**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1143073** 

**Report of the Trustees and** 

**Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

**for Newman Students' Union** 

Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants Studio 2 50-54 St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1QS 



**Newman Students' Union** 

**Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Chair's Report**|1|
|**Report of the Trustees**|2 to  9|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|10|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|11|
|**Balance Sheet**|12|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|13 to  20|





## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Chair's Report for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

As we reflect on 2024/25, Newman Students' Union has continued to support students through a changing higher education environment, ensuring their voices are represented and that they have access to meaningful support, community, and opportunities beyond the classroom. Our priority remains delivering a positive and inclusive student experience for all Birmingham Newman students. During the year, the University community grew and demand for Students' Union services increased in line with that growth. 

2024/25 also marked a significant year of progress for the Union, including increased recognition of our work through student feedback and external measures. This year represented an important stage in embedding the Union Strategy 2024-27 and the revised governance framework approved in 2024, strengthening democratic oversight, improving accountability, and supporting more inclusive representation through an expanded range of student officer roles. 

During 2024/25, key areas of achievement included: 

- **National Student Survey (Q25):** 85.1% positivity (+6pp), ranking 1st in Birmingham for the seventh consecutive year 

- **WhatUni Student Choice Awards:** ranked 7th nationally and 1st in the West Midlands (Students' Union category) 

- **Advice and support:** 163 advice cases supported (+7.2%), following the appointment of a permanent Student Voice & Advice Co-ordinator 

- **Democratic engagement:** increased the number of part-time Student Officers to 10, including liberation and inclusion officer roles. 

- **Campaign and inclusion activity:** delivery of key awareness weeks and community initiatives, including Ramadan care packages in partnership with University colleagues 

- 

- **Fundraising and awareness:** £930 raised for charitable causes during the year 

Looking ahead, the Union will continue to focus on delivering the priorities set out in the Strategy, including strengthening student-led activity, supporting academic engagement and representation, and building a strong sense of community and belonging for all students. 

I would like to thank our staff team, elected officers, student representatives, trustees, and University partners for their ongoing commitment and collaboration throughout the year. 

Tim Hewes-Belton & Gemma Bowen 

Lay Trustee & President (Co-Chairs of the Board) 

Page 1 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **Objectives and activities** 

The Union's objects are the advancement of the education of students at Newman University for the public benefit by: - Promoting the interests and welfare of Students at Newman University, their course of study and representing, supporting and advising Students; - Being the recognised representative channel between students and Newman University and any other external bodies; and - Providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its students. 

## **Public benefit** 

The Trustees of Newman Students' Union have had regard to the public benefit guidance, including that on public benefit and the advancement of education, issued by the Charity Commission. The section of this report entitled 'Achievement and Performance' reports on Newman Students' Union's main activities and successes. Newman Students' Union's work benefits the following public groups: 

- All students and recent graduates of Newman University; 

- Members of, and others attending, affiliated student group activities; and 

- Members of the public who access information and resources on our website, attend Newman Students' Union activities or benefit from charitable fundraising. 

Page 2 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

## **Charitable activities** 

Newman Students' Union undertook a comprehensive strategic and governance review at the end of 2023/24. This process resulted in the adoption of a new organisational Strategy for 2024-27, alongside a revised Constitution and updated supporting governance documents. The Strategy sets out four core areas of the Union's work, **Voice, Support, Community & Wellbeing** , delivered through elected student leadership and supported by the Union's operational staff team. Key developments and achievements during 2024/25 are set out below. 

## **Strategy and Governance** 

In winter 2023, Newman Students' Union undertook a structured consultation exercise to better understand what Birmingham Newman students value in their university experience and how the Students' Union can best support them. Engagement activity included surveys, one-to-one meetings and focus groups, reaching over 14% of the student body, alongside discussions with staff and prospective students at Open Days and feeder colleges. 

The findings from this consultation informed the Union Strategy 2024-27. The Strategy sets out four priority areas: Voice, Support, Community and Wellbeing, ensuring the Union's governance, resources and activity are aligned to evidenced student need. The Strategy also reflects the profile of the Birmingham Newman student population, including a high proportion of widening participation students, such as commuter students, mature learners and students with caring responsibilities. 

As part of the strategic review, the Students' Union also modernised its governance arrangements in line with sector good practice. A revised Constitution, Bye-Laws, Code of Conduct and Memorandum of Understanding were approved by University Council and the Students' Union Board of Trustees in September 2024. The updated governance structure includes a Student Council supported by two sub-committees: Voice & Support and Community & Wellbeing, strengthening accountability and democratic oversight. 

The revised structure also introduced dedicated liberation and inclusion officer roles, including LGBTQ+ Officer, Access & Inclusion Officer, Mature Students Officer and REACH Officer, supporting representative student leadership and contributing to wider institutional priorities around access, inclusion and student success. 

In the period from 2023 - 2025, the student population at Birmingham Newman University grew by  c.28%, which has had an inevitable impact on demand for services and support provided by the Students' Union. The Officers and Staff of the Union have risen to this challenge with ever narrowing resources. 

## **Voice & Support** 

The Voice & Support functions of the Students' Union include governance and democratic processes, the Union Advice Service, Inclusion and Liberation activity, Academic Representation, and campaigning. Oversight of this area is provided through the Voice & Support Sub-Committee of Student Council. During 2024/25, the Union continued to strengthen delivery across these functions, with progress reflected in student feedback and external measures, including the National Student Survey and recognition through the WhatUni Student Choice Awards. 

## **Union Advice Service** 

Following a six-month period at the end of 2023/24 during which advice provision was maintained by the Union Director and Union President in response to a staffing vacancy, Newman Students' Union recruited a permanent **Student Voice & Advice Co-ordinator** in July 2024. This appointment strengthened the Union's capacity to provide consistent, high-quality academic advice and support to students at Birmingham Newman University. 

During the 2024/25 academic year, the Union Advice Service supported **163** cases, representing a **7.2% increase** compared with the previous year. This reflects continued demand for student advice and support, as well as growing awareness and use of the service. The increased role of the Students' Union in supporting students is reflected within the Union Strategy 2024-27. 

The Union also maintained a strong focus on early resolution and constructive communication. During 2024/25, no complaints progressed beyond the informal stage, supported by an emphasis on open dialogue between students, the Union and University staff. 

Page 3 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **Union Democracy** 

During 2024/25, the Students' Union continued to embed its revised governance framework, approved in 2024 by University Council and the Union Board of Trustees. The new structure established a Student Council and two sub-committees, supported by 10 part-time student officer roles, including dedicated liberation and inclusion posts. Election engagement increased during the year, with voter turnout rising by 15.4% in the 2 years since 2022/23. 

Notably, all newly established liberation and inclusion officer roles were filled in 2024/25, with the majority contested. This reflects continued student engagement in inclusive representation and supports the Union's ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

The revised structure also introduced a Co-Chair arrangement for the Board of Trustees. Under this model, the Union President continues to serve as Co-Chair alongside a Lay Trustee. The Lay Trustee additionally assumes line management responsibility for the Union Director within this governance arrangement. 

## **Campaigns** 

Newman Students' Union has continued to focus its campaigning activity on issues affecting students locally, while maintaining affiliation with the National Union of Students to ensure Birmingham Newman students are represented in national policy discussions on matters of importance to them. During 2024/25, the Union also supported both Officer Trustees to attend the **NUS National Lobby Day in Westminster** , where they campaigned on student housing rights, including engaging with MPs on the **Renters' Rights Bill** . In addition to this activity, both Officer Trustees have forged strong working relationships with the Birmingham branch of CitizensUK. 

During 2024/25, the Union delivered a programme of campaign weeks and engagement activity for students, including: 

- 1 Black History Month 

- 2 Disability Awareness Month 

- 3 LGBTQ+ History Month 

- 4 Green Week 

- 5 International Women's Day 

- 6 Ramadan Care Packages (in partnership with University Library and Chaplaincy) 

## **Academic Representation** 

Representing students to the University on matters relating to their academic experience remains central to the work of the Students' Union. During 2024/25, the Union built on the Faculty Representative system introduced in the preceding year. This year we recruited, trained and supported 8 Faculty Representatives and 235 Course Representatives. Students taking up these roles receive comprehensive training and support throughout the year to best represent the views of their colleagues to University 'Student Staff Consultative Committees'. It is planned that the Academic Representative system will be augmented by an innovative online portal aimed at giving students better options for delivering feedback on their course and University life. 

## **Community & Wellbeing** 

Alongside the Voice & Support Sub-Committee, the Community & Wellbeing Sub-Committee, led by the Union Vice-President, oversees the remaining core area of the Union's business. This includes the delivery of student-led activities, projects, and initiatives as well as events, wellbeing activities and charity fundraising. 

Page 4 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **Societies** 

A key focus of the Union Strategy 2024-27 is to promote community building, wellbeing and a sense of belonging through student-led activity. A central element of this work is the development and support of student societies. While society activity has fluctuated in the period following the pandemic, 2024/25 saw increased stability, with a growing number of groups becoming more established and embedded within student life at Birmingham Newman. The Union concluded 2024/25 with 16 active societies, with over 200 members: 

- Anime & Manga 

- Gaming 

- LGBTQ+ 

- Steel House 

- Warhammer 40K 

- Believers LoveWorld 

- Flow Fusion 

- Music Society 

- Music and Drama Society 

- Computer Science 

- Nursing Society 

- Occupational Therapy Society 

- Outdoor Art 

- Chess Club 

## **Charity & Community** 

During 2024/25, the Union continued to support charity fundraising and community awareness activity. In September 2024, the Union raised **£180** for **Macmillan Cancer Support** through a Coffee Morning delivered in partnership with the University Chaplaincy. In November 2024, the Union delivered awareness activity for World Diabetes Day, including producing a short film highlighting the experiences of students who act as carers for disabled relatives. 

In December 2024, the Union raised **£214** for **Birmingham Children's Hospital** through a Christmas raffle. In April 2025, the Union worked with University staff to support fundraising for the **Cystic Fibrosis Trus** t, raising awareness and generating **£536** . 

In total, the Union helped raise **£930** during the year, representing an increase of £500 compared with the previous year. 

## **Union Awards** 

At the end of each academic year, Newman Students' Union hosts an Awards Celebration to recognise the contributions of students and University staff to the wider student experience. The 2024 Newman Students' Union Awards took place in the University Chapel on Thursday 15th May 2025, with over 100 attendees. The event celebrated achievements across the student body and recognised staff who have supported student experience and engagement at Birmingham Newman University. 

## **Training and Development** 

Newman Students' Union provides annual training for Officer Trustees and members of the Student Council to ensure they are supported to fulfil their roles effectively. During 2024/25, this included a dedicated training programme delivered over a week by Students' Union staff, University colleagues and external provider Blue Edge Training. The Union's full-time Officer Trustees also participated in 360-degree appraisals, facilitated by Blue Edge Training, to support their development and effectiveness in post. 

In addition to training for student officers, the Union continued to invest in staff development through ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This included participation in Level 3 and Level 7 management qualifications, accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management. 

Page 5 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **National Student Survey (NSS)** 

Students' Unions are assessed through Question 25 of the NSS: "How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?" 

In 2024/25, Newman Students' Union ranked 1st in Birmingham for the seventh consecutive year, achieving 85.1% positivity, an increase of 6 percentage points on the previous year. This result placed the Students' Union: 

- 1st in the Midlands 

- 1st in the Cathedrals Group 

- 3rd in the United Kingdom 

While NSS outcomes are one measure of performance, this sustained result provides strong external validation of the Union's representation work and its continued focus on supporting students' academic interests. 

## **WhatUni Student Choice Awards** 

In addition to NSS performance, Newman Students' Union was shortlisted for the WhatUni Student Choice Awards in the Students' Union category. This represents the first year the Students' Union has been recognised independently within these awards, following a history of success for Birmingham Newman University more broadly. 

The Students' Union was ranked 7th nationally and 1st in the West Midlands, reflecting continued progress in engagement and student-facing delivery as recognised through student feedback. 

## **Defecit Budget** 

During 2024/25, the Union continued to operate within the agreed transitional funding model, with reserves used to support delivery alongside the Block Grant and supplementary income. This period also coincided with the adoption of the Union Strategy 2024-27 and the implementation of a revised governance framework, providing greater clarity of purpose and strengthened oversight. In total, the Union committed **£28,000** of free reserves during the year. 

Reserve use in 2024/25 was higher than initially forecast (£14,884), primarily due to a range of exceptional and one-off costs associated with organisational transition. These included staffing-related costs arising from accrued annual leave payments, costs linked to the University rebrand and associated retail re-stocking, and wider sector cost pressures such as increases in the National Minimum Wage. The Union also incurred external engagement costs through participation in the WhatUni Awards. 

The Union additionally increased investment in marketing and communications during the year, in response to student feedback and growing organisational ambition, with the aim of improving visibility, engagement, and access to Union services. 

In line with the Union's Reserve Policy target of £25,000, the Union has implemented a pause on non-essential recruitment until Q3 of 2025/26 and maintained a prudent budget position to support reserve recovery. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Overview** 

Total Gross income for 2024/25 (year ended 31 July 2024) was £191,435 of which £167,610 (23/24 - £162,725) was block grant from the institution, £20,285 (23/24 - £19,129) from trading and commercial activity with the remainder raised from student activity and events and other sundry income. In the period Newman Students' Union spent £222,775 (23/24 - £201,986) giving a Net movement of funds of -£31,340 (23/24 - £17,509). 

## **Custodian activities** 

Newman Students' Union is custodian of funds raised under Newman Students' Union auspices by students through Raise and Give, various Societies and Officers, for distribution to designated charities. 

Page 6 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Reserves policy** 

The Board of Trustees reviewed and approved Newman Students' Union's Reserves Policy in April 2024 which determines the level of reserves required to enable Newman Students' Union to: 

- fund working capital 

- fund unexpected expenditure when unplanned events occur 

- fund shortfalls in anticipated income. 

The minimum reserves required are £25,000. Reserves in excess of the required reserves are held as 'free reserves' or 'designated reserves', in accordance with the Trustee Board. If reserves fall below £25,000 for more than 6 months, the Trustees should ask the management to formulate a recovery plan to be submitted to Trustee Board for approval. If there are surplus funds available above the minimum level, the Committee should plan to utilise these within three years. 

Total reserves as at 31 July 2022 were £10,089 (22/23 £41,429), of which £8,317 (23/24 £39,675) were free reserves. Free reserves are reserves which do not include designated funds or funds tied up in the fixed assets. 

Newman Students' Union has no funds materially in deficit. 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Type of governing document** 

Newman Students' Union is governed by its Constitution dated 24th September 2024 and its supporting Bye Laws. 

## **How the charity is constituted** 

The charity is an unincorporated association, constituted under the Education Act and the Regulations of Newman University. 

## **Trustee selection methods** 

Newman Students' Union has provision for up to seven Trustees. These Trustees have a varied background, including students (members) as well as externally sourced 'professionals'. The post holders have a varied term of office to suit the nature of the position. These are: 

- President - Ex-Officio serves for one year term in line with their elected position. 

- Vice-President - Ex-Officio serves for one year term in line with their elected position. 

- Two External Trustees are elected at UGM by the membership following recommendations by the Appointments Committee and serve a four year term. 

- One External Trustee who is appointed by Newman University Management Group and serves a four year term, unless the University opt out of this selection method, in which case the Board of Trustees shall appoint another External who are also elected at a UGM. 

- 

   - Two Student Trustees are elected via secret ballot as outlined within the Bye-Laws. 

- The Union Chair, a Part-Time Officer position - Ex-Officio serves for one year in line with their elected position. 

## **Trustee electIon process** 

To ensure Newman Students' Union remains a democratic and student led organisation, it operates both a shortlisting and election process for its trustees. Trustee positions are advertised in an appropriate manner. Applications are reviewed by the Newman Students' Union Trustee Board and Union Director to assess suitability of candidates. The committee then recommend suitable candidates to an Annual / Union General Meeting and, where appropriate, supply the meeting with a 'candidate summary' for each candidate to highlight relevant skills, background and experience. This is to encourage students to select trustees democratically whilst basing their decision on information appropriate to the positions. 

## **Trustee induction process** 

The Union Director organises annual Trustee Training, including training specific to the role at Newman Students' Union along with training provided by the NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations. 

Page 7 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Structure governance and management** 

Newman Students' Union is a charity with the ultimate decision making power being vested with the **Board of Trustees** . The Board of Trustees meet regularly and receive reports from the President, Vice-President and Union Director within their respective fields, as well as receiving minutes and updates as appropriate from Union Committees. 

Newman Students' Union is a democratic organisation and the Board of Trustees delegate their authority to the membership through the **Annual General Meeting (AGM)** , Union General Meetings (UGMs) and **Student Council** , subject to safeguards ensuring legality of decisions. These bodies have powers to direct the Executive and the organisation within its charitable objects. AGM, followed by UGM, then Student Forum are the principal policy making forums of Newman Students' Union and all members are invited to attend with full voting and speaking rights. 

The **Student Council and its Sub-Committees** oversee the day to day running of Newman Students' Union and are accountable to the membership through the above meetings. They are responsible for ensuring Union activities follow the correct process, comply with Newman Students' Union policy and work towards the aims and objects of the organisation, as set out in its constitution and strategic plan. The Committee members are elected annually through a cross-campus ballot. All Committee members receive training and support to enable them to fulfil their duties. 

**Day to day management** of the organisation is delegated to the Union Director. Newman Students' Union also employs other non-student staff to ensure effective management of the organisations' activities who have delegated authority within their job roles through the Union Director. 

## **Relationships with other organisations Relationship with Newman University** 

Newman Students' Union receives an annual block grant from the University through the University's Director of Finance, and occupies an office space owned by the University. The University also supplies, free of charge, utilities, facilities, such as computer and telecommunication equipment, cleaning and caretaking services. In addition the University provides spaces for key student group activities including meeting rooms, performance spaces and sports facilities, with no charge levied. This support is intrinsic to the relationship between Newman Students' Union and the University. Although Newman Students' Union runs some commercial activities, it is heavily dependent on the support of the University. There is no reason to believe that this support will not continue for the foreseeable future as the Education Act 1994 places a duty on the Institution to take such steps as are reasonably practical to ensure that the Union operates in a fair and democratic manner, for the benefit of the membership. Newman Students' Union works with the University to provide the best educational experience possible for its members, ensuring its affairs are properly conducted and that the educational and welfare needs of its members are met. 

## **Other relationships** 

Newman Students' Union is a member of the National Union of Students to which it pays an annual affiliation fee. In return it receives support and training in a variety of areas, notably with regard to holding Elections, Executive training, governance support and Trustee induction. 

## **Risk management** 

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. 

The Trustees delegate responsibility to the Union Director, supported by a partnership with Durham Students' Union, providing financial services for monthly finance management. 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number** 

1143073 

Page 8 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

**Principal address** Newman University Genners Lane Bartley Green Birmingham B32 3NT 

## **Trustees** 

## **Trustees** 

Tim Hewes-Belton Gemma Prange Lewis Palin Adrian Spence Poppie-Mai Crampton Megan Burton Amanda Owen-Meehan 

**Office (if any)** 

Co-Chair Co-Chair 

**Dates of changes if not for whole year** 

Appointed 01/07/2024 

Appointed 01/07/2024 Resigned 30/06/2024 Resigned 14/10/2024 

**Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint (if any)** Ex-Officio UGM Ex-Officio Ex-Officio UGM UGM Ex-Officio 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants Studio 2 50-54 St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1QS 

## **Senior staff member** 

Robin Pitt - Newman Students' Union, Union Director 

Approved by order of the board of trustees on                                             and signed on its behalf by: 02 March 2026 

T R Hewes-Belton (Mar 2, 2026 13:06:36 GMT) 

Tim Hewes-Belton 

Trustee 

Gemma Bowen (Mar 2, 2026 11:29:56 GMT) 

Gemma Prange Trustee 

Page 9 



**Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Newman Students' Union** 

## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Newman Students' Union** 

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Newman Students' Union (the Trust) for the year ended 31 July 2025. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

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

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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. 

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. 


David Williams FCA FCCA 

Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants Studio 2 50-54 St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1QS 

## Date: 03 March 2026 

Page 10 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

|**31.7.25**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>Notes<br>**£**<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Trading for charitable objectives<br>**20,285**<br>Societies & sports clubs<br>**155**<br>University grants<br>**167,610**<br>Other trading activities<br>2<br>**3,225**<br>Investment income<br>3<br>**160**<br>**Total**<br>**191,435**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>Raising funds<br>**43,198**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>4<br>Advice & representation<br>**35,688**<br>Opportunities<br>**35,992**<br>Democracy<br>**78,876**<br>Training and development<br>**28,883**<br>Societies & sports clubs<br>**138**<br>Other resources expended<br>**-**<br>**Total**<br>**222,775**<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>**(31,340)**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**41,429**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>**10,089**|31.7.24<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>19,129<br>404<br>162,725<br>2,000<br>219<br>184,477<br>35,510<br>30,252<br>35,532<br>73,503<br>27,119<br>70<br>-<br>201,986<br>(17,509)<br>58,938<br>41,429|
|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 11 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Balance Sheet 31 July 2025** 

|**31.7.25**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>Notes<br>**£**<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>8<br>**5,140**<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Stocks<br>9<br>**6,707**<br>Debtors<br>10<br>**675**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**11,019**<br>**18,401**<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>11<br>**(13,452)**<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**4,949**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**10,089**<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**10,089**<br>**FUNDS**<br>12<br>Unrestricted funds:<br>General fund<br>**8,317**<br>Societies and clubs - total funds<br>**1,772**<br>**10,089**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>**10,089**|31.7.24<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>5,521<br>3,408<br>250<br>41,306<br>44,964<br>(9,056)<br>35,908<br>41,429<br>41,429<br>39,675<br>1,754<br>41,429<br>41,429|
|---|---|



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on and were signed on its behalf by: 02 March 2026 

T R Hewes-Belton (Mar 2, 2026 13:06:36 GMT) 

## Tim Hewes-Belton 

## Trustee 

Gemma Bowen (Mar 2, 2026 11:29:56 GMT) 

Gemma Prange Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 12 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** 

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. 

## **Income** 

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

## **Expenditure** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Expenditure includes irrecoverable VAT. 

## **Allocation and apportionment of costs** 

Expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statement of financial activities. Charitable expenditure comprises the direct and indirect costs of delivering public benefit. 

Governance costs are those incurred for compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, such as annual elections and training for sabbatical officers. Other central overhead costs are apportioned to charitable and other projects/activities an a usage basis. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. 

Fixtures, fittings and equipment 

-  20% on cost 

## **Stocks** 

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. 

## **Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year** 

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. 

## **Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. 

Page 13 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **Fund accounting** 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme.  Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the  Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 

## **2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES** 

|Commercial marketing/ sponsorship<br>**3.**<br>**INVESTMENT INCOME**<br>Deposit account interest<br>**4.**<br>**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**<br>Advice & representation<br>Opportunities<br>Democracy<br>Training and development<br>Societies & sports clubs|Direct<br>Costs<br>£<br>**26,842**<br>**26,517**<br>**71,501**<br>**22,152**<br>**-**<br>**147,012**|**31.7.25**<br>**£**<br>**3,225**<br>**31.7.25**<br>**£**<br>**160**<br>Support<br>costs<br>£<br>**8,846**<br>**9,475**<br>**7,375**<br>**6,731**<br>**138**<br>**32,565**|31.7.24<br>£<br>2,000<br>31.7.24<br>£<br>219<br>Totals<br>£<br>**35,688**<br>**35,992**<br>**78,876**<br>**28,883**<br>**138**<br>**179,577**|
|---|---|---|---|



Staff costs and support costs which are not directly attributable to one of the specific activities stated above are apportioned across the activities in the most appropriate manner, usually based upon staff time, equipment or room usage. 

## Included in the above costs are: 

Fee for the Independent Examination of the accounts **840** 780 

Page 14 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

The Chair and Vice-Chair (Sabbatical Officers) received remuneration and pension contributions as follows, as authorised in NSU's governing document, for the representation, campaigning and support work they undertook as distinct from their role as a Trustee. This work includes voicing student opinion with the University and local community, defending and extending the right of students through petitions, discussion with MPs and also organising and supporting student volunteers and service provision for them. 

|Trustees remuneration in the year<br>**6.**<br>**STAFF COSTS**<br>Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Other pension costs<br>The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:<br>Full time||**31.7.25**<br>**£**<br>**47,574**<br>**31.7.25**<br>**£**<br>**140,224**<br>**7,462**<br>**1,432 **<br>**149,118**<br> <br>**31.7.25**<br>**5**|31.7.24<br>£<br>45,080<br>31.7.24<br>£<br>129,368<br>6,800<br>1,594<br>137,762<br>31.7.24<br>5|
|---|---|---|---|



No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 

## **7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

||Unrestricted|
|---|---|
||funds|
||£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**||
|**Charitable activities**||
|Trading for charitable objectives|19,129|
|Societies & sports clubs|404|
|University grants|162,725|
|Other trading activities|2,000|
|Investment income|219|
|**Total**|184,477|
|**EXPENDITURE ON**||
|Raising funds|35,510|
|**Charitable activities**||
|Advice & representation|30,252|
|Opportunities|35,532|
|Democracy|73,503|
|Training and development|27,119|
|Societies & sports clubs|70|
|Other resources expended|-|



Page 15 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued** 

||Unrestricted|
|---|---|
||funds|
||£|
|**Total**|201,986|
|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**|(17,509)|
|**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**||
|Total funds brought forward|58,938|
|**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|41,429|



## **8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

||||Fixtures,|Fixtures,|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||fittings||||
|||Plant and|and||Computer||
|||machinery|equipment||equipment|Totals|
|||£|£||£|£|
||**COST**||||||
||At 1 August 2024|**2,706**|**1,078**||**14,816**|**18,600**|
||Additions|**-**||**-**|**3,505**|**3,505**|
||At 31 July 2025|**2,706**|**1,078**||**18,321**|**22,105**|
||**DEPRECIATION**||||||
||At 1 August 2024|**2,706**|**1,078**||**9,295**|**13,079**|
||Charge for year|**-**||**-**|**3,886**|**3,886**|
||At 31 July 2025|**2,706**|**1,078**||**13,181 **|**16,965**|
||**NET BOOK VALUE**||||||
||At 31 July 2025|**-**||**-**|**5,140**|**5,140**|
||At 31 July 2024|-||-|5,521|5,521|
|**9.**|**STOCKS**||||||
||||||**31.7.25**|31.7.24|
||||||**£**|£|
||Goods for resale - commercial activities||||**6,707 **|3,408|



Page 16 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** 

|Trade debtors<br>Other debtors<br>**11.**<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Taxation and social security<br>Other creditors<br>**12.**<br>**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>At 1.8.24<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**39,674**<br>Societies and clubs - total funds<br>**1,755**<br>**41,429**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>**41,429**<br>Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**191,280**<br>Societies and clubs - total funds<br>**155**<br>**191,435**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>**191,435**|**31.7.25**<br>31.7.24<br>**£**<br>£<br>**425**<br>-<br>**250**<br>250<br>**675**<br>250<br>**31.7.25**<br>31.7.24<br>**£**<br>£<br>**1,912**<br>-<br>**11,540**<br>9,056<br>**13,452 **<br>9,056<br>Net<br>movement<br>At<br>in funds<br>31.7.25<br>£<br>£<br>**(31,357)**<br>**8,317**<br>**17**<br>**1,772**<br>**(31,340)**<br>**10,089**<br>**(31,340) **<br>**10,089**<br>Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>**(222,637)**<br>**(31,357)**<br>**(138) **<br>**17**<br>**(222,775)**<br>**(31,340)**<br>**(222,775) **<br>**(31,340) **|
|---|---|



Page 17 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** 

## **for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

**Comparatives for movement in funds** 

|||Net||
|---|---|---|---|
|||movement|At|
||At 1.8.23|in funds|31.7.24|
||£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**||||
|General fund|57,518|(17,843)|39,675|
|Societies and clubs - total funds|1,420|334|1,754|
||58,938|(17,509)|41,429|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|58,938|(17,509)|41,429|



Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Societies and clubs - total funds<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>184,073<br>404<br>184,477<br>184,477|Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>(201,916)<br>(17,843)<br>(70)<br>334<br>(201,986)<br>(17,509)<br>(201,986)<br>(17,509)|
|---|---|---|



Page 18 



## **Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** 

## **for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

The Designated funds represent amounts advanced to, or raised by, less expenditure incurred by, approved Student Societies and clubs. 

|Anime & Manga<br>Asian<br>Blue Sock Salon<br>Book club<br>Cakes and Bakes<br>Cheerleading<br>Christian Union<br>Creative Wellbeing Society<br>Critical Friends Society<br>Dance<br>Debating Society<br>Dramas (Madsoc)<br>Gaming<br>History Society<br>Islamic<br>LGBT<br>Math<br>NEST<br>Para-Newman Society<br>People & Planet<br>Philosophy<br>Pole Fitness<br>Pool<br>Social Sciences<br>Society<br>We Love Film|At 1.8.24<br>£<br>154<br>59<br>11<br>22<br>84<br>76<br>89<br>37<br>-<br>-<br>81<br>139<br>113<br>37<br>128<br>59<br>30<br>-<br>100<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>251<br>85<br>180<br>20<br>1,755|<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>155<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>155|Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(109)<br>-<br>-<br>(29)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(138)|At 31.7.25<br>£<br>154<br>59<br>11<br>22<br>84<br>76<br>89<br>37<br>-<br>-<br>81<br>139<br> <br>159<br>37<br>128<br> <br>30<br>30<br>-<br>100<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>251<br>85<br>180<br>20<br>,7712|
|---|---|---|---|---|



## **13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

NSU transacts with the University on day-to-day matters including the recharge of various activities. 

## **14. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY** 

Ultimate control of NSU rests with its membership, represented by Student Forum and General Meetings. Its principal place of business is on the premises of Newman University, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3NT. NSU is an unincorporated association, registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 25 July 2011, No. 1143073 

Page 19 



**Newman Students' Union** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued** 

**for the Year Ended 31 July 2025** 

## **15. VOLUNTEERS** 

NSU operates with a number of unpaid volunteers. There are six part time elected Officers who represent and support students across a number of areas including: societies, equality and diversity, campaigns, course representation, sport, wellbeing and events. Their only commitment to the organisation is the Executive  committee meetings which are held once every two weeks, and any other work to fulfil the role is entirely voluntary. 

Page 20 



2026-03-03 

## NEW09-CHA 2025 FINAL 

Final Audit Report 

Created: 2026-02-27 By: DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAcUjENu_4LQ4q7jG76MbsvB7Btif1TTxV 

## "NEW09-CHA 2025 FINAL" History 

Document created by DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) 2026-02-27 - 14:59:13 GMT 

Document emailed to t.r.hewes-belton@lboro.ac.uk for signature 2026-02-27 - 15:02:06 GMT 

Document emailed to su-president@newman.ac.uk for signature 2026-02-27 - 15:02:06 GMT 

Document emailed to DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) for signature 2026-02-27 - 15:02:06 GMT 

Email viewed by su-president@newman.ac.uk 2026-03-02 - 11:28:44 GMT 

Signer su-president@newman.ac.uk entered name at signing as Gemma Bowen 2026-03-02 - 11:29:54 GMT 

Document e-signed by Gemma Bowen (su-president@newman.ac.uk) Signature Date: 2026-03-02 - 11:29:56 GMT - Time Source: server 

Email viewed by t.r.hewes-belton@lboro.ac.uk 2026-03-02 - 13:05:45 GMT 

Signer t.r.hewes-belton@lboro.ac.uk entered name at signing as T R Hewes-Belton 2026-03-02 - 13:06:34 GMT 

Document e-signed by T R Hewes-Belton (t.r.hewes-belton@lboro.ac.uk) Signature Date: 2026-03-02 - 13:06:36 GMT - Time Source: server 



Document e-signed by DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) Signing Link is created by DAVID WILLIAMS (davidw@lockewilliams.com) Signature Date: 2026-03-03 - 12:48:04 GMT - Time Source: server 

## Agreement completed. 

2026-03-03 - 12:48:04 GMT