Registered number: 06113479 Charity number: 1118605
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS (A company limited by guarantee)
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Chairman's statement | 2 |
| Trustees' report | 3 - 7 |
| Independent examiner's report | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 - 21 |
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Trustees | Jodie Gill, Chair |
|---|---|
| Liam Evans | |
| Caroline Gee | |
| Victoria Crawford | |
| Alison Wyman | |
| Ed Holloway | |
| Paddy Zervudachi | |
| Katharine King, Treasurer | |
| Company registered number 06113479 Charity registered number 1118605 Registered office 4th Floor 28 Commercial Street London E1 6LS Company secretary Donal Watkin Chief executive officer Donal Watkin Accountants MA Partners LLP Chartered Accountants 7 The Close Norwich Norfolk NR1 4DJ Solicitors Russell-Cooke LLP 2 Putney Hill London SW15 6AB Insurers Ansvar Insurance 4th Floor, The Office 1 Market Square Circus Street Brighton BR2 9AS |
Page 1
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
CHAIR'S FOREWORD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The past year has continued to be one of significant challenge and change for ACO charities. Demand for support has remained high, while rising costs, funding uncertainty and increasing complexity have placed sustained pressure on organisations across our network.
Throughout this period, the resilience, innovation and commitment demonstrated by ACO members have been remarkable. Every day, our members provide vital financial, practical and emotional support to individuals and families across the UK and beyond. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to their charitable purpose reflects the strength, professionalism and shared values of our community.
Against this backdrop, ACO has continued to strengthen its role as a trusted source of support, connection and insight. Over the past year, we have expanded opportunities for peer learning and collaboration through our Special Interest Groups, delivered the second year of our Frontline Worker Programme, and continued to foster a vibrant community where members can exchange knowledge, resources and experience.
As an organisation, we have remained firmly focused on the priorities set out in our 2024-26 strategy. Growing and engaging our membership, enhancing our financial resilience and maintaining strong, effective governance continue to underpin our work.
None of this would be possible without the dedication and generosity of those who contribute their time and expertise to ACO. On behalf of the Board, I extend my sincere thanks to our staff team, trustees, partners and, above all, our members for their ongoing support and engagement.
Looking ahead, the challenges facing charities are unlikely to ease. Yet the need for connection, collaboration and shared learning has never been greater. ACO remains committed to providing a welcoming, supportive and dynamic network where charities can come together, learn from one another and strengthen their collective impact. By working together, we can continue to support a resilient and effective sector in the years to come.
Page 2
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity ("ACO") for the year 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The object of the Charity is to promote for the public benefit the efficiency and effectiveness of charities, particularly, but not exclusively, those which relieve individuals in need, by assisting in their better administration and promoting the sharing of information and practices useful to these charities.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Strategies for achieving objectives
ACO achieves its objects by:
-
- Undertaking research into the work and impact of our members;
-
- Encouraging developments and innovations in service delivery for wider benefit;
-
- Enabling collaborative and collective working and responses between members;
-
- Providing members with timely information, training and advice;
-
- Influencing the law and public policy affecting the work of its members;
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- Providing forums for networking, learning and peer support across the individual grant giving sector.
ACO’s Strategy Plan (2024-26) identified three core strategic objectives for the two year period:
Rebuilding financial reserves to 3 months
With current reserves sitting at £5,000 at the end of the 2024/25 financial year - the equivalent of under 0.5 months expenditure - the clear priority is to return the charity to a stronger reserves position during the final year of the Plan and beyond in order to provide greater financial security for the organisation. Maximising income streams (both subscription and non-subscription) remain key allied to tight budgetary control and cost reductions where viable.
Maintaining and extending ACO membership
With a financial model that relies primarily on subscription income – and a relatively small current membership pool of 115 members – it remains important that current membership levels are sustained. Broadening membership through segmented recruitment campaigns and identifying new potential membership sectors to explore will be undertaken.
Page 3
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Objectives and activities (continued)
Ensuring effective governance and operational management
The charity will ensure it continues to comply with the charity governance code and that the Board regularly monitors and mitigates key risk areas to the organisation. The Board conducted a governance review using the Directory for Social Change (DSC) governance app in November 2024 (which combines the Charity Governance Code with DSC’s own face-to-face model) and implemented a number of actions as a result. This included a review of the organisation’s Article of Associations conducted by Russell-Cooke LLP. Subsequent amendments to the Articles were approved for adoption at the July 2025 AGM.
Achievements and performance
a. Main achievements of the Charity
Knowledge Sharing
ACO’s range of Special Interest Groups remain at the core of the regular sharing of best practice, experiences and resources, as well as creating valuable connections between members.
Organised on both thematic and role related basis, these groups meet regularly through the year in informal and safe environment where individuals feel comfortable to communicate.
These groups included:
- Small Charities + CEO Forum + Finance Forum + Marcomms Group + Fundraising + Caseworker + HR + EDI + Anti-Fraud
During the course of 2024-5, ACO continued the delivery of its Frontline Worker programme. With financial support from the Benefact Group’s “Movement for Good” grants, quarterly (free) workshops focused on addressing themes relevant to case workers and grant team roles throughout the network.
Over 110 ACO members participated in these training sessions, which included:
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- Helping Your Beneficiaries Access Money Advice
-
- Welfare Benefits refresher
-
- Safeguarding for Call Handlers
-
- Debt Advice Workshop
At the same time, ACO managed a range of bespoke online events, with topics including:
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- Purchasing Energy Efficient Appliances
-
- Managing Volunteers & Ambassadors
-
- Supporting Beneficiaries with Wheelchair Needs
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- Building Best Practice in Impact & Evaluation
ACO’s keynote event remained the Annual Conference, once again hosted by BMA House, London and attended by over 150 delegates. With the theme “Responding to Need, the Evolving Role of Charity Support” the event focused on how ACO charities are adapting to increasingly complex challenges whilst continuing to effectively deliver financial and wellbeing support.
Page 4
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
Once again, the event closed with the ACO Annual Awards, which highlighted the outstanding achievements of individuals and charities alike across the ACO network. Winners included:
- Small Charity of the Year: BOSS Business Supplies Charity + Charity of the Year: Care Workers’ Charity + Campaign of the Year: The Drinks Trust + Commercial Collaboration: National Benevolent Charity/Lightning Reach/Cash Perks/Crowdfunder + Charity Collaboration: The Solicitor’s Charity/Lawcare + Impactful Grant of the Year: MND Association + Charity Leader: Sara Smith, Head of Operations, Naval Children’s Charity + Outstanding Achievement: Terri Jeynes, Support Services Manager, Cavell
Collaboration
During the course of 2025, ACO were once again part of the working group (comprising Association of Charitable Foundations, UK Community Foundations, London Funders and Pears Foundation) that contributed to the launch of 360Giving’s “2025 UK Grantmaking” report in June. This included a section dedicated to grants to individuals, providing data relating to both ACO members and wider organisations providing financial support in this context and including a commentary provided by ACO.
ACO continued to participate in the “Civil Society Group”, which represents a broad range of infrastructure/umbrella organisations supporting the UK charity and voluntary sector. It aims to harness the collective strengths of their diverse networks, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and allow civil society to clearly articulate shared priorities and views to government.
Corporate Identity
Whilst the current ACO corporate identity had served the organisation well over a period of time, it was recognised that it now presented several challenges in its effectiveness in modern communication and engagement. As a result, brand agency Red Stone were appointed in June 2025 - on a pro bono basis - to help develop a new visual identity that will significantly strengthen our engagement and presence with both members and wider external stakeholders going forward. Moving through a comprehensive brand audit and evaluation process, it is anticipated that this process will lead to the implementation of a refreshed corporate identity in early 2026.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Page 5
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
b. Reserves policy
Any organisation requires reserves to safeguard itself against major fluctuations in income or delays in income being received and or unexpected items of expenditure. Our objective has been to maintain our free reserves at a level of three months’ expenditure to give the Board the security of being able to plan for the long term as well as continue to be able to pay necessary expenses such as salaries. The financial position is closely monitored by the Board on a regular basis and reserves are considered by the Board as part of this monitoring exercise.
As at 30 September 2025 the Charity had free reserves of £4,204.
Post year end, the Charity received permission to release the unspent balance of Frontline Training Programme funding to unrestricted funds.
The Trustees have reviewed the Charity’s financial position and cash flow forecasts and are satisfied that sufficient funds will be available to meet obligations as they fall due for at least the twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
c. Deficit
The Charity made a deficit of £20,470 in the year ended 30 September 2025 of which £11,898 related to unrestricted funds. The deficit arose as a result of a decline in income from membership subscriptions whilst expenditure, primarily staff costs, increased. Post year end, the Trustees have taken steps to reduce costs whilst continuing to seek ways of increasing income
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The Association of Charitable Organisations is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association.
Page 6
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ Jodie Gill Chair
Date: 25 June 2026
Page 7
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Association of Charitable Organisations ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and 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 Charity 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 the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('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
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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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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.
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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 25 June 2026 Frank Shippam BSc FCA DChA
MA Partners LLP
Chartered Accountants
Page 8
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 300 155,821 971 3,650 160,742 172,640 172,640 (11,898) 16,102 (11,898) 4,204 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - - - 8,572 8,572 (8,572) 16,580 (8,572) 8,008 |
Total funds 2025 £ 300 155,821 971 3,650 160,742 181,212 181,212 (20,470) 32,682 (20,470) 12,212 |
Total funds 2024 £ - 161,155 708 24,560 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 186,423 | ||||
| 170,849 | ||||
| 170,849 | ||||
| 15,574 | ||||
| 17,108 15,574 |
||||
| 32,682 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
Page 9
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 06113479
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 14 Unrestricted funds 14 Total funds |
72,459 49,601 122,060 (109,848) |
2025 £ 12,212 12,212 12,212 8,008 4,204 12,212 |
9,918 29,800 39,718 (7,036) |
2024 £ 32,682 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32,682 | ||||
| 32,682 | ||||
| 16,580 16,102 |
||||
| 32,682 |
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
Jodie Gill Chair
Date: 25 June 2026
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. General information
The Association of Charitable Organisations ("the Charity") is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The Charity's registered office address is given on page 1.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared 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 2015), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Association of Charitable Organisations 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.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern.
The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular, the Trustees have considered the Charity’s forecasts and projections and have taken account of pressures on income.
After making enquiries, the Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Page 11
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure (continued)
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.8 Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
2.9 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
2.10 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 12
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 300 | 300 | - |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Subscriptions 119,260 Conferences and events 36,561 Total 2025 155,821 Total 2024 161,155 |
Total funds 2025 £ 119,260 36,561 155,821 161,155 |
Total funds 2024 £ 123,605 37,550 |
|---|---|---|
| 161,155 | ||
Page 13
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Bank interest 971 Total 2024 708 |
Total funds 2025 £ 971 708 |
Total funds 2024 £ 708 |
|---|---|---|
6. Other incoming resources
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Projects - Advertising 2,400 Meetings 1,250 Total 2025 3,650 Total 2024 3,560 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ - - - - 21,000 |
Total funds 2025 £ - 2,400 1,250 3,650 24,560 |
Total funds 2024 £ 21,960 2,600 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24,560 | |||
7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Charitable activities 172,640 Total 2024 164,619 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 8,572 6,230 |
Total 2025 £ 181,212 170,849 |
Total 2024 £ 170,849 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 14
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Charitable activities Total 2024 |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 161,894 153,769 |
Support costs 2025 £ 19,318 17,080 |
Total funds 2025 £ 181,212 170,849 |
Total funds 2024 £ 170,849 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of direct costs
| Staff costs Conference Rent Projects Other staff costs Insurance Events Equipment Bad debts |
Total funds 2025 £ 114,013 25,001 5,690 8,572 4,707 970 797 1,149 995 161,894 |
Total funds 2024 £ 111,784 21,863 6,038 5,881 5,169 1,061 920 803 250 |
|---|---|---|
| 153,769 |
Page 15
(A company limited by guarantee)
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Information Technology Website support Governance costs Subscriptions Postage, stationery and telephone Miscellaneous Subscriptions Bank charges Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner in respect of: All other services not included above |
Total funds 2025 £ 5,806 2,916 6,844 1,639 878 772 299 164 19,318 2025 £ 1,530 765 |
Total funds 2024 £ 5,512 4,680 3,750 1,329 865 492 289 163 |
|---|---|---|
| 17,080 | ||
| 2024 £ 1,500 750 |
9. Independent examiner's remuneration
Page 16
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
10. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2025 £ 105,449 5,545 3,019 114,013 |
2024 £ 103,186 5,843 2,755 |
|---|---|---|
| 111,784 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| Chief Executive Support |
2025 No. 1 2 3 |
2024 No. 1 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | ||
| In the band £60,001 | - £70,000 | 1 | 1 |
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 30 September 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
12. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 67,971 300 4,188 72,459 |
2024 £ 4,973 2,600 2,345 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,918 |
Page 17
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 4,528 521 104,799 109,848 |
2024 £ 2,778 486 3,772 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,036 |
14. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Household Appliances Social Impact Project Frontline Worker Training Programme Total of funds |
Balance at 1 October 2024 £ 16,102 1,810 14,770 16,580 32,682 |
Income £ 160,742 - - - 160,742 |
Expenditure £ (172,640) - (8,572) (8,572) (181,212) |
Balance at 30 September 2025 £ 4,204 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,810 6,198 |
||||
| 8,008 | ||||
| 12,212 |
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows.
Household Appliances Social Impact Project
This funding was to provided to support the Charity, in collaboration with Fusion21 Foundation and ten ACO grant-making charities, in commissioning a report into the impact of appliance poverty.
Frontline Worker Training Programme
The Charity received funding to provide training sessions for frontline staff, supporting individuals facing financial and emotional hardship.
Page 18
(A company limited by guarantee)
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
14. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Household Appliances Social Impact Project Frontline Worker Training Programme Total of funds |
Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 15,298 1,810 - 1,810 17,108 |
Income £ 165,423 - 21,000 21,000 186,423 |
Expenditure £ (164,619) - (6,230) (6,230) (170,849) |
Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 16,102 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,810 14,770 |
||||
| 16,580 | ||||
| 32,682 |
Page 19
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
15. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| General funds Restricted funds Summary of funds - prior year General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 October 2024 £ 16,102 16,580 32,682 Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 15,298 1,810 17,108 |
Income £ 160,742 - 160,742 Income £ 165,423 21,000 186,423 |
Expenditure £ (172,640) (8,572) (181,212) Expenditure £ (164,619) (6,230) (170,849) |
Balance at 30 September 2025 £ 4,204 8,008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,212 | ||||
| Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 16,102 16,580 |
||||
| 32,682 |
16. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Current assets 114,052 Creditors due within one year (109,848) Total 4,204 |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 8,008 - 8,008 |
Total funds 2025 £ 122,060 (109,848) |
|---|---|---|
| 12,212 |
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(A company limited by guarantee)
THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 23,138 (7,036) 16,102 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 16,580 - 16,580 |
Total funds 2024 £ 39,718 (7,036) 32,682 |
|---|---|---|---|
17. Pension commitments
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £3,019 ( 2024 - £2,7 55). Contributions payable to the fund at the balance sheet date of £521 ( 2024 - £48 6) are included in other creditors.
18. Related party transactions
The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 30 September 2025.
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