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← Robert Armitage Charitable Trust

2025-07-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1113185 (England and Wales)

ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Ed Moloney Ben Ward Rhiannon Roberts

Charity registration

England and Wales 1113185

Principal address

The Union, Manchester Metropolitan University 21 Higher Cambridge Street Manchester M15 6AD

Independent examiner

Tom Wilcox

Counterculture Partnership LLP 23 St Leonards Road

Bexhill-o ~~n-~~ Sea East Sussex TN40 1HH

ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025 ~~.~~

The Trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)" ~~.~~

Objectives and activities

Objectives and aims

The Objects of the Trust are:

The trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit : running a charity (PB2)' and they believe that the support provided to the Robert Armitage Charitable Trust allows the charities objectives to benefit a wide section of the public ~~.~~

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ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The Great Manchester Student Partnership

The main project that the trust has funded is the Greater Manchester Student Partnership (GMSP) ~~.~~ The GMSP is the coming together of five student unions (University of Manchester SU, The Union MMU, University of Salford SU, RNCM SU and University of Bolton SU) with the aim of making Greater Manchester the best place for students to live in the UK ~~.~~ The partnership board is made up of eight sabbatical officers from across the five unions. The major role of the partnership is to work with and alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) ~~.~~ The GMCA is led by the mayor of Greater Manchester, and the partnership has quarterly meetings with them to discuss issues that students are facing in the city, that the mayor and the combined authority has power over ~~.~~ The partnership focuses on three main issues that affect students throughout the region: housing, transport, and safety ~~.~~ Another key aspect of the partnership is building strong relationships with the Greater Manchester Civic University Board ~~.~~ The GM Civic University Agreement is between the five institutions that our unions are linked to ~~.~~ The partnership board meets twice a month to work on the projects of the partnership, and to work out what we can strategically do in the future to help students.

GMSP activity in the 24/25 financial year

The GMSP worked with the GMCA to develop and introduce the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter ~~.~~ The charter is a voluntary accreditation scheme that landlords can sign up to, to go ‘above and beyond’ the legal minimum required standard ~~.~~ The GMSP developed a student framework that universities and student accommodation providers will have to meet. The student framework has stricter criteria than the standard framework. The GMSP also produced a ‘Theory of Impact’ for the project, which sets out the lon ~~g,~~ medium ~~-~~ and shor ~~t-~~ term goals of the project, and will be used to onboard officers in the future ~~.~~ The GMSP started to meet with Transport for Greater Manchester regularly, discussing safety, ticketing, transport integration and future planning ~~.~~ These meeting culminated in the GMSP launching a campaign to lobby the mayor to reduce the cost of trams in the city region. The GMSP also worked with TfGM to manage the transition from buses being ran privately by stagecoach, to being ran by TfGM. This meant students paid the same rate as they did previously and did not lose out on any money. GMSP was also a part of a consultation for the new police and crime strategy for GM. GMSP attended two consultation events and filled out an online consultation. Within the new strategy, student safety is recognised, especially in the nighttime economy. The GMSP also embarked on a campaign to improve the provision of ADHD assessment and treatment for students in GM. The GMSP met with national experts on the issue, and collected stories from students to help us understand the current situation ~~.~~ The campaign will continue in 25/26 ~~.~~

GMSP future plans and activity

As well as continuing to embed the Theory of Impact, and build relationships across GMCA, the GMSP will focus work on the ‘student living and staying’ strategy that aims to make Greater Manchester the best place to be a student and graduate ~~.~~ Sustainable funding from the Trust is enabling this work to continue to develop ~~.~~

Financial review

The Trust has powers to set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves against future expenditure ~~.~~ The Trustees have not identified any material future expenditure beyond grant giving and have not set a specific reserves policy. The Trustees wish to ensure the sustainability of the Trust by funding activity through investment income from the principal sum.

Reserves policy

The Trust aims to retain a reserve equal to at least 75% of the legacy to ensure sufficient funds remain to generate investment returns for charitable activities. It has elected to pursue a low ~~-r~~ isk investment policy, placing the legacy in a high ~~-i~~ nterest investment account with a high street bank ~~.~~

Structure, governance and management

The charity was established and governed by a Declaration of Trust ~~.~~

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18/03/2026 Date? 2... eeeccceeeeceeeeeeeeeeeeteeeeeeeees

ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Robert Armitage Charitable Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2025 ~~.~~

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ~~.~~

| report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination | have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. | understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice ~~.~~

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011 ~~.~~

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached ~~.~~

Tom Wilcox

Counterculture Partnership LLP 23 St Leonards Road

Bexhill-o ~~n-~~ Sea

East Sussex TN40 1HH Date: .......19. March.2026

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ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 ~~-~~ 45,000
Investments 4 47,739 89,810
Total income 47,739 134,810
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 8,174 18,667
Charitable activities 6 109,414 (3,720)
Total expenditure 117,588 14,947
Net gains/(losses) on investments
9		 73,216 79,593
Net income and movement in funds 3,367 199,456
Reconciliation offunds:
Fund balances at 1 August 2024 1,998,444 1,798,988
Fund balances at31 July2025 2,001,811 1,998,444

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year ~~.~~ All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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BE were approved by the trustees on ............::::eeeee 18/03/2026

ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 JULY 2025

1 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources ~~.~~ The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates ~~.~~

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis ~~.~~ Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods ~~.~~

2 Accounting policies

2 ~~.~~ 1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" ~~.~~ The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows ~~.~~

The financial statements have been prepared under historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘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)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and charities Act 2011 ~~.~~

Robert Armitage Charitable Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

2 ~~.~~ 2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future ~~.~~ Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

2 ~~.~~ 3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives ~~.~~

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used ~~.~~ The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Dividends are included by reference to their due dates. Interest is recorded when receivable ~~.~~

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ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

2 Accounting policies

(Continued)

2.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended when there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure:

Costs of generating funds represent amounts paid to the Trust’s external investment advisors ~~.~~

Charitable activities expenditure comprises grants awarded by the Trustees in accordance with the criteria set out in the Trust Deed, together with grant related support costs ~~.~~

2 ~~.~~ 6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand, and short term deposits.

2 ~~.~~ 7 Employee benefits

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits ~~.~~

2.8 Investments

Net realised and unrealised gains and losses are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Investments are shown at market value ~~.~~

2 ~~.~~ 9 Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is included in the Statement of Financial Activities and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Grants ~~-~~ 45,000
Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income from listed investments 43,947 85,860
Interest receivable 3,792 3,950
47,739 89,810

4 Income from investments

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ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

5 Expenditure on raising funds

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Unrestricted| |funds|funds| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Investment|management|8,174|18,667| |Expenditure|on|charitable|activities| |Total|Total| |2025|2024| |£|£| |Direct|costs| |Project|funding|costs|107,194|-| |Share|of support|and|governance|costs|(see|note|)| |Governance|2,220|(3,720)| |109,414|(3,720)| |Analysis|by|fund| |Unrestricted|funds|109,414|(3,720)|

----- End of picture text -----

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year ~~.~~

8 Employees

There were no employees during the year (2023: none).

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |2025|2024| |Number|Number| |Total|-|-| |There|were|no|employees|whose|annual|remuneration|was|more|than|£60,000.| |Gains|and|losses|on|investments| |Unrestricted|Unrestricted| |funds|funds| |2025|2024| |Gains/(losses)|arising|on:|£|£| |Sale|of|investments|73,216|79,593|

----- End of picture text -----

9 Gains and losses on investments

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ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

11. Analysis of movement of commercial investments

Listed Listed Cash as part Cash as part Cash as part Total Total
investments _ of portfolio
£ £ £
Market value at
At 1 August 2024 1,601,630 112,666 1,714,296
Additions to investment at cost 214,348 (63,871) 150,477
Net gain/(loss) on revaluation (123,029) ~~-~~ (123,029)
Disposals at carrying value 73,216 ~~-~~ 73,216
Market value at 31 July 2025 1,766,166 48,794 1,814,960
12
Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Other debtors 8,325 7,244
13
Creditors:		 amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 2,100 3,180
Accruals and deferred income 56,563 2,100
58,663 5,280

14 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used ~~.~~ These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes ~~.~~

At 1 August Incoming
Resources		 Incoming
Resources		 Incoming
Resources		 Gains and At 31 July At 31 July
2024 resources
expended		 losses 2025
£ £
£		 £ £
General funds 1,998,444 47,739
(117,588)		 73,216 2,001,811

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ROBERT ARMITAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

14 Unrestricted funds

(Continued)

Previous year: Previous year: Previous year: Previous year: Previous year: Previous year: At 1 August At 1 August Incoming
Resources		 Incoming
Resources		 Incoming
Resources		 Gains and Gains and Gains and At 31 July July
2023 resources
expended		 losses 2024
£ £
£		 £ £
General funds 1,798,988 134,810
(14,947)		 79,593 1,998,444
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
At 31 July 2025:
Investments 1,814,960
Current assets/(liabilities) 186,851
2,001,811
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
At 31 July 2024:
Investments 1,707,052
Current assets/(liabilities) 291,392
1,998,444

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

16 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 ~~-~~ none) ~~.~~

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