Company Registration Number: 5842595 Registered Charity Number: 1116396
GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Contents Page Trustees’ Report 3 - 8
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GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
The trustees have pleasure in submitting their annual report and financial statement for the year ended 30 June 2025. This report constitutes a 'Directors' Report' under the requirements of Section 234 of the Companies Act 1985. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements issued by the Charity Commission.
REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES & ADVISERS
Charity Name
Registered Name: Guitar Circus Ltd Working Name: Guitar Circus
Charity Registration Number: 1116396
Company Registration Number: 5842595
Registered Office Address
7 The Maples, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1TQ
Directors and Trustees
The directors of the charitable company ('the charity') are trustees for the purpose of charitable law. Throughout this report members are collectively referred to as the trustees. Those serving on the date this report was approved are:
Trevor Dukes Charlie Fraser Paula Child
Charity Administrator
Day-to-day management of the charity is delegated by the trustees to the Charity Administrator, Helen Sanderson.
Bankers
Starling Bank, 5[th] Floor Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff, Wales. CF24 0FG
Accountant
Spencer-Davis & Co., 85B Headstone Road, Harrow, HA1 1PG
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GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Constitution
Guitar Circus Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. A change in name from The Arts Circus (Winchester) to Guitar Circus Ltd was approved by the Board of Trustees and subsequently registered with Companies House and the Charity Commission on 26 June 2016.
It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and was incorporated on 09 June 2006 under the name The Arts Circus (Winchester) and commenced trading on that date. It is incorporated under the Companies Acts and is registered in England and Wales. On 16 October 2006 The Arts Circus (Winchester) was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. As at 30 June 2007 each trustee had guaranteed £1 in the event of winding up the company.
Selection of trustees
Every trustee has the power to nominate another trustee who must be then approved by the board. The minimum number of trustees is 3 and the maximum is 5.
Induction and training of trustees
Potential new trustees are invited to attend the charity’s events before consenting to be proposed for appointment. Once appointed, new trustees receive a copy of the Constitution, a description of the role of a trustee and any relevant documents and background information relating to the charity. Opportunities to observe the charity's activities and any relevant training opportunities are brought to the attention of the trustees by the Charity Administrator.
Organisational Structure
The trustees take final responsibility for the operation of the charity and its financial and general well-being and assist the Charity Administrator with some aspects of the day-to-day management. The trustees are available on-line and are responsible for approving all projects and workshops that are undertaken.
Risk assessment
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, such as those relating to finance and child welfare and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection policy is reviewed and updated regularly and all trustees/employees/contracted artists, who are United Kingdom citizens, are subject to enhanced checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service. For international tutors, where the Disclosure and Barring Service checks are not possible, the trustees are satisfied that we have procedures in place that follow our Safeguarding and Child Protection guidelines.
Serious Incidents
The trustees confirm that there have been no serious incidents which need to be reported to the Charity Commission.
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GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The charity's policy is to carry forward sufficient funds in reserve to cover the organisation's running costs and to ensure stability. As some charity projects are biennial, relevant restricted funds such as bursary and scholarship donations are held until the next available project.
OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES
Guitar Circus is dedicated to promoting events and activities which support the education and performance of the classical guitar in a variety of different settings. These range from celebrating exceptional musical achievement to encouraging the grass-roots, or supporting teachers by developing their professional skills. Our work is defined by participatory and inclusive events which promote ensemble playing and the governance and management of the National Youth Guitar Ensemble.
Guitar Circus prides itself on being able to nurture artistic development in those who have little, or no experience of the arts, whilst being able to inspire gifted youngsters to even greater creative achievements and experiences. Guitar Circus promotes educational activities, ranging from oneday events to annual residential festivals which unite people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. These events give participants an opportunity to learn with leading musicians, hear professional concerts and experience all the benefits of social music-making. The quality and expertise of the festival tutors and guest artists at our events is at a level that is particularly difficult for people to normally access.
We are also keenly aware that despite keeping fees to a minimum, some children will struggle to attend our events and so our Bursary Schemes are able to offer both partially and fully assisted places to those with financial need.
The administration of Guitar Circus is almost exclusively run on a voluntary basis. We continue to actively pursue a wider funding base in order to achieve our potential and play a lead role in guitar education throughout the UK.
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GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE 2024/2025
Significant activities
National Youth Guitar Ensemble (NYGE)
The National Youth Guitar Ensemble consists of five groups based in London, Birmingham and Cardiff. Monthly rehearsals take place in our regional locations from September through to March, followed by an intensive Easter residential bringing together all groups from around the UK. Combining ensembles provides the players with a unique experience to create larger guitar orchestras
Germany Tour – July 2024
In July 2024 the NYGE Camerata Ensembles from our regional UK centres came together for a 5-night tour in Germany, partnering with the Peabody Preparatory Guitar Ensemble from the USA. This represented our first major collaboration with another youth ensemble during a tour and was a rich musical and social experience for everyone. The concert programmes featured both ensembles in their own right, as well as bringing everyone together for a large-scale guitar orchestra. Concerts took place in Dresden, Bautzen and Hernhut to very appreciative audiences and repertoire featured original compositions from composers such as Benjamin Verdery, Mark Houghton and Andrew York as well arrangements of works by Ravel and Holst.
Easter Course - April 2025
Our 3-day Easter residential course was held at Bloxham School. Annual auditions took place in the Spring and the final round for this was held during the Easter course so that auditionees could spend the day working with us, getting a real feel for what we offer. Four NYGE Fellowship members joined this course as mentors and also performed in both concerts during the course.
“Just to say thanks so much for the amazing experience [he] had at the NYGE residential this weekend. He really did have a great time and [we] thoroughly enjoyed the concert!” PARENT
“ Thank you so much for giving me an incredible opportunity to learn and grow in a group .” AUDTIONEE
“[ She] thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away inspired, so to be offered a place is fantastic. [She] is thrilled to accept (although she’s still trying to process the news)! On a separate note, can I say how brilliant the three NYGE performances were on Sunday. The final piece [The Hammer of Acceptance/The Outrage of Repetition] was stunning.” AUDITIONEE
NYGE Fellowship
The NYGE Fellowship Ensemble draws on the exceptional talent studying at, or recently graduated from, UK Music Conservatoires, and offers 16 early-career guitarists unparalleled opportunities to develop their performing, workshop leadership and ensemble skills.
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GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
In Autumn 2024, two new works for guitar ensemble were commissioned for the NYGE Fellowship ensemble. The first, generously supported by Ty Cerdd, was from Welsh composer, David John Roche and the second, by upcoming composer Natalie Roe, was for guitar ensemble and modular synth. The collaboration with Roche was intended to bring together influences from different guitar styles and the resulting work, The Hammer of Acceptance/The Outrage of Repetition , celebrated electric, classical and acoustic guitar styles. Mirrored , by Roe was a departure into a different soundworld for the ensemble with modular synth either as a live element or a pre-recorded track, giving versatility for future performances. Both pieces were premiered at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in the Dora Stoutzker Hall on 31 January 2025.
Following this, the Fellowship began work on an educational programme for a week of schools’ workshops in June 2025. Four Fellowship members were trained to deliver participatory workshops for primary and secondary age children and then embarked on a week of touring working with Music Services and educational settings in Cardiff, Rhondda Tynon Caf, Worcestershire and Somerset.
“Being part of the Fellowship project has been an incredibly valuable and transformative experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to develop essential skills in working with children, from learning how to choose the right words to keep them engaged, to managing time effectively and maintaining a positive and structured environment during workshops. It was equally inspiring to observe and collaborate with the other Fellows. Sharing ideas and approaches and watching how others navigated different situations, helped me adapt and improve my own delivery. I could feel myself getting better and more confident with every workshop I led.” NYGE FELLOW – Maryna
“It was really rewarding to create a performance with the children and see the positive reactions … being able to share what we do with them will hopefully inspire them to keep making music and seek out more of these opportunities.” NYGE FELLOW – Beth
“Thank you so much for the excellent visit by NYGE to GYA Taunton on 28 June. We were honoured to have you with us for the day, for workshops and collaboration. Please pass our warmest thanks to Luke, Beth and Maryna and Alex for all their input and for sharing their experiences and incredible musicianship, and, for the brilliant NYGE performance.” HEAD OF SCHOOL
Development
Guitar Circus has continued to pursue its programme of team development in order to strengthen its resilience as an organisation and create more opportunities for future expansion.
Guitar Circus supports a mentor scheme for undergraduates and recent graduates to develop their professional skills working within Guitar Circus settings. Each NYGE UK location has a mentor who shadows the musical director, helping in rehearsals and leading sectionals as required.
NYGE represents the pinnacle of the route of progression for young guitarists throughout the UK and Guitar Circus has been exploring ways in which to inspire young guitarists at an earlier stage of development and engage with the wider musical community.
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GUITAR CIRCUS LTD (Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
Guitar Circus's charitable purposes support the advancement of education, arts and culture predominantly, but not exclusively, for children and young adults. Our activities give children access to the highest possible level of classical guitar tuition, from internationally renowned teachers and our concerts nurture their artistic appreciation. Increasingly, Guitar Circus is creating opportunities to broaden our reach and work with young guitarists in the earlier stages of their musical journeys. Sessions, such as those held in partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Junior Department, are free and open to all levels of experience.
Guitar Circus trustees recognise the need to support students from all backgrounds and strive to keep participation costs as low and affordable as possible. To assist with this policy, Guitar Circus has a Bursary scheme to help support participants with financial need. These bursaries are not geographically restricted, nor are they ability related. During this reporting period, Guitar Circus was able to provide 2 children with bursaries.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
The key strategic aims for Guitar Circus remain unchanged for the future.
Objectives for 2025/2026
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Create opportunities for our Fellowship Ensemble to showcase the NYGE brand.
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• Plan another European tour for our Camerata Ensembles
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Promote and hold auditions for NYGE to reflect our wider geographical reach.
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Expand Guitar Circus team, volunteers and trustees.
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Pursue new funding avenues.
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Explore partnership projects with Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
……………………………………………………………………….. Trevor Dukes Chair of Trustees
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Registered number: 05842595 Charity number: 1116396
Guitar Circus Ltd
UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
Prepared By:
Spencer-Davis & Co 85B Headstone Road Harrow HA1 1PG
Guitar Circus Ltd
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
TRUSTEES
T Dukes C Fraser P Child
SECRETARY
Helen Sanderson
REGISTERED OFFICE 7 The Maples Cirencester GL7 1TQ COMPANY NUMBER 05842595 CHARITY NUMBER 1116396
ACCOUNTANTS
Spencer-Davis & Co 85B Headstone Road Harrow HA1 1PG
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Guitar Circus Ltd
ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Statement | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 8 to 11 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
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Guitar Circus Ltd
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025 TRUSTEES' REPORT
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 30/06/2025
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activity of the charity in the year under review was Provision of music & arts workshops .
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Guitar Circus Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. It is incorporated under the Companies Acts and is registered in England and Wales. On 26 June 2016 the company's name was changed from Arts Circus (Winchester) to Guitar Circus Ltd.
On 16 October 2006 Guitar Circus Ltd was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Its registered charity number is 1116396.
The report was prepared in accordance with the special provisions within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 24/03/2026
T Dukes Trustee
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Guitar Circus Ltd
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GUITAR CIRCUS LTD
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 30/06/2025 .
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants . Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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Guitar Circus Ltd
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached
...................................................
Date:
Spencer-Davis & Co 85B Headstone Road Harrow HA1 1PG 02084237992
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Guitar Circus Ltd
| Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 30/06/2025 Income Income from generated funds Donations and legacies Income from charitable activities Total Income and endowments Expenses Costs of generating funds Expenditure on Charitable activities Total Expenses Net gains on investments Net Income Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assests Net movement in funds: Net income for the year Total funds brought forward Net funds carried forward |
Unrestric ted funds £ 18,451 61,868 80,319 76,961 76,961 3,358 3,358 49,177 52,535 |
Restricte d funds £ - - - - - - - - - |
2025 Total £ 18,451 61,868 80,319 76,961 76,961 3,358 3,358 49,177 52,535 |
2024 Total £ 675 42,309 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42,984 | ||||
| 39,231 | ||||
| 39,231 | ||||
| 3,753 | ||||
| 3,753 45,424 |
||||
| 49,177 |
This 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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Guitar Circus Ltd
BALANCE SHEET AT 30/06/2025
| BALANCE SHEET AT 30/06/2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors (amounts falling due within one year) 2 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 3 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CAPITAL AND RESERVES Unrestricted funds 5 General fund |
5,117 48,068 53,185 650 |
2025 £ 52,535 52,535 52,535 52,535 |
34,682 39,150 73,832 24,655 |
2024 £ 49,177 |
| 49,177 | ||||
| 49,177 | ||||
| 49,177 |
For the year ending 30/06/2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors 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.
Approved by the board of trustees on 24/03/2026 and signed on their behalf by
.............................
T Dukes Trustee
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Guitar Circus Ltd
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1a. Basis Of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
1b. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
1c. Resources Expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
1d. Allocation And Apportionment Of Costs
All costs relate to the single activity of the charitable company and are recognised accordingly.
1e. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for the specific future purposes or projects.
1f. Turnover
Turnover represents the invoiced value of goods and services supplied by the company, net of value added tax and trade discounts.
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Guitar Circus Ltd
2. DEBTORS
| 2. DEBTORS Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors 3. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors |
2025 £ 5,117 5,117 2025 £ 650 650 |
2024 £ 34,682 |
|---|---|---|
| 34,682 | ||
| 2024 £ 24,655 |
||
| 24,655 |
4. LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum not exceeding £1, to the company should it be wound up. At 30/06/2025 there were 3 members.
5. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General fund
| Brought forward £ 49,177 |
Incoming resource s £ 80,319 |
Outgoing resource s Transfers £ £ (76,961) - (76,961) - |
Outgoing resource s Transfers £ £ (76,961) - (76,961) - |
Carried forward £ 52,535 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49,177 | 80,319 | - | 52,535 |
6. RESTRICTED FUNDS
| Brought | Incoming | Outgoing **Transfers ** |
Outgoing **Transfers ** |
Carried | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| forward | resource | resource | forward | ||
| s | s | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
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Guitar Circus Ltd
| Incoming Resources for the year ended 30/06/2025 Incoming resources Incoming resources from generated funds Charitable Activity Fees receivable |
61,868 | 2025 £ 18,451 61,868 61,868 80,319 |
42,309 | 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 675 | ||||
| 42,309 | ||||
| 42,309 | ||||
| 42,984 |
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Guitar Circus Ltd
| Expenses for the year ended 30/06/2025 Expenses Costs of generating funds Charitable Activities Professional fees Venue hire Tour costs Fundraiser fees Administration fees Training Accountancy fees Insurance Advertising and publicity Bank charges |
2025 £ 22,795 10,394 33,893 3,400 4,278 851 270 597 432 51 76,961 76,961 |
2024 £ 17,801 13,505 - - 5,811 703 270 577 504 60 |
|---|---|---|
| 39,231 | ||
| 39,231 |
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Guitar Circus Ltd
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30/06/2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GUITAR CIRCUS LTD
| report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 30/06/2025 .
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. | am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants j Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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