Charity number 1114319
Deaf Experience Limited
A company limited by guarantee number 05608965
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Deaf Experience Limited
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 to 6 |
| Examiner's report | 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the accounts | 10 to 13 |
Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
1
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report for the year ended 31 March 2025
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position Dates
Position Dates Gillian Jones-Leach Chair Falak Sher Adil Vice Chair David Leach Khalid Ashraf Frank Daltrey Ian Randell Mohsin Patel Harriet Rice Thomas Prideaux Olivia Cowhig Elisabeth Taunton Falak Sher Adil Company Secretary Charity number 1114319 05608965
From 1 October 2024 Resigned 17 May 2025
Resigned 16 November 2024
Resigned 8 June 2024 Appointed 17 May 2025 Appointed 20 September 2025
From 16 November 2024
Charity number
Registered in England and Wales Registered in England and Wales
Company number
Registered and principal address Bankers Leeds Society For Deaf And Blind People HSBC Bank plc Yorkshire Building Society St Mary's Street 66 Westgate 30-32 Kirkgate Leeds Wakefield Wakefield LS9 7DP WF1 1XB WF1 1TG
Independent examiner
Rhys North ACA Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on 1 November 2005 as amended 22 January 2022 and 21 May 2022. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees of the charity are also the directors for the purposes of company law and are appointed by the members at the AGM.
2
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects
To promote the relief of and advance the education of deaf persons, in particular by the provision of a service calculated to assist them to obtain their full rights and privileges as citizens.
The charity's main activities
In order to further the objects the charity has established its DEX Deaf Young Peoples Planning Group (DYPPC) and also provides social events for young deaf people to promote wellbeing and inclusion. DEX has also undertaken research into British Sign Language (BSL) and is working towards more deaf children being able to access BSL.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of education for deaf children and young people in the UK.
Achievements and performance
Over the past year, Deaf Experience (DEX) has continued to strengthen its role as a deaf-led charity supporting Deaf Young People (DYP) across Yorkshire. Founded in 1994 to address the isolation and lack of accessible services for deaf children in mainstream education, DEX has remained steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of DYP through advocacy, social and educational opportunities, and promotion of positive mental health using the NHS Five Ways to Wellbeing framework.
During the 2024-2025 year, we employed 3 part-time employees, in addition to 1 freelance finance worker and web host / IT support. We have trained them up in order to support them to deliver services.
This year, DEX has delivered a wide range of projects, events, and advocacy services that have directly benefited deaf children and young people.
Urban Crime Safety Project – In collaboration with SignHealth and West Yorkshire Police, DEX has delivered workshops on abuse, domestic abuse, personal safety, and how to access emergency services in BSL, including the new 101 BSL and BSL 999 systems. Interactive activities such as quizzes and escape rooms have helped DYP engage with serious topics in a safe, accessible way. Despite challenges in merging Leeds Deaf Youth Club (LDYC) and DEX members, regular attendance now includes 10 committed young people.
Deaf Youth hubs – The Deaf Youth hubs have held regular get togethers, partnered with Leeds City Museum on accessibility improvements, and produced BSL interpretation videos for exhibits currently on display. They have also reviewed event materials, created their own BSL translations, and represented DEX at outreach events.
We now have a deaf youth planning crew - whose focus is to identify what they want to do as a crew and to support staff with the planning and organisation of activities and events.
Events and Trips – DEX has organised inclusive social and educational trips to promote confidence, social skills, and peer support. Highlights include:
A residential trip co-planned and delivered by the young people themselves. This trip involved 3 days of fun filled and challenging outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales. Praised by members, carers, and volunteers for its positive impact on independence and wellbeing.
Cultural and educational outings such as Follow the Signs at Leeds Playhouse and Bradford Science and Media Museum (BSL accessible).
Outdoor adventure experiences like Go Ape, trampolining, laser quest, canal boating and environmental walks in the Yorkshire Dales. These helped participants build resilience, teamwork and self-esteem while breaking down barriers faced in a predominantly hearing world.
3
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance continued
Advocacy Services – DEX has continued to provide vital advocacy support to DYP and their families, particularly around education, welfare and safeguarding. Staff have received additional training to strengthen safeguarding provision, with the Designated Safeguarding Lead role now firmly embedded. Funding has been sourced through Lloyds banking to support this part of our work, enabling us to buy new laptops, screens and gain support through specialist consultants free of charge.
Impact on Beneficiaries
DEX’s work has helped reduce social isolation, improved communication confidence and strengthened life skills among deaf children and young people. Members report feeling more connected to their peers and empowered to navigate both deaf and hearing environments. New members - some attending a deaf group for the first time - have been welcomed into supportive peer networks where they can develop BSL skills and form lasting friendships.
The advocacy service has ensured that DYP’s rights are protected in school and community settings, helping families access appropriate support. The skills developed through DDYCC participation - such as public speaking, event planning and accessibility consultancy - are equipping young people with leadership experience and boosting aspirations.
Wider Societal Benefit
DEX’s work benefits not only its members but also the wider community by:
Raising awareness of deaf culture and accessibility needs through partnerships with museums, sports organisations, transport providers and the police.
Supporting mainstream institutions to provide more inclusive, BSL accessible services.
Contributing to reduced inequalities by improving access to safety information, heritage resources and community facilities for deaf individuals.
Encouraging positive role modelling between older and younger deaf peers, fostering resilience and selfadvocacy skills that extend into education, employment and community life.
In a year where funding and capacity challenges have been significant, DEX’s achievements reflect the resilience of its staff, volunteers and young people. By continuing to listen to and involve DYP in decisionmaking, DEX ensures that its work remains relevant, impactful and rooted in the needs of the community it serves.
Website and social media – now using QR codes to allow visitors to access the website. We are also keeping our social media accounts regularly updated and have developed a good network with people online, resulting in glowing testimonials.
Donations – Having registered the charity on a new fundraising platform called, ‘EasyFundraising’ in early 2023, DEX has received a positive income, which will assist with the general running costs of the charity as well as contributing towards its reserves.
Finance - streamlined staff invoices/expenses claim forms, so there is less paperwork, saving staff and Treasurer time.
Staff and volunteer training – staff have attended training around mental health issues such as suicide and domestic abuse. Projects manager has completed business, fundraising and designated safeguarding lead training.
Work on British Sign Language Act – In the past we have supported a Bill which was read in parliament on 16 June 2021 and became law in April (BSL Act 2022). We have conducted and published research into BSL’s status as an endangered language and are currently liaising with UNESCO regarding the protection of BSL and other world sign languages.
4
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Financial review
The net income for the year was £33,199, including net income of £29,199 on unrestricted funds and net income of £4,000 on restricted funds.
Reserves policy
The charity's free reserves, excluding fixed assets, at the year end were £41,077.
Deaf Experience Limited (DEX) is a small charity wholly dependent on grants and donations. We need to hold back some funds as reserves in order to:
-
1 Cover unexpected and unforeseeable events and gaps in funding.
-
2 Protect day-to-day operational costs, e.g. employing temporary staff to cover any long-term sick absence. Three employed staff and two freelance staff are contracted to work on a set number of hours per project but there may be pressures on the charity to deliver in a different way such as for leave cover.
-
3 Be prepared for a source of income, e.g. a grant not being renewed and the event of being unable to raise project funding straight away. This means we can offer a seamless service from one project end to a new one.
-
4 The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget, e.g. money may need to be spent before a funding grant is received.
Assessment of DEX reserves level:
The Board aims to have a minimum reserves level of £5,000, which is to cover up to now has been unrealistic. However, the recent increase in staff, success in funding bids and development of a Business Plan means the Board anticipate an increase in income for the unrestricted General Account.
We are aware of the limitations of restricted grants for projects. We work according to budget plans.
We do not have any tangible fixed assets to sell.
We need to pay for any costs for a final financial statement.
We estimate that £5,000 is the minimum needed to cover for one month’s notice period for all staff and costs to close the charity.
It is not possible to set aside a specific sum for restricted projects unless we have enough income i.e. donations for the General unrestricted account.
The Board has responsibility to work with the Treasurer and the Treasurer has a duty to inform the Board of any shortfalls. The Board has responsibility to abide by any advice from an independent professional financial institution.
5
Deaf Experience Limited Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting Standards.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS102)), and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by the board of trustees on 1/11/2025
Gillian Jones-Leach (Trustee)
6
Deaf Experience Limited
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Deaf Experience Limited
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
WYCAS conduct the bookkeeping and complete the independent examination for the charity. The following criteria are met:
-
1 the independent examiner is a member of an approved body that has applied the FRC's Revised Ethical Standard;
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2 there is documentary evidence in respect of the bookkeeping arrangements that the trustees were "informed management" and have made such judgements and decisions that are needed in relation to the presentation and disclosure of information in the financial statements; and
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3 the independent examiner was not the book-keeper nor does the examiner report directly to the bookkeeper.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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3 the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Rhys North ACA
25/11/2025
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
7
Deaf Experience Limited
Statement of Financial Activities
(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Notes 2025 Unrestricted funds £ Income from: Grants and donations (2) 34,924 Contract income - Gift aid 287 Bank interest 108 Other income 274 Total income 35,593 Expenditure on: Salaries NI and pensions (3) 2,689 Travel expenses and conferences - Rent and room hire 72 Insurance - Events and workshops - Marketing and administration - Direct project costs - Other administration costs 135 Independent examination - BSL interpreting service 498 IT and website - Training - Equipment - Fundraising costs 3,000 Professional Fees - Freelance costs - Total expenditure 6,394 Net income / (expenditure) 29,199 Fund balances brought forward 11,878 Fund balances carried forward (4) 41,077 |
2025 Restricted funds £ 126,525 - - - - 126,525 90,575 953 5,348 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,291 1,194 2,911 2,979 1,791 750 135 852 6,680 122,525 4,000 47,022 51,022 |
2025 Total funds £ 161,449 - 287 108 274 162,118 93,264 953 5,420 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,426 1,194 3,409 2,979 1,791 750 3,135 852 6,680 128,919 33,199 58,900 92,099 |
2024 Total funds £ 92,563 2,620 854 142 120 96,299 73,607 2,521 6,617 666 4,230 145 6,178 2,401 1,056 4,847 3,065 5,301 676 - - 5,281 116,591 (20,292) 79,192 58,900 |
|---|---|---|---|
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
8
Deaf Experience Limited
Balance sheet
| as at 31 March 2025 2025 Unrestricted £ Current assets Debtors and prepayments (5) - Cash at bank 41,149 Total current assets 41,149 Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals (6) 72 Total current liabilities 72 Net current assets / (liabilities) 41,077 Net assets 41,077 Funds Unrestricted funds 41,077 Restricted funds - Total funds 41,077 |
2025 Restricted £ 236 52,325 52,561 1,539 1,539 51,022 51,022 - 51,022 51,022 |
2025 Total £ 236 93,474 93,710 1,611 1,611 92,099 92,099 41,077 51,022 92,099 |
2024 Total £ 1,504 60,687 62,191 3,291 3,291 58,900 58,900 11,878 47,022 58,900 |
|---|---|---|---|
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and with FRS 102 (effective January 2019).
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 1/11/2025
Gillian Jones-Leach (Trustee)
9
Deaf Experience Limited
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year.
No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
Going concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
Leases
Rents under operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over the lease term or to an earlier date if the lease can be determined without financial penalty.
10
Deaf Experience Limited
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2|Grants and donations|2025|2025|2025|2024|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|funds|funds|funds|funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|Leeds City Council (LCC)|-|-|-|280|
|-|
|National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)|90,525|90,525|68,500|
|The Tudor Trust|-|33,000|33,000|22,500|
|The Brelms Trust|6,000|-|6,000|-|
|-|-|
|Lloyds Bank Foundation|25,000|25,000|
|-|
|Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired Ltd|3,000|3,000|
|Other donations|3,924|-|3,924|1,283|
|34,924|126,525|161,449|92,563|
|3|Staff costs and numbers|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Gross salaries|87,901|71,795|
|Social security costs|8,155|5,505|
|Employment allowance|(5,000)|(5,000)|
|Pensions|1,976|1,307|
|Payroll fees|232|-|
|93,264|73,607|
----- End of picture text -----
The average number of employees during the year was 3.1, being an average of 2.2 full time equivalent (2024: 3.5, 2 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|Defined contribution pension scheme|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year|1,976|1,307|
|Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end|-|296|
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|4|Restricted funds|Balance b/f|Incoming|Outgoing|Transfers|Balance c/f|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|NLCF - DDYH|35,877|34,250|70,127|-|-|
|The Tudor Trust|11,145|33,000|21,107|-|23,038|
|NLCF - Awards for All|-|20,000|-|-|20,000|
|NLCF - Million Hours|-|36,275|29,415|-|6,860|
|Birkdale Trust|-|3,000|1,876|-|1,124|
|-|
|47,022|126,525|122,525|51,022|
----- End of picture text -----
Fund name Purpose of restriction NLCF - DDYH
To support the development of our group for deaf young people aged 11-17 in West Yorkshire, and provide parent information sessions.
To part-fund the continuity of advocacy and social support services for deaf young people aged 17–30 in Yorkshire.
The Tudor Trust
NLCF - Awards for All NLCF - Million Hours Birkdale Trust
To fund rent and activities.
To fund the Urban Crime Safety Project. Towards the costs of residential adventure weekends.
11
Deaf Experience Limited
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 5 Debtors and prepayments Debtors Prepayments 6 Creditors and accruals Creditors Accruals Taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 £ - 236 236 2025 £ 417 1,194 - - 1,611 |
2024 £ 1,189 315 1,504 2024 £ 719 1,056 1,220 296 3,291 |
|---|---|---|
7 Related party transactions
Trustee expenses
No trustee received any expenses during this year or the previous year.
Trustee remuneration and benefits
| Description of transaction Georgina Brown Freelance finance officer Name of trustee |
2025 - - |
2024 3,437 3,437 |
|---|---|---|
Remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel
The total employee benefits received by key management personnel were £46,455 (previous year: £17,576).
8 Operating leases
| Within one year Expected future minimum lease payments over the remaining life of the lease, analysed into the period in which the commitment falls due: |
2025 £ 5,042 5,042 |
2024 £ 4,167 4,167 |
|---|---|---|
12
Deaf Experience Limited
Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds (including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds £ £ Income Grants and donations 34,924 1,283 Contract income - 2,620 Gift aid 287 854 Bank interest 108 142 Other income 274 120 Total income 35,593 5,019 Expenditure Salaries NI and pensions 2,689 6,707 Travel expenses and conferences - 30 Rent and room hire 72 - Insurance - - Events and workshops - - Marketing and administration - - Direct project costs - 75 Other administration costs 135 396 Independent examination - - BSL interpreting service 498 - IT and website - - Training - - Equipment - - Fundraising costs 3,000 - Professional Fees - - Freelance costs - - Total expenditure 6,394 7,208 Net income / (expenditure) 29,199 (2,189) Fund balances brought forward 11,878 14,067 Fund balances carried forward 41,077 11,878 |
2025 Restricted funds £ 126,525 - - - - 126,525 90,575 953 5,348 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,291 1,194 2,911 2,979 1,791 750 135 852 6,680 122,525 4,000 47,022 51,022 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 91,280 - - - - 91,280 66,900 2,491 6,617 666 4,230 145 6,103 2,005 1,056 4,847 3,065 5,301 676 - - 5,281 109,383 (18,103) 65,125 47,022 |
2025 Total funds £ 161,449 - 287 108 274 162,118 93,264 953 5,420 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,426 1,194 3,409 2,979 1,791 750 3,135 852 6,680 128,919 33,199 58,900 92,099 |
2024 Total funds £ 92,563 2,620 854 142 120 96,299 73,607 2,521 6,617 666 4,230 145 6,178 2,401 1,056 4,847 3,065 5,301 676 - - 5,281 116,591 (20,292) 79,192 58,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13
Charity number 1114319
Deaf Experience Limited
A company limited by guarantee number 05608965
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Deaf Experience Limited
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 to 6 |
| Examiner's report | 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the accounts | 10 to 13 |
Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
1
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report for the year ended 31 March 2025
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position Dates
Position Dates Gillian Jones-Leach Chair Falak Sher Adil Vice Chair David Leach Khalid Ashraf Frank Daltrey Ian Randell Mohsin Patel Harriet Rice Thomas Prideaux Olivia Cowhig Elisabeth Taunton Falak Sher Adil Company Secretary Charity number 1114319 05608965
From 1 October 2024 Resigned 17 May 2025
Resigned 16 November 2024
Resigned 8 June 2024 Appointed 17 May 2025 Appointed 20 September 2025
From 16 November 2024
Charity number
Registered in England and Wales Registered in England and Wales
Company number
Registered and principal address Bankers Leeds Society For Deaf And Blind People HSBC Bank plc Yorkshire Building Society St Mary's Street 66 Westgate 30-32 Kirkgate Leeds Wakefield Wakefield LS9 7DP WF1 1XB WF1 1TG
Independent examiner
Rhys North ACA Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on 1 November 2005 as amended 22 January 2022 and 21 May 2022. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees of the charity are also the directors for the purposes of company law and are appointed by the members at the AGM.
2
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects
To promote the relief of and advance the education of deaf persons, in particular by the provision of a service calculated to assist them to obtain their full rights and privileges as citizens.
The charity's main activities
In order to further the objects the charity has established its DEX Deaf Young Peoples Planning Group (DYPPC) and also provides social events for young deaf people to promote wellbeing and inclusion. DEX has also undertaken research into British Sign Language (BSL) and is working towards more deaf children being able to access BSL.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of education for deaf children and young people in the UK.
Achievements and performance
Over the past year, Deaf Experience (DEX) has continued to strengthen its role as a deaf-led charity supporting Deaf Young People (DYP) across Yorkshire. Founded in 1994 to address the isolation and lack of accessible services for deaf children in mainstream education, DEX has remained steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of DYP through advocacy, social and educational opportunities, and promotion of positive mental health using the NHS Five Ways to Wellbeing framework.
During the 2024-2025 year, we employed 3 part-time employees, in addition to 1 freelance finance worker and web host / IT support. We have trained them up in order to support them to deliver services.
This year, DEX has delivered a wide range of projects, events, and advocacy services that have directly benefited deaf children and young people.
Urban Crime Safety Project – In collaboration with SignHealth and West Yorkshire Police, DEX has delivered workshops on abuse, domestic abuse, personal safety, and how to access emergency services in BSL, including the new 101 BSL and BSL 999 systems. Interactive activities such as quizzes and escape rooms have helped DYP engage with serious topics in a safe, accessible way. Despite challenges in merging Leeds Deaf Youth Club (LDYC) and DEX members, regular attendance now includes 10 committed young people.
Deaf Youth hubs – The Deaf Youth hubs have held regular get togethers, partnered with Leeds City Museum on accessibility improvements, and produced BSL interpretation videos for exhibits currently on display. They have also reviewed event materials, created their own BSL translations, and represented DEX at outreach events.
We now have a deaf youth planning crew - whose focus is to identify what they want to do as a crew and to support staff with the planning and organisation of activities and events.
Events and Trips – DEX has organised inclusive social and educational trips to promote confidence, social skills, and peer support. Highlights include:
A residential trip co-planned and delivered by the young people themselves. This trip involved 3 days of fun filled and challenging outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales. Praised by members, carers, and volunteers for its positive impact on independence and wellbeing.
Cultural and educational outings such as Follow the Signs at Leeds Playhouse and Bradford Science and Media Museum (BSL accessible).
Outdoor adventure experiences like Go Ape, trampolining, laser quest, canal boating and environmental walks in the Yorkshire Dales. These helped participants build resilience, teamwork and self-esteem while breaking down barriers faced in a predominantly hearing world.
3
Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance continued
Advocacy Services – DEX has continued to provide vital advocacy support to DYP and their families, particularly around education, welfare and safeguarding. Staff have received additional training to strengthen safeguarding provision, with the Designated Safeguarding Lead role now firmly embedded. Funding has been sourced through Lloyds banking to support this part of our work, enabling us to buy new laptops, screens and gain support through specialist consultants free of charge.
Impact on Beneficiaries
DEX’s work has helped reduce social isolation, improved communication confidence and strengthened life skills among deaf children and young people. Members report feeling more connected to their peers and empowered to navigate both deaf and hearing environments. New members - some attending a deaf group for the first time - have been welcomed into supportive peer networks where they can develop BSL skills and form lasting friendships.
The advocacy service has ensured that DYP’s rights are protected in school and community settings, helping families access appropriate support. The skills developed through DDYCC participation - such as public speaking, event planning and accessibility consultancy - are equipping young people with leadership experience and boosting aspirations.
Wider Societal Benefit
DEX’s work benefits not only its members but also the wider community by:
Raising awareness of deaf culture and accessibility needs through partnerships with museums, sports organisations, transport providers and the police.
Supporting mainstream institutions to provide more inclusive, BSL accessible services.
Contributing to reduced inequalities by improving access to safety information, heritage resources and community facilities for deaf individuals.
Encouraging positive role modelling between older and younger deaf peers, fostering resilience and selfadvocacy skills that extend into education, employment and community life.
In a year where funding and capacity challenges have been significant, DEX’s achievements reflect the resilience of its staff, volunteers and young people. By continuing to listen to and involve DYP in decisionmaking, DEX ensures that its work remains relevant, impactful and rooted in the needs of the community it serves.
Website and social media – now using QR codes to allow visitors to access the website. We are also keeping our social media accounts regularly updated and have developed a good network with people online, resulting in glowing testimonials.
Donations – Having registered the charity on a new fundraising platform called, ‘EasyFundraising’ in early 2023, DEX has received a positive income, which will assist with the general running costs of the charity as well as contributing towards its reserves.
Finance - streamlined staff invoices/expenses claim forms, so there is less paperwork, saving staff and Treasurer time.
Staff and volunteer training – staff have attended training around mental health issues such as suicide and domestic abuse. Projects manager has completed business, fundraising and designated safeguarding lead training.
Work on British Sign Language Act – In the past we have supported a Bill which was read in parliament on 16 June 2021 and became law in April (BSL Act 2022). We have conducted and published research into BSL’s status as an endangered language and are currently liaising with UNESCO regarding the protection of BSL and other world sign languages.
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Deaf Experience Limited
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Financial review
The net income for the year was £33,199, including net income of £29,199 on unrestricted funds and net income of £4,000 on restricted funds.
Reserves policy
The charity's free reserves, excluding fixed assets, at the year end were £41,077.
Deaf Experience Limited (DEX) is a small charity wholly dependent on grants and donations. We need to hold back some funds as reserves in order to:
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1 Cover unexpected and unforeseeable events and gaps in funding.
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2 Protect day-to-day operational costs, e.g. employing temporary staff to cover any long-term sick absence. Three employed staff and two freelance staff are contracted to work on a set number of hours per project but there may be pressures on the charity to deliver in a different way such as for leave cover.
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3 Be prepared for a source of income, e.g. a grant not being renewed and the event of being unable to raise project funding straight away. This means we can offer a seamless service from one project end to a new one.
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4 The need to fund short-term deficits in a cash budget, e.g. money may need to be spent before a funding grant is received.
Assessment of DEX reserves level:
The Board aims to have a minimum reserves level of £5,000, which is to cover up to now has been unrealistic. However, the recent increase in staff, success in funding bids and development of a Business Plan means the Board anticipate an increase in income for the unrestricted General Account.
We are aware of the limitations of restricted grants for projects. We work according to budget plans.
We do not have any tangible fixed assets to sell.
We need to pay for any costs for a final financial statement.
We estimate that £5,000 is the minimum needed to cover for one month’s notice period for all staff and costs to close the charity.
It is not possible to set aside a specific sum for restricted projects unless we have enough income i.e. donations for the General unrestricted account.
The Board has responsibility to work with the Treasurer and the Treasurer has a duty to inform the Board of any shortfalls. The Board has responsibility to abide by any advice from an independent professional financial institution.
5
Deaf Experience Limited Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting Standards.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS102)), and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by the board of trustees on 1/11/2025
Gillian Jones-Leach (Trustee)
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Deaf Experience Limited
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Deaf Experience Limited
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
WYCAS conduct the bookkeeping and complete the independent examination for the charity. The following criteria are met:
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1 the independent examiner is a member of an approved body that has applied the FRC's Revised Ethical Standard;
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2 there is documentary evidence in respect of the bookkeeping arrangements that the trustees were "informed management" and have made such judgements and decisions that are needed in relation to the presentation and disclosure of information in the financial statements; and
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3 the independent examiner was not the book-keeper nor does the examiner report directly to the bookkeeper.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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3 the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Rhys North ACA
25/11/2025
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
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Deaf Experience Limited
Statement of Financial Activities
(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Notes 2025 Unrestricted funds £ Income from: Grants and donations (2) 34,924 Contract income - Gift aid 287 Bank interest 108 Other income 274 Total income 35,593 Expenditure on: Salaries NI and pensions (3) 2,689 Travel expenses and conferences - Rent and room hire 72 Insurance - Events and workshops - Marketing and administration - Direct project costs - Other administration costs 135 Independent examination - BSL interpreting service 498 IT and website - Training - Equipment - Fundraising costs 3,000 Professional Fees - Freelance costs - Total expenditure 6,394 Net income / (expenditure) 29,199 Fund balances brought forward 11,878 Fund balances carried forward (4) 41,077 |
2025 Restricted funds £ 126,525 - - - - 126,525 90,575 953 5,348 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,291 1,194 2,911 2,979 1,791 750 135 852 6,680 122,525 4,000 47,022 51,022 |
2025 Total funds £ 161,449 - 287 108 274 162,118 93,264 953 5,420 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,426 1,194 3,409 2,979 1,791 750 3,135 852 6,680 128,919 33,199 58,900 92,099 |
2024 Total funds £ 92,563 2,620 854 142 120 96,299 73,607 2,521 6,617 666 4,230 145 6,178 2,401 1,056 4,847 3,065 5,301 676 - - 5,281 116,591 (20,292) 79,192 58,900 |
|---|---|---|---|
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
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Deaf Experience Limited
Balance sheet
| as at 31 March 2025 2025 Unrestricted £ Current assets Debtors and prepayments (5) - Cash at bank 41,149 Total current assets 41,149 Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals (6) 72 Total current liabilities 72 Net current assets / (liabilities) 41,077 Net assets 41,077 Funds Unrestricted funds 41,077 Restricted funds - Total funds 41,077 |
2025 Restricted £ 236 52,325 52,561 1,539 1,539 51,022 51,022 - 51,022 51,022 |
2025 Total £ 236 93,474 93,710 1,611 1,611 92,099 92,099 41,077 51,022 92,099 |
2024 Total £ 1,504 60,687 62,191 3,291 3,291 58,900 58,900 11,878 47,022 58,900 |
|---|---|---|---|
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and with FRS 102 (effective January 2019).
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 1/11/2025
Gillian Jones-Leach (Trustee)
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Deaf Experience Limited
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year.
No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
Going concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
Leases
Rents under operating leases are charged on a straight line basis over the lease term or to an earlier date if the lease can be determined without financial penalty.
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Deaf Experience Limited
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2|Grants and donations|2025|2025|2025|2024|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|funds|funds|funds|funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|Leeds City Council (LCC)|-|-|-|280|
|-|
|National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)|90,525|90,525|68,500|
|The Tudor Trust|-|33,000|33,000|22,500|
|The Brelms Trust|6,000|-|6,000|-|
|-|-|
|Lloyds Bank Foundation|25,000|25,000|
|-|
|Birkdale Trust for Hearing Impaired Ltd|3,000|3,000|
|Other donations|3,924|-|3,924|1,283|
|34,924|126,525|161,449|92,563|
|3|Staff costs and numbers|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Gross salaries|87,901|71,795|
|Social security costs|8,155|5,505|
|Employment allowance|(5,000)|(5,000)|
|Pensions|1,976|1,307|
|Payroll fees|232|-|
|93,264|73,607|
----- End of picture text -----
The average number of employees during the year was 3.1, being an average of 2.2 full time equivalent (2024: 3.5, 2 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|Defined contribution pension scheme|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year|1,976|1,307|
|Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end|-|296|
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|4|Restricted funds|Balance b/f|Incoming|Outgoing|Transfers|Balance c/f|
|£|£|£|£|£|
|NLCF - DDYH|35,877|34,250|70,127|-|-|
|The Tudor Trust|11,145|33,000|21,107|-|23,038|
|NLCF - Awards for All|-|20,000|-|-|20,000|
|NLCF - Million Hours|-|36,275|29,415|-|6,860|
|Birkdale Trust|-|3,000|1,876|-|1,124|
|-|
|47,022|126,525|122,525|51,022|
----- End of picture text -----
Fund name Purpose of restriction NLCF - DDYH
To support the development of our group for deaf young people aged 11-17 in West Yorkshire, and provide parent information sessions.
To part-fund the continuity of advocacy and social support services for deaf young people aged 17–30 in Yorkshire.
The Tudor Trust
NLCF - Awards for All NLCF - Million Hours Birkdale Trust
To fund rent and activities.
To fund the Urban Crime Safety Project. Towards the costs of residential adventure weekends.
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Deaf Experience Limited
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 5 Debtors and prepayments Debtors Prepayments 6 Creditors and accruals Creditors Accruals Taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 £ - 236 236 2025 £ 417 1,194 - - 1,611 |
2024 £ 1,189 315 1,504 2024 £ 719 1,056 1,220 296 3,291 |
|---|---|---|
7 Related party transactions
Trustee expenses
No trustee received any expenses during this year or the previous year.
Trustee remuneration and benefits
| Description of transaction Georgina Brown Freelance finance officer Name of trustee |
2025 - - |
2024 3,437 3,437 |
|---|---|---|
Remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel
The total employee benefits received by key management personnel were £46,455 (previous year: £17,576).
8 Operating leases
| Within one year Expected future minimum lease payments over the remaining life of the lease, analysed into the period in which the commitment falls due: |
2025 £ 5,042 5,042 |
2024 £ 4,167 4,167 |
|---|---|---|
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Deaf Experience Limited
Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds (including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds £ £ Income Grants and donations 34,924 1,283 Contract income - 2,620 Gift aid 287 854 Bank interest 108 142 Other income 274 120 Total income 35,593 5,019 Expenditure Salaries NI and pensions 2,689 6,707 Travel expenses and conferences - 30 Rent and room hire 72 - Insurance - - Events and workshops - - Marketing and administration - - Direct project costs - 75 Other administration costs 135 396 Independent examination - - BSL interpreting service 498 - IT and website - - Training - - Equipment - - Fundraising costs 3,000 - Professional Fees - - Freelance costs - - Total expenditure 6,394 7,208 Net income / (expenditure) 29,199 (2,189) Fund balances brought forward 11,878 14,067 Fund balances carried forward 41,077 11,878 |
2025 Restricted funds £ 126,525 - - - - 126,525 90,575 953 5,348 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,291 1,194 2,911 2,979 1,791 750 135 852 6,680 122,525 4,000 47,022 51,022 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 91,280 - - - - 91,280 66,900 2,491 6,617 666 4,230 145 6,103 2,005 1,056 4,847 3,065 5,301 676 - - 5,281 109,383 (18,103) 65,125 47,022 |
2025 Total funds £ 161,449 - 287 108 274 162,118 93,264 953 5,420 594 2,845 510 3,117 1,426 1,194 3,409 2,979 1,791 750 3,135 852 6,680 128,919 33,199 58,900 92,099 |
2024 Total funds £ 92,563 2,620 854 142 120 96,299 73,607 2,521 6,617 666 4,230 145 6,178 2,401 1,056 4,847 3,065 5,301 676 - - 5,281 116,591 (20,292) 79,192 58,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13
Deaf Experience Limited
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Deaf Experience Limited
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
WYCAS conduct the bookkeeping and complete the independent examination for the charity. The following criteria are met:
-
1 the independent examiner is a member of an approved body that has applied the FRC's Revised Ethical Standard;
-
2 there is documentary evidence in respect of the bookkeeping arrangements that the trustees were "informed management" and have made such judgements and decisions that are needed in relation to the presentation and disclosure of information in the financial statements; and
-
3 the independent examiner was not the book-keeper nor does the examiner report directly to the bookkeeper.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
3 the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
4 the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: …………………………………… Name: Rhys North ACA
25/11/2025
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
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