The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union (a Company Limited by Guarantee) Trustees, Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Registered Company number 06311234 Registered Charity number 1120499
The Bim]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Index Page Report ofthe Trustees 3-10 Statement of Trustee5' responsibilities li Report of the Independent Examiner 12 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an Income & Expenditure Account) 13 Balance sheet 14 Principal Accounting Policies 15-18 Notes to the financial statements 19-31
The Birniingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees The Trustees are pleased to present their annual directors, report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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 IFR51021 (updated l January 2019). OBJEcfivES AND AcfiviTIES The objects as set out in the Memorandum of Association are: he advancement of the education of young people. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the trustees shall provide leisure time activities for the age group of 7 years to and including 25 years of age so as to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and as members of society and that their conditions of life may be improved,. The aims of Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning Centre I'the Centre'} are to advance the education of young people including in particular those with disabilities, social disadvantage or special educational needs, through undertaking challenges and learning new skills, to try and increase their self-confidence and social skills, and to educate them in the social and the environmental benefits of the countryside. Woodlands Adventure is an outdoor activity centre for children and young people, accommodating both residential and day visitors. Residential visitors can choose to stay in our dormitory building or on our camping field. Visits can be arranged from half a day to a full week, according to the visitors, requirements. The minimum group si2e is 12, and the maximum is 64 for a residential visit or 150 for a day visit. The Centre is open to anyone who makes a booking, on a "first come first served" basis. The majority of our visitor groups are schools and scoutlguide groups from Birmingham and the surrounding areas, but some travel from further afield. We welcome disabled visitors, and we are set up to enable them to enjoy our facilities to the fullest practicable extent. The Centre has modern, well-equipped facilities. We have two sets of washing and toilet facilities, and so we can safely have two separate sets of visitors on site at any one time. Visitors staying in our dormitory building have full use of our main buildingwhich includes a large communal area and a well- equipped kitchen and serving area. Day visitors and campers have use of a cabin with simple kitchen facilities, and a barbeque area. There are two sets of benches and tables. each covered by a wooden pergola to protect people from the rain or the sun.
The Birniingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) We offer a wide range of outdoor activities, all supervised by qualified instruttors. The main activities comprise, in no particula r order, climbing wall, bouldering wall, abseiling, caving in an artificial ground- level mine, archery, vines and bridges, raft-building, kayaking and canoeing on our lake, a high ropes course, assault course, and two zip-wires of different types. The additional activities comprise bush- craft, fire-lighting and tomahawk throwing (for older children), pond-dipping and nature trails (for younger children), a nd navigation with walkie-talkie radios, orienteering, mini-medics first aid, circus skills, five a side football and urban disc golf. In the evenings, residential visitors can play table tennis or table football or simply screen a film. By taking part in these varied activities, children and young people can acquire new skills and improve existing skills, building their self-confidence and their ability to communicate, work as a team and solve problems; at the same time of course as having fun. We encourage visitors to develop their interest in particular activities into longer-term hobbies. In sha ping our objectives for each year, and planning ahead, the Trustees take due consideration of the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, includ ing the guidance 'Public Benefit.. Running a Charity {P821" ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE The Trustees wish to thank our team of staff: we appreciate their hard work and commitment. Woodlands Adventure, as a voluntary organisation, is exempt from the Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme IAALS) inspection. However, we have undertaken several quality marks to demonstrate that we comply with current industry good practice. These are Adventuremark• which is a parallel system of accreditation to AALS and accredits safety management practices for activities, and the Learning Outside the Classroom ILOtC) Quality badge which is nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision. Woodlands Adventure is a British Canoeing Approved Centre. Our High Ropes Course has been certified by a National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme INICAS) registered contractor. We are also an organisational member of the Institute for Outdoor Learning, and a member of the Birmingham Association of Youth Clubs. During this financial year we would like to report the following significant events: We have completed the installation of two new wooden gazebos with metal roofs, which replace our existing stretch tents. The tents were approaching the end of their life, having suffered from inclement weather conditions. The gazebos provide shelter forvisitors from rain and sun when they are taking a break from activities, when eating meals, and when listening to instruction from our staff or their own group leaders;
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) Our staff bungalow suffered flood damage in January 2025, caused by burst pipes. It was dried out as quickly as possible and has been fully restored using insurance claim money. We bought a second hand caravan (again using insurance moneyl for our staff to use in the meantime when on night duty. We also took the opportunity to make some improvements to the bungalow including re-laying the drains {using legacy money) and installing a new fire alarm system lusing grant moneyl; Our artificial caving system, completed last year using grant funding and legacy money, is now camouflaged with netting. It continues to be a great success and is very popular with visitors; We have taken expert advice and made an adaptation and improvement to the second zip-line over our five-a-side football field (using legacy money); Take up for our professional First Aid courses to both young people and adults has been very welcome and it is proving to be a useful source of additional income. Our website is www.woodlandsadventure.co.uk which is constantly reviewed and updated with news. Internet marketing is used as a promotional tool and is supplemented by Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts enabling regular contact with visitors and supporters of Woodlands Adventure. During the year ending 31 March 2025, the number of visitors to Woodlands Adventure amounted to 5,21512024: 5,713}. FINANCIAL REVIEW There is no escaping from the fact that the financial position during the year covered by these accounts has been very challenging, and the position has not improved subsequently. It is no comfort to know that many other outdoor learning centres and indeed many other hospitality businesses generally, are also experiencing similar difficulties. Indeed, some of our competitors have closed permanently this year. Costs are going up and visitor numbers are going down. Our core customers, who are schools with disadvantaged children in Birmingham and surrounding areas, continue to book with us, as they have done for many years and we are very grateful for this support and loyalty, but bookings are for smaller groups. We are finding that the number of visitors provisionally booked becomes further reduced when the final payment becomes due. In the busy summer season, whilst we have been fully booked, visitor numbers and the sizes of the groups visiting have continued to fall. Parents are simply unable to afford the cost, and the schools do not have their own resources to help the parents. To the cost of a visit to Woodlands Adventure must be added coach hire, which is a similar figure per head to our own charges. We continue to help local schools to arrange a fleet of parents, cars to drop off visitors, but the narrow roadway at Bourne Vale limits this to one group a dayi and most visitor groups come from further away and have no option than to come by coach.
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) Our visitor numbers have decreased by 8.7% compared with last year; our overheads have continued to increase with the global economic and inflationary pressures on all costs. Our main overhead continues to be staff salaries. These have continued to increase in line with Government policy to increase the National Living Wage. The unexpected increase in Employers, National Insurance contributions was an additional direct cost to us and will continue to be until the currently intended date of 5 April 2028. Inevitably we have had to increase our charges, which we believe remain competitive and represent good value for money. However, many parents who would love to send their children to Woodlands Adventure are simply no longer able to stretch their budgets that far. Feedback from visitor group leaders is that they entirely understand why we have to increase our prices, and that this increase is not a significant factor in the size of visitor groups becoming smaller. However. some visitor group leaders have commented that further price increases will be likely to result in them not booking for next year. We cannot compromise on safety. There needs to be a certain number of qualified instructors in order for adventurous activities to operate safely. It costs us much the same to look after a group of 30 as a group of 60. The number of groups is similar to recent years, but they have been smaller groups, so our income has reduced. We have given, and continue to give, considerable thought to what can be done to address this situation. We have been focussing on flexible rostering, balancing group activities in such a way as to give the best experience to the visitors while making best use of the number of instructors available, and this approach has been working well. We are encouraging groups to visit Woodlands Adventure outside the busy summer months, offering discounted rates, and again this approach has had some success. The weather after the Autumn half term holiday, and also before the Easter holiday, can still be perfectly suitable for an outdoor activity day. We have at all times kept a sharp eye on costs and have made economies wherever we can. Altogether, we consider that we have taken all reasonable and practicable Steps in order to maximise visitor numbers and minimise costs. without compromising on quality and safety. In the financial year covered by this report we experienced a net deficit in operations of £104,29512024: deficit of £6,315), aftertaking into account the loss in marketvalue of our investments of £17,332 {2024: gain of £34,930). Realistically, it is unlikely that the impacts and effects of the Cost of Living Crisis will go away soon and we anticipate further difficulties in reali2ing surpluses in operations in the coming financial year.
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) The performance of the investments is beyond ourcontrol and cannot be relied upon but is a necessary and welcome support in such difficult econom ical conditions for our core income generating activities. We are fortunate that over many years we have been able to build strong reserves. These can be applied to off-set operational deficit5 in the short-term. We hope, as no doubt everyone does, thet the Cost of Living Crisis will pass sooner rather than later. It would not be sustainable for our reserves to be indefinitely eroded in support of day-to-day operational needs. We applaud and thank the various grant-giving charities which support us with valuable grants, both unrestrirted core costs, and restricted grants for specific purposes and projects. We cou Id not su rvive without your support, and we are very grateful. Last year we reported an unexpected legacy, which was ear-marked for our animal sanctuary. We received part payment last year but have not yet received the balance. We have been working on plans to improve and extend our raptor enclosures, and will report further about that when we know the final figure for the legacy. RESERVES POLICY It is the policy of the Cha rity to maintain separate reserve funds for specific purposes. Tangible fixed assets, which include the Woodlands Adventure freehold property, amount to £621,575 12024: £643.7281 and are not regarded as part of the reserves available for distribution. Investments are held with a view to generating income to provide a contribution to the overheads of the Charity. The general reserve is maintained to match financial commitments and overheads to cover fluctuations in income during the year, which provides a bufferfor uninterrupted services. As at 31 March 2025 the Charity held free reserves, being un-restricted funds less fixed assets, amounting to £301,811 {2024'. £383,864), which includes the investment portfolio. Investment assets are invested to provide a future income for the Charity and are therefore not generally considered to be distributable assets. However, the Trustees have the discretion to use income as well as the capital of the Charity, if appropriate, to meet its objectives. Reserves are necessary because the Charitws operations are seasonal, resulting in periods of time when no income is being received but expenditure is still incurred. The Trustees are mindful of the need to continually review their reserves policy so as to ensure sufficient, but not excessive, reserves are maintained and consider that it is not unreasonable to maintain free reserves to cover at least the repayment of customer deposits should the need for that arise. In the opinion of the Trustees the Charity's assets available are sufficient to fulfil the obligations of the Charity and are considered sufficient to enable the Charity to operate at its current level for the foreseeable future.
The Birniingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) GOING CONCERN The Trustees have satisfied themselves that the Charity is a going concern for the next 12 months due to the availability of funds from the Charit5 cash and investment reserves. We have sufficient reserves set aside to continue to operate for the foreseeable period at the current rate of expenditure. INVESTMENTS AND INVESTMENT POLICY During the year ended 31 March 2025 the value of investments fell by £17,275. Although the first 3 quarters showed positive performance, during the final month of the period the investments suffered when global equity markets fell heavily on concerns of the ad-hoc nature of President Trump's decisions, particularly on tariffs. Income from investments is fully utilised to finance the running costs of the Centre not met bythe fees charged to users. The management of the investment portfolio is with CCLA Investment Management in their COIF Charities Investment Fund Income U nits. The fund gives a wide-ranging spread of ethical investments which provides the Charity with vital income on a quarterly basis. The Trustees have set investment principles with the objectives of maintaining a balance between income and capital growth. RISK MANAGEMENT The Trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks which the charitable companv faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks. The Trustees have delegated the responsibility to the Centre Manager who has monitoring systems in place for all the equipment used at the Centre and all activities carried out. An external examiner carries out an inspection each year and reports to the Centre Manager, who in turn reports to the Trustees. CHILD PROTEcfioN CODE OF PRAcficE It is the policy of the Charity to provide a safe and secure environment in which children can thrive and develop and where all aspects of their welfare will be protected. A Child Protection Code of Practice has been adopted and is reviewed and updated on a regular basis. FUTURE PLANS Our focus at the moment is very much on dealing with and surviving the Cost of Living Crisis. Every day we take small steps to maximise income and minimise costs. Our top priority is to seek out further sources of unrestricted funds.
The Bim]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) Using grant funding, we have ordered some replacement elements for our assault course, which will be installed very soon. We are also looking at refurbishment of our kit drying room, a replacement washing machine and dryer, replacement archery equipment and further improvements to our assault course. Otherwise we will continue to work on the best ways to maximise the use of our facilities, treat our staff fairly, and give the best experience to our visitors. We appreciate and are encouraged by the favourable comments that leaders of visitor groups write onto their feedback forms, and we also appreciate and follow up all constructive suggestions. STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng Document The Charitable Company is a company limited by guarantee and therefore does not have share capital. The liability of its members is limited and details of their guarantee are detailed in the notes to the accounts. It is also a registered charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity was previously known as Woodlands Camp. To reflect more accurately the nature of the activities undertaken by the children and young people, the Trustees adopted the new name Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning (Woodlands Adventure) in 2021. Appolntment of trustees, induction & tralnlng New Trustees are appointed by the Trustees. The Trustees, together with the Centre Manager and Office Manager in a non-voting capacityi meet a minimum of nine times a year. We welcome Mr P Whitehead as a new Trustee following his appointment on l April 2024. As a Chartered Accountant and Directorof Malcolm Piper, he has a number of charitable clients and brings a wealth of financial knowledge and expertise in the charitable sector to the Board. We also thank Mrs D Lilburne for stepping into the Treasurer's role, due to the continuing absence due to ill-health of Mr N B Rogers, and Mr M S Lenton forstepping into the Secretary's role. Separate sub-committees have been established to review investment performance, risk management and salary awards. The Trustees keep their skill requirements under review. New Trustees receive a history of The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union, a copy of the financial statements, a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association and a copy of the Charity Commission's guidance"The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Kno. The Company secretary is charged with keeping Trustees up to date with the requirements needed to fulfil their responsibilities.
The Birn]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Report of the Trustees (continued) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees/Directors: J R Cox (Chairl M rs D Lilburne (Treasurer} M S Lenton {Secretaryl N B Rogers G H Jones Q H Butler Mrs H Ellis MrG W Deffley Mr P Whitehead (Appointed l April 20241 Centre Manager: C Wright Office Manager: M rs L Levesley Charity Number: 1120499 Reglstered Office: Kingsnorth House Blenheim Way Birmingham B44 8LS Company Number: 06311234 Operational address of Charity: Woodlands Adventure & Outdoor Learning Bourne Vale, Aldridge Walsall, WS9 OSH Independent Examiner: Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Limited I Saracen Close, Ettington Warwickshire, CV37 7SZ Bankers: CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling ME19 4JQ Appr pd by the Board and signed on its behalf by: Date: 17 September 2025 Chair of Trustees 10
The Bimiingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Statement of Trustees, responsibilities The Trustees a re required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the surplus or deficit incurred by the charitable company for that year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgments 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 accounts. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presu me that the charitable company will continue to exist. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the charitable company has an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise. 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 statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention a nd detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of the Birmingham Boys and Girls Union ('the Companv) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 13 to 31. Responsibllitles and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Company land also its directors for the purpose5 of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 I'the 2006 ACYI. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the 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 charitys accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'the 2011 ACVI. In carryin8 Out my examination I have followed the Direction5 given by the Charity Commission under section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connertion with the examination giving me cause to believe.. 11 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or 21 the account5 do not accord with those records,. or 31 the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Att 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 41 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 IFRS1021. I have no concerns and have come across no 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. Karen Hanlan, Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales Karen Hanlan Independent Examiner Ltd I Saracen Close EttinBton CV37 7SZ Date.. 17 September 2025 12
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Statement of Financial Activities (including an income & expenditure account) restricted funds 2025 Restricted funds 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Income from: Note Donations and legacies Charitable activities Trad ing activities Investments 55,201 298,563 1,053 12,919 35,816 91,017 298,563 1.053 12,919 60,206 321,417 912 13,533 Total income 367,736 35,816 403,552 396.068 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Other expenditure 1,079 477,418 71 1,079 482,958 71 601 5,540 436,308 222 Total expenditure 478,568 5,540 484,108 437.131 Net {losses)/gains on investments 117,332) 117,332) 34,930 Net (expendlture)l income Transfers between funds Other recognized losses (128,164) 30,365 16,407} 30,276 130.365) 197,888) {6,133) 17 16,407) {2) Net movement in funds 1104,2061 (89) (104,2951 {6,1351 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 12 1,027,592 52,497 1.080,089 1,086,224 Total funds carried forward 12 923,386 52,408 975,794 1,080,089 All income and expenditure derwe from continuing activities. The statement of finan¢ial artivities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. 13
The Bimlingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Balance sheet Fixed Assets Tangible assets Investments Fixed asset investments 621,575 643,728 353.485 975,060 420,817 1,064,545 Current Assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 1,315 39.235 156.664 197,214 2,365 62,417 138,594 203,376 Current Liabilitles Creditors: amounts falling due within one year io (192,348) 1187,832) Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities 4,866 979,926 15,544 1,080,089 Creditors.. amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets li (4,132) 975,794 1,080,089 Funds of the Charity: Restricted Funds U nrestricted Funds General reserve Designated pension reserve Total un-restritted funds Total charity funds 12 52,408 52,497 929,811 {6.425) 923,386 975,794 1,030.300 12,708) 1,027,592 1,080,089 Registered Company number.. 06311234 The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of these financial statements. For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company wa5 entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Small companies. Responsibilities of directorsltrustee5'. lal The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006- however, in accordance with section 145 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 the financial statements have been examined by an independent examiner whose report appears on page 12. Ibl The dirertorsltrustees acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Companies Art with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. Approve the Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. J R Cox, Chair of Trustees Date.. 17 September 2025 14
The Birnlingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Principal accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows.. Status of the company The charitable company is limited by guarantee and does not have share capital. The liability of members is limited to £10 per member. Any surplus on winding up is to be donated to a charity whose objects are of a similar nature. The charitable company has taken advantage of section 60 of the Companies Act 2006 and deleted the word 'Limited' from its name. Basis of preparatlon The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS1021 {updated l January 20191- (Charities SORP (FRS10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic or Ireland {FR51021 and the Companies Act 2006. The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRSIO2. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notels}. Going concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Company will continue to operate. The validity of this assumption is dependent upon both visitor numbers to the camp continuing near to full capacity and on donations and grants towards the costs of running the centre and its upkeep. The Compan5 current business plan shows that it will be able to operate in the foreseeable future. Based on this understanding, the directors believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments, which would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate. Funds General accumulated funds are unrestricted funds available for general purposes and include funds designated for a particular purpose,. the use of such funds remains at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds are funds subjectto conditions imposed by the donor or by specificterms of the appeal under which the funds are raised. The restrictive conditions are binding upon the Charitable Company. Funds raised for the purchase of capital items a re transferred to unrestricted funds once the items have been purchased, provided the donor has not placed further restrictions over the use of the assets concerned. 15
The Bimiingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Principal accounting policies (continued) Income recognition policies Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met: The charity has entitlement to the funds; any performance conditions attached tothe itemls) of income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity; there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable; and the amount can be measured reliably. For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of: the date on which the charity is aware that probate has been granted,. the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executorlsl to the Trust that a distribution will be made; or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. Income received in advance of a visit or provision of other specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. Donated services and facilities Donated services or facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the cha rity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt. No amounts are included in the statement of financial activities for services donated by volunteers. Interest and investment income receivable Interest on funds held on deposit and dividends on investments are included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity, this 15 normally upon notification by the bank or investment manager. 16
The Birn]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Principal accounting policies (continued) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings- Costs of raising funds comprise the costs of running the on-site gift shop; Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of the Centre and other educational activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support and governance costs. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. Tanglble fixed assets Depreciation is provided on all assets except for land at a rate calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over a period of less than the estimated useful life of the assets as follows,. Activity Centre & buildings Furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment Motor vehicles 20-50 years 5 years 4 years Fixed assets are capitalised when their cost exceeds £400. Investments Investments have been professionally valued at 31 March 2025 and are included in the accounts at their market value on that date. Realised and unrealised gains or losses on investment assets as recogn ised in the Statement of Financial Activity. Stock Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Debtors Trade and otherdebtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash 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. Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditor5 and provisions are normally recognised at their Settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 17
The Binningham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Principal accounting policies (continued) Taxation As a registered charity no provision is considered necessary for taxation. Pensions The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and new employees are able to join the scheme operated by the Pensions Trust for Charities and Voluntary Organisations or arrange personal pensions. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the charitable company in independently administered funds. The pensions cost charge represents contributions payable by the charitable company. The charitable company also participates in The Pension Trust's defined benefit scheme for certain employees and has been notified of the estimated employer debt on withdrawal from the Plan based on the financial position of the Plan as at 31 March 2025. See note 17 for further information. 18
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements l. Donations and legacies 2025 2024 Unrestricted donations, legacies and grants: Donations from Individuals Grants from Charitable Foundations Legacies receivable 660 30.151 24,390 55,201 810 33,251 34,061 Restricted donations and grants: Grants from Charitable Foundations 35,816 91,017 26,145 60,206 2. Charitable activities 2025 2024 Income from residential and day visits to the Centre Rental income for use of facilities 295,429 3,134 298,563 317,596 3,821 321,417 3. Trading activities 2025 2024 Income from sale of goods 1,053 912 4. Investments 2025 2024 Dividends from listed investments Bank interest 10.639 2,280 12,919 11,094 2,439 13,533 19
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) 5. Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 Total RuisinqAunds.' Shop purchases 1.079 1,079 1,079 1,079 Charitable artivities.. Staff costs Pension scheme management charge Training costs Depreciation Motor & travel expenses Equipment, Repairs and Maintenance Heating and lighting Water rates & service charges Insurance Telephone Animal upkeep Office and sundry expenses Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees Independent Examiner's fee (including £260 for accounting services) Trustee Indemnity Insurance 321,101 3,744 2,822 55,746 594 30,596 18,536 6,155 16.322 1,971 496 10,999 2,520 3,107 321,101 3,744 2,822 55,746 594 36,136 18,536 6,155 16,322 1,971 496 10,999 2,520 3,107 5,540 1,440 1,269 477,418 1,440 1,269 482,958 5,540 Other expenditure: Interest charge on pension liability 71 71 20
The Bim]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 Total Ruising funds.. Shop purchases 601 601 601 601 Choritable ortivities.. Staff costs Pension scheme management charge Training costs Depreciation Motor &travel expenses Equipment, Repairs and Maintenance Heating and lighting Water rates & service charges Insurance Telephone Animal upkeep Office and sundry expenses Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees Independent Examinerfs fee (including £260 for accounting services) Trustee Indemnity Insurance 289,208 3,814 4,478 64,237 2,631 19,012 15,407 5,575 13,605 1,702 1,596 8,277 1,440 1,497 289,208 3,814 4,478 64,237 2,631 20,086 15,407 5,575 13,605 1,702 1,596 8,277 1,440 1,497 1,074 1,580 1,175 435,234 1,580 1,175 436,308 1,074 Other expenditure: Interest charge on pension liability 222 222 6. Analysis of staff costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries National I nsurance Pension costs 297,138 16,819 7,144 270,038 14,057 5,113 321,101 289,208 21
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements {continued) No employee received remuneration in excess of £60,000 per annum. The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and Craig Wright and Lynne Levesley. Trustees receive no remuneration or other benefits from the charity. The remuneration of key management personnel for the year, including pension contributions. was £63,332 12024: £58,620). No Trustee received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses in relation to their role as Trustee to the organisation. The average number of persons employed by the charitable company during the year was- 2025 Number 15 2024 Number 13 Centre Managers and assistants Administration 17 15 As well as the full-time staff, voluntary assistance is provided by various individuals and groups on a regular basis. 7. Tangible fixed assets Furniture, Woodlands fittings, Centre {Freehold equipment & land & buildings) motor vehicles Total Cost At beginning of year Additions Disposals 1,008.634 13.347 276,061 20,246 1,284,695 33,593 At end of year 1,021.981 296,307 1,318,288 Depreciation At beginning of year Disposa Is Charge for the year At end of year Net Book Value 461,530 179,437 640,967 28,834 26,912 55,746 490,364 206,349 696,713 At 31 March 2025 531,617 89,958 621.575 At 31 March 2024 547,104 96,624 643,728 22
The Birn]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) 8. Fixed asset Investments 2025 2024 Listed Investments Market value at beginning of year Disposal proceeds Net Ilossesl/gains in year 420,817 150,000) {17,332) 385,887 34,930 Market value at end of year 353,485 420,817 Historic cost at end of year 244,078 277,034 Investments representing over 5% of the portfolio were: CCLA- COIF Charities Investment Fund 353,485 420,817 9. Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Legacy due Other debtors and prepayments 14,171 19.000 6,064 39,235 30,493 19,000 12,924 62,417 23
The Bimiingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) 10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Accruals Other creditors Liability for pension deficit contributions {note 17) Deposits and income received in advance 5.070 4,697 6,624 9,479 2,293 164,185 192,348 6,073 4,470 5,728 4,301 2,708 164,552 187,832 Deferred income: 2025 2024 Balance brought forward Transferred to statement of financial activities Deferred in year 164,552 183,747 1164,552) 1183,7471 164,185 164,552 Balance at end of year 164,185 164,552 Deferred income relates to deposits and fees for activity days received in advance of the period to which they relate. 11. Credltors: amounts falling due after more than one year 2025 2024 Liability for pension deficit contributions (note 171 4,132 24
The Birn]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) 12. Movement in funds Balance At beginning of year Balance At end of Expendi ture Transfers 2025 Restricted funds: Equipment replacement Assault Course renovation Ropes for High Ropes Pergola Lord Austin Charitable Trust - harnesses P Williams Legacy- Animal Sanctuary Total restricted funds Income year 6,903 10,945 2.649 12,916 15,323) 112.3531 {217) 2,143 10,728 299 10,238 12,3501 112,6621 13,0001 22,900 3,000 29,000 52,497 29,000 52,408 35,816 15,540} 130,3651 Balance At beginning of year Balance At end of year Expendi ture 2024 Restrlcted funds: Equipment replacement Assault Course renovation Ropes for High Ropes New ovens Ratcliffe Foundation Visitor Building project (agreed change of use for heating) Rowlands Trust- CCTV equipment Lord Austin Charitable Trust - harnesses Caving System P Williams Legacy-Animal Sanctuary Total restricted funds Income Transfers 4,945 6,789 11,200 4,000 3,156 (8191 (2551 14,0121 6,903 10,945 2,649 11,3511 14,1561 1,000 2,000 1,000 3,000 6,989 29,000 47,934 12,0001 11,0001 3,000 1,000 17,9891 29,000 52,497 26,145 11,0741 120,5081 Transfers relate to capital expenditure funded by restricted donations. The majority of restricted income is provided towards the cost of equipment and capital items for the activity Centre and are funds are for expenditure on items of equipment which will be purchased in the following financial year. In the current financial year we have recesved £IO.000 from the P Williams Legacy. We have not yet been advised of the final amount due in relation to the anticipated total legacy of £29,000 which was recognized in the accounts to 31 March 2024. 25
The Binningham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) 13. Analysis of net assets between funds Restricted funds restricted funds 2025 Total Fixed assets 621,575 621,575 353,485 353,485 144,806 197,214 1192,3481 1192,3481 14,132) 14,1321 923,386 975,794 Investments Cu rrent assets Current lia bilities Creditors > l Year Total funds 52,408 52,408 Restricted funds Un- restricted funds 2024 Total Fixed assets 643,728 643,728 420.817 420,817 150,879 203,376 1187,832) {187,8321 1,027,592 1,080,089 Investments Current assets Current liabilities Total funds 52,497 52,497 14. Operating lease commitments The following annual operating lease payments are committed to be paid.. Expiring: Within one year Between two and five years 2025 2024 507 507 15. Controlling Interests The charity is controlled by the trustees. 26
The Bim]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) 16. Related Party Transactions During the year professional services were provided by Malcolm Piper and Company Limited in connection with administration, financial and accounting matters provided. Mr N B Rogers, who is a Consultant with that firm and Mr P Whitehead, who is a director with that firm, are also Trustees of the Birmingham Boys and Girls Union. Fees amounting to £2,520 {2024: £1,440), plus VAT, were charged during the year. Woodlands Adventure Trading Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Charity. The company was dormant for the whole of the year ended 31 March 2025. 17. Pension schemes The Pension Trust Retlrement Solutions (the scheme,) The company participates in the scheme, a multi-employer scheme which provides benefits to some 521 non-associated participating employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. It is not possible for the company to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as defined benefit scheme. Therefore it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme. The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council. set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK. The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement,. Therefore the company is potentially liable for other participating employers, obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the scheme. A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out at 30 September 2023. This valuation showed assets of £514.9m, liabilities of £531.Om and a deficit of £16.Im. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee has asked participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows- 27
The Birmingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the f inancial statements (continued) Deficit contributions From l April 2025 to 31 March 2028: £2,100,000 per annum (payable monthly) Unless a concession has been agreed with the Trustee the term to 31 March 2028 applies. Note that the scheme's previous valuation was carried out with an effective date of 30 September 2020. This valuation showed assets of £800.3m, liabilities of £831.9m and a deficit of £31.6m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows.. Deficit contributions From l April 2022 to 31 January 2025: £3,312,000 per annum (payable monthly) The recovery plan contributions are allocated to each participating employer in line with their estimated share of the Series l and Series 2 scheme liabilities. Where the scheme is in deficit and where the company has agreed to a deficit funding arrangement the company recognises a liability for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value of the deficit reduction contributions payable under the agreement that relates to the deficit. The present value is calculated using the discount rate detailed in these disclosures. The unwinding of the discount rate is recognised as a finance cost. PRESENT VALUES OF PROVISION 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 31 March 2023 l£'s} {£'sl l£'s} Present value of provision 6,425 2.708 5,797 28
The Birnlingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) RECONCILIATION OF OPENING AND CLOSING PROVISIONS Year Ending 31 March 2025 (£s) 2,708 Year Ending 31 March 2024 l£sl Provision at start of period 5,797 Unwinding of the discount factor {interest expense) 71 222 Deficit contribution paid 12,761) 13,3131 Remeasurements- impact of any change in assumptions 41 Remeasurements- amendments to the contributions schedule 6,366 Provision at end of period 6,425 2,708 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE IMPACT Year Ending 31 March 2025 (£5) 71 Year Ending 31 March 2024 (£sl Interest expense 222 Remeasurements- impact of any change in assumptions 41 Remeasurements- amendments to the contributions schedule 6,366 ASSUMPTIONS 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 31 March 2023 % per annum % per annum % per annum Rate of discount 4.84 5.31 5.52 The discount rates shown above are the equivalent single discount rates which, when used to discount the future recovery plan contributions due, would give the same results as using a full AA corporate bond yield curve to discount the same recovery plan contributions. 29
The Birn]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes to the financial statements (continued) The following schedule details the deficit contributions agreed between the company and the scheme at each year end period: DEFICIT CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 l£sl l£sl 31 March 2023 l£sl Year I 2,293 2,708 3,313 Year 2 2,293 2,761 Year3 2,293 The charity has recognised a liability, measured as the present value of the contributions payable that arise from the deficit recovery agreement and the resulting expense has been recognised in the statement of financial activities. These contributions have been used to derive the charit¢s balance sheet liability. 30
The Birn]ingham Boys and Girls Union Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 18. Comparative statement of financial activities for 2024 Un-restrirted funds 2024 Restricted funds Total funds 2024 2024 Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Trading activities Investment5 34,061 321,417 912 13,533 26,145 60,206 321,417 912 13,533 Total income 369.923 26,145 396,068 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Other expenditure 601 601 435,234 222 1,074 436,308 222 Total expenditure 436,057 1,074 437,131 Net gains on investments 34,930 34,930 Net {expendlturel/ income Transfers between funds Other recognized losses (31,204) 20,508 {2) 25,071 {20.508) 16,133) 121 Net movement in funds 110,6981 4,563 {6,135) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 1,038,290 47.934 1.086,224 Total funds carried forward 1,027,592 52.497 1.080,089