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← The Simmons And Simmons Charitable Foundation

2024-04-30-accounts

Registered number: 1129643

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The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Contents Foundation details ....................................................................................................................... 1 Trustees’ report ........................................................................................................................... 2 Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities ........................................................................................ 6 Independent auditors' report ....................................................................................................... 7 Statement of financial activities ................................................................................................. 11 Balance sheet ........................................................................................................................... 12 Statement of cash flows ............................................................................................................ 13 Notes to the financial statements .............................................................................................. 14

Registered number: 1129643

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Foundation details

Trustees:

S Bergia F M Loughrey J M Taylor R Dyton (resigned 28 June 2024) D Saksena (resigned 28 June 2024) R C K Allen (appointed 06 September 2024) E J R Beard (appointed 06 September 2024) P McKeever (appointed 06 September 2024) A L Rontaler (appointed 06 September 2024) O P s’Jacob (appointed 06 September 2024)

Registered number: 1129643

Registered office:

CityPoint One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9SS

Bankers:

Barclays Bank PLC One Churchill Place London E14 5HP

Solicitors:

Simmons & Simmons LLP CityPoint One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9SS

Independent auditors: Deloitte LLP 2 New Street Square London EC4A 3BZ

Registered number: 1129643

1

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Trustees’ Report

The Trustees of the Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation present their report and audited financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the trust deed of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation (“the Foundation”), the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The Foundation is a Public Benefit Entity formed under a declaration of trust which sets out its objectives and powers. The Foundation’s objectives are to donate its income to organisations which are exclusively charitable and which advance access to justice, social justice and humanitarian activities for the public benefit.

Reference and administrative information

The Foundation is registered with the Charities Commission (Charity Number: 1129643) and is recognised as a charity by HM Revenue and Customs. The registered address of the Foundation is CityPoint, One Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9SS.

The information with respect to officers and professional advisers set out on page 1 forms part of this report.

Structure, governance and management

The trustees of the Foundation who served throughout the financial year and up to the date of signing the financial statements, except as noted, were:

All Trustees are partners of Simmons & Simmons LLP, which is considered to be a related party of the Foundation. The Trustees meet at least four times a year, and all decisions must be approved by a majority of trustees.

The appointment of trustees is governed by its trust deed. The main consideration in the appointment of the trustees is that they should, as much as possible, represent a cross-section of the firm as well as having the necessary experience to carry out the duties of a trustee. New trustees are given guidance on the provisions of the trust deed, decision making processes and the objectives and recent performance of the Foundation. New trustees also have the ability to meet key personnel and other trustees to discuss the activities of the Foundation and understand what the role entails. The latest Charity Commission advice on the role and responsibilities of trustees is made available to them.

The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Foundation’s aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Registered number: 1129643

2

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Trustees’ Report

Risk statement

The trustees acknowledge their responsibility in relation to risk management. The trustees seek to identify the major risks that the Foundation may encounter in the delivery of its charitable aims including when grant-making or undertaking new initiatives. Procedures have been established to manage such risks.

The trustees identify risks by: (i) considering the Foundations’ objectives, mission and strategy; and (ii) considering factors such as the Foundation’s reputation; changes to legislation; and the previous experience of the Foundation.

During the financial year, the trustees have identified reputational risk associated with recipients as one which should be subject to review. Such risk is mitigated by reputational and financial due diligence conducted on recipients, proportionate to grants awarded when grants are being considered. The internal controls and procedures that are applied to the operation of the Foundation are kept under review and are considered to be appropriate.

Objectives and activities

The Foundation’s purpose as set out in its governing document is to hold upon trust income which is to be applied in such a manner as the Trustees feel fit for furthering exclusively charitable objects for the benefit of the public, by making donations to charitable trusts, associations or institutions. In the trustees’ opinion, all donations have been made to organisations for purposes which are exclusively charitable and in line with the Foundation’s grant making policy outlined on pages 3 to 4. Key activities undertaken during the year are stated within the achievements and performance section of this report on page 5, along with future plans of the Foundation.

Funds are generated through donations from Simmons & Simmons LLP. The Foundation is voluntarily run and has no paid members of staff. Various administrative services are donated at no cost to the Foundation by Simmons & Simmons LLP. The services are valued at the amount that the Foundation would have paid in order to obtain them externally, and are included in income as ‘donated services’ (note 3) and in expenditure as ‘governance costs’ (note 4).

The Foundation does not make use of social investment and does not have general volunteers.

Grant making policy

The Foundation’s grant making policy is set to enable the Foundation to achieve its aims. Simmons & Simmons LLP has recognised the following United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for its charitable activity:

The Foundation operates an annual programme of staff consultation throughout the Simmons & Simmons network, inviting staff to nominate organisations in line with the Sustainable Development Goals to which the Foundation will donate, subject to Trustees’ approval.

Registered number: 1129643

3

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Trustees’ Report

Grant making policy (continued)

The Foundation also seeks to support charitable organisations associated with providing:

The Foundation measures its achievements by the breadth and effectiveness of its grant making. The indicator used by the Foundation to measure the effectiveness of its grant making is the expected and actual impact of the grant expenditure as provided by funding requestors. This consideration forms the basis of the trustees’ deliberations and decisions.

Achievements and performance during the year

In 2022, the partners of Simmons & Simmons LLP agreed to donate £1 million to external charities each year via the Foundation. The funding, of which £800,000 is provided directly by Simmons & Simmons LLP and £200,000 is Gift Aid income, allows the Foundation to achieve its objectives of supporting charitable organisations which meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals or are important to members of Simmons & Simmons staff. The Foundation received income of £1,032,229 in the year (2023: £1,018,543).

Total expenditure, as shown in note 4, excluding governance costs totalled £1,337,833 (2023: £744,956). The increase in expenditure reflects the recognition of donations of £299,900 to charities selected by Simmons & Simmons staff in the prior financial period which did not satisfy the criteria for recognition in the financial statements of that year. Expenditure in the year included, but was not limited to, the following:

(A) Humanitarian and disaster relief £280,000 (2023: £150,000)

The Foundation allocates a proportion of its expenditure to provide support in response to instances of acute humanitarian need, often caused by conflict or natural disaster. During the year, the Foundation made donations totalling £280,000 to charities providing relief in Sudan, Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Libya and Morocco, prioritising charities which demonstrated an effective local presence. These donations are shown in Note 4.

(B) Staff selections £950,361 (2023: £348,291)

The Foundation conducts an annual programme of staff consultation throughout the Simmons & Simmons network, inviting staff to nominate charities to which the Foundation will donate.

(C) Social inclusion £48,243 (2023: £113,713)

Young Talent Programme

The Foundation continued to provide bursaries to students who have participated and progressed through the Simmons & Simmons’ Young Talent Programme this year, as well as further bursary instalments to students in the first and second year of the programme. The bursaries, amounting to £18,000 per student, are provided in three equal instalments during their time at university. The bursaries enable students to access and participate in career and social development opportunities which they would not ordinarily access without the bursary.

Registered number: 1129643

4

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Trustees’ Report

Achievements and performance during the year (continued)

(D) Pro-bono £37,070 (2023: £81,500)

Battersea Legal Advice Centre

The Foundation has continued to provide financial support towards the running of the South West London Law Centre in Battersea, donating £36,000 during the year to assist the centre in carrying out pro-bono services. Volunteers from Simmons & Simmons have continued to attend a weekly surgery offering free legal advice to members of the local community not otherwise able to afford it.

(E) Other donations £22,159 (2023: £21,452)

The Foundation made donations of £21,452 to match funds raised by staff members of Simmons & Simmons LLP.

Other Expenditure

The trustees received no expenses during the year. Other items of expenditure comprising governance costs are shown in Note 4.

Financial review and reserves

Income is derived from donations from Simmons & Simmons LLP, plus the tax relief from these donations. The Foundation does not actively fundraise and seeks to continue its work through the careful stewardship of its income. The policy of the trustees is to disperse funds received during the period of receipt where possible, and maintain reserves only equal to the value of expected and committed donations. The reserves will be used to enable funds to be available for the Foundation’s general purposes.

For the financial year ended 30 April 2024, the Foundation has unrestricted reserves totalling £19,871 (2023: £344,711). The Foundation has no fixed expenditure. The Trustees have reviewed the level of reserves and are satisfied that they are adequate to support the current level of the Foundation’s activities.

Plans for the future

In future years, the Foundation will allocate the majority of its expenditure to causes selected by Simmons & Simmons staff where the beneficiary organisation’s purposes are exclusively charitable and in line with the objectives under the framework of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and other causes in line with the Foundation’s objectives. The Foundation will allocate a proportion of its expenditure to charitable causes associated with providing humanitarian relief in response to national or international emergencies.

Independent auditors

The independent auditors of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation are Deloitte LLP who will be proposed for reappointment.

Approval

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

‘We. WE J M Taylor, Trustee. 18 February 2025

Registered number: 1129643

5

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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 Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.

Registered number: 1129643

6

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Independent auditor’s report to the Trustees of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation (the ‘charity’):

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.

We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the ‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Registered number: 1129643

7

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Independent auditor’s report to the Trustees of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Registered number: 1129643

8

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Independent auditor’s report to the Trustees of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

We considered the nature of the charity’s industry and its control environment, and reviewed the charity’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management and the trustees about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including those that are specific to the charity’s business sector.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charity operates in, and identified the key laws and regulations that:

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

As a result of performing the above, we identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following area, and our procedures performed to address it are described below:

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

Registered number: 1129643

9

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Independent auditor’s report to the Trustees of The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud (continued)

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Under the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 we are required to report in respect of the following matters if, in our opinion:

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Use of our report

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. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Daloithe Lef

Deloitte LLP Statutory Auditor London, UK 18 February 2025

Deloitte LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor for the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as audit of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Registered number: 1129643

10

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Statement of financial activities for the year

Note
Income from unrestricted funds
Donations
3
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities
4

Bank charges
Total expenditure

Net (expenditure)/income
Fund balances brought forward at 1 May
Fund balances carried forward at 30 April
2024 **

£

1,032,229
1,032,229
(1,356,575)
(494)
(1,357,069)
(324,840)
344,711
19,871**		 2023
£
1,018,543
1,018,543
(761,582)
(566)
(762,148)
256,395
88,316
344,711

Note 1 gives details of the basis of reporting for the financial statements. All the operations of the Foundation are continuing. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those listed above and the net income for the year. All funds are unrestricted.

The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.

The net movement in funds of the charity for the year was expenditure of £324,840 (2023: income of £256,395).

Registered number: 1129643

11

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Balance Sheet as at 30 April 2024

Balance Sheet as at 30 April 2024
Note 2024 2023
£ £
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand 69,842 647,222
Debtors 5 195,305 216,250
Total current assets 265,147 863,472
Creditors due within one year 6 (245,276) (518,761) )
Net current assets 19,871 344,711
Total net assets 19,871 344,711
Foundation Funds
Unrestricted income funds 19,871 344,711
Foundation Funds 7 19,871 344,711

The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of the financial statements.

The financial statements on pages 11 to 13 were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

J M Taylor, Trustee. 18 February 2025

Registered number: 1129643

12

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Statement of Cashflows for the year ended 30 April 2024
Note
2024
£
Cash (out)/inflow from Operating Activities
Net Cash (out)/inflow from operating activities
9
(577,380)
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents in reporting
period
(577,380)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
647,222
Cash and cash equivalents at end of reporting period
69,842
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand
69,842
Total cash and cash equivalents
9
69,842		 2023
£
582,487
582,487
64,735
647,222
647,222
647,222

Registered number: 1129643

13

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

1. Principal accounting policies

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the relevant version of the 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) (Charities SORP 2019) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. A summary of the principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, are set out below.

The Foundation constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis and under the historical cost convention.

Going concern

The Foundation’s main donor, Simmons & Simmons LLP has committed to providing the Foundation with income each year, and the Foundation has no fixed expenditure. Consequently, the Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Foundation’s ability to continue as a going concern for a minimum of 12 months from the date of signing. For this reason, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Income

Income from donations is recorded in the statement of financial activities when the Foundation has entitlement to the funds, the amount can be quantified and receipt of the funds is probable. Other donations are accounted for in the period of receipt.

Balances from client monies relate to donations made by Simmons & Simmons under the SRA accounts rules 2011. These are either where the client money balance held by Simmons & Simmons is below £50 and the client is untraceable or where the client has granted permission to donate the funds to the Foundation.

Donations in kind comprise services donated to the Foundation which would otherwise have had to be purchased. They are valued at the amount that the Foundation would have paid in order to obtain them and are included both in incoming resources and resources expended.

Recognition of expenditure and associated liabilities

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Grants payable are recognised in the statement of financial activities when awarded or when there is a constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, and when the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

A constructive obligation arises when the charity has communicated its intention to award a grant to a recipient who then has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant.

Charitable activities expenditure comprises grants payable to organisations and governance costs including donated services in respect of accountancy, audit and administration.

Registered number: 1129643

14

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

1. Principal accounting policies (continued)

Cash

‘Cash and cash equivalents ’ referred to in the statement of cash flows on page 13 and the notes on page 23 includes cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.

Receivables

The balance relates to Gift Aid reclaimed by Simmons & Simmons LLP which is donated in full to the Foundation once the monies have been received.

Funds

All of the funds of the Foundation are unrestricted. Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Foundation.

Taxation

The Foundation is a registered charity and as such is not liable to taxation on its charitable activities.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The trustees do not consider that there are any critical judgements or sources of estimation uncertainty which would have a material impact on these financial statements, and as such, none have been disclosed.

2. Legal status of the charity

The charity is a public benefit entity which was formed under a declaration of trust.

3.
Donations
Donations from Simmons & Simmons LLP
Balances from client monies
Interest receivable
Gift Aid income
Donated services		 2024
£
800,000
18,182
-
195,305
18,742
1,032,229		 2023

£
800,000
112
1,805
200,000
16,626
1,018,543

Registered number: 1129643

15

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

3. Donations (continued)

Donated services comprise the following:
Accountancy fee
Audit fee for audit of the financial statements
Administration fees		 2024
£

5,388
10,000
3,354
18,742
2023

£
5,029
10,000
1,597

16,626

Donated services represent the estimated cost of services donated to the Foundation had they have been purchased. These amounts are also included as costs in the appropriate heading.

Registered number: 1129643

16

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

4. Charitable activities expenditure

Grants payable to organisations
Humanitarian and disaster relief
Action Against Hunger - Gaza appeal
British Red Cross (Morocco)
Unicef (Libya relief)
Unicef (Ukraine relief)
IsraAid
UN - OCHA (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
International Rescue Committee - Sudan appeal
UNICEF
Save the Children
Social inclusion
Young Talent Programme
Social Welfare Solicitor Qualification Fund
Surviving Economic Abuse
The Big Issue Foundation
MicroLoan Foundation
Smart Works Charity
City Solicitors
Give Out
Mayor’s Fund for London
Royal Voluntary Service
Solicitors’ Pro bono
Breaking Barriers
Envision
Debate Mate
Other Grants (£5,000 or below)		 2024
£
100,000
35,000
35,000
35,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
-
-
280,000
42,000
6,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
243
48,243
 2023
£


-
-
-
-
-
-
-
75,000
75,000
150,000

37,500
-
10,000
10,000
8,000
8,000
5,500
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
3,500
1,213
113,713

Registered number: 1129643

17

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

4. Charitable activities expenditure (continued)

Pro-bono
Battersea Legal Advice Centre
Lawyers Against Poverty
Working Families
Bristol Law Centre
Other Grants (of £5,000 or below)
Access to justice and the rule of law
Justice Without Borders
Parents Against Child Exploitation
Prisoners’ Advice Service
Simmons & Simmons’ staff nominated charities
Fondation Archery
Esperance Banlieues
Barnardo’s
Safe Passage International
Save the children
Womankind Bristol
Bundu bundu
Food Angel
All Souls Serve the City
Plan International (UK)
Willing Hearts
Bärenherz Stiftung für schwerstkranke Kinder
GLOBOLAB e.V.
Boundless Hong Kong
Fondazione Arché
Fondazione Progetto Arcaonlus
Han Hong Love Charity Foundation
ITSRAINING RAINCOATS LTD
Reves
UNICEF (Spain chapter)
UNICEF (Gaza Appeal)		 2024
£
36,000
-
-
-
1,070
37,070
-
-
-
-
75,284
57,808
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
44,859
36,000
30,000
30,000
23,000
22,731
22,729
20,000
18,942
18,942
18,779
18,000
17,543
17,091
17,000
688,708		 2023
£


36,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
500
81,500
15,000
7,500
7,500
30,000
-
-
-
55,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
55,000

Registered number: 1129643

18

30 April 2024

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

4. Charitable activities expenditure (continued)

|Simmons & Simmons’ staff nominated charities (continued)
Subtotal brought forward
Justice without Borders
Voice Ireland
ISPCC - Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Malawi: The Sparkle Foundation
Capital Brussels
Croix Rouge
SOS Village d’Enfants
Movies that Matter
F|Fort Foundation
Instituut voor Natuureducatie
Plastic Soup Foundation
UNICEF Leerstoel
La Misión de María
Schuldhulpm aatje
Stichting Leergeld
Stichting Natuur & Milieu
Pro Bono SG
Katariba
Caritas
Fundación Prodis
Fundación Unblock
Stichting Dierenlot
Stichting Sanquin Bloedvoorziening
Fondation Caritas Luxembourg
Bristol Citizens Advice Bureau
Centre 33
Disability Recreation Unity Movement
Five Talents
Off The Record (Bristol)
Prisoners’ Advice Service
Sawbridgeworth Evangelical Congregational Church
SWALLOW Charity
The Felix Project
Human Appeal
Medicin sans Frontieres
Humundi ASBL
Lawyers Against Poverty
Kom op tegen Kanker
Women’s Aid
Book Trust
Envision|
688,708
16,000
14,011
14,007
14,000
13,951
10,188
10,188
8,818
8,816
8,816
8,816
8,743
8,729
8,729
8,729
8,729
8,000
6,000
5,781
5,674
5,674
5,237
5,237
4,408
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,500
3,000
3,000
2,619
2,500
1,753
-

-
-
950,361|55,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-
-
-
-
-
9,014
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
-
110,000
70,000
50,000
299,014| |---|---|---|

Registered number: 1129643

19

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

4. Charitable activities expenditure (continued)

Simmons & Simmons’ staff nominated charities (continued)
Subtotal brought forward
The Passage
Libra
Macass APS
Associazone Donnextrada
Associazione Oltre la Felicita
Other
Other Donations
Matched donations (of £5,000 or below)
Total grants to charities
Governance costs
Accountancy fee
Audit fee for audit of the financial statements
Administration fees
Total expenditure		 2024
£
950,361
-
-
-
-
-
-

950,361

2024
£

22,159		 2023
£
299,014
10,000
9,726
9,726
9,695
9,693
437
348,291
2023
£
21,452
21,452
744,956
2023
£
5,029
10,000
1,597
16,626
761,582
22,159
1,337,833

2024
£
5,388
10,000
3,354
18,742
1,356,575

Registered number: 1129643

20

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

4. Charitable activities expenditure (continued)

The Foundation conducts an annual programme of staff consultation throughout the Simmons & Simmons network, inviting staff to nominate charities to which the Foundation will donate. The staff consultation process in the prior year had not been completed by 30 April 2023. Consequently, donations of £299,900 did not satisfy the criteria for recognition in the financial statements for year ended 30 April 2023, and are recognised in the current year’s financial statements.

All costs in the section ‘Governance costs’ were provided free of charge. The audit was conducted on a pro-bono basis by Deloitte LLP and all other services were provided on a voluntary basis by Simmons & Simmons’ staff. A corresponding donation in kind is included in incoming resources.

5.
Debtors
Donations receivable – Gift Aid income
6.
Creditors
Creditors due within one year:
Funding advanced by Simmons & Simmons LLP
Grants awarded but not yet paid		 2024
£
195,305
195,305
2024
£

200,000
45,276
245,276		 2023
£
216,250
216,250
2023
£
200,000
318,761
518,761

In year ended 30 April 2023, Simmons & Simmons LLP provided the Foundation with loan of £420,000 to support the Foundation’s cashflow until the annual claim for Gift Aid income was completed and received. The loan is non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.

The Foundation repaid £220,000 of the balance on 06 April 2023, leaving an outstanding balance of £200,000 at year end.

Registered number: 1129643

21

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

7.
Reconciliation of movement in Foundation Funds
Foundation Funds as at 1 May
Retained net income/(expenditure) for the year
Foundation Funds as at 30 April		 2024
£
344,711
(324,840)
19,871		 2023
£
88,316
256,395
344,711

8. Related party transactions

During the year, Simmons & Simmons LLP made donations to the Foundation of £800,000 (2023: £800,000) and provided the Foundation with a loan of £200,000 (2023: £200,000).

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Foundation. The key management personnel are the Trustees and are partners of Simmons & Simmons LLP. Key management personnel costs amount to £nil (2023: £nil) given that services are provided on a voluntary basis.

J M Taylor is a trustee of The Pennies Foundation. No donations were made by the Foundation to The Pennies Foundation.

R Allen is associated with two other charities, the details of which are:

No donations were made by the Foundation to Animal Welfare Japan or The Animal Law Foundation.

R Dyton is associated with four other charities, the details of which are:

No donations were made by the Foundation to Legal Response International, The Parochial Church Council of St. Mary Redcliffe or Church Lands Charity.

Registered number: 1129643

22

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation 30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

9.
Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows
Net cash flow from operating activities
Net (expenditure)/income for the year
Adjustments for:
Decrease in receivables
(Decrease)/increase in payables
Net Cash inflow from operating activities
Net debt analysis
Cash and cash equivalents
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
Total
10.
Unrestricted Income Funds
At 1 May
Total incoming resources
Total resources expended
At 30 April		 2024
2023
£
£
(324,840)
256,395

20,945
277,167
(273,485)
48,925

(577,380)
582,487

As at
1 May
2022
Cash Flows
As at
30 April
2023
£
£
£

64,735
582,487
647,222
64,735
582,487
647,222

As at
1 May
2023
Cash Flows
As at
30 April
2024
£
£
£

647,222
(577,380)
69,842
647,222
(577,380)
69,842


2024
2023
£
£
344,711
88,316
1,032,2291,018,543
(1,357,069)
(762,148)
19,871
344,711		 2023
£
256,395
277,167
48,925

582,487
As at
30 April
2023
£

647,222

647,222
As at
30 April
2024
£

69,842

69,842

Registered number: 1129643

23

The Simmons and Simmons Charitable Foundation

30 April 2024

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024

11. Analysis of Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Reserves
Total Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Reserves
Total Funds		 Balance
1 May
2022
£
88,316
88,316
Balance
1 May
2023
£
344,711
344,711		 Incoming
resources
£
1,018,543
1,018,543

Incoming
resources
£
1,032,229
1,032,229		 Resources
expended
£
(762,148)
(762,148)
Resources
expended
£
(1,357,069)
(1,357,069)		 Balance
30 April
2023
£
344,711
344,711
Balance
30 April
2024
£
19,871
19,871

12. Financial Instruments

Financial assets held at amortised cost
Cash at bank and in hand
Financial liabilities assets held at amortised cost
Funding advanced by Simmons & Simmons LLP

Accruals and deferred income
 2024
£
69,842


200,000
45,276
245,276		 2023
£
647,222
200,000
17,561
217,561

Registered number: 1129643

24