategy, monitors performance, and assesses risks to safeguard the charity’s reputation and public trust.

Trustee induction and development

All new trustees receive a formal induction and sign a Trustee Agreement. The induction, led by the Chair and Chief Executive, covers:

Trustees are encouraged to visit UK Youth offices, meet key staff, attend events and programmes, and take part in training or professional development. Resources are provided as needed to support ongoing learning.

Board effectiveness

The Board conducts regular governance reviews and skills audits to assess its performance and composition.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

43

This helps ensure an appropriate mix of experience, expertise, and capacity to provide adequate oversight and manage strategic risks. Our insurers offer Charity Trustee Assurance to cover trustees.

Conflicts of interest are declared annually and monitored at each Committee and Board meeting. All declarations are managed following UK Youth’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Board committees

To support effective decision-making, the Board has delegated specific responsibilities to Committees through a formal Scheme of Delegation. Following a governance review, the standing committees during the financial year were:

Co-opted members are appointed to Board committees for their specialist expertise. They are not trustees but provide independent advice, challenge, and support to strengthen governance and oversight.

Senior leadership team

To support effective strategy implementation, the Chief Executive delegates operational responsibility to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in line with the charity’s Scheme of Delegation. Together, the Trustees and SLT form the charity’s key management personnel.

In 2024–25, the SLT included the CEO and five directors: the Chief Impact Officer, Director of Network Delivery, interim Chief Operating Officer, Director of Outdoor Learning, and Director of Youth Services and Innovation. Following the end of the interim Chief Operating Officer’s appointment in June 2025, the Director of Finance and Operations and the Assistant Director of People joined the SLT.

The People Committee sets remuneration for the SLT, using a broad range of benchmarking data to ensure salaries are fair and comparable with similar organisations in the sector.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding children, young people, adults at risk, and all who engage with our charity is central to our work. We focus on preventing harm and responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns.

We take our duty of care seriously, promoting safe practice through rigorous risk assessments, robust policies, and ongoing training. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training at induction, with mandatory annual refreshers.

Safeguarding is embedded in our governance. The Impact and Delivery Committee provides regular oversight, all Trustees have completed NSPCC safeguarding training, and the full Board reviews and approves our safeguarding policy and procedures annually.

We maintain a strong safeguarding culture through safe recruitment and detailed risk assessments for any criminal record disclosures. We do not engage individuals who pose an unacceptable risk.

Our Safeguarding Policy sets out clear standards and procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing concerns. Led by our Designated Safeguarding Lead and a dedicated team, we ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practice, deliver training, advise staff and volunteers, and report regularly to the Impact and Delivery Committee. Volunteers are essential to our work, supporting programme delivery, governance, and youth engagement activities. Their commitment greatly enhances our capacity to deliver safe, high-quality youth work across the UK.To support staff, we provide a central Safeguarding Hub on SharePoint, giving easy access to all policies, procedures, and reporting tools.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Risk management

The Board of Trustees maintains a comprehensive risk management strategy that covers ongoing risk identification, systems to mitigate key risks, and procedures to minimise impact should risks materialise.

Risk oversight is embedded in our governance framework. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT), under the supervision of the Impact and Risk Committee, manages operational risks. The charity’s risk register is reviewed regularly by both the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Board to ensure controls remain appropriate and effective.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Financial sustainability

We take a prudent approach to financial risk management to support sustainable growth. Budget holders review management accounts monthly, and Trustees conduct quarterly financial reviews to monitor income and expenditure. Reserves are maintained in line with the trustee-approved Reserve Policy.

Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of young people and vulnerable adults is a top priority. We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards, including enhanced DBS checks, mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers, and clear safeguarding policies for everyone working with or on behalf of the charity.

Staff wellbeing and workload

As we grow and adapt to an evolving external environment, we continue to invest in staff support. Our people strategy includes an upgraded Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), manager training, regular workload reviews, and channels for anonymous feedback.

In 2024/25, we had 17 trained Mental Health First Aiders and embedded wellbeing action plans into staff appraisals, making wellbeing a core element of our performance and support culture.

Gender pay gap

Although UK Youth is not required to report on Gender Pay Gap data due to its size, we are committed to transparency and equity across the organisation. A more robust analysis is in development, alongside data on ethnicity pay, which, although not required for reporting, we believe is an essential part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy.

Changes to legislation and regulation

Our operations comply with a wide range of regulatory requirements, including fundraising, charity law, and financial governance. We regularly review and update our practices to ensure full compliance and uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

This commitment safeguards the trust of our supporters, funders, and regulators, and ensures our work aligns with relevant statutory requirements and sector best practice across all areas of operation.

Statement of trustee responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of UK Youth for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report, including the Strategic Report, and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give an accurate and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable group and of the income and expenditure of the charitable group for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

45

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable group 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 group and, hence, for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Each of the trustees confirms that:

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted according to the provisions of S418 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information to the auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees’ report is approved has confirmed that:

The trustees' report, including the Strategic Report, was approved by the Board of Trustees on 13 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Matt Matt Price Chair of Trustees

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Charity information

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Reference and administrative details:

Charity number: 1110590 Company number: 05402004

Principal office:

Bankers:

Investment managers:

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore, Christchurch, BH23 8EE

Barclays Bank plc 7th Floor United Kingdom House 180 Oxford Street London W1D 1EA

Cazenove Capital Schroder and Co 1 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Independent auditors:

Buzzacott Audit LLP 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Solicitors:

Lodders Number 10 Elm Court Arden Street Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6PA

Insurance advisors:

Gallagher The Walbrook Building 25 Walbrook London EC4N 8AW

Get in touch

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

020 3137 3810 

Find us on

 www.ukyouth.org  info@ukyouth.org

46

UK YOUTH Independent Auditor’s report and financial statements

2024/25 in numbers

~~INDEPENDEN~~ T Welcome

Independent auditor’s report to the members of UK Youth

~~AUDITOR’S REPOR~~ T About us AND FINANCIAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT STATEMENTS (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) INDEPENDENT

Strategic Challenge 1 AUDITOR'S REPORT Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

47

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of UK Youth (the ‘charitable parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which the comprise the group statement of financial activities, the group and charitable parent company balance sheets and consolidated statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and the notes to the financial statements. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and charitable parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and financial statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

strategic report, has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the charitable parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report including the strategic report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

48

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group’s and the charitable parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the charitable parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

49

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/ auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

50

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and

Gumayel Miah (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Buzzacott Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor

130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Date: 15 November 2025

Our financial statements

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

Please click on the links below to read our audited financial statements

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Consolidated statement of financial activities

Balance sheet

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

51

UK Youth London Office Fivefields, 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0DH 020 3137 3810

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre Braggers Lane, Bransgore, Hampshire, BH23 8EE 01425 672 347

Charity number: 1110590 www.ukyouth.org

Find us on:

Consolidated statement of financial activities

(incorporating an income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
General Designated General Designated
Note £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Income from:
Donations and legacies 2 866 - 593 1,459 383 - 1,146 1,529
Charitable activities - non formal education 3 2,392 - 9,249 11,641 2,114 - 12,011 14,125
Other trading activities - fundraising events 4 315 - - 315 414 - - 414
Investments 5 145 - - 145 118 - - 118
Other income 6 221 - - 221 4 - - 4
Total income 3,939 - 9,842 13,781 3,033 - 13,157 16,190
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 1,251 10 - 1,261 1,109 90 - 1,199
Charitable activities 8 2,438 439 13,767 16,644 1,765 202 11,535 13,502
Total expenditure 3,689 449 13,767 17,905 2,874 292 11,535 14,701
Net gain / (loss) on investments 16 5 - - 5 48 - - 48
Net income / (expenditure) 255 (449) (3,925) (4,119) 207 (292) 1,622 1,537
Transfers between funds (234) 234 - - - - - -
Net movements in funds 21 (215) (3,925) (4,119) 207 (292) 1,622 1,537
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 1,355 1,025 7,030 9,410 1,148 1,317 5,408 7,873
Total funds carried forward 1,376 810 3,105 5,291 1,355 1,025 7,030 9,410

This consolidated statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses during the year. All amounts relate to continuing activities. The consolidated statement of financial activities is for the Group as a whole. The total underlaying surplus for the year for charity was a deficit of £4,127k (2024: surplus of £1,563k)

Balance As at 31 March sheets 2025 |

Group Group Charity Charity
2025 2024 2025 2024
Note £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets 13 37 151 37 151
Tangible fixed assets 14 790 937 529 617
Investments 16 536 531 535 530
1,363 1,619 1,101 1,298
Current assets
Stock 22 21 22 21
Debtors 17 2,147 6,545 2,291 6,686
Cash at bank and in hand 5,075 3,958 4,815 3,862
7,244 10,524 7,128 10,569
Creditors: amounts falling due in less than one year 18 (3,316) (2,733) (3,221) (2,727)
Net current assets 3,928 7,791 3,907 7,842
Total assets less current liabilities 5,291 9,410 5,008 9,140
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year - - - -
Total net assets 5,291 9,410 5,008 9,140
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 19 3,105 7,030 2,966 6,861
Unrestricted funds:
General funds 20 1,366 1,355 1,232 1,254
Designated funds 20 810 1,025 810 1,025
5,291 9,410 5,008 9,140

The financial statements set out here were approved by the Board of Trustees on 13th November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Matt Price Matt Price Chair of Trustees

Company number 05402004 Charity number 1110590

The Charity’s net movement in funds for the year was a reduction of £4,127,000 (2023: increase of £1,563,000), largely due to distribution of Restricted income accumulated over the previous financial years.

Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £’000 £’000
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 22 942 (3,730)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments 145 118
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 30 -
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities 175 118
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year 1,117 (3,612)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 23 3,958 7,570
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 23 5,075 3,958

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

A summary of the more important accounting policies, which have been consistently applied, is set out below.

1.1 Charitable status

UK Youth is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales and a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

1.2 Basis of accounting and consolidation

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 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees have reviewed the going concern position and consider it is appropriate for these financial statements to be prepared on the going concern basis.

UK Youth 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 policies.

The consolidated group financial statements include the financial statements of UK Youth (charity number 1110590, company number 05402004) (“the Charity”) and its subsidiary undertakings, The National Association of Clubs for Young People and Youth Work (UK) Limited. The accounting year end for all undertakings is 31 March. There was an additional 100% owned subsidiary company, Youth Achievement Trust which was incorporated on 27 December 2013, and did not trade in the periods or in the comparative period and so has been excluded from the consolidation on the grounds that it is not material.

Going concern

1.3

The Trustees have assessed the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future, defined as a period of at least 12 months from this report’s approval date. In making this assessment, the Trustees have considered the Group’s financial position, budgetary projections, and any potential risks or uncertainties that could affect the Group’s operations. Based on this review, the Trustees reasonably expect the Group to have adequate resources to continue operational existence for the next 12 months. As a result, the Trustees believe it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

1.4 Significant estimates and judgments

The following accounting estimates and judgments made in the preparation of these financial statements are considered significant because of their complexity and their impact on the financial statements:

Funds

1.5

Following the requirements of the Charities SORP (FRS 102) all the funds of UK Youth have been analysed over the different types of funds:

On 15 September 2017, the Charity entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with The National Association of Clubs for Young People trading as Ambition. As a result of this agreement, UK Youth appointed the majority of the Board of Trustees of Ambition and it is therefore considered a subsidiary by virtue of deemed control. The income and expenditure of Ambition for the current and comparative financial years have been included in the Group Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, and the net assets and funds at each balance sheet date have been included in the Group Balance Sheet.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

1.6 Income

All income has been included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis. Donations and grant income is only recognised where and to the extent that any terms and conditions have been met and there is unconditional entitlement to the income. In the case of performance related grants and contracts, income received in advance is deferred and released in line with performance. That part of the income which has been deferred is included in creditors.

1.7 Expenditure

All expenditure is included in the consolidated statement of financial activities on an accruals basis. Expenditure on charitable activities is all expenditure directly relating to the objects of the Charity. Expenditure on raising funds is expenditure incurred in seeking voluntary contributions to the Charity and organising activities to generate funds. Support costs are allocated based on the approximate time spent on each activity. Termination benefits are measured at the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. If the expected settlement date of the termination payments is 12 months or more after making the provision and the effect would be material, the present value of the obligation is calculated using an appropriate discount rate.

1.8 Grants payable

Grants payable are included in the statement of financial activities as expenditure in the period in which the award is made. Grants which have been approved and agreed with other organisations but which are unpaid at the year-end are accrued. Grants where the beneficiary has not been informed or has to meet certain conditions before the grant is released are not accrued.

Properties held for resale in the National Association of Clubs for Young People subsidiary are not depreciated. Properties come into ownership of the subsidiary when youth associations close, and the subsidiary is named in the constitutional documents of the association as the residual beneficiary upon closure. When the property reverts to Ambition’s balance sheet, these properties are initially recognised based on an estimate of the property’s open market value. This is considered the deemed cost, and no further adjustment is made for changes in value up to the time of its disposal, although the carrying value is assessed for possible impairment at each balance sheet date. Assets below the value of £500 are not capitalised unless they form part of a larger project value of over £500.

1.11 Investments

Listed investments are included in the balance sheet at mid-market value. Gains and losses whether realised or unrealised are reflected in the consolidated statement of financial activities

1.11.1 Cash at bank

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year have been disclosed as short-term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.

1.12 Stock

Stock is valued at the lower of cost on the first in first out method and net realisable value.

1.13 Debtors

1.9 Intangible assets

Intangible assets represent costs of the Charity’s customer relationship management (CRM) system. These costs are being amortised on a straight line basis over three years.

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due, less any provision for bad or doubtful amounts. Such provisions are specific and applied in a consistent manner based on aged debts and other factors affecting potential recoverability.

1.10 Tangible assets

Tangible assets brought into use are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation rates vary according to the class of asset and are principally:

1.14 Creditors

Trade and other creditors are recognised at transaction price due, after allowing for any trade discounts. Deferred income represents invoices raised and cash receipts, for which income recognition criteria is not yet met, and will be satisfied in future accounting periods. Such amounts are not discounted. Deferred income relates to funding received from various sources in advance of the year end in respect of activities which were carried out after the year end.

1.15 Value Added Tax (VAT)

The Charity and its subsidiary, the National Association of Clubs for Young People, are partially exempt.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted Restricted Group
Total 2025
Unrestricted Restricted Group
Total 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Donations from individuals and corporates 490 264 754 215 46 261
Legacies - - - 1 - 1
Grants from trusts and foundations 376 328 705 167 1,100 1,267
867 592 1,459 383 1,146 1,529
3. Income from charitable activities: Group Group
non-formal education Unrestricted Restricted Total 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Programme funding from public sector sources (see below) - 2,246 2,246 - 2,398
2,398
2,398
Programme funding from other sources - 7,003 7,003 - 9,613 9,613
Total programme funding - 9,249 9,249 - 12,011 12,011
Income from Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre 2,297 - 2,297 2,113 - 2,113
Other income from non-formal education 95 - 95 1 - 1
2,392 9,249 11,641 2,114 12,011 14,125
Programme funding from public sector sources
DCMS - Adventures Away from Home - 1,569 1,569 - 1,801 1,801
DCMS - Youth Evidence Research Project - 43 43 - 3 3
Sport England - Systems Partners - 634 634 - 594
594
594
- 2,246 2,246 - 2,398
2,398
2,398

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4. Income from other trading activities:
fundraising events
Group
Unrestricted and
Group
Unrestricted and
total 2025 total 2024
£’000 £’000
Art for Youth exhibition and auction 245 332
Sponsored challenge events 70 82
315 414
Group Group
5. Income from investments Unrestricted and Unrestricted and
total 2025 total 2024
£’000 £’000
Interest received 145 118
145 118
Group Group
6. Other income Unrestricted and Unrestricted and
total 2025 total 2024
£’000 £’000
Other income 221
221 4
Gains on investments 5 -

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Expenditure on raising funds 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Direct costs 860 841
Costs of fundraising events 203 199
Support costs (note 9) 198 159
1,261 1199
Activities Grant Support Activities Grant Support
8. Expenditure on charitable activities undertaken funding of costs Total undertaken funding of costs Total
directly activities (note 9) 2025 directly activities (note 9) 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Non-formal education programmes 4,676 7,153 1,866 13,695 2,713 6,169 1,502 10,384
Avon Tyrrell outdoor activity centre 1,862 - 452 2,314 1,725 - 364 2,089
Other non-formal education - - 227 227 447 - 182 629
Communications and policy 323 - 85 408 331 - 69 400
Total 6,861 7,153 2,630 16,644 5,216 6,169 2,117 13,502
Non-formal Avon Tyrrell Other Comms
9. Support costs Raising educational outdoor non-formal and Sub-total Total
funds programmes activity centre education policy 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
CEO, office & operations 55 577 126 63 24 845 632
Finance 24 377 55 27 10 493 468
Depreciation 14 148 31 16 6 215 201
Human Resources 21 215 47 24 9 316 298
Digital & IT 22 210 51 25 9 317 296
Impact, strategy & research 45 171 102 51 19 388 361
Leadership Transition/Org Developments 16 155 37 19 7 234 -
Governance 1 13 3 2 1 20 20
Total 2025 198 1,866 452 227 85 2,828 -
Total 2024 159 1,502 364 182 69 2,276 2,276

Support costs consist of the costs of the charity’s head office, chief executive, finance, HR, IT, and strategy and research functions. Support costs are allocated based on the approximate time spent on each activity. Support costs increased to £2.8m (2023/24: £2.3m), due to dedicated £0.1m Ambition support, £0.1m for the temporary COO role to strengthen organisational capacity and £0.2m one off Leadership Transition/Organisational Developments costs.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

10. Staff costs 2025 2024
number number
The average weekly number of people
employed (Group and Charity) were:
Full time 112 112
Part time 10 18
Total 122 130
2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Staff costs were made up as follows:
Wages and salaries 4,430 4,259
Redundancy 95 8
Social security costs 439 428
Pension costs 179 172
5,143 4,867
The number of employees whose emoluments as defined
for taxation purposes excluding pension contribution
amounted to £60,000 or more were as follows; 2025 2024
number number
£60,000 to £69,999 2 1
£70,000 to £79,999 2 2
£80,000 to £89,999 2 2
£90,000 to £99,999 1 1
£100,000 to £109,999 - 1
£130,000 to £140,000 1 -
8 7

Redundancy payments were made to 7 employees during the year (2024: 4) Trustees do not receive any remuneration for their services to UK Youth or any subsidiary.

During the year ended 31 March 2025, 10 (2024: 7) key management personnel received remuneration totalling £801,096 (2024: £564,321). During the year ended 31 March 2025, no trustees (2024: none) were reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses for their services to the charity.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

11. Pension costs

The Charity contributes up to 5% matched funding into various stakeholder pension schemes. The amounts paid in respect of these were £179,000 (2024: £172,000).

12. Net movement in funds

12. Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Expenditure charged in arriving at the net movement in
funds includes:
Depreciation 81 88
Amortisation 114 114
Auditors' remuneration 20 18
Operating lease charge 4 14
13. Intangible fixed assets Group
Intangible
Group Charity
Intangible
Charity
assets Total assets Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cost or valuation
Transfers - - -
At 31 March 2025 341 341 341 341
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 April 2024 190 190 190 190
Charge for year 114 114 114 114
At 31 March 2025 304 304 304 304
Net book value
At 31 March 2025 37 37 37 37
At 31 March 2024 151 151 151 151

All intangible fixed assets are used for charitable purposes

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Group Group Group Group Group Group Charity Charity Charity Charity Charity Charity
14. Tangible fixed assets Outdoor
activity centre
Outdoor
activity
Outdoor
activity centre
Furniture,
Fixtures,
Outdoor
activity centre
Outdoor
activity
Outdoor
activity centre
Furniture,
Fixtures,
Freehold property centre cabins and fittings Freehold property centre cabins and fittings
property improvements equipment boathouse and IT Total property improvements equipment boathouse and IT Total
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024 320 374 338 1,195 161 2,388 - 374 338 1,195 161 2,068
Additions - - - - - - - - - - - -
Disposals (30) - - - - (30) - - - - - -
At 31 March 2025 290 374 338 1,195 161 2,358 - 374 338 1,195 161 2,068
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2024 - 250 169 907 125 1,451 - 250 169 907 125 1,451
Charge for year - 19 10 44 9 82 - 19 10 44 9 82
Impairment 35 - - - - 35 - - - - - -
At 31 March 2025 35 269 179 951 134 1,568 - 269 179 951 134 1,533
Net book value
At 31 March 2025 255 105 159 244 27 790 - 104 158 244 25 529
At 31 March 2024 320 124 169 288 36 937 - 124 169 288 36 617

Properties have been valued at fair value based on existing use by George F White Chartered Surveyors. The valuation was made at the year-end with an impairment of 35k in value.

15. Capital commitments As at 31 March 2025, there were capital commitments of £nil (2024: £nil)

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

16. Investments Group Group Charity Charity
2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Subsidiary undertakings - - - -
Movements during the year
At 1 April 2024 531 483 530 482
Acquired during the year - - - -
Disposals - - - -
At 31 March 2025 536 531 535 530
The subsidiary undertakings are as detailed below:
Country of Principal Principal
Net assets/(liabilities)
Net assets/(liabilities)
Subsidiary Holding Incorporation activity at 31 March 2025
£’000
Youth Work UK Limited (Limited by shares, Company 100% UK Dormant (3)
No. 02528359)
National Association of Clubs for Young People trading Deemed Control UK Youth work 282
as Ambition (Limited by guarantee, Charity No. 306065)
Income / Debtor / Debtor /
Subsidiary Transactions (expenditure) (creditor)
Youth Work UK Limited (Limited by shares, Company None - (3)
No. 02528359)
National Association of Clubs for Young People trading Current account 31 142
as Ambition (Limited by guarantee, Charity No. 306065) financing

Listed investments all comprise shares listed on a recognised stock exchange. Their value is determined by the mid-market value at the balance sheet date.

Investments held at 31 March 2025 (and 31 March 2024) wholly composed holdings in SULT Cazenove Charity Responsible Multi-asset Fund A Accumulation units

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

17. Debtors Group Group Charity Charity
2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Trade debtors 377 332 373 332
Other debtors 1,706 6,147 1,712 6,146
Prepayments 64 66 64 66
Amount owed by Subsidiaries - - 142 142
2,147 6,545 2,291 6,686
18. Creditors : amounts falling due in Group Group Charity Charity
less than one year 2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Trade creditors 410 181 401 181
Other creditors 209 173 206 167
Accruals 1,284 1174 1,200 1,174
Deferred income 1,413 1,205 1,414 1,205
3,316 2,733 3,221 2,727
Deferred income as at 1st April 2024 1,205 1,008 1,205 1,008
Released from previous years (1,201) (1,004) (1,201) (1,004)
Resources deferred in the year 1,409 1,201 1,410 1,201
Deferred income as at 31st March 2025 1,413 1,205 1,414 1,205

Deferred income consists of income received in advance for bookings at the Avon Tyrrell outdoor learning centre plus amounts received for projects which do not meet the criteria for income recognition and which are being held to fund future project expenditure. Avon Tyrell receipts are released to income when bookings mature; project funding is released to income when related activity and expenditure takes place.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

19. Restricted income funds Funds at
1 April 2024
Income Expenditure Transfers Funds at
31 March 2025
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Non formal education programmes:
Coca Cola European Partners, Building Connections - 416 (416) - -
DLG, Building Connections - 64 (64) - -
Comic Relief, Young Changemakers - 164 (164) - -
Prudence, Joined Up Institute - 357 (357) - -
Osborne Clarke, Joined Up Summit - 10 (10) - -
Blagrave, Joined Up - 34 (34) - -
KKR, YFF, NCS, Joined Up Summit - 219 (219) - -
Oak Foundation, Joined Up - 2 (2) - -
Sport England, Systems Partnership - 634 (634) - -
Osborne Clarke, Digital Inclusion 13 135 (128) - 20
Pears Foundation, Cost-of-living 1,125 2,500 (1,834) - 1,790
Primark, Cost-of-living - 250 (210) - 40
Astra Foundation, Co-Op Foundation, Nat Gas, Belong Collective - 61 (61) - -
Julia & Hans Rausing Trust/Westminster Foundation, Thriving Minds 4,606 - (4,195) - 411
KFC, Hatch 611 3 (590) - 24
RSA Insurance, Building Aspirations 239 357 (333) - 264
YEF, Summer Jobs - 2,191 (2,191) - -
#iwill Fund, #iwill beyond 2020 - 162 (162) - -
YMCA George Williams College Grant, Data Ecosystems project - 43 (43) - -
Oak Foundation, Prevention policy research 15 - (15) - -
DCMS, Adventures Away from Home 103 1,467 (1,569) - -
Alec Reed Prize - 83 (83) - -
DCMS Youth strategy research - 35 (35) - -
Youth First - 50 (50) - -
National Gas, Adventures Away from Home - 30 (30) - -
Home Office - 8 (8) - -
Burger King, County Lines - 38 (38) - -

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

19. Restricted income funds (continued) Funds at
1 April 2024
Income Expenditure Transfers Funds at
31 March 2025
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Non formal education programmes (continued)
DCMS, Cross Sector Working Project - 30 (30) - -
NCS, Social Prescribing Pilot - 40 (40) - -
NCS, Youth Sector Infrastructure Research - 22 (22) - -
NCS, BYA Secretariat - 17 (17) - -
SQW Ltd, Youth Work Barriers Research - 15 (15) - -
YEF, Analysing Youth Work Spending - 7 (7) - -
Other restricted funds
Donations and grants towards capital expenditure 112 4 - - 116
Bursary fund 36 10 (18) - 28
Avon Tyrrell capital appeal 1 250 - - 251
Westminster Foundation - 131 (109) - 22
Restricted funds - Charity 6,861 9,842 (13,737) - 2,966
Ambition - Allendale Property 50 - - - 50
Ambition - Hetton Lyons Property 30 - (30) - -
Ambition - Bridgnorth Fund 89 - - - 89
Restricted Funds - Group 7,030 9,842 (13,767) - 3,105

Non formal education programmes represent funding received from public sector sources and corporate supporters to carry out agreed programmes of non-formal education.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

20. Unrestricted funds Funds at
1 April 2024
Income Expenditure Net gains on
investments
Transfers Funds at
31 March 2025
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Group
General funds 1,356 3,939 (3,689) 5 (234) 1,377
Designated funds
Programmatic fund 62 - (4) - - 58
Avon Tyrrell development fund 66 - (10) - - 56
Avon Tyrrell capital appeal (matching) 129 - - - - 129
Priority Projects: Org Developments - - (234) - 234 -
Fixed assets fund 768 - (202) - - 566
2,381 3,939 (4,138) 5 - 2,187
Charity
General funds 1,254 3,674 (3,468) 5 (234) 1,232
Designated funds
Programmatic fund 62 - (4) - - 58
Avon Tyrell development fund 66 - (10) - - 56
Avon Tyrell capital appeal matching fund 129 - - - - 129
Priority Projects : Org Developments - - (234) - 234 -
Fixed assets fund 768 - (202) - - 566
2,279 3,674 (3,917) 5 - 2,042

The Programmatic designated fund represents the amount set aside to invest in trialling new programmatic approaches for the benefit of young people in 24/25 and future years.

The Avon Tyrrell development designated fund represents funds set aside by the trustees to meet the costs of developing the outdoor activity centre at Avon Tyrrell, as well as funds set aside for planning and fundraising expenditure on the appeal for 24/25 and future years.

The Avon Tyrrell capital appeal matching designated fund represents funds set aside as a contribution towards the capital appeal for 24/25 and future years.

The Priority projects: Org Developments designated fund represents amounts expected to be spent on strategic investments, in particular, digital infrastructure throughout the 2024/25 year.

The Fixed assets designated fund represents the net book value of the tangible fixed assets of the Charity, and transfers into this fund have been made accordingly throughout the 2024/25 year. Freehold properties held for resale by Ambition are not included in the value of this fund.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Group Group Group Group Charity Charity Charity Charity
21. Analysis of assets between funds Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
General Designated funds Total 2025 General Designated funds Total 2025
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Intangible fixed assets - 37 - 37 - 37 - 37
Tangible fixed assets 211 529 50 790 - 529 - 529
Investments 536 - - 536 535 - - 535
Cash at bank and in hand 1,341 244 3,490 5,075 1,170 244 3,401 4,815
Other net current (liabilities)/assets (711) - (435) (1,147) (473) - (435) (908)
Total net assets 1,377 810 3,105 5,291 1,232 810 2,966 5,008
22. Reconcilliation of net (expenditure)
income to net cash flow from operating
activities 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Net (expenditure) income for the reporting period as (4,119) 1,537
per the statement of financial activities
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 82 88
Impairment charge 35
Amortisation charges 114 114
(Gains) on investments (5) (48)
Dividends, interest and rents from investments (145) (118)
(Increase)/Decrease in stocks (1) 2
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 4,398 (6,196)
Increase in creditors 583 891
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 942 (3,730)

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2025 2024
£’000 £’000
Cash at bank and in hand 5,075 3,958
Analysis of changes in net debt At 1st
April 2024
Cashflows New loans At 31st
March 2025
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cash 3,958 1,117 - 5,075
Total 3,958 1,117 - 5,075

24. Related party transactions

During the year ended 31 March 2025, payments of £nil (2024: £87) were made to trustees or related parties

Donations of £14,900 (2024: £7,380) were received from two trustees or related parties (2024: three trustees) during the year ended 31 March 2025.

A donation of £250,000 was received during the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024: £nil) from trustees or other related parties, as disclosed on page 65 of the annual report.

Income of £2,191,577 (2024: £180,760) to fund an Summer Jobs employability programme was received during the year ended 31 March 2025 from the Youth Endowment Fund of which a trustee, Jon Yates, is Executive Director. £397,491 (2024: £353,763) was owed by the Youth Endowment Fund at 31st March 2025, and £24,915 (2024: £173,003) was recognised as deferred income at 31st March 2025 in respect of the programme.

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Land and Land and
25. Lease commitments buildings buildings Other Other
2025 2024 2025 2024
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Amounts falling due;
Within one year 126 16 7 10
Between 2 and 5 years 146 - - 7
Total 272 16 7 17

26. Post balance sheet events

There are no post balance sheet events.

UK Youth Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024/25 (Year Ended 31 March 2025)

Company number 05402004 | Charity number 1110590

IOIJ IFI,

Contents 04 Our 2024/25 in numbers 07 Statement from our CEO and Chair 08 Our public benefit and charitable objects 09 A message of gratitude and transition ~~Oo~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

The trustees, the directors for company law, present their annual report, together with the audited financial statements for UK Youth, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

UK Youth’s reference and information details, including key organisational and legal information that verify our legitimacy and governance, are provided throughout this report. Essential operational contacts, including our Charity and Company registration numbers, registered address, auditors, bankers, and website details, can be found on page 46 of this report, for easy reference.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2024/25 IN NUMBERS

Our 2024/25 in numbers

2024/25 in numbers

These figures showcase the scale and diversity of our work - from policy influence to direct youth engagement - with selected highlights from the 2024/25 period.

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) ~~—~~

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and ~~_~~ governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

04

----- Start of picture text -----
£13,800,000
, £7,000,000+
raised
to support youth work Col distributed
in grants
(total income for the year)
Our
youth work
£2,200,00 0+ £8,400,000+
secured in support
from public a from other &
sector sources funding sources
500+ 402
delegates organisations
attended our Joined Up now signed the Power
Summit in Birmingham of Youth Charter
100+ MPs
ip
and policy Our
stakeholders coalitions
engaged with
All major 20+ us at party
UK Youth-led events, conferences ,
political parties
referenced youth work summits, and cross- roundtables, and
in the 2024 general sector convenings took events
election manifestos place across the UK
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----- Start of picture text -----
Our
investment in
youth work
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2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude ~~_~~ Financial, structure and governance review

The 2024/25 155,017+ 400+ = Adventures Away young people were young people at from Home (AAfH) supported through risk of violence took programme... programmes, part in paid summer grants, and our employment through Reached over outdoor learning our new Summer Jobs 9,750 centre Avon Tyrrell programme young people Involved 500 youth groups AAfH group leaders 95% observed improved of Summer Jobs Delivered through socio-emotional skills in participants reported 69 Outdoor 91% of increased confidence and workplace Learning Providers young people readiness across England @ vy wv

Our work with young people

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

+98 9,768 organisations 36% are part of our UK Youth of network network ; the highest Net Promoter organisations concentrations of network are in Score organisations are in the rN the most from grantees reflects North West, Yorkshire and deprived the strong approval Humber, West Midlands, areas of our Cost of Living and Greater London Fund in its 2nd year

Our network

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

05

“UK Youth show best practice in youth work and is at the forefront of new ways of working with young people. They prioritise excellent staff training and development opportunities. They prioritise the voice of young people.” - A grantee

The context of our work

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3 Strategic Challenge 4 ~~_~~ Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

06

Almost 1,000,000 young people are not in education, employment, or training – up 250,000 in the last three years 3 in 10 The number of young people children with mental in the UK are growing ‘t health up in poverty problems has doubled in a decade The number of paid youth workers has declined by a third Reducing local _ youth provision is associated with a rise in crime, 136,000 violent crime 16 to 24-year-olds and anti-social are homeless behaviour Closing youth centres ca in a local area is linked with reduced educational results – a GCSE grade lower for young people in deprived areas

And yet...

Youth work is proven to have positive outcomes

for for young people, delivering immediate benefits such as improved physical health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes , and lasting impact that supports their future development of

Young people supported by youth work are happier, healthier, and wealthier as adults, compared with other young people from the same background L

“Together we’ll ignite the change.” “ Harrison, 16, #iWill Ambassador

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WELCOME
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Statement from our CEO and Chair Written by Interim CEO Vicky Browning and Chair of Trustees David Thomlinson, reflecting the 2024/25 financial year.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3 ~~_—~~ Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

07

This past year has demanded courage, creativity, and resilience from young people. They have faced extraordinary challenges. The world they are growing up in is profoundly disrupted by political instability, economic uncertainty, deepening social divides, and the steady erosion of the services designed to support them. These forces haven’t just made life more challenging to cope with, they’ve made it harder for them to hope…

500+ 9,768 orgs delegates are part of our UK attended our Joined Up Youth network Summit in Birmingham KJ

402 £7,000,000+ organisations signed the Power of distributed Youth Charter in grants |

We’ve reached more than 680,000 young people over the past five years through our programmes, grants, and our sector-leading outdoor learning centre.

Yet, across the UK, young people continue to impress us with their ideas, ambition, and their drive to build something better. This is the power and potential of youth. And this is the transformative role of youth work: to recognise that power, nurture it, and help it thrive.

Our role as a national convener has grown, exemplified by the Joined Up Summit in November 2024, where more than 500 young people and cross-sector leaders came together to shape the future of youth support.

During the summer of 2024, the UK witnessed a wave of race-related unrest that shocked communities across the country. Youth workers were on the front lines. They were keeping young people safe, countering misinformation, providing positive alternatives, and beginning the long, often invisible work of rebuilding trust and connection within communities.

We have connected young people with decision-makers to envisage and build a more equitable future through Hope Hacks, No 10 roundtables, the #iWill Movement, and our Business Leaders for Youth Network.

This is just one example of why we at UK Youth have remained steadfast in our Unlocking Youth Work strategy (2020-2025) and in our mission to unlock youth work for all. In a year defined by volatility, our values – inclusivity, curiosity, courage, community, and excellence – have guided our every decision.

Internally, we’ve continued to strengthen our foundations, improving governance, investing in staff development, and sharpening our financial strategy to secure the long-term health of our organisation.

We’re especially proud of our work bringing new investment into the youth sector. The UK Youth Fund, delivered in partnership with the Pears Foundation and other funders, has now distributed over £7m in unrestricted funding to 212 youth organisations, reaching more than 100,000 young people. At a time when many

We are proud of our achievements. We’ve stood alongside youth workers and organisations nationwide, amplifying the voices of young people and championing their leadership.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

organisations face the threat of closure, this funding has truly been a lifeline.

Our partnership with Primark extended grants to youth organisations from Glasgow to Brighton, Swansea to Whitton. Our new collaboration with nexfibre is helping bridge the digital divide by bringing vital high-speed internet connectivity and support to grassroots youth spaces. Access to grants and expert guidance, provided by Osborne Clarke, is helping youth organisations harness the power of digital technologies.

Our pioneering research continues to build the evidence base for youth work, demonstrating its life-changing impact on education, mental health, employment, violence prevention, and other areas of young people’s lives.

Our commitment to outdoor learning through our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre social enterprise represents a strategic investment in nurturing a generation of healthier, more resilient, and environmentally conscious citizens. Through programmes including Summer Jobs, Adventures Away from Home, and Building Aspirations, we show that youth work doesn’t just respond to crises – it creates opportunity, fosters belonging, and lays the foundations for lifelong success.

of over 9,000 youth organisations, and our partners, for their belief, energy, and resilience. We are also thankful to our former CEO, Ndidi Okezie OBE, who left the organisation at the end of 2024. Her vision for systems change and cross-sector collaboration left a lasting legacy.

As we look ahead, the need for our work has never been greater – but neither have the opportunities we face. We were excited to welcome our new permanent CEO in September of 2025, and a new National Youth Strategy is on the horizon. This is a moment for courage, connection, and bold, sustained investment in the people and places that help young people thrive.

The work is far from over, but with unwavering belief in young people and each other, we are building a future where access to high-quality youth work is not the exception but the expectation.

As we close this reporting year, we also mark a moment of leadership transition at UK Youth.

Vicky David Vicky Browning David Thomlinson Interim CEO Chair of Trustees during 2024/25 during 2024/25

None of this would be possible without our people. We are deeply grateful to our staff and trustees, our network

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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08
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Our public benefit and charitable objects

As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, this annual report includes a detailed statement on UK Youth’s public beneft and charitable objects. Under the Charities Act, we ensure that all of our activities align with our mission to empower young people. We continually assess our impact to guarantee that we are delivering meaningful benefits to the public. Our work supports the advancement of education, promotes physical and mental well-being, and creates opportunities for young people to thrive across the UK.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

A message of gratitude and transition

----- Start of picture text -----
Rosie Ferguson, OBE
----- End of picture text -----

This Annual Report marks both the conclusion of the 2024/25 financial year and a period of significant leadership transition for UK Youth. We are welcoming Rosie Ferguson, who began her role as Chief Executive on 1 September 2025, and Matt Price, our new Chair of Trustees. Rosie brings a wealth of leadership experience across the youth and charity sectors, as well as a deep commitment to social justice. Matt, who has served on the UK Youth Board since 2016, has both strong governance experience and a deep understanding of our mission.

challenge, championed the voice of young people at every level, and strengthened our governance and strategic direction. His legacy is evident in the stronger, more resilient organisation we are today, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication and service.

As we highlighted in last year's report, we owe sincere thanks to Ndidi Okezie OBE, who resigned in December 2024, for her five years of dedicated service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Vicky Browning, who served as Interim CEO with clarity, compassion, and purpose, during a period of significant change.

This period of change across our trustee board and senior leadership team is now complete. With Rosie and Matt in place, alongside a strengthened senior leadership team, UK Youth is entering a period of stability and renewed focus. We are confident that this strong leadership foundation will enable us to deliver lasting impact for young people in the years ahead.

We also want to pay special tribute to David Thomlinson, who concluded his term as Chair in June 2025. David’s leadership of UK Youth over the past five years has been marked by vision, steady guidance, and a deep commitment to the organisation’s mission. He steered the charity through a time of growth and

We involved some of our our brilliant young people in the CEO selection process. This is what they said...

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

09

"It was so amazing to be part of the selection “ but I was actually grateful for the opportunity. The thought of it was terrifying, but I really enjoyed doing it, connecting with the candidates and hearing more about their work." Gemma, 17, #iWill Ambassador

“People talked about the youth sector in such an inspiring way, with so much hope. I left each of the interviews smiling. I’m generally quite susceptible to the pessimism that exists within the world, and to be part of this process was exactly what I needed." Finlay, 19, #iWill Ambassador

2024/25 in numbers ~~UK YOUTH~~ Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

10

A message from Troy, #iWill Ambassador

Now I can go to events, be heard and make a difference, and speak to other young people out there who are making changes themselves. We work with amazing staff who go above and beyond to help us. It’s an honour to be part of such a big movement, having such an impact.

----- Start of picture text -----
Troy, 22,
#iWill
Ambassador
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A group of us went to a meeting at the House of Commons with #iWill, and that really empowered us. It made us all feel like we are leaders: leaders of now and our generation because we’ve lived through the experiences we’ve had. I’m able to make my points and I can make sure that everyone in the room is engaged and taking on board what I’m saying and others in the room are saying.

I became involved with UK Youth because I was so passionate about making a difference. I wanted to show other young people that we can use social action to make real change in our communities and the wider world.

iWill has helped me mould my voice, advocating for young people with disabilities. For me, what I am doing is about every other person who has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who wants to fit in and make a difference but doesn’t know how. I’m showing them how to have a voice and create their own opportunities to have a seat at the table. I want them to feel like they are going to be heard. I want to help create a platform for them to be who they want to be and know that their voice matters.

Being an #iWill Ambassador is about showcasing young people’s voices: showing that young people are leaders; we are change makers; and we inspire other young people to come with us on this journey.

Before this, I felt like the outsider looking in. I'm autistic and I have a learning disability, and I felt like I wasn’t good enough. When professionals didn’t listen to me – when they wrote things down and didn’t act on them – I didn’t feel heard or valued. It was as if I didn’t matter. I’ve had to prove myself and show professionals and other people that I can be an advocate.

Times were hard for me when I didn’t feel valued. My school didn’t understand my disability. I asked my mum once, ‘Why am I different?’ I felt forgotten.

iWill is home to me. It allows me to be open about what I feel. I’ve learnt to believe in myself. I talk to other young people, I hear their stories, and I share mine, and it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this. We're all in it together.

Now I know I’m different, but I embrace that. My disability is my power. Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I can’t do things other young people can. That is my message and #iWill helps me spread it to others.

ABOUT US

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

Our vision, values and what we do

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Our vision

All young people are equipped to thrive and are empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our values

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

11

Inclusivity Courage Curiosity Community Excellence We work to foster We drive We seek to learn We strive to We deliver higha respectful positive change: and communicate connect with all quality work understanding challenging the with an open who share our that consistently of the diverse status quo, taking mind, building our vision, ensuring prioritises the experiences risks and providing knowledge and they are valued, needs of young of different support to fail understanding, and respected, and people. communities. and grow. finding better ways empowered. to achieve our goals.

Our definition of youth work

Youth work is an educational process in which trusted adults support young people’s personal, social, and skills development in various settings. It helps them explore their values, build confidence, develop practical skills, and find their voice and place in society. At its core, youth work prioritises young people, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. (Based on the 2020 National Youth Work Curriculum)

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

12

Our work

As a UK-wide infrastructure charity, we build coalitions to champion and deliver practical youth work and create programmes that support young people.

Grants and support: We provide grants and organisational support to make youth work more accessible and sustainable, increasing its impact.

Targeted programmes: We design and test youth work programmes to address urgent needs including mental health challenges, capacity to gain employment, and social action. These enable us to build evidence about the role of youth work in tackling the issues young people face.

Outdoor learning delivery: Our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre uses its many decades of outdoor learning experience to help young people learn vital life skills.

Partnerships: We collaborate with organisations across government, education, health, business and other sectors to promote understanding of youth work and encourage meaningful youth involvement and cross-sector collaboration. We actively participate in the Five Nations Network, encompassing England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, to foster co-operation, share best practices, and strengthen the capacity of youth work services.

Capacity building: We work with our network of thousands of organisations to increase their connections, confidence and capacity to change lives.

Research: We gather evidence to prove and improve the impact of youth work.

Advocacy: We advocate for youth work locally and nationally, ensuring policymakers recognise and invest in this life-changing sector.

Avon Tyrrell is our flagship outdoor learning centre, dedicated to the holistic development of young people and located in the heart of the New Forest National Park. The site has breathtaking surroundings and a variety of accommodation, including a Grade I listed manor house, self-catering lodges, and camping areas. The centre provides outdoor learning in a natural environment designed to enhance young people’s personal, social, and educational growth, improve their health, wellbeing, and physical literacy, and foster environmental awareness.

Our social enterprise

“My biggest challenge is believing in myself “ and having confidence, but this has improved, and I overcame this with different activities and having supporting friends. The trip has been spectacular.” Student visiting from St Joseph’s Primary School (Christchurch, Dorset)

“I loved the activities! I conquered my fear in climbing and I learnt a lot about trees in Shelter Building. The food was amazing, the lodge was so cosy, and I loved sharing it with my friends.” Student visiting from St Joseph’s Primary School (Christchurch, Dorset)

Key personnel

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Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

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David Thomlinson Chair of Trustees Retired, June 2025

Nigel Mansell CBE Honorary President

HRH The Princess Royal Patron

Replaced by Matt Price , July 2025

Trustees

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Matt
Price Nneka Ben
Vice-chair
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Gillian
Budd
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Co-opted member

Vicky Browning Interim Chief Executive Succeeded Ndidi Okezie OBE , who led UK Youth until December 2024

Replaced by Rosie Ferguson OBE , September 2025.

Finance, Risk and Audit Committee

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Daniel
Anna
Chan MBE Aaron
Honorary Treasurer, Hope D’Souza
Chair Succeeded Daniel Chan as Retired, February 2025 Gabrielle
Honorary Treasurer in May 2025
Retired, April 2025 a oA Mathews
Colin
Jones Succeeded Daniel Chan as
Committee Chair in May 2025
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Impact and Delivery Committee
Je Jolanta A ‘ Godfrey a Jodie
Lasota Iain Atuahene Lloyd-Jones
Chair McDougall Junior
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Obum Jon
Ekeke OBE Yates
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Senior Leadership Team
Kayleigh
Wainwright ye Jacob Diggle f Thora Eberts 2) David Watts
Director of Youth Chief Impact Director of Director of
9 Services and | Officer 3 Network Delivery FS Outdoor Learning
Innovation
Kerry Reid
: Oby Bamidele Director of Income . Pervez Akhtar = Jane Gould
Interim Chief Generation Director of Finance Assistant Director
Operating OfficerResigned, June 2025 and Strategic and Operations Joined, September 2025 of PeopleJoined, September 2025
Communications
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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING UK STRATEGIC REPORT) YOUTH

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About us

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Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and governance review

Our 2020-2025 strategy: unlocking youth work

Today’s young people are growing up in an increasingly challenging world, with severe pressures on their employment prospects, mental health, and even their physical safety.

Youth work is essential in helping them to navigate these difficulties and build the skills they need to thrive. However, inequalities of access mean that millions of young people in the UK are unable to benefit from this life-changing support. Despite its many benefits, government funding for youth work in England has reduced by 73% over the past 15 years (YMCA, 2025).

The four major challenges facing youth work today are:

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The lack of cross-sector understanding of how youth work makes a difference

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Equipping UK Youth for systems impact

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TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Our 2020-2025 strategy focuses on championing youth work and scaling up practical solutions for a generation. These goals are vital as a result of chronic underinvestment in youth provision in recent years, the longterm impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and inadequate communication and collaboration across sectors and professions.

For each of the four challenges facing youth work, UK Youth have a clear response from 2020-2025.

Bring leaders Lack of Secure Lack of & young investment sustainable cross-sector people in youth funding for understanding together to work youth work collaborate

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Young people are always at the heart of our strategy. We involve them in every aspect of our work, including programme design, research, policy and influence, and strategic development.

This annual report details how we currently are addressing our four strategic challenges. To do this, we focus on five areas: employability, mental health, social action, physical literacy, and outdoor learning; places where we can meet the greatest need and have the most significant impact.

We want young people to find ways to transform their own lives and the communities around them. By fostering collaboration among professionals and those in authority, we can build the pathways young people need to flourish and grow.

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Limited Equipping Build a
evidence
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to embed for systems innovative
effective
solutions impact organisation
solutions
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Our 5 priority areas

We deliver these responses through five priority areas, so we can meet the greatest need and have the most significant impact:

employability mental social physical outdoor health action literacy learning

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Strategic challenge 1: tackling the lack of investment in youth work

UK Youth continued to make the case for investment in preventative youth services through robust evidence, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships.

“This report sets out a clear roadmap … to transform millions of lives and save billions of pounds. The rapidly rising needs of young people are not inevitable. Now we need policymakers to play their part and make the long-term commitment required.

This year, in partnership with the Institute for Government, we published landmark research on youth provision and life outcomes. The landmark report, Youth work and Prevention, showed that the UK has a clear opportunity to tackle problems before they become crises – easing pressure on prisons, hospitals, and overstretched youth services, while building a stronger future for young people and communities.

We cannot afford not to invest in preventative services, such as youth work.”

The message in the report was clear. Without urgent investment in prevention, the alternatives are stark: higher taxes, rising debt, or declining standards in essential services.

Jacob Diggle, Chief Impact Officer, UK Youth

Funding with Impact

Our case was reinforced through an evidence review, expert interviews, and a high-level roundtable with senior policymakers. The findings demonstrated consistently that services such as youth work, public health programmes and Sure Start centres delivered better outcomes and significant long-term savings.

Through our grants, we distributed vital funding to youth organisations nationwide, helping them to survive, adapt, and continue delivering in a highly challenging economic climate.

This investment provided:

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Yet preventative provision has not been prioritised. Between 2009 and 2023, local authority spending on youth clubs and children’s centres fell by more than three-quarters, while crisis spending on safeguarding and looked-after children rose by over half.

Our report is already starting to shape national policy conversations. It has set out a practical five-step plan for the government to adopt, offering a credible, costed programme to shift the system from crisis response to prevention-first.

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Financial, structure and governance review

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Working with corporate and philanthropic partners, we also backed:

Together, these investments ensured that youth organisations across the UK can continue to deliver highimpact, evidence-informed support to young people, when and where it’s needed most.

Flourishing amid rising costs

Throughout the year, UK Youth prioritised and advocated for the sustainability of youth provision across the UK, despite the persistently challenging funding environment.

One of the most significant initiatives was the UK Youth Fund: Cost of Living , delivered in partnership with the Pears Foundation . The fund supported 182 local youth organisations, enabling them to provide vital services to over 115,000 young people.

Launched as a £5m fund from the Pears Foundation, the programme’s flexible, accessible design earned a Net Promoter Score of +98 from participating organisations. Building on that success, Pears committed a further £2m - bringing total commitments to £7m since inception, with £1.8m carried forward at year end. It has also expanded to include non-financial support such as capacity-building, peer learning, and organisational development to strengthen long-term resilience.

Support to flourish

Stockton-on-Tees faces high deprivation, crime, substance misuse, and limited job prospects - made worse by deep cuts to youth services. Here, young people urgently need someone on their side.

Corner House Youth Project , a beneficiary of our Cost of Living Fund, has been that lifeline for 20 years. Working across four sites, trusted youth workers create safe spaces where young people feel they belong and can imagine a positive future. As one worker explained, it’s essential that there are safe spaces for young people:

“For the majority of localities we work in, the “ community in which they live has high levels of organised crime activity and violence. It’s vital there are safe spaces they can go where they feel they belong and are not at risk.”

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2024/25 in numbers ~~a~~ Welcome

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Financial, structure and governance review

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Corner House is embedded in local systems, partnering with the Violence Reduction Unit, police, and schools. It runs practical projects, including a long-standing street dance programme (with free studio space and hot meals) and a community allotment with a primary school, where children with SEND build confidence and emotional literacy.

Amid stretched budgets, our grant covered rising utilities, kept centre-based clubs open , and funded a cost-of-living pay rise - helping retain the skilled staff who anchor relationships. This continuity is crucial for delivering high-quality youth work. One Corner House representative told us:

“The grant has allowed us to pay the rise in utilities across two sites and keep centrebased youth clubs running. It has allowed us to provide our staff with a much-deserved cost-of-living pay increase.”

“We believe that this has helped maintain continuity of staffing by paying them fairly and according to their skill set. This continuity is key to our relationship-based practice and providing good quality youth work for our service users.”

Or as a young person said:

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

“Seeing youth workers when we are out makes us feel safer. They give us things to do and listen to us and help us.” Young person, The Corner House Project

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Thriving Minds across the UK

Helping young minds to thrive

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Strategic Challenge 1

“It’s been so amazing to see the “ development in their confidence… It gives them a much-needed time away from the house where they can feel suffocated and gives them the opportunity to be unapologetically themselves.” Older-sister of teenage

members at Angel Shed Theatre

This year marked the conclusion of the UK Youth Fund: Thriving Minds , a three-year programme providing financial and practical support to youth organisations to strengthen their impact on young people’s mental health.

Backed by £10m from Julia and Hans Rausing and £1m from the Westminster Foundation , the fund aimed to maximise youth work’s role in supporting mental health and to share best practice across the sector.

Strategic Challenge 2

Over the course of the fund, 99 small charities and

Strategic Challenge 3 youth organisations received unrestricted grants of up Strategic Challenge 4 “I get in trouble all the time at school, to £55,000 per year, alongside a package of training, “ but being out here makes me be good. workshops, and peer-to-peer support. Our funding and gratitude It just feels good to be here. This is the Financial, structure and best place to be in Nottingham!” Young The results are clearly positive: governance review person, Wild Things Charity INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S 63% of youth practitioners expanded, adapted, REPORT AND FINANCIAL ~~q~~ #§ or developed their mental health offer. STATEMENTS Independent Auditor's “The grant funding has contributed to 59% strengthened delivery through new or report “ staff pay rises and specific training in deeper partnerships. Our financial statements response to the current needs of the young people accessing the session, 45% accessed professional development and such as child exploitation, gang culture training opportunities for staff. and knife crime.” Youth worker, Ourside Youth Association 41% reported being better able to support their staff. ~~~~ a 30% identified specific positive outcomes for “The grant allowed us to invest in our young people linked directly to Thriving Minds Annual report & “ staff training, which has made a big support. financial statements difference in how we work with young 2024/25 people, especially when it comes to 28% expanded their service offer, with the same mental health and trauma-informed percentage securing additional funding. approaches.” Youth worker, Youth Space

63% of youth practitioners expanded, adapted, or developed their mental health offer.

41% reported being better able to support their staff.

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Financial, structure and governance review

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Thriving Minds has left a lasting legacy: more resilient youth organisations, better equipped staff, and improved mental health outcomes for young people across the UK.

The necessary skills

One beneficiary of the Thriving Minds fund was Abergele Youth Den, working in partnership with Conwy Mind. Based in one of the most deprived areas in Wales, the project supports 10 to 18-year-olds who are excluded – or are at risk of exclusion – from education, social, and economic opportunities.

 Here’s more about the work at Abergele Youth Den, and how they support the children they help.

CIRCLE-PLAY

The grant enabled Abergele Youth Den to create a new practitioner role, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to manage their own mental health.

One practitioner said:

Opening doors to opportunity

The UK Youth Fund: Adventures Away from Home (AAfH) , funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) , provided more than 9,750 fully funded outdoor learning experiences between December 2024 and March 2025, working with 500 youth groups and 69 outdoor learning providers

AAfH offered bursaries for one-day experiences and two-night residentials to young people aged 11 to 18, with eligibility extended up to age 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The programme invested £1.5m to expand access to high-quality outdoor learning for under-represented young people across England. These experiences helped participants build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and essential life skills that support long-term wellbeing. They strengthened young people’s connection with their youth workers, peers, and the natural environment.

“I learned that I’m stronger and more “ independent than I thought. Even though I was nervous and missed my family, I managed to handle everything and enjoy the adventure. It showed me that I can face new challenges and grow from them.” Young participant

“I hope UK Youth continue to do the “ extraordinary work I’m lucky enough to have been a part of. It’s never been more necessary or more valuable.”

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Abergele Youth Den also sent a heartfelt message of thanks to the Rausings for their help for people they have never met:

“I’ve had a chance to help through your “ kindness. From myself, we offer them all our thanks and heartfelt love.”

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) “For our deaf students with “ additional needs this trip was 2024/25 in numbers nothing short of miraculous! Here’s more  We saw countless examples of about Adventures Welcome students doing things they – and Away from Home About us we! – never thought they could. CIRCLE-PLAY They developed confidence, TRUSTEES' REPORT deepened their relationships with (INCLUDING STRATEGIC each other, learnt so many new REPORT) skills. It was life changing. A large Strategic Challenge 1 portion of our young people had AAfH also demonstrated the power of local organisations Strategic Challenge 2 not been away from home before. meeting young people’s needs close to home. It Parents were astounded at what highlighted how investment in outdoor learning can Strategic Challenge 3 they saw.” Youth Group Leader on create stronger communities and unlock the potential of Strategic Challenge 4 Adventures Away from Home the next generation. Our funding and gratitude ~~_~~ _ a — As one young participant put it simply: Financial, structure and governance review “I’m enough.” INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S “ REPORT AND FINANCIAL “The opportunity that this twoSTATEMENTS “ night residential created for our David Watts, UK Youth’s Director of Outdoor Learning, Independent Auditor's students to experience outdoors reflected: report activities and be supported by Our financial statements a first-class specialist activities “Adventures Away from Home creates space organisation was outstanding. The “ for connection, sparks courage, and inspires students have left with memories hope, building self-belief and reminding and an experience that could not young people of their strength, voice, and be replicated elsewhere, from worth.”

“The opportunity that this twonight residential created for our students to experience outdoors activities and be supported by a first-class specialist activities organisation was outstanding. The students have left with memories and an experience that could not be replicated elsewhere, from being independent and away from home for the first time to taking on new physical challenges. (This has) equipped them with an additional tier of resilience to take on and manage new situations and challenges in their everyday lives.” Youth Group Leader on Adventures Away from Home

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Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

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Strategic challenge 2: building cross-sector understanding

Communicating the value of youth work

For youth work to be powerful and strategic, its value must be understood across all sectors working with young people.

Building on this, before its closure, the National Citizen Service (NCS) commissioned UK Youth to explore how young people and youth workers experience youth provision and how it must evolve. The result was In Our Own Words , a short, animated film and report that brought these voices to life, revealing both challenges

This year, UK Youth strengthened recognition of how youth work delivers meaningful, long-term outcomes, bringing together professionals, policymakers, and young people to explore insights and drive collective action.

A seat at the table

and the opportunities.

As part of the Back Youth Alliance , UK Youth played a central role in shaping the Government’s new National Youth Strategy . We led the evidence review underpinning the plans, analysing 99 data sources to demonstrate youth work’s impact on mental health, employability, and social connection.

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We are also co-leading the Deliver You national engagement programme with DCMS as part of the #iwill Movement. Using surveys, focus groups, democracy cafés, and hackathon-style events, Deliver You has already reached thousands of young people across England. A team of ten Youth Collaborators ensured that the programme reflected the diverse experiences and aspirations of young people today.

You can read more here 

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

As young people told us:

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“For one young person going through a million “ transitions in their life, if they have access to the right support, it will really help them.”

“They are always there to listen to you. I feel “ like we can relate to them because they are not there to scold you or invalidate what you’re feeling.”

While welcoming the Government’s commitment to a national strategy, UK Youth publicly raised concerns about the lack of dedicated funding, advocating for greater investment to ensure its success.

Talking politics

UK Youth cemented its role as a trusted voice in shaping the future of youth services by engaging directly with political leaders and holding them to account.

Introduce a Youth Guarantee for 18 to 21-yearolds to ensure access to education, training, or employment.

Lower the voting age to 16.

Our #iWill Ambassadors played a prominent role, speaking directly with ministers and MPs, leading panel discussions, hosting six regional hack events, and spearheading a high-profile register-to-vote campaign that garnered national media coverage, including BBC Radio 4 and breakfast television.

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“UK Youth and the #iWill movement give young people a platform. I’m a huge advocate for children and young people’s rights – everything from youth participation to youth justice. I attended an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs in the Houses of Parliament; just one example of how UK Youth can be such a good vehicle for giving young people an opportunity to share our voices.

My drive for representation stems from my lived experience. I’m visually impaired. This meant that when I was in school, I really struggled to have a voice. All these decisions were being made about me and about my life and my future, and I didn’t really have a say in them.

I always remember saying to my mum that I used to feel invisible. Regardless of what I would say, nothing was ever done to make my life any better. It was that way for several years and it really beat me down. I really struggled to see a future where I would go on to be happy and do some of the things that I wanted to do. I didn’t have an ounce of self-belief. That’s not a position that a young person should find themselves in, and I know there are many young people like that.

Strategic Challenge 4

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It got to the point where I had to turn to independent advocacy for someone to be able to represent my voice, and for the decisions that were being made about me to be in my best interests.

This completely turned my life around. Knowing I was being listened to started a snowball effect. I became a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and a Young Advisor for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland. I would never have gone down that path had I not realized how important my own voice is.

I’m involved with UK Youth because I’m passionate about democracy and youth participation, and the overarching values embedded within UK Youth’s work. I’ve now been an #iWill Scotland Ambassador for

just over two years. Unbelievable.” Finlay, 19, #iWill Ambassador

“Being on the radio, before the election, “ was incredible. It was my first time voting in a general election last year and I was able to share my views and opinions about the issues other young people are facing. I felt like a politician at that point. It was such an empowering thing for a young person.” Troy 22, #iWill Ambassador a

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Improving outcomes nationwide

Another highlight was the Joined Up Summit in Birmingham, which brought together more than 500 cross-sector stakeholders, from young people to funders, government officials, educators, health professionals, and business leaders. Co-created with young producers, the event explored different subject areas: Our Potential, Our Communities, Our Power, and Our Wellbeing.

A key outcome was the launch of the Joined Up Institute , a year-round initiative uniting young people and professionals to scale evidence-based practices nationwide. This initiative is led by Prudence Trust (headline funder) , with collaboration from Youth Futures Foundation, NCS, Osborne Clarke, Big Change Charitable Trust, Blagrave Trust, and KKR.

Youth voice in action

Youth

10 Collaborators

Thousands of young people engaged through Deliver You

shaping the national engagement programme

In Our Own Words

#iWill Ambassadors

– a film capturing and amplifying the lived experiences of young people and the practitioners who support them.

leading a national

register-to-vote campaign , reaching BBC Radio 4 & TV

audiences

500+

young people & cross-

Engagement at both Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

sector stakeholders at the Joined Up Summit in Birmingham, co-designed with young people

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Making Promises Count, Our
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Community support

In response to community unrest, UK Youth partnered with the National Youth Agency (NYA) and Regional Youth Work Units to deliver Space to Connect sessions. These safe spaces allowed youth workers and allied professionals to reflect, share best practice ideas, and strengthen approaches to fostering unity and resilience, promoting constructive alternatives to violence and division.

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Our role is to address today’s challenges for young people, while demonstrating how solutions can be scaled to improve as many lives as possible.

 

The programme will expand in 2025 to reach 800 placements across South Wales, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Sheffield.

This year, UK Youth moved from innovation to implementation, promoting evidence-backed solutions across our focus areas: employability, mental health, youth social action, and outdoor learning & physical literacy.

Summer Jobs: Tackling Violence Through Opportunity

Recently, my life… hasn’t been the most positive thing. So, it was just nice to see everyone was excited around me, that I’m doing something good.” Summer Jobs participant

This year also saw the launch of the Summer Jobs programme , co-designed and funded by the Youth Endowment Fund , DCMS , and the Youth Futures Foundation , inspired by successful US models such as One Summer Chicago.

Eessa’s story

The pilot placed more than 400 young people in sixweek paid work placements across Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and London. Benefits included pre-employment training, wraparound support from youth workers, and placements with more than 90 employers, including Timpson, Burger King and Veolia. Young people reported gaining new confidence, purpose and employability skills.

By 18, Eessa had lost his father, was growing up in a low-income household, and was struggling at school. He saw few opportunities ahead.

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The Summer Jobs programme

95% 80%

became a turning point. Over six weeks, he embraced every challenge, developing skills, confidence, and leadership qualities. Supported by community organisation Sporting Your Futures, Eessa became a role model to his peers.

of participants were very satisfied or satisfied with their experience

of employers said they would take part again

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"When I was in my first year of college I went to sixth form and I got kicked out. I had no sense of direction about what I wanted to do. My placement has made me more confident. Now I can talk to anyone I meet. I recommend this to anyone. It's a perfect way to prove yourself, regardless of anything - your gender, your race, your sexuality, your religion, anything. " Eessa

By the end of the programme, he secured an apprenticeship as a Community Activator Coach. This offered him stability, a career path, and the chance to continue in a field he loves.

His journey is testament to how opportunity and mentorship can unlock potential, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations.

Building Connections: navigating barriers to work

Driven by the belief that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, we work to dismantle the barriers that block young people from work. One standout example is Building Connections, delivered with CocaCola Europacific Partners. The programme supports 16 to 25-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or are at risk of this.

Youth workers build long-term partnerships with local employers and support young people to navigate barriers to work. Activities range from large-scale job fairs to one-to-one mentoring, ensuring delivery meets local needs.

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After attending one event, two thirds said they felt more confident about applying for a job , and 90% said they would recommend the event to a friend .

Louis’ path to employment

When Louis joined the Building Connections programme, he was feeling lost and unsure about his future. With limited qualifications and low confidence, finding a job felt out of reach.

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Louis
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Through the programme’s support, Louis discovered his strengths, built his confidence, and found direction. He’s now in part-time work and excited about the career path ahead.

“Before joining the Building Connections programme, I was constantly job searching but getting nowhere, struggling to find a pathway to employment.

Since being referred, my situation has improved massively - I’ve gained confidence and belief that even in tough times, there’s always a goal to work toward.

With the programme’s 1-to-1 support, I’ve secured part-time work at Wigan Youth Zone and an after-school club. The youth workers have been amazing, and I’ll always be grateful for their help.” Louis

In 2024/25, 2,893 young people took part.

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Making a stand with #iWill

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

UK Youth, in partnership with Volunteering Matters, continued to play a national leadership role as

co-ordinator of the #iWill Movement, amplifying youth voices and championing youth social action. This year we contributed to two landmark publications:

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

During #iWill Week (18 November 2024) , Ambassadors led the theme #StillWeRise , inspired by Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise. Against a backdrop of a polarising general election, the cost-of-living crisis, civil unrest, and global conflict, the campaign celebrated how young people continue to rise above division, choosing community and empathy over hate.

This was a powerful demonstration of resilience and leadership, proving once again that given the platform, young people can drive positive change.

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STRATEGIC CHALLENGE 4

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2024/25 in numbers

Strategic challenge 4: equipping ourselves for systems impact

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Young people in the UK face complex challenges. Our goal is to reshape systems that don’t work for young people by uniting sectors and embedding practical youth work. This year, we strengthened our internal systems and leadership to support lasting, system-wide change.

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review ~~-~~ INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent Auditor's ~~—~~ report

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Strengthening our systems

This year we made meaningful progress in strengthening our internal systems and leadership capacity to support long-term, systems-level change.

Senior leadership appointments across

Simplifying policies and procedures making them easier for staff to understand and implement.

Developing an operating blueprint to guide how we will achieve our strategic goals.

Launching a new safeguarding hub , ensuring staff are confident in their responsibilities and keeping safeguarding central to everything we do.

We embedded EDI more deeply across the organisation through training on inclusive practice, blind shortlisting in recruitment, and improved accountability using data and measurable goals.

Young people, including #iWill Ambassadors, helped appoint our new Chief Executive - reinforcing our commitment to youth-led decision-making.

Equipping ourselves at a glance

Leadership

Safeguarding first capacity Launched a new Appointed senior hub keeping leaders in operations safeguarding at the and people to heart of our work strengthen expertise ~~—~~ | ~~—~~ # ~~-~~

Inclusive culture Clear direction Embedded EDI Developed an through training, Operating Blueprint blind shortlisting, to guide delivery of and youth input in strategic goals CEO recruitment.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

OUR FUNDING AND GRATITUDE

How we funded our work

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

This year, we raised £13.8 million, a 14.9% reduction compared to 2023/24. The decrease mainly reflects the timing of Thriving Minds restricted income, with £4.1 million recognised in 2023/24 but distributed in 2024/25. Without this timing adjustment, income levels were broadly consistent, showing that our core income base remains strong and diverse, thanks to the continued generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations, government partners, corporate supporters, and guests of Avon Tyrrell, despite a challenging economic climate.

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

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Strategic funding and partnerships

In addition to the funding partnerships already highlighted in this report, we were delighted to collaborate with Reed, securing the £1m Sir Alec Reed Prize to launch Building Wellbeing at Work . This new programme helps young people experiencing mental health challenges secure and sustain employment. The Big Give Christmas Challenge raised £32,875 , our most extensive campaign to date, backed by 41 donors and AESSEAL . The People’s Postcode Lottery was among those who enabled us to continue championing youth work. Through our advocacy and programmes, we continued to show that quality youth support sets young people up for life.

With very special thanks to Sport England , the Oak Foundation , The National Lottery Community Fund , the Paul Hamlyn Foundation , the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation , and the People’s Postcode Lottery , who provide critical strategic and core funding to strengthen our leadership role in the sector.

We also received a much-needed additional donation of £15,000 from Comic Relief to support our response to the UK race riots in August 2024 . Thousands of youth workers across the UK responded to what happened on the streets.

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Income sources
17%
Public / statutory
£2,411,000
5%
Other trading
income £640,000 40%
Trusts &
Foundations
£5,528,000
17%
Avon Tyrrell
Outdoor
Centre
£2,297,000
17%
3% Corporates
Fundraising £2,354,000
events
£472,000
1%
Individual giving
£79,000
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*Reduced by £4.1m for Thriving Minds & CoL income recongintion in 2023/24

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2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

The value of corporate partnerships

In its first year, the Building Aspirations programme, supported by Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (RSA) has been an enormous success. It supports those not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Manchester and Liverpool. 135 young people completed the curriculum and reported increases in confidence and work-readiness, with four of them securing paid work with the RSA. The programme has been extended to Halifax and Leeds for the second year.

“Before Building Aspirations, I was recovering “ from addiction and struggling to find purpose. The sessions helped me see my potential and gave me the tools to make positive changes in my life. I gained the confidence and self-belief to turn my life around.” Participant

Our partnership with Burger King UK (BKUK) has continued to grow in scope and impact. This year BKUK launched of the ‘Pennies Donation’ scheme at all selfservice kiosks. Across the whole of the chain, customers can choose to donate to UK Youth with their order, boosting our brand visibility and increasing our ability to cover core costs.

Burger King works with us to support young people in other ways. In December 2024, a partnership between

UK Youth, Burger King UK and Stop the Traffik launched a county lines prevention campaign. Co-designed with young people, this important campaign looked to raise awareness and refer young people to critical support services. It reached over 380,000 young people across the UK with potentially life saving information.

UK Youth helped BKUK develop mandatory young person-focused training for Burger King staff, covering areas such as support for young people, youth work principles, and protecting young people by understanding county lines issues.

BKUK's dedication to our partnership is evident with its direct staff sponsorship of fundraisers, with twenty team members undertaking the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge. Even individual members of staff go out of their way to fundraise for UK Youth, for example Kerry Reid, who organised a family fun day in Mildenhall.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has worked closely with UK Youth since 2018. This year we expanded our Building Connections partnership significantly. We welcomed six new youth groups into this programme to build stronger pathways to employment. With nine youth organisations now participating, the programme reached over 2,800 young people.

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Reflections from a funder "When I joined CCEP eight years ago, one of my Our UK Youth Fund: Digital Inclusion, supported by 2024/25 in numbers first steps was building a partnership with UK Osborne Clarke , provided critical funds to 20 youth Welcome Youth – a charity that puts young people at the organisations and had worked with more than 15,000 heart of its mission. young people by its second year. All the organisations About us reported having improved digital access capacity and TRUSTEES' REPORT I pitched to the Senior Leadership Team and said that capability among the young people had (INCLUDING STRATEGIC gained the trust of Ann Vermeulen, whose increased. REPORT) passion inspired us to launch the first trial of an Strategic Challenge 1 employability programme, Reach Up. From that “The grant has enabled our young people Strategic Challenge 2 moment I was hooked. Seeing the challenges “ to improve their skills and confidence. It young people face up close – and how powerful has enabled them to improve their self- Strategic Challenge 3 the right support can be – made me and my esteem and tell themselves a different story Strategic Challenge 4 colleagues committed for the long term. around their future, particularly around their employability.” Smash Youth Project, grantee Our funding and gratitude Eight years on, youth work sadly hasn’t become Financial, structure and easier. Funding continues to slip away, leaving On top of this, Osborne Clarke has provided more governance review youth workers in insecure jobs and young people than 100 hours of pro-bono support to UK Youth and INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S with fewer safe spaces and trusted adults. Yet my the grantees. The company has been instrumental in REPORT AND FINANCIAL belief in the importance of youth work has only supporting the development of the Joined Up Institute STATEMENTS grown. This isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s essential. and the delivery of the Joined Up Summit. Independent Auditor's report That’s why I’ll keep banging the drum. The Our financial statements knowledge and experiences I’ve gained through our partnership with UK Youth fuel my determination to fight for this cause and bring others with me." Holly Annual report & Holly Firmin , financial statements Senior Community Partnerships Manager CCEP 2024/25 / 33

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Expanding our reach

2024/25 in numbers

This year we launched new corporate partnerships.

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2

Strategic Challenge 3 Strategic Challenge 4 ~~_—~~ Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report Our financial statements ~~_—~~

Primark donated £250,000 in unrestricted grants to 11 youth organisations through the UK Youth Fund.

nexfibre has launched a free, full-fibre broadband offer for youth organisations, aiming to reach over 1,000 youth groups within the next two years to support their digital inclusion and capacity.

Events and community support

Our events programme continues to inspire incredible generosity and creativity across our supporter community. This year’s highlights include:

The London Marathon: our London Marathon team of 36 runners raised £67,720 .

Gala dinner relaunch: The Gala Dinner was successfully relaunched at the Four Seasons Hotel, raising £118,912 .

An audience with our honorary president: an evening with Nigel Mansell CBE was held at Williams Racing and raised £38,092 .

Art for Youth London: raised an incredible £245,000 , through affordable art sales and a charity auction for us.

Community challenge events: Many inspiring individuals organised fundraising challenges, including the London to Paris Bike Ride, the Paris Marathon, and a quiz night held at St Edward’s School (Oxford).

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

National Gas and UK Youth launched a collaboration to establish a cross-sector partnership that meets the evolving needs of young people.

Details about our funding practice are found on our website.

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Looking ahead

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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UK Youth is entering a year of focus, reflection and continued momentum as we transition to a new CEO, welcome the new National Youth Strategy, and plan for the next phase of our future. Our business plan sets us on a bold course to deepen our impact, strengthen inclusion, and ensure long-term financial sustainability in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

We are committed to securing sufficient income while maintaining a break-even budget and protecting reserves. This financial discipline underpins our ambition to increase social enterprise contributions and deliver more of what we do best for young people, despite inflation and sector-wide funding pressures.

To significantly increase our reach and deepen our impact, our plans include:

In the coming year, and under the leadership of our new CEO, we will also be clarifying our long-term focus and sharpening our theory of change. Our refreshed strategy will expand UK Youth’s leadership on systems-level change and sector-wide impact. With a clear vision and a disciplined plan, UK Youth remains committed to championing high-quality youth work and ensuring that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Thank you 2024/25 in numbers Thank you to our Patron, Honorary President, and contributors, including our valued Welcome individual donors, trusts and foundations, government and corporate supporters, partners and community groups. About us TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC Trusts and foundations Government and public sector Professional bodies REPORT) Strategic Challenge 1 ♥ Astra Foundation ♥ #iWill Fund ♥ Institute for Outdoor Learning Strategic Challenge 2 ♥ Big Change Charitable Trust ♥ Department for Digital, ♥ Ending Youth Violence Lab Strategic Challenge 3 ♥ BBC Children in Need Culture, Media and Sport ♥ IFF Research ♥ Co-op Foundation ♥ National Citizen Service (NCS) ♥ Creative Youth Network Strategic Challenge 4 ♥ Comic Relief ♥ The Players of the People's ♥ Partnership for Young London Our funding and gratitude ♥ Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Postcode Lottery and the ♥ Youth Focus West Midlands ♥ Oak Foundation Postcode Education Trust ♥ Youth Focus North East Financial, structure and governance review ♥ Paul Hamlyn Foundation ♥ Youth Focus North West ♥ Peacock Charitable Trust ♥ Youth Focus South East INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S ♥ Pears Foundation ♥ Youth Focus South West REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ♥ The People’s Postcode Lottery ♥ Youth Focus West Midlands and its players Corporate ♥ Youth Focus East and East Independent Auditor's ♥ The Reed Foundation Midlands report ♥ The Blagrave Trust ♥ Burger King UK ♥ Youth Work Unit Yorkshire & Our financial statements ♥ The Edgar Lee Foundation ♥ Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Humber ♥ The Emilienne Charitable Trust ♥ Cosy Club ♥ Violence Reduction Network ♥ The G D Herbert Charitable ♥ IP Integration ♥ Volunteering Matters Trust ♥ KFC ♥ Big Change ♥ The Gilbert Edgar Trust ♥ Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. ♥ Fair Education Alliance ♥ The Julia Rausing Trust ♥ National Gas Transmission ♥ TRIUMPH Network ♥ Westminster Foundation ♥ nexfibre ♥ Youth Endowment Fund ♥ Osborne Clarke Annual report & ♥ Youth Futures Foundation ♥ Primark financial statements ♥ RSA Insurance 2024/25 ♥ SQW 36 ~~=~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) Individual giving and events Allies and Ambassadors 2024/25 in numbers ♥ Art for Youth London Committee: Lady Griffiths (President), Sarah Austin ♥ Nigel Mansell Welcome (Chair), Henry Foreman (Vice-chair), Sam Fairbairn (Vice-Chair), Diana ♥ AESSEAL Ltd Brooks MBE (Founder), Tim Begg (Honorary Treasurer), Guy Allen, Arabella ♥ Give It Away - Charlotte Grobien About us Brooke, Charlie Brooks, Alexandra Campbell-Harris, Philippa HoganOBE TRUSTEES' REPORT Hern, Kiersty Long, Jen MacDonald, Aran Matharu, Caitlin Mavroleon, ♥ Investors in Youth (INCLUDING STRATEGIC Nick Melluish, Sam Melluish MBE, Karen Protopapa, Emily St Aubyn, Flora ♥ Our incredible London REPORT) Stobart, Anthony Yannaghas Marathon runners Strategic Challenge 1 ♥ Friends of UK Youth ♥ Art for Youth North Committee: Rachel Bowron (Chair), Anna Milbank, ♥ Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane Strategic Challenge 2 Ludo Compton, Antonia Consett, Caroline Lawson-Tancred, Emma ♥ Williams Racing Strategic Challenge 3 Manners, Fanny Green, Henriette Graham, Jayne Hopton, John Hollins, Kate ♥ Elite Fundraising Strategic Challenge 4 Preston, Morn Robson, Rachel Lindley, Sarah Hall, Sarah Pearson, Susan ♥ Jason Jenner Wilmot, Susie Dugdale, Victoria Hunt, Isabel Vaughan ♥ Peter Windsor Our funding and gratitude Financial, structure and ♥ Gala Dinner Committee: Matt Price (Chair), Lisa O’Rahilly, Nneka Orji, ♥ Special thank you to the governance review Frances Martin-Isaacs, Danielle Perfect. Development Board INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S We also thank our Corporate REPORT AND FINANCIALCommunity Challenge Events: Matthew Price, Freddie Price, Charlie Price, Development Board members: STATEMENTS Andy Crinson, Jem Mavroleon, and St. Edward’s School Graeme Swan (Chair), David Independent Auditor's Thomlinson, Paul Ashley, Fond Farewell to Art for Youth North report Kate Boddington, Naomi After an astonishing 22 years, Art for Youth North has now closed. The Kasolowsky, Gayatri Raman Our financial statements dedication of committee members, artists, and sponsors who collectively and William Stancer. raised a phenomenal £350,000 for UK Youth has made a lasting difference. To the young people driving change To our delivery partners We are endlessly inspired by you as you work alongside Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to young Annual report & financial statements us to shape a better future. Your voices, ideas, and people are the driving force behind everything we 2024/25 leadership are at the heart of everything we do. Thank achieve. We extend to you heartfelt appreciation. you for partnering with us to shape and unlock youth Together we have turned innovative ideas into scalable, work for all. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow, you impactful programmes, bringing meaningful change 37 are the leaders of today. to thousands of young lives. ~~mm~~

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Financial, structure and governance review

Welcome

~~FINANCI~~ AL, About us STRUCTURE AND

TRUSTEES' REPORT GOVERNANCE (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REVIEW REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

38

Financial Review

We raised £13.8m in 2024/25, a decrease of 14.9% from 2023/24. This was mainly due to the timing of Thriving Minds restricted income, with £4.1m recognised in 2023/24 but distributed in 2024/25. Without this timing adjustment, income levels were broadly consistent, showing that our core income base remains strong and stable despite a challenging economic climate. Expenditure rose to £17.9m (2023/24: £14.7m), reflecting the timing of restricted programme funding, with income recognised in the prior year and delivery costs incurred this year. As expected, this produced a timing deficit of £4.1m, funded from restricted reserves built up over recent years. Excluding these timing effects, our underlying operating position remained strong, reflecting continued financial stability, and unrestricted reserves were maintained within the target range

Notably, the reduction in income does not indicate a fall in fundraising or programme activity but results from the accounting treatment of multi-year restricted grants. For example, income from Thriving Minds recognised last year continues to support delivery during 2024/25.

Our programme expenditure, including £7.1m in grant distribution, increased by almost 15%. Restricted funds, provided for specific purposes, grew by £2.2m. In contrast, designated funds, committed by the Trustees for particular schemes, increased by £157,000 and general expenditure, including fundraising, charitable activity delivery, and organisation costs, increased by £815,000, reflecting the expansion of our cross-sector work.

Income

Total income was £13.8m, of which £9.8m was restricted. Our income comprised individual donations, funding from trusts and foundations, government grants, corporate support, and social-enterprise activities at our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre.

Breakdown of income

67% Funding for youth work programmes £9,249,000

17% Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre £2,297,000

10% Donations & legacies £1,420,000

2% Fundraising events £315,000

1% UK Youth Movement £95,000

2% Other income £260,000 1% Investments £145,000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

Programme funding totalled £9.2m (2023/24: £12.0m). Operating income from Avon Tyrrell rose to £2.3m (2023/24: £2.1m), driven by site improvements and more flexible residential opportunities. Income from donations and legacies decreased slightly to £1.4m (2023/24: £1.5m), while fundraising events generated £315k (2023/24: £414k). In addition, £95k was received to support the UK Youth Movement - funding that we invest directly in our network through convening, capacity building, and shared tools. Other income totalled £260k, and investment income was £145k.

Expenditure

We spent £17.9m to achieve our mission (2023/24: £14.7m), representing a 22% increase. Programme expenditure, including grant distribution, rose by 32% to £13.7m (2023/24: £10.4m), reflecting the programme funds received in the prior year and the delivery costs incurred in the current year.

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre's operating costs before central allocations rose to £1.9m (2023/24: £1.7m), reflecting higher levels of activity. As a social enterprise, Avon Tyrrell contributes to cross-organisational costs, so not all expenses are directly tied to its operations. Its surplus is reinvested into core activities, demonstrating the strength of UK Youth's social enterprise model. Total costs at Avon Tyrrell increased from £2.1m to £2.3m.

Network support and advocacy expenditure also grew, reflecting the expansion of our cross-sector work. We invested £1.3m in income generation (2023/24: £1.2m). Support costs increased to £2.8m (2023/24: £2.3m), including £0.1m Ambition support, £0.1m for the temporary COO role to strengthen organisational capacity, and £0.2m one-off Leadership Transition and Organisational Development costs.

Restricted funds were £3.1m, including £411k for the Thriving Minds programme and £1.8m for the Cost of Living Fund, which will be distributed to youth organisations in 2025/26.

Designated funds totalled £810k, comprising the Tangible Fixed Asset Fund and other designated reserves set aside for specific strategic and operational purposes. Further details, including the nature and expected timing of expenditure, are provided in Note 20.

General funds were £1.4m, including £211k relating to properties held by NACYP/Ambition, a custodial trustee managed since 2017. These properties are expected to be sold when conditions allow, but are not considered free reserves due to the uncertainty of timing. Remaining general funds (our free reserves) totalled £1.17m, as shown in Note 21.

Breakdown of expenditure

76% Youth work programmes £13,695,000

13% Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre £2,314,000

1% Other movement support £227,000 2% Advocacy & communication £408,000 7% Raising income £1,261,000

Charitable funds

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As of 31 March 2025, total funds stood at £5.3m (2023/24: £9.4m). The reduction was mainly due to the distribution of Thriving Minds and Cost of Living funds received in previous years.

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2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

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Cash

Our cash position on 31 March 2025 was £5.1m, compared with £4.0m at the end of 2023/24. The increase reflects the receipt of a Cost of Living grant towards the end of the financial year, which is earmarked for distribution in the following year.

Overall, 2024/25 was a year of significant delivery against prior-year funding commitments, managed within a strong reserves position and with continued investment in programme quality, leadership transition, and future sustainability.

Reserve policy and going concern

UK Youth has experienced significant expansion over the past three years. We have almost doubled our income since 2020/21. This growth, combined with the uncertain economy, highlights the need for the charity to maintain sufficient reserves and regularly assess whether they are needed.

When setting the reserves policy, the Board of Trustees considered various factors. These include the charity’s financial position, recent performance, and expectations for future years, as well as current and future liquidity coverage. The goal is to ensure that we have the necessary funds to continue our activities during periods of uncertainty.

The key considerations of the Board of Trustees included:

The Finance, Risk and Audit Committee annually reviews the reserve policy and the level of reserves, including free reserves, as shown in the financial statements. The Board approves the review of the Trustees’ reserves policy.

Following guidance from the Charity Commission, the group’s strategic plans, and current economic conditions, the Board of Trustees has set a target range for free reserves between £1.1m and £1.3m.

These figures are considered appropriate to ensure financial stability and safeguard against volatile and unpredictable income streams, as well as unforeseen expenditures and liabilities. As of 31 March 2025, the group’s unrestricted (general) funds were £1.4m. As of 31 March 2024, the figure was £1.3m.

Our charity free reserves were £1.23m, slightly above the minimum level set out by our Trustees. This figure compares to £1.1m in 2024. We have set a budget for 2025/26 to maintain our free reserves to at least £1.2m by March 2026.

As part of its oversight of the Group’s financial position, the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee continues to monitor the Ambition subsidiary, which holds a small number of legacy property assets. While these assets are fully restricted to charitable purposes, their disposal and potential accounting treatment may impact reserves in future years. The Board considers this risk to be appropriately managed within the current reserves policy and group oversight framework.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

The Finance, Risk and Audit Committee regularly monitors our progress toward achieving this goal as part of its review of the management accounts.

The Board of Trustees reasonably expects that the charity and the Group have adequate resources to continue operating for at least 12 months from the approval date of these financial statements. Accordingly, the Board of Trustees believes that the going concern basis remains appropriate for preparing the annual report and financial statements.

Investment policy

The Board of Trustees believes that the optimal riskreturn balance can be achieved by investing some of the free reserves in medium-term investments with a time horizon of 3-5 years. The remaining free reserves will also be allocated to short-term cash deposits.

The Board of Trustees invests in socially responsible assets in line with our charity’s mission and our responsibility to maximise the positive impact we make on young people.

The Finance, Risk and Audit Committee reviews the investments quarterly as part of its review of our management accounts. The Cazenove Capital Responsible Multi-Asset Fund manages a range of investments. At the end of the year, the value of these investments was £536,000, compared with £531,000 in the previous year. All assets the charity holds fall within those permitted by our Memorandum and Articles of Association.

relationships that provide mutual value. These efforts are critical in sustaining the charity’s programmes and expanding its impact across the UK.

UK Youth is committed to upholding the highest standards of fundraising practice and complies with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. The charity monitors all fundraising carried out in its name to ensure it reflects our values and legal obligations.

During the year, no complaints were received regarding our fundraising activities. We have clear policies and staff training in place to protect vulnerable people from unreasonable intrusion into privacy, from persistent or excessive approaches, and from any undue pressure to donate. We continually review our fundraising practices to ensure that all interactions with supporters are respectful, transparent, and in line with the Code.

Our 2024/25 fundraising campaign is described in greater detail on pages 31 to 34 of this report.

Grant-making

As part of its charitable activities, UK Youth provide grants to support youth organisations across the UK.

Our grant-making policy is focused on ensuring that resources are allocated to organisations that align with our strategic priorities and aim to empower young people. All grants are awarded following a thorough assessment process that evaluates the applicant’s alignment with our objectives, the project’s potential impact, and the organisation’s financial sustainability.

Fundraising practice

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UK Youth’s fundraising practices are rooted in integrity, transparency, and a commitment to building sustainable partnerships. We engage a diverse range of supporters, from individuals to corporate partners, to secure funding that aligns with our mission of empowering young people. UK Youth ensures that all fundraising activities adhere to ethical standards, focusing on long-term

We support projects that contribute to the personal, social, and educational development of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Through multi-year grants and capacity-building support, we aim to ensure the sustainability and longterm impact of youth organisations. The grants we

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

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provide play a crucial role in helping us achieve our broader aim of unlocking youth work for all by providing vital resources that enhance the reach and quality of youth services.

Structure and governance review

The Trustees understand that strong governance is essential to UK Youth’s success. They foster a culture of accountability, alignment with our charitable vision, and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The Board regularly reviews the charity’s governance and management structures, referencing the principles of the Charity Governance Code and adapting them as necessary to suit UK Youth’s size and complexity.

Legal structure

UK Youth is a charitable company registered in England and Wales, limited by guarantee. The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, dated initially 16 March 2005 and amended on 7 December 2016. We are registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

UK Youth consolidates the financial statements of the National Association of Clubs for Young People (operating as Ambition) as a subsidiary through deemed control. Ambition is a charitable company governed by a Royal Charter dated 25 May 1939 and amended on 20 May 1997. It is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and governed by its Charter and By-laws.

Board of trustees

The Board comprises Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Honorary Treasurer) and Ordinary Trustees. The minimum number of Trustees is six; there is no fixed maximum. Trustees are appointed by ordinary resolution at a general meeting of the Members, based on nominations from existing Trustees or Members submitted in writing in advance.

Appointments are based on expertise, experience, and a

commitment to diversity and sector knowledge. Trustees serve for three year terms and may be re-elected, serving a maximum of nine years, unless a special resolution approves an extension.

The Board is responsible for setting the charity’s strategic direction. It meets with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) four times yearly to review performance and ensure alignment with the charity’s objectives. The Chief Executive reports directly to the Board and is responsible for day-to-day leadership, policy implementation, and strategy execution, supported by the SLT.

Fundraising oversight

Trustees oversee all fundraising activities to comply with relevant legislation, including the Charities Act 2011 and the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice. Fundraising must be conducted in a manner that is legal, transparent, and respectful. The Board regularly reviews fundraising strategy, monitors performance, and assesses risks to safeguard the charity’s reputation and public trust.

Trustee induction and development

All new trustees receive a formal induction and sign a Trustee Agreement. The induction, led by the Chair and Chief Executive, covers:

Trustees are encouraged to visit UK Youth offices, meet key staff, attend events and programmes, and take part in training or professional development. Resources are provided as needed to support ongoing learning.

Board effectiveness

The Board conducts regular governance reviews and skills audits to assess its performance and composition.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

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43

This helps ensure an appropriate mix of experience, expertise, and capacity to provide adequate oversight and manage strategic risks. Our insurers offer Charity Trustee Assurance to cover trustees.

Conflicts of interest are declared annually and monitored at each Committee and Board meeting. All declarations are managed following UK Youth’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Board committees

To support effective decision-making, the Board has delegated specific responsibilities to Committees through a formal Scheme of Delegation. Following a governance review, the standing committees during the financial year were:

Co-opted members are appointed to Board committees for their specialist expertise. They are not trustees but provide independent advice, challenge, and support to strengthen governance and oversight.

Senior leadership team

To support effective strategy implementation, the Chief Executive delegates operational responsibility to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in line with the charity’s Scheme of Delegation. Together, the Trustees and SLT form the charity’s key management personnel.

In 2024–25, the SLT included the CEO and five directors: the Chief Impact Officer, Director of Network Delivery, interim Chief Operating Officer, Director of Outdoor Learning, and Director of Youth Services and Innovation. Following the end of the interim Chief Operating Officer’s appointment in June 2025, the Director of Finance and Operations and the Assistant Director of People joined the SLT.

The People Committee sets remuneration for the SLT, using a broad range of benchmarking data to ensure salaries are fair and comparable with similar organisations in the sector.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding children, young people, adults at risk, and all who engage with our charity is central to our work. We focus on preventing harm and responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns.

We take our duty of care seriously, promoting safe practice through rigorous risk assessments, robust policies, and ongoing training. All staff undergo enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training at induction, with mandatory annual refreshers.

Safeguarding is embedded in our governance. The Impact and Delivery Committee provides regular oversight, all Trustees have completed NSPCC safeguarding training, and the full Board reviews and approves our safeguarding policy and procedures annually.

We maintain a strong safeguarding culture through safe recruitment and detailed risk assessments for any criminal record disclosures. We do not engage individuals who pose an unacceptable risk.

Our Safeguarding Policy sets out clear standards and procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing concerns. Led by our Designated Safeguarding Lead and a dedicated team, we ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practice, deliver training, advise staff and volunteers, and report regularly to the Impact and Delivery Committee. Volunteers are essential to our work, supporting programme delivery, governance, and youth engagement activities. Their commitment greatly enhances our capacity to deliver safe, high-quality youth work across the UK.To support staff, we provide a central Safeguarding Hub on SharePoint, giving easy access to all policies, procedures, and reporting tools.

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

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Risk management

The Board of Trustees maintains a comprehensive risk management strategy that covers ongoing risk identification, systems to mitigate key risks, and procedures to minimise impact should risks materialise.

Risk oversight is embedded in our governance framework. The Senior Leadership Team (SLT), under the supervision of the Impact and Risk Committee, manages operational risks. The charity’s risk register is reviewed regularly by both the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Board to ensure controls remain appropriate and effective.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Financial sustainability

We take a prudent approach to financial risk management to support sustainable growth. Budget holders review management accounts monthly, and Trustees conduct quarterly financial reviews to monitor income and expenditure. Reserves are maintained in line with the trustee-approved Reserve Policy.

Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of young people and vulnerable adults is a top priority. We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards, including enhanced DBS checks, mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers, and clear safeguarding policies for everyone working with or on behalf of the charity.

Staff wellbeing and workload

As we grow and adapt to an evolving external environment, we continue to invest in staff support. Our people strategy includes an upgraded Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), manager training, regular workload reviews, and channels for anonymous feedback.

In 2024/25, we had 17 trained Mental Health First Aiders and embedded wellbeing action plans into staff appraisals, making wellbeing a core element of our performance and support culture.

Gender pay gap

Although UK Youth is not required to report on Gender Pay Gap data due to its size, we are committed to transparency and equity across the organisation. A more robust analysis is in development, alongside data on ethnicity pay, which, although not required for reporting, we believe is an essential part of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy.

Changes to legislation and regulation

Our operations comply with a wide range of regulatory requirements, including fundraising, charity law, and financial governance. We regularly review and update our practices to ensure full compliance and uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

This commitment safeguards the trust of our supporters, funders, and regulators, and ensures our work aligns with relevant statutory requirements and sector best practice across all areas of operation.

Statement of trustee responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of UK Youth for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report, including the Strategic Report, and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give an accurate and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable group and of the income and expenditure of the charitable group for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

45

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable group 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 group and, hence, for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Each of the trustees confirms that:

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted according to the provisions of S418 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information to the auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees’ report is approved has confirmed that:

The trustees' report, including the Strategic Report, was approved by the Board of Trustees on 13 November 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Matt Matt Price Chair of Trustees

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Charity information

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Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Reference and administrative details:

Charity number: 1110590 Company number: 05402004

Principal office:

Bankers:

Investment managers:

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, Bransgore, Christchurch, BH23 8EE

Barclays Bank plc 7th Floor United Kingdom House 180 Oxford Street London W1D 1EA

Cazenove Capital Schroder and Co 1 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Independent auditors:

Buzzacott Audit LLP 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Solicitors:

Lodders Number 10 Elm Court Arden Street Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6PA

Insurance advisors:

Gallagher The Walbrook Building 25 Walbrook London EC4N 8AW

Get in touch

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

020 3137 3810 

Find us on

 www.ukyouth.org  info@ukyouth.org

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UK YOUTH Independent Auditor’s report and financial statements

2024/25 in numbers

~~INDEPENDEN~~ T Welcome

Independent auditor’s report to the members of UK Youth

~~AUDITOR’S REPOR~~ T About us AND FINANCIAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT STATEMENTS (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT) INDEPENDENT

Strategic Challenge 1 AUDITOR'S REPORT Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

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Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of UK Youth (the ‘charitable parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which the comprise the group statement of financial activities, the group and charitable parent company balance sheets and consolidated statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and the notes to the financial statements. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and charitable parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and financial statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

strategic report, has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the charitable parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report including the strategic report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

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As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

Annual report & financial statements 2024/25

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group’s and the charitable parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the charitable parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

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2024/25 in numbers

Welcome

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1 Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Strategic Challenge 4

Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/ auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

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There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and

Gumayel Miah (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Buzzacott Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor

130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Date: 15 November 2025

Our financial statements

2024/25 in numbers Welcome

Please click on the links below to read our audited financial statements

About us

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING STRATEGIC REPORT)

Strategic Challenge 1

Strategic Challenge 2 Strategic Challenge 3

Consolidated statement of financial activities

Balance sheet

Strategic Challenge 4 Our funding and gratitude

Financial, structure and governance review

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

Independent Auditor's report

Our financial statements

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UK Youth London Office Fivefields, 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0DH 020 3137 3810

Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre Braggers Lane, Bransgore, Hampshire, BH23 8EE 01425 672 347

Charity number: 1110590 www.ukyouth.org

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