**Charity registration number 1141057 (England and Wales) Company registration number 07467568**
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
# **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
|**Trustees**|Ms D A Rive|
|---|---|
||Mr J S Ssentongo|
||Dr A E Zielke|
||Ms C M P Hirsch El-Kabbany|
||Ms A N Feldwick|
||Ms D K Farag|
|**Secretary**|Ms F Peart|
|**Charity number (England and Wales)**|1141057|
|**Company number**|07467568|
|**Registered office**|W1 Office|
||12 Old Bond Street|
||London|
||England|
||W1S 4PW|
|**Auditor**|KM|
||Chartered Accountants|
||1st Floor, Block C|
||The Wharf, Manchester Road|
||Burnley|
||Lancashire|
||BB11 1JG|
|**Bankers**|Co-operative Bank|
||1 Balloon Street|
||Manchester|
||M60 4EP|
||Nationwide Building Society|
||80 St James Street|
||Burnley|
||Lancashire|
||BB11 1PH|
|**Solicitors**|Hogans Lovell International LLP|
||Atlantic House|
||Holborn Viaduct|
||London|
||EC1A 2FG|
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **CONTENTS**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees' report|1 - 6|
|Statement of trustees' responsibilities|7|
|Independent auditor's report|8 - 10|
|Statement of financial activities|11|
|Statement of financial position|12|
|Statement of cash flows|13|
|Notes to the financial statements|14 - 22|
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
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 charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Ms D A Rive, Joint Chair Mr J S Ssentongo, Joint Chair Ms C Belaman (resigned 31 December 2024) Mr J Drummond (resigned 31 March 2025) Ms D K Farag Ms A N Feldwick Ms C M P Hirsch El-Kabbany Mr H A Khan (resigned 31 December 2024) Ms A H Meyer (resigned 30 May 2024) Dr C Presern (resigned 31 December 2025) Dr A E Zielke
## **Foreword from the co-chairs of Orchid Project**
The past year has brought considerable challenges for organisations working to end FGM/C and advance gender equality, with significant shifts in donor priorities, reduced government funding, and wider operational pressures across the sector. Against this backdrop, the charity has remained committed to delivering its mission and obligations to partners without interruption. Oversight by the Board, together with active engagement from our committees on Advocacy, Research, Finance, and Fundraising, has ensured strong governance, accountability, and alignment with strategic priorities.
Despite the difficult funding environment, the charity has maintained financial stability and strengthened its resilience. Improved internal coordination, careful risk management, and close collaboration between trustees and the Senior Management Team have enabled us to protect core programmes and sustain momentum. We continue to operate from a position of stability, with robust governance and management in place to steer the organisation through a challenging landscape.
In the following section, you will see how, despite the wider challenges, the charity has continued to make meaningful progress across its key areas of work. These achievements reflect the dedication of our staff, trustees, and partners, and highlight the resilience and impact of the organisation.
## **Activities and Achievements**
## **1: Advocacy work**
## **ECOSOC Youth Forum**
In April 2024, Orchid Project implementing the Africa-led Movement to End FGM/C Programme (ALM), supported a young advocate from the youth cohort that Orchid Project has been working with to attend and participate in the ECOSOC Youth Forum at the UN Headquarters in New York. This participation aimed to ensure that young people meaningfully participate and engage in the conversation on the future of the SDG’s ensuring that FGM/C is made a priority issue given that it undermines the achievement of gender equality and development as it intersects with other areas such as health, education and climate change; and the need for continued political action, commitment and accountability, especially around sustainable resourcing to address FGM/C starting with its inclusion in the Pact of the Future in September 2024.
## **Leading Cause of Death Webinar**
In September 2024, Orchid Project, in collaboration with ALM and the University of Birmingham, co-hosted a pivotal webinar examining the findings of the paper _Estimating Excess Mortality due to FGM/C_ . This groundbreaking study identified FGM/C as a leading cause of death in girls in practicing countries, with an estimated 44,320 girls and young women dying annually as a result of the practice. The study underscores the critical need to reframe FGM/C as not just a harmful practice but a life-threatening global public health crisis contributing significantly to child mortality.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
The webinar brought together over 60 key stakeholders, including policymakers, advocates, and healthcare professionals. The authors of the paper, James Rockey and Heather D. Flowe, provided a detailed breakdown of their methodology, aiming to instill confidence in the research’s rigor. During the session, James Rockey highlighted that the death of 44,320 girls and young women each year equates to one girl or young woman dying every 12 minutes. Heather D. Flowe emphasised that their findings likely represent a conservative estimate, warning that the long-term consequences of FGM/C remain hidden but are equally devastating.
Anush Aghabalyan, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Orchid Project, underscored the urgency of this research, stating that it demonstrates FGM/C is not only a human rights violation but also a significant risk to life, calling for the same level of attention and resources as other preventable causes of mortality. Dr. Leyla Siirad Hussein Gikandi further stressed that the data makes it undeniably clear that FGM/C is far more than a cultural or social issue; it is a severe public health crisis that leads to the loss of innocent lives. She described the situation as a pandemic of violence against children, demanding immediate and collective action.
The findings from this research mark a turning point in how the global community understands and addresses FGM/ C. By highlighting its mortality impact, the study calls for urgent action and intensified advocacy to ensure that FGM/ C receives the same level of global attention and resources as other preventable causes of death.
For further details, you can access the full paper here.
## **Summit of the Future and UNGA79**
Also in September, Aisha Hussein Roba, a youth grantee from Isiolo, Kenya, and Orchid Project’s Advocacy Manager attended the Summit of the Future alongside the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). Representing ALM, the delegation led by Orchid Project highlighted the importance of youth voices in tackling global challenges, including FGM/C. A key outcome of the Summit was the adoption of the Pact of the Future, a landmark agreement addressing critical global issues. Notably, the Pact explicitly recognised FGM/C as a form of violence, reaffirming the urgency of Orchid Project’s mission to end this harmful practice.
Youth engagement was central to the Summit, aligning with Orchid Project’s commitment to empowering young people as agents of change in the fight against FGM/C. Interactive dialogues gave youth, including Aisha, the opportunity to present ideas and co-create solutions directly with global leaders. Brenda noted that the Summit reinforced the vital role of youth in driving innovative solutions to end FGM/C and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable global future. “The future of multilateralism depends on the active involvement of young people,” she reflected, emphasising the importance of continuing to elevate youth voices within the global dialogue.
## **Global Collaboration to End FGM/C**
In October 2024, the U.S. End FGM/C Network hosted a two-day in-person conference in Washington, DC, dedicated to fostering global collaboration and strategic planning to end FGM/C. The event brought together government representatives, philanthropists, civil society organisations, and activists to strengthen partnerships and create actionable strategies to further the global effort to eradicate FGM/C.
Anush Aghabalyan, Head of Advocacy, represented Orchid Project and spoke on a panel during the event. Reflecting on the experience, Anush shared, “The spaces of solidarity and shared vision are so important, particularly in the world we find ourselves in today. There is a unique strength we draw from connecting with colleagues, friends, and allies who are united in their passion to end all forms of gender-based violence.” She emphasised that listening to global partners reinforced the understanding that FGM/C is a deeply global issue requiring significantly more action and funding than it currently receives.
## **16 Days of Activism**
Orchid Project marked the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign (which ran from 25[th] November to 10[th] December 2024) by launching "16 Facts About the Practice in Asia" to draw attention to the oftenoverlooked prevalence of FGM/C in the region. During the campaign, facts from recent reports were shared to increase awareness. Despite over 80 million women and girls in Asia being affected by FGM/C, the practice remains largely unspoken, perceived as harmless and safe in many communities. Orchid Project collaborated with the Asia Network to End FGM/C to highlight this critical issue, utilising data from its series of reports, which include eight short reports, eight law reports, and a country profile. These efforts aim to break the silence surrounding FGM/C in Asia and emphasise its status as a violation of human rights and bodily autonomy.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
A key event of the campaign was the webinar titled, "FGM/C in Asia: From Silence to Justice?," organised by the FGM Legal Working Group of the World Bank in collaboration with Orchid Project. Moderated by Anush Aghabalyan, Head of Advocacy at Orchid Project, the event featured Zubee Ali, Activist and Women's Rights Advocate from End FGM Singapore; Isabella Micali Drossos, Senior Counsel at the World Bank; and Sean Callaghan, Head of Research at Orchid Project. Sean emphasised the glaring gap in international attention to Asia, stating, “Asian countries account for over a third of global cases of FGC. Yet so little attention has been paid to this region by the international community. Things are starting to change, but we have a long way to go.”
## **Zero Tolerance Day Campaign – “1 Girl Dies Every 12 Minutes”**
On February 6[th] 2025, International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM/C, we launched a campaign together with the University of Birmingham, calling for the international community to act through increased investment and stronger commitment to eliminate the practice. The central piece of this campaign was an illustrative video, narrated by Hoda Ali, lasting one minute, to reflect how, in just 11 minutes, another girl would die from FGM/C. The video is available here: https://youtu.be/XU1Bk38QE9U
## **United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)**
In March 2025, Orchid Project led and co-hosted four events at the 69th session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women, advancing our strategic advocacy objectives and fostering global collaboration.
We co-hosted an event titled **Reframing FGM/C Through an Intersectional Lens** with the Global Platform for Action to end FGM/C. This event aligned with our advocacy direction to reframe FGM/C as a leading cause of death and a pressing public health emergency.
We also co-convened an event titled **Proven Solutions, Strategic Alliances, and Empowered Movements to End FGM** together with the Governments of Burkina Faso, Djibouti, and Sweden and the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Program on FGM. This session, hosted within the UN, reinforced Orchid’s leadership role and emphasized political and financial commitments to ending FGM/C.
Orchid Project also collaborated with ARROW and the Asia networks to host the event titled **Same Same but Different: Nuancing the Practice of FGM/C in Asia** , which highlighted Orchid’s regional findings and featured speakers from Singapore, the Indonesian Government, UNFPA, and Asia Network members, examining the complexity and contextual variance of FGM/C in Asia.
Lastly, we co-hosted an event with YouthHubAfrica and AfyAfrika CBO called **Reimagining the Approach: Innovative Granting Mechanisms and Resourcing for Grassroots Organisations** . It addressed funding gaps and explored new strategies for movement-building, including mobilising African philanthropy, youth-led approaches, and the use of technology. During this session, Orchid Project, with support from partners, facilitated a closed-door breakfast meeting with members of the Donor Working Group on FGM and the Global Platform for Action. This was the first joint meeting of its kind, bringing together 30 stakeholders, including UN agencies, donors, and regional networks, to align on shared priorities for the next 12-18 months.
## **2: Research**
## **Practice Index Webinar**
To mark WorldHealthDay in 2024, Orchid Project and Practice Index joined forces on April 10 to host a webinar shedding light on the critical role of frontline workers in combatting FGM/C. Led by medical and research experts, discussions provided the 33 attendees insights on reporting mandates, survivor support, and the prevalence of FGM/C in the UK. With awareness on health complications and legislative obligations, the webinar underscored the imperative for comprehensive healthcare support. As we reflect on the complexities, it's evident that collective efforts are crucial in safeguarding women and girls in ultimately eradicating FGM/C. You can watch the recording of the webinar here.
## **Horn of Africa Dialogue Series**
Orchid Project launched the Horn of Africa knowledge sharing dialogues in May 2024 through an initial meeting with the advisory board. This board has been made up of researchers, practitioners, and advocates working in the Horn of Africa with Somali communities and its diaspora, each of whom are passionate about documenting and exploring what works to create change around FGM/C among Somali communities in the Horn.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
Orchid Project drafted a briefing paper on current evidence, dilemmas in decision-making that are specific to the context, and challenges toward abandonment in the region. The briefing paper served as a foundation for a series of virtual and in-person dialogues which were hosted between September 2024 and February 2025 with researchers, practitioners, and organisations working on advocacy for policy change. Our hope with this project is to document what is currently working in the Horn of Africa, to identify where the gaps are for future research, and to convene a community of practice to take forward this work in collaboration with Orchid Project in the future.
## **Advancing Research in the Horn of Africa**
In September 2024, Orchid Project’s research team hosted the first round of stakeholder workshops as part of an initiative to build a robust knowledge base on FGM/C within the Somali community across the Horn of Africa. With the Somali community experiencing the highest global prevalence of FGM/C at 99.2%, these discussions provided invaluable insights into both the progress and challenges in efforts to end this deeply entrenched practice. The workshops are a critical component of a larger research initiative. Two additional rounds of workshops were carried out, and together, they will inform the development of a comprehensive report, set for publication in mid-2025.
## **Meetings and Roundtable Discussions across Asia**
In October 2024, together with our partners in the Asia Network to End FGM/C, Orchid Project presented our latest research on the practice of FGM/C across Southeast Asia at the Regional Partners Roundtable hosted by the UN Joint Programme. This pivotal event highlighted the urgent need for action in the region. Sean Callaghan, Orchid Project’s Head of Research and Capacity Strengthening, led the presentation, showcasing the evidence-based findings to build momentum toward ending FGM/C across Southeast Asia.
The same week, the Asia Network to End FGM/C hosted a three-day strategy meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss challenges, gaps, and opportunities in addressing FGM/C. The meeting included presentations from UNFPA Asia and the Pacific, ARROW, and Orchid Project. These sessions sparked fruitful discussions on aligning efforts to address FGM/C from global, regional, and national perspectives.
The collaborative energy and group dynamics during the meeting led to the development of a strategic plan that outlines actionable next steps to accelerate progress. The participants expressed their shared commitment to moving forward with these plans, driving us all closer to the ultimate goal of ending FGM/C in the region.
## **3: Programmes**
## **Youth Capacity Strengthening Workshops**
From the 11th to 14th June 2024, in Juja, Kenya, Orchid Project partnered with the Youth Anti-FGM Network Kenya (YANK) to deliver a transformative series of Youth Capacity Strengthening Workshops. These engaging sessions brought together 30 young advocates, all under the age of 25, from 22 counties across Kenya with high prevalence rates of FGM/C. The workshops focused on equipping participants with the skills and strategies needed to address social norms around FGM/C and design impactful campaigns to end the practice.
Participants explored diverse and innovative approaches to advocacy, including creating social media strategies, utilising mobile apps, and producing podcasts to amplify their messages. The sessions were designed to foster creativity and empower young people to leverage their unique talents and digital tools to create lasting change in their communities.
We are excited to see how these young advocates will implement their learnings, using the tools and strategies developed during the workshops to drive progress in their communities.
## **Organisational structure**
The Trustees oversee the charity's assets and ensure that resources are used only for the purposes of the charity. They meet quarterly to agree on the organisational strategy and areas of activity for Orchid Project, including consideration of strategic direction, accountability, financial management, grant-making, fundraising and performance. The Trustees regularly attend Orchid Project events and provide continuous support to the team. All Trustees give their time freely, and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
Orchid Project restructured during the year in response to changes in the funding landscape. We started the year with 16 team members and ended the year with 10. The Senior Management Team was appointed to lead the organisation when the CEO left the organisation during the year. The finance and operations team were restructured during the year, with much of the function being outsourced as a result. Furthermore, we paused recruitment after two other staff members left the organisation during the year. This restructure left the field facing team intact.
## **Major risks and management of those**
The Trustees continue to consider and review the major risks to which the charity is exposed and monitor the systems and procedures to manage those risks. The following aspects are considered:
- The charity's objectives and strategies
- The nature and scope of the charity's activities
- External legislation and regulations
- The operating structure of the charity
- Financial stability
- Expansion of the charity in Kenya
## **Safeguarding**
Orchid Project continues to improve its safeguarding procedures and those of the partners it works with. In the year, the safeguarding policy was reviewed, and the staff were taken through intensive training. There were no complaints received in the year.
## **Financial review**
Incoming resources for the year amounted to £958k, a slight increase from £853k in 2024, but still a significant decrease from £1.588m in 2023. The deficit on the unrestricted fund is £156k, compared to a deficit of £403k in 2024 and a surplus of £373k in 2023. The Trustees consider the state of the charity's affairs and took action to restructure the organisation during the year in order to ensure long-term sustainability.
In so doing, we rebalanced the expenses going forward. The 2025-26 budget envisages £800k income and no deficit, with 75% expenditure on direct delivery, 15% on core overheads, and 10% on fundraising.
## **Policy on reserves**
Orchid Project aims to hold reserves equivalent to 35% of all core costs based on the budget for the year to 31[st] March 2025, amounting to £171,000 (2024 - £310,000). At the year’s end, our reserves amount to £343,551 (2024 - £459,679), which is in excess of the reserve policy. Had we not restructured, we would have breached the reserve threshold in December 2024.
## **Principal funding sources**
In the year 2024-25, Orchid Project’s primary sources of funding consist of grants from trusts and foundations, donations from individuals and major donors. Orchid Project would like to thank our generous donors for their invaluable support, which has enabled us to achieve so much.
## **Going concern**
The Trustees have considered the financial position and future outlook of the charity, particularly in light of ongoing challenges in fundraising. Having restructured the organisation, the trustees have ensured that the charity can continue to meet its operational commitments. Therefore, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing financial statements.
## **Disclosure of information to the auditor**
Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.
## **Small companies’ provision statement**
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Ms D A Rive **Trustee**
Mr J S Ssentongo **Trustee**
29 January 2026
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
The trustees, who are also the directors of Project Orchid Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial 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, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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 Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of Project Orchid Limited (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising Charities SORP - FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
## **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 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 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 original financial statements were 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.
## **Other information**
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.
## **Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006**
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the information given in the Trustees' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of trustees remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities (set out on page 7), 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**
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.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
- Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
- Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charity’s internal control.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
- Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern.
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
- Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
- Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the charity to express an opinion on the financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the charity audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 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 charitable company and its trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mark Heaton (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of KM, Statutory Auditor
1st Floor, Block C The Wharf Manchester Road Burnley Lancashire BB11 1JG 29 January 2026
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## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**Income and endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
53,794
-
Charitable activities
**4**
619,331
281,206
Investments
**5**
3,589
-
Other income
**6**
-
-
**Total income**
676,714
281,206
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
**7**
86,115
-
Charitable activities
**8**
743,260
250,673
**Total expenditure**
829,375
250,673
**Net income/(expenditure)**
(152,661)
30,533
Transfers between
funds
(2,970)
2,970
**Net movement in**
**funds**
**11**
(155,631)
33,503
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
429,232
30,447
**Fund balances at 31 March**
**2025**
273,601
63,950|**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
53,794
72,273
-
900,537
388,502
322,651
3,589
3,148
-
-
66,846
-
957,920
530,769
322,651
86,115
82,096
380
993,933
851,945
291,824
1,080,048
934,041
292,204
(122,128)
(403,272)
30,447
-
-
-
(122,128)
(403,272)
30,447
459,679
832,504
-
337,551
429,232
30,447|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
72,273
711,153
3,148
66,846
853,420
82,476
1,143,769
1,226,245
(372,825)
-
(372,825)
832,504
459,679|
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 11 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION**
## _**AS AT 31 MARCH 2025**_
|**2025**
**Notes**
**£**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
**15**
**Current assets**
Debtors
**16**
241,964
Cash at bank and in hand
378,459
620,423
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**17**
(285,583)
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**The funds of the charity**
Restricted income funds
**19**
Unrestricted funds
**20**|**2024**
**£**
**£**
2,711
263,280
515,974
779,254
(322,479)
334,840
337,551
63,950
273,601
337,551|**£**
2,904
456,775|
|---|---|---|
|||459,679|
|||30,447
429,232|
|||459,679|
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 29 January 2026
Ms D A Rive Mr J S Ssentongo **Trustee Trustee**
Company registration number 07467568 (England and Wales)
- 12 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
|**Notes**
**Cash flows from operating activities**
Cash absorbed by operations
**23**
**Investing activities**
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
**Net cash generated from/(used in) investing**
**activities**
**Net cash generated from financing activities**
**Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**|**2025**
**£**
**£**
(139,811)
(1,293)
3,589
2,296
-
(137,515)
515,974
378,459|**2024**
**£**
**£**
(413,792)
(4,154)
3,148
(1,006)
-
(414,798)
930,772
515,974|
|---|---|---|
- 13 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Charity information**
Project Orchid Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is W1 Office, 12 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4PW, England.
## **1.1 Accounting convention**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
## **1.2 Going concern**
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
## **1.3 Charitable funds**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
## **1.4 Income**
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
- 14 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
**(Continued)**
## **1.5 Expenditure**
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Fixtures and fittings 33% straight line Computer equipment 33% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
## **1.7 Impairment of fixed assets**
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
## **1.8 Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
## **1.9 Financial instruments**
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
## _**Basic financial assets**_
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
- 15 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **(Continued)**
## _**Basic financial liabilities**_
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## _**Derecognition of financial liabilities**_
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
## **1.10 Employee benefits**
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
## **1.11 Retirement benefits**
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
## **2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements**
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
## **3 Income from donations and legacies**
||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2025**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Appeals and donations|53,794|72,273|
- 16 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **4 Income from charitable activities**
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**||**funds**|**funds**||
||**2025**|**2025**|**2025**|**2024**|**2024**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Grants and contracts|619,331|281,206|900,537|388,502|322,651|711,153|
## **5 Income from investments**
||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2025**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Interest receivable|3,589|3,148|
## **6 Other income**
||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2025**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Other income|-|66,846|
## **7 Expenditure on raising funds**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**Fundraising and publicity**
Other fundraising costs
11,782
-
Staff costs
74,333
-
86,115
-|**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
11,782
-
-
74,333
82,096
380
86,115
82,096
380|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
-
82,476|
|---|---|---|
|||82,476|
- 17 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **8 Expenditure on charitable activities**
|**Direct costs**
Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Other costs
Grant funding of activities (see note 9)
**Share of support and governance costs (see note 10)**
Governance
**Analysis by fund**
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**9**
**Grants payable**
Grants to institutions:
Project Orchid - Kenya
**10**
**Governance costs allocated to activities**
Audit fees
**Analysed between:**
Cultural education|**Cultural**
**education**
**Cultural**
**education**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
278,323
265,008
1,486
1,250
468,717
574,766
748,526
841,024
239,407
296,745
6,000
6,000
993,933
1,143,769
743,260
851,945
250,673
291,824
993,933
1,143,769
**Cultural**
**education**
**Cultural**
**education**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
239,407
296,745
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000|
|---|---|
- 18 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
|**11**|**Net movement in funds**|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|
||The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):|||
||Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements|6,000|6,000|
||Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets|1,486|1,250|
## **12 Trustees**
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year (2024: Ms D A Rive was reimbursed £959).
## **13 Employees**
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
|Charity management and administration
**Employment costs**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs|**2025**
**Number**
6
**2025**
**£**
312,811
28,543
11,302
352,656|**2024**
**Number**
6|
|---|---|---|
|||**2024**
**£**
312,965
25,117
9,402|
|||347,484|
Redundancy and termination payments totalling £14,890 were made in the reporting period (2024: £NIL).
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
|||**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**Number**|**Number**|
|£60,001|- £70,000|1|1|
|£70,001|- £80,000|1|-|
## **14 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
- 19 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
|**15**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Fixtures and**
**fittings**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1 April 2024
1,005
Additions
-
At 31 March 2025
1,005
**Depreciation and impairment**
At 1 April 2024
201
Depreciation charged in the year
349
At 31 March 2025
550
**Carrying amount**
At 31 March 2025
455
At 31 March 2024
804
**16**
**Debtors**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**17**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
**18**
**Retirement benefit schemes**
**Defined contribution schemes**
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes|**Computer**
**equipment**
**£**
3,149
1,293
4,442
1,049
1,137
2,186
2,256
2,100
**2025**
**£**
71,488
170,476
241,964
**2025**
**£**
20,105
196,919
8,257
5,755
54,547
285,583
**2025**
**£**
11,302|**Total**
**£**
4,154
1,293|
|---|---|---|
|||5,447|
|||1,250
1,486|
|||2,736|
|||2,711|
|||2,904|
|||**2024**
**£**
99,884
163,396|
|||263,280|
|||**2024**
**£**
14,360
212,305
955
4,626
90,233|
|||322,479|
|||**2024**
**£**
9,402|
- 20 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **18 Retirement benefit schemes**
## **(Continued)**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
## **19 Restricted funds**
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
||**At**|**1 April**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Transfers**|**At**|**31 March**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**2024**|**resources**|**expended**|||**2025**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**|
|Restricted funds||30,447|281,206|(250,673)|2,970||63,950|
|**Previous year:**|**At**|**1 April**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Transfers**|**At**|**31 March**|
|||**2023**|**resources**|**expended**|||**2024**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**|
|Restricted funds||-|322,651|(292,204)|-||30,447|
Restricted funds are from a variety of sources including family trust funds and foundations, some of which have been given anonymously. For these reasons individual funds are not shown.
## **20 Unrestricted funds**
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
||**At 1 April**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Transfers**|**At 31 March**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2024**|**resources**|**expended**||**2025**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|General funds|429,232|676,714|(829,375)|(2,970)|273,601|
|**Previous year:**|**At 1 April**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Transfers**|**At 31 March**|
||**2023**|**resources**|**expended**||**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|General funds|832,504|530,769|(934,041)|-|429,232|
- 21 -
## **PROJECT ORCHID LIMITED**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025**_
## **21 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**At 31 March 2025:**
Tangible assets
2,711
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
270,890
63,950
273,601
63,950
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**At 31 March 2024:**
Tangible assets
2,904
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
426,328
30,447
429,232
30,447|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
2,711
334,840|
|---|---|
||337,551|
||**Total**
**2024**
**£**
2,904
456,775|
||459,679|
## **22 Related party transactions**
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
|**23**|**Cash absorbed by operations**|**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Deficit for the year|(122,128)|(372,825)|
||**Adjustments for:**|||
||Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities|(3,589)|(3,148)|
||Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets|1,486|1,250|
||**Movements in working capital:**|||
||Decrease/(increase) in debtors|21,316|(163,604)|
||(Decrease) in creditors|(21,510)|(4,338)|
||(Decrease)/increase in deferred income|(15,386)|128,873|
||**Cash absorbed by operations**|(139,811)|(413,792)|
## **24 Analysis of changes in net funds**
The charity had no material debt during the year.
- 22 -