OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

← The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

2024-12-31-accounts

7

Registered number: 06728103 Charity registration number: 1129689

THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Simple Accounting NW Ltd 4-4a Blackburn Road Accrington BB5 1HD

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Contents

Page
Reference and Administrative Information 1
Directors' Report 2 - 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Income and Retained Earning 6
Statement of Financial Position 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8-10
The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts:
Detailed Income Statement 11-12

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Company Information For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

Trustees Mr Michael Ainsworth
Ms Elizabeth Griffin
Ms Fiona Horton
Mrs Alison Wright
Mrs Emmete Cain
Company Number 06728103
Registered Office 87 Deardengate
Haslingden
Rossendale
England
BB4 5SN
Accountants Simple Accounting NW Ltd
4-4a Blackburn Road
Accrington
BB5 1HD
Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc
7 Manchester Road
Burnley
Lancashire
Charity Registration Number 1129689

Page 1

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Trustee’s Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements and auditors' report of the The Sophie Lancaster Foundation for the period ended 31 December 2024.

Objectives and activities

Aims

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation continues to work towards the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion for the public’s benefit. Our work focuses on advancing education and raising awareness around issues of equality and diversity; promoting engagement that fosters understanding between people from different backgrounds; conducting and publishing research on prejudice and discrimination; and encouraging a culture that values and respects difference.

In addition to this the Foundation remains committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of both physical and mental health, particularly for those who are subject to victimisation, violence or marginalisation due to their identity or appearance. This is achieved through education, community engagement and ongoing advocacy.

Our work is shaped by three core strategic priorities. First, we continue to advocate for the alternative community, raising awareness of the prejudice and hate faced by individuals from alternative subcultures. Second, we deliver educational programmes aimed at challenging prejudicial views and changing mindsets about difference, from early years to adult learners. Third, we campaign for legislative and systemic change to hate crime laws, and work to improve outcomes for alternative people when engaging with the criminal justice system.

The Trustees of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation are pleased to present our annual report for the year ended 31 December 2024. This year has marked an important one in our continued growth, as we pursue our mission to challenge prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures through education, awareness and community empowerment. We have seen significant growth in our key areas of work and are grateful for the ongoing support of our community, donors and all our partners. This Trustees’ Report outlines our achievements, challenges and the impact of our activities over the last year.

Governance and appointments

In 2024 we saw some changes within our team. Milly Gray was appointed as Social Media Manager on a fixed-term contract, taking over from Kyle Wilson who left to pursue his music career in Germany. Kyle’s role was essential in managing our social media presence and marketing efforts, helping to boost engagement and attract new audiences. Milly has accelerated this even further and we’re delighted to have her as part of the team.

We were also pleased to welcome back Emmete Cain as a Trustee. Emmete had previously served on the Board but took a break to start a family. We are thrilled to have her back as her experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our work.

Education and Training

Education remains at the heart of our work. In 2024 we expanded our education and outreach initiatives directly reaching over 5,000 students and professionals across the UK and many more online. A particular highlight was the delivery of two Train the Trainer (TTT) programmes in Oldham and Bury. These courses were specifically designed to empower teachers to deliver the SOPHIE workshop independently and were very well-received. Our thanks to Oldham Council and Bury Voluntary Community and Faith Alliance for funding these sessions. We continue to see growing demand from schools and educational institutions for our resources and training. We are developing additional free resources to ensure schools can access material to address prejudicial views gaining traction without price being a barrier.

Additionally development began on a new primary resource thanks to generous funding from The Fore Foundation. This £30,000 award will support a one-year project which will create educational materials for Key Stage 2 pupils. The resource will tackle prejudicial language and behaviour from an early age, embedding understanding and empathy across all communities.

Events and Outreach

The Foundation has maintained a visible presence across numerous festivals and community events throughout 2024, continuing to raise awareness and connect with our incredible supporters. Events included:

Alternative Weddings York : In this creative setting we met many wonderful people and had positive conversations about inclusion and respect. It was great to see so many families supporting their alternative family member in creating the wedding that reflects them and their values.

Bloodstock : Our presence was stronger than ever at this flagship event. Four powerful days were spent engaging with thousands of festivalgoers—sharing Sophie’s story, raising awareness of hate crime and fostering meaningful discussions around tolerance and change. A particularly moving moment was Pink Day held in remembrance of Sylvia Lancaster, where the sea of pink across the festival was a beautiful, visible tribute to her legacy. Our stall remained a hub for reflection, connection, and community and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by, supported us and stood with our cause.

Page 2

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation (Continued) Trustee’s Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

Depravation Festival 2024 : A collaboration on the charity song “Weirdo, Mosher, Freak” featuring over 20 musicians helped raise funds and awareness. All proceeds supported the Foundation.

Download Festival 2024 : Hundreds of supporters came by sparking important conversations and showing their support. Whether stopping by our stall, buying merchandise or simply engaging with us, every interaction made a difference.

Heywood Horror Con : This event allowed us to connect with a welcoming crowd, share our work and raise funds through merchandise. We talked to many of the other stall holders as well as the public, about their own stories of bullying and ‘othering’ in school and it was great to see so many creative expressions of identity in a fun and inclusive space.

Leeds Alternative Market : A chance to spend time with our community, engage in valuable conversations and make much-needed sales. It is wonderful to see the market go from strength to strength with footfall ever-increasing.

Rebellion : Long-standing allies and new supporters came together at Blackpool Winter Gardens celebration on all things Punk. Rebellion festival goers are true supporters and are always creating opportunities to raise awareness for the Foundation and help raise vital funds.

Rock the Gardens Festival : This is a newer festival but already a favourite. We had the opportunity to speak with a wide range of attendees and introduced many new people to our work.

Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival : A great weekend of music and celebration. The event brings people back to Whitby year after year and the Halloween gathering provided the opportunity to meet many old friends and also discuss the Foundation’s aims with new supporters.

Whitby Pavilion : We love returning to Whiby and being there for the Goth celebrations in April at the Pavilion’s alternative market. We always go to Sophie’s bench to pay our respects, as do so many of the goth and alternative community. Returning to this key space, we saw strong support for our message and we heard from so many people how special Whitby is in enabling them to express their own identity.

Winsford Pride : This was a new event for us and we shared hugely positive conversations at this welcoming and impactful event. We talked to many people who were not aware of the Foundation’s work and we used the opportunity to raise awareness of our educational resources and generate income through merchandise sales.

Throughout 2024, we were once again overwhelmed by the generosity and creativity of our supporters, who organised a wide range of fundraising events on our behalf. Their dedication to the Foundation and commitment to challenging prejudice and promoting acceptance continues to inspire us.

These community-led initiatives not only raised vital funds to support our education and outreach work but also helped to amplify our message and extend our reach into new audiences across the UK. Each one made a meaningful contribution to our mission. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who fundraised, volunteered, attended, or simply shared our story. Every act of support makes a difference and brings us one step closer to a world free from hate.

Social Media

Our Social Media accounts continue to thrive as key channel for engagement and outreach. And Milly Gray’s role as Social Media Manager has transformed the way we connect with our community on these channels. Social Media remains an invaluable tool for advocacy and connection with our audiences.

Fundraising and Grants

This year saw the Foundation achieve a major milestone with the successful award of a National Lottery Community Fund grant totalling £258,928. This three-year programme (2024–2027) is aimed at transforming the experience of hate crime for people from alternative subcultures—an issue made starkly evident by our 2023 Alternative Subculture Hate Crime Research.

The funding will support three vital workstreams:

Page 3

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation (Continued) Trustee’s Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

In addition to this funding transforming our output, it also reflects the elevation of our work at a strategic level. We have made significant strides in this period in amplifying our voice and impact. We will always maintain our position as a grassroots organisation, sitting at the heart of our community. We are also now focused on targeting our work at a policy and structural level to ensure Sophie’s story is a catalyst for real change.

Conclusion

2024 has been a year of meaningful progress for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. From expanding our education and outreach to securing transformative funding and strengthening community partnerships, we have remained focused on challenging prejudice and promoting inclusion.

None of this would be possible without the continued support of our funders, volunteers, educators and the wider community. Their dedication ensures that Sophie’s legacy lives on and drives real change.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating a society where everyone can express who they are without fear. Together we are building a more compassionate and inclusive future.

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 28 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by

_________ Ms. Fiona Horton ~~|~~ Trustee

28 July 2025

Page 4

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity’s trustees of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed

-----------------------------------------28 July 2025 Simple Accounting NW Ltd 4-4a Blackburn Road Accrington BB5 1HD

Page 5

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Statement of Income and Retained Earning For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

Notes
TURNOVER
Cost of sales
GROSS SURPLUS
Administrative expenses
Other operating income
OPERATING SURPLUS
Other interest receivable and similar income
SURPLUS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR
RETAINED EARNINGS
As at 1 January 2024
As at 31 December 2024		 31
December
2024
£
197,979
(41,235)
156,744
(141,583)
79,288
94,449
932
95,381
4,333
99,714		 31
December
2023
£
234,834
(73,689)
161,145
(141,691)
-
19,454
667
20,121
(15,788)
4,333

The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these financial statements.

Page 6

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Statement of Financial Position As At 31 December 2024

31 December 2024 31 December 2024 31 December 2023 31 December 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets 4 4,492 5,989
4,492 5,989
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 5 22,780 15,464
Debtors 6 6,028 8,447
Cash at bank and in hand 225,827 139,304
254,635 163,215
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 7 (620) (6,078)
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 254,015 157,137
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 258,507 163,126
NET ASSETS 258,507 163,126
RESERVES
Other reserves 158,793 158,793
Income Statement 99,714 4,333
MEMBERS' FUNDS 258,507 163,126
RESTRICTED FUNDS 22,828 -
UN-RESTRICTED FUNDS 235,679 163,126
FUNDS AVAILABLE WITH CHARITY 258,507 163,126

For the year ending 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Trustees’ Responsibilities:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

The financial statements on pages 8 to 12 were approved by the trustees, and authorized for issue on 28 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

On behalf of the board

_____ Ms Fiona Horton ; Director

28 July 2025

The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these financial statements.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

1. General Information

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is a private company, limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 06728103 . The registered office is 87 Deardengate, Haslingden, Rossendale, England, BB4 5SN.

2. Accounting Policies

2.1 Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set outbelow. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

2.2 Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

2.3. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognized at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes

2.4. Going Concern Disclosure

The directors who are the trustees, have not identified any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.

2.5 Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement

The charity opted to early adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.

2.6. Income and endowments

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Grants and fees are reflected in the accounts when receivable. Donations, gifts and other income are reflected in the accounts when the charity is entitled to the receipt, the amount can be measured with reasonable accuracy and the charity has an unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.

Gifts, including gifts in kind, are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind used by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.

2.7 Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

2.8 Raising funds

Fund raising costs are those incurred raising income for the charity through events and promotions. Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

2.9 Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

2.10 Support costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Page 8

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.11 Governance costs

Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

2.12 Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

2.13 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Motor Vehicles 25% Reducing balance Computer Equipment 25% Reducing balance

2.14 Stocks

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks.

2.15 Trade Debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

2.16 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

2.17 Trade Creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.18 Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

2.19 Financial instruments

Classification

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Page 9

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

4. Tangible Assets

Cost
As at 1 January 2024
As at 31 December 2024
Depreciation
As at 1 January 2024
Provided during the period
As at 31 December 2024
Net Book Value
As at 31 December 2024
As at 1 January 2024
5. Stocks
Stock
6. Debtors
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
7. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Other creditors
Taxation and social security		 Motor
Vehicles
£
13,850		 Motor
Vehicles
£
13,850		 Computer
Equipment
£

7,528		 Total
£

21,378
13,850
7,528
21,378
9,794
1,014
5,595

483
15,389

1,497
10,808
6,078
16,886
3,042
1,450
4,492
4,056
1,933
5,989
31
December
2024
£
22,780
31
December
2024
£
4,613
1,415
6,028
31
December
2024
£
620
-
620		 31
December
2023
£
15,464
31
December
2023
£
1,580
6,867
8,447
31
December
2023
£
3,762
2,316
6,078

8. Company limited by guarantee

The organisation is a registered charity operated under the rules of its constitution adopted 20 October 2010. The charity is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, and does not have share capital. Each of the Trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

Page 10

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Detailed Income Account For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

TURNOVER
Appeals and donations
Subscription
Other income
COST OF SALES
Purchases
Festival Cost
Other Direct Cost
GROSS SURPLUS
Administrative Expenses
Wages and salaries
Employers NI
Employers pensions - defined contributions scheme
Staff training
Rent and Rates
Light and heat
Cleaning
Vehicle running costs
Computer and IT repairs and maintenance
Repairs, renewals and maintenance
Insurance
Printing, postage and stationery
Telecommunications
Accountancy fees
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges
Depreciation of motor vehicles
Depreciation of office equipment
Entertaining
Sundry expenses
Merchant charges
PayPal charges
Other Operating Income
Grants and subsidies received
OPERATING SURPLUS
Other interest receivable and similar income
Interest on cash deposits		 31 December 2024
£
£
165,060
-
32,919
197,979
38,052
2,326
857
(41,235)
156,744
97,271
4,966
3,066
3,882
5,957
2,863
228
3,738
1,056
141
1,143
3,891
1,708
7,049
922
-
1,014
483
805
154
773
473
(141,583)
79,288
79,288
94,449
932		 31 December 2024
£
£
165,060
-
32,919
197,979
38,052
2,326
857
(41,235)
156,744
97,271
4,966
3,066
3,882
5,957
2,863
228
3,738
1,056
141
1,143
3,891
1,708
7,049
922
-
1,014
483
805
154
773
473
(141,583)
79,288
79,288
94,449
932		 31 December 2023
£
£

200,261
1,000

33,573

234,834
72,641
638
410
(73,689)

161,145
94,884
4,254
2,517
4,050
5,906
1,264
244
5,420
3,010
150
1,343
1,571
1,455
3,687
7,068
10
1,352
644
662
177
1,854
169
(141,691)
-

-

19,454
667		 31 December 2023
£
£

200,261
1,000

33,573

234,834
72,641
638
410
(73,689)

161,145
94,884
4,254
2,517
4,050
5,906
1,264
244
5,420
3,010
150
1,343
1,571
1,455
3,687
7,068
10
1,352
644
662
177
1,854
169
(141,691)
-

-

19,454
667
197,979



(41,235)		 234,834



(73,689)
97,271
4,966
3,066
3,882
5,957
2,863
228
3,738
1,056
141
1,143
3,891
1,708
7,049
922
-
1,014
483
805
154
773
473
94,884
4,254
2,517
4,050
5,906
1,264
244
5,420
3,010
150
1,343
1,571
1,455
3,687
7,068
10
1,352
644
662
177
1,854
169
156,744





















(141,583)

79,288		 161,145






















(141,691)
-
79,288 -
932

667
94,449
 19,454

Page 11

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation Detailed Income Account (Continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024

31 December 2024 31 December 2023
£ £ £ £
932 667
SURPLUS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 95,381 20,121

Page 12