Registered number: 08126776 Charity number: 1148216
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 - 15 |
| Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements | 16 - 19 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 20 |
| Balance Sheet | 21 - 22 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 23 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 24 - 41 |
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Trustees
D Airan, President
T Bangia, President (resigned 30 June 2024) N Aggarwal, Sabbatical officer (resigned 30 June 2024)
A Ahmed, External trustee (resigned 30 June 2024)
M Almalallah, Student trustee (appointed 9 November 2023, resigned 30 June 2024) N Asakzai, Sabbatical officer (resigned 2 April 2024)
Z Bachir, Student trustee (appointed 9 September 2024)
V Barton, Sabbatical officer (appointed 1 July 2024)
R Bishop, External trustee (resigned 9 November 2023)
M Ciolfi, Student trustee (appointed 8 April 2024, resigned 30 June 2024) C Dhapatkar, Sabbatical officer (appointed 1 July 2024) S Fuell, External trustee (appointed 9 November 2023) C Goldsmith, External trustee (appointed 9 November 2023) R Goyal, Student trustee (appointed 1 July 2024) J Jacobs, Student trustee (appointed 9 September 2024)
M Jaffar, Sabbatical officer (resigned 30 June 2024)
R McKoy, External trustee (appointed 9 September 2024)
- C Murray Gauld, External trustee
A Musani, Sabbatical officer (appointed 1 July 2024)
N Nwanshi, Student trustee (appointed 9 September 2024, resigned 22 April 2025) S Sethi, Sabbatical officer (appointed 1 July 2024)
C Sorhus, External trustee (appointed 9 September 2024) Y Tanna, Student trustee (resigned 30 June 2024)
Company registered number
08126776
Charity registered number
1148216
Registered office
University of Westminster Students' Union 309 Regent Street London W1B 2HW
Company secretary
N Smith
Chief executive officer
M Wigg
Page 1
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Independent auditors
Goodman Jones LLP Chartered Accountants 1st Floor Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN
Bankers
Barclays Bank UK PLC 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP
Page 2
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the audited financial statements of the Charity for the period 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' Report and a Directors' Report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 have been omitted.
Objectives, Activities and Risk Management:
. Public Benefit
The Trustees consider this matter, in conjunction with the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. As a registered charity, UWSU supports and works with students who register to study at the University of Westminster, all of whom can directly benefit from the work of the Union. In planning our work, we test that the strategy and the primary goal of all our activities are linked to our core aims and, therefore, are for the direct benefit of our member students.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding Public Benefit.
Objects
The objects of the Union are the advancement of education of students at the University of Westminster for the public benefit by:
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Promoting the interests and welfare of students at the University of Westminster during their course of study and representing, supporting and advising students.
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Being the recognised representative channel between students and the University of Westminster and any other external bodies.
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Providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its students.
Mission
The Union’s mission is to enable members to feel they belong within the Union and the University. Our vision is that every member can become who they want to be within the Union and the University. To achieve our mission and vision, we are driven by the following values:
Honest : We will not shy away from the truth, and we will be clear about our intentions, successes, and challenges with the student body.
Compassionate : By acting with demonstrable empathy and compassion, we uplift students to be understood and supported.
Sustainable : We will boldly tackle the big questions regarding the environment and our practices.
Proactive : We are ambitious in helping students achieve their goals and proactive in offering them the support they need.
Page 3
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
- (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Objectives, Activities and Risk Management: (continued)
Management process
The Trustee Board has examined the primary strategic business and operational risks the Union faces. A risk register has been established, formally reviewed, and updated monthly. Where appropriate systems and procedures have been established to mitigate the risks that the Union faces, these are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the Union. The key risks that were identified for the 2023/2024 financial year were as follows:
Page 4
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Achievements and performance
Strategic achievements of the Charity
The Union made significant progress towards its desired strategic outcomes in the financial year, as displayed in the table below.
The table below outlines the completion status of the elected sabbatical officer manifesto commitments during the financial year.
Main Highlights
Obtaining a global award for our student staff training and development programme presented by the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) as UWSU was recognised as having demonstrated leadership in student activities by implementing creative educational programs to prepare students as leaders or employees.
The Union maintained its top quartile position of Students' Unions concerning membership engagement and, for the first time in its history, has moved into the top quartile of Students’ Union measured in the specific National Student Survey (NSS) question and is now above its benchmarked position and the highest performing against the benchmark of the entire University.
UWSU was re-accredited in the Investors in People (IiP) and Investors in Diversity (IiD) frameworks, showing our ongoing commitment to our people and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Additionally, the organisation remained in the top quartile for staff engagement, demonstrating our commitment to being a first-choice employer.
A record-breaking British University and Sport (BUCS) final league position for the Union was achieved through our increased range of sports offered and the quality and development of student leaders and coaches. In addition, we worked closely with the University to open a state-of-the-art sports centre at the Harrow campus.
Opening brand-new games and dedicated space for students at the Marylebone campus were co-designed with students and delivered through a meaningful and impactful co-curriculum activity that features students’ art and design and provided much expanded social space there.
Organisation Impact
The Union is incredibly proud of its impact during the financial year, and complete information and details can be found in our annual impact report which provides a complete overview of the achievements and activities of the charity.
Page 5
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Financial Review and Future Plans:
Future Plans
The Union's priority over the next year is to work towards achieving our new strategic priorities and key performance indicators in our new strategic plan (2024-2026), as outlined in the table below.
I
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UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
a. Sabbatical officer priorities
In addition, the priorities for the sabbatical officers for the year ahead are outlined in the table below.
Principle Sources of Funding
The principal funding source was the grant from the University of Westminster of £2,291,622 (2023: £1,801,282).
Total income was £4,850,613 (2023: £4,782,829) and expenditure was £4,902,492 (2023: £3,978,326).
Income from charitable activities was £393,920 (2023: £352,077).
Benefits in kind received by the University were valued at £1,279,356 (2023: £1,279,356).
The Union received restricted grants totalling £860,856 (2023: £1,322,874).
This resulted in a net deficit on unrestricted reserves of £82,142 (2023: £21,578 deficit).
Remuneration
The CEO sets staff salaries and rewards. The salaries are set by benchmarking against other SU roles, allowing for a London weighting. The salaries are approved as part of the budget approval process.
In place of the Union holding its pay review consultation and process, we will make a cost-of-living increase in line with that agreed upon by the university for their staff team and the provision made within the grant settlement.
The CEO salary is decided upon by the Trustee Board and any changes (other than the standard cost of living rise applied to all staff salaries) are explicitly discussed and approved by the relevant subcommittee of the Trustee Board.
Page 7
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Pensions
The Union runs a Stakeholder pension for its employees with NEST with an employer contribution of up to 6%. Employer contributions to the scheme totalled £62,888 (2023: £48,475).
The Union participates in the Students' Union Superannuation Scheme (SUSS), which is a defined benefit scheme whose membership consists of employers of the Students’ Union and related bodies throughout the country. Benefits in respect of service up to 30 September 2003 are accrued on a 'final salary' basis, with benefits in respect of service from 1 October 2003 accruing on a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) basis.
This scheme closed to future accrual on 30 September 2011. The last actuarial valuation was at the 30 June 2022 and showed SUSS to have a deficit of £136.6 million with an estimated plan to recover the deficit by May 2037. Such a Valuation is conducted every three years based upon assumptions agreed by the SUSS trustees and is used to set the contributions payable by the participating employers.
For accounting purposes, the SUSS is reported in accordance with the relevant accounting standard FRS 102, where we value our pension deficit based on the discounted future cash flows of payments under the agreed recovery plan.
At 31 July 2024 the Union's pension deficit was valued at £585,517 (2023: £605,411). The Union's annual payments into the scheme were £143,940 (2023: £nil, due to the Union taking up the option of a three-year deficit payment in financial year 2020-2021).
It is important to note that the disclosure of a pension liability does not mean that the equivalent amount is already committed and is no longer available to the trustees to further the charity's objectives.
Our current obligations to the SUSS are through an agreed recovery plan and this has previously been funded out of on-going income and subject to any future changes in the recovery plan being unknown, pension contributions are expected to continue to be funded from cash generated through operations. As a result of this, the Trustees do not feel they need to designate any of their existing funds or reserves to meet future pension commitments.
Page 8
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Reserves Policy
The accounting changes from implementing FRS102 relating to pensions have a significant impact on the balance sheet of the Union. Reserves will be assessed by reference to unrestricted funds excluding the designated pension deficit.
The reserves policy of UWSU explains to existing and potential funders, donors and other stakeholders why the charity is holding a particular number of reserves. A reserves policy should give confidence to stakeholders that the charity’s finances are being managed and can also provide an indicator of future funding needs.
The policy aims to maintain a level of unrestricted funds, not committed, or invested in tangible assets, which will enable the Union to ensure continuity of activity and have the ability to adjust, in a measured way, to any significant changes to resources. This will be achieved through the maintenance of reserves, the planned level of reserves, and the process of reserves monitoring.
A target reserve level of £360,000 is assessed as striking an appropriate balance between the need to spend income when it is received and maintaining operational integrity. This level of reserves ensures that the Union remains operational and functioning at a high level should the following most likely risks occur.
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1) 20% cut in the Block Grant.
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2) £50k loss across commercial outlets.
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3) Loss of sports membership contribution subsidy from the University
The Board of Trustees is aware that Union's unrestricted reserves of £473,257 deficit (2023: £391,115 deficit) are below the desired level of reserves of £360,000 to ensure the financial stability of the Union. Therefore, the board plans to operate an annual small surplus budget until the reserves are at the desired level. Excluding the long-term pension liability (which the University has agreed in principle to meet as disclosed in note 21 to the accounts), the Union is pleased to report a positive free reserves balance as displayed in the table below.
Financial Health
The overall result as per the statement of financial activity is a deficit of £51,879 (2023: £804,503 surplus).
The Union continues to safeguard financial health through effective management, prudence and reliance on financial controls. This enables the Union to return value for money on the block grant provided by the University of Westminster and also contributed towards our long-term objective to build healthy cash reserves.
The Union has not signed up to any voluntary codes of conduct regarding fundraising. It did not make use of any professional fundraisers in the year, nor has it received any complaints regarding its fundraising activities. It makes use of existing safeguarding policies when raising funds.
Page 9
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Structure, Governance, and Management
Status
The University of Westminster Students’ Union is constituted under the Education Act 1994 and is a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a Share Capital. The University of Westminster ("the University") takes reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the Union operates fairly and democratically and is accountable for its finances.
Governing Document
The Union is governed by its Articles of Association dated 12th December 2024, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and the Governing Body of the University of Westminster.
Members of the Union
Full members are defined as every student at the University of Westminster who has yet to opt out by notifying the University of Westminster or the Union of their wish not to be a Union member.
Full members of the Union are entitled to access all services of the Union and run in elections of the Union, provided they adhere to the Members' Code of Conduct. The Company Law members are the members of the Board of Trustees as outlined in the Articles of Association. The liability of each Company Law Member is limited to £1, being the amount that each Company Law Member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Union in the event of its being wound up while they are a Company Law Member or within one year after they cease to be a Company Law Member.
Page 10
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Structure, Governance, and Management (continued)
Board of Trustees
The Union's Board of Trustees has the ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the Union to ensure it is solvent, well-governed, and run following its articles, applicable laws and regulations.
The Board is responsible for approving annual budgets and ensuring effective use of resources. The Board also approves the organisation's strategic direction and monitors progress against organisational priorities and associated plans.
Besides, the Board considers core strategic and business risks consolidated into the risk register, which is reviewed at least quarterly. Mitigation strategies are in place to minimise the impact of risk to the organisation and include implementing policies and procedures relating to financial management and health and safety. All policies and procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure compliance and meet the organisation's needs.
To these ends, the Board of Trustees may veto, overturn or return to the originating body for reconsideration the decision of any Union Officer, committee, meeting, or employees which would either prejudice the legal, financial, or charitable objectives of the Union or affect the Trustees ability to discharge any of their responsibilities referred to in the Union's articles.
Trustees receive regular reports from the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Committee, the Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee, The Appointment and Human Resources Subcommittee, The Student Engagement Subcommittee and any other relevant minutes or papers.
The Board of Trustees is chaired by the elected President of the Union (Sabbatical Trustee) and is made up of the following persons as specified in the Articles: not more than six Sabbatical Trustees, not more than six Student Trustees, not more than six Lay Trustees and not more than two University Nominees. The current arrangements for the remuneration and terms of trustees are as follows:
Induction and Training of Trustees
All trustees undergo a predefined induction program supplemented with relevant training when becoming trustees. Further training is offered during their trusteeship.
Page 11
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Structure, Governance, and Management (continued)
Charity Governance Code
The Union is best placed to achieve its ambitions if it has effective governance, the right leadership structures, and skilled and capable staff and trustees. Good governance also supports the Union’s compliance with relevant legislation and regulation and promotes a culture where everything works towards fulfilling the Charity’s vision.
The Charity Governance Code has been developed by a steering group, with the help of over 200 charities, and is endorsed and recommended by the Charities Commission. The Code aims to help charities and their trustees develop high standards of governance and is intended as a practical tool to help trustees achieve this and a tool for continuous improvement towards the highest standards.
The Board is committed to aligning with the Code and enhancing its performance against the Code annually.
Governance Meetings
Annual Members Meeting
The Union holds an annual Student Members’ meeting once each academic year, which shall be called and held per the Byelaws. The annual Student Members’ meeting shall be held at a time and place the Trustees think is suitable for allowing the maximum number of Student Members to attend. To avoid doubt, this meeting shall not be a general meeting of the Union for the purposes of the Companies Act.
The Annual Members' Meeting provides an opportunity for the members and partners of the Union to receive copies of the Union's accounts, review information about the Union's activities for the past year and ask any questions about the direction of the Union for the future.
Union Council
The purpose of the Union Council meetings is to act as a forum for student members to come together to discuss matters of student representation and policy positions and make decisions as outlined in the bylaws of the Union. The Council is open to all full members of the Union but has a quorum specified within the bylaws.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is a regular meeting of the Executive Officers (Sabbatical Trustees) outside of Board meetings and is recognised as a formal sub-committee of the Board. The purpose and governance arrangements of the Executive Committee are specified within the bylaws.
Page 12
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Structure, Governance, and Management (continued)
Scheme of Delegation
Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources Sub-Committee
The appointments, remuneration, and human resources sub-committee acts as a formally recognised subcommittee of the Board, which aims to provide scrutiny and monitoring of all aspects of employment legalisation and effective human resources governance and practices to aid the development of the Charity. Its purpose is to ensure sufficient discussion and monitoring so the trustees can undertake their responsibility for human resources and governance oversight.
Also, the committee aims to scrutinise and monitor all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant health and safety legalisation. Its purpose is to ensure sufficient discussion and monitoring so the trustees can undertake their health and safety responsibility and governance oversight.
Finally, the sub-committee appoints the Student Trustees and External Trustees per Articles 33 and 35 of the Articles, ensuring that the Board of Trustees as a whole has the range and balance of skills and experiences necessary for good and effective governance and sets the remuneration for the Sabbatical Trustees.
Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee
The finance, audit and risk sub-committee acts as a formally recognised sub-committee of the Board, which aims to provide financial scrutiny and decision-making on matters relating to the financial management of the Charity. Its purpose is to ensure sufficient discussion and monitoring so the trustees can undertake their financial management responsibility and governance oversight.
Also, the committee considers the significant risks to the Union and actions that can be taken to reduce the likelihood and impact of such risks through regular monitoring of the Union's risk register.
Finally, the committee considers the annual financial audit alongside any internal or external compliance or best practice audits and provides recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Student Engagement Subcommittee
The student engagement sub-committee acts as a formally recognised sub-committee of the Board. It aims to have specific oversight of the delivery of Public Benefit for Westminster Students and the mechanisms by which those students can participate in their Union.
Also, the committee considers progress towards the union strategy, oversees the democratic functions of the Union, and monitors the work and achievements of the elected sabbaticals to ensure the needs of the membership are met.
Finally, the committee recommends and reviews sabbatical officer accountability processes for suitability alongside monitoring officer performance against objectives and agreed responsibilities and recommends suggestions for improvement in line with agreed accountability processes.
Senior Leadership Team
The senior leadership team committee acts as a formally recognised sub-committee of the Board, which aims to provide scrutiny and monitoring of the operational delivery of the strategic plan, the operational plan, and delivery of the Board's priorities and facilitate the day-to-day management of the Charity. Its purpose is to ensure sufficient discussion and monitoring for the Charity to function, continually develop, and improve its performance.
Operational Management and Staffing
The Union employs a chief executive officer (CEO) who has delegated responsibility for the organisation's dayto-day operations. The CEO attends the Board of Trustees but has no voting rights.
Three senior leaders report to the CEO to aid such delegated responsibilities:
Page 13
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Structure, Governance, and Management (continued)
The Director of Operations is responsible for the organisation's communications and marketing approach alongside its commercial functions, venues, and organisational digital provision and data management.
The Director of Finance and People is responsible for the Union's accounting and financial management systems alongside the organisation's human resources and asset management requirements.
The Director of Membership Services is responsible for the representation, democratic events advice services and student activities delivered and facilitated by the organisation, alongside ensuring compliance with the Charities Act.
Contribution of Volunteers
The Union benefits from the contribution of many volunteers who fulfil key unpaid roles in the organisation, including but not limited to external and student trustees, student officers, and course and school representatives. The Union works to implement best practices concerning induction, training, and ongoing support, which is outlined within the volunteer's management policy.
Related Parties
University of Westminster
The Education Act 1994 requires that the financial affairs of the Union are appropriately conducted and that appropriate arrangements should exist for the approval of the Union budget and the monitoring of its expenditure by the Board of Governors. The relationship between the University and the Union is outlined within the Act. A jointly signed Memorandum of Understanding further enhances it, and jointly signed underpinning service level agreements.
The Union received an unrestricted grant from the University of £2,291,622 (2023: £1,800,282) and a restricted grant to deliver the peer support programme of £458,437 (2023: £nil). Additionally, the Union received benefits in kind (exclusive spaces at various Central and Greater London locations, utilities, maintenance and upkeep, Information technology hardware, software, networking and hosting and payroll provision.) The benefits in kind are contained within the financial statements and have been valued at £1,279,356 (2023: £1,279,356).
The Union is dependent on the University's financial and non-financial support. The trustees have no reason to believe this financial or equivalent support will be withdrawn in the foreseeable future.
The Quintin Hogg Trust
The Quintin Hogg Trust was set up in memory of Quintin Hogg, founder of the Regent Street Polytechnic – the predecessor institution to the University of Westminster. Each year, the Quintin Hogg Trust significantly contributes to the University by supporting the advancement of education for all our students. The Union receives a grant for at least one project or activity per financial year as part of the process. In the current financial year, the Union received grants totalling £402,419 (2023: £1,322,604).
The National Union of Students
The Union is an affiliated member of the National Union of Students (NUS) and paid a membership contribution of £37,250 in the current financial year (2023: £29,235). The Board satisfies the guidelines issued by the Charity Commission in awarding such a grant to a nationally recognised charity.
British Universities & Colleges Sport
The Union is an affiliated member of the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and paid a membership affiliation fee of £5,025 in the current financial year (2023: £4,449). The fee enables the Union’s sporting teams to compete in university leagues and competitions.
Page 14
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report including the Strategic 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 . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
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Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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.
Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' Report is approved has confirmed that:
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So far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
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That Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The auditors, Goodman Jones LLP, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
D Airan President
Date: 29-05-25
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UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
Qualified opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the financial statements of University of Westminster Students' Union (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 July 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter noted in the Basis for qualified opinion paragraph below, the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 July 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for qualified opinion
We did not observe physical stock being counted and checked at the balance sheet date. We subsequently attended a physical stock count after the balance sheet date and observed the stock being counted and checked. We then performed a rollback looking at sales and purchases of goods between the balance sheet date and the date of the post year-end stock count. We were unable to satisfy ourselves by these alternative audit tests and procedures concerning the inventory quantities held at 31 July 2024, which are included in the balance sheet at £111,916. Consequently, we were unable to determine whether any adjustment to stock as at 31 July 2024 was necessary, or whether there was any consequential effect on cost of sales and therefore the reported result within the Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 July 2024 as a result of the closing stock position
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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION (CONTINUED)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for qualified opinion paragraph of our report, the Trustees' Report is not inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements.
Arising solely from the matter described in Basis for qualified opinion paragraph in respect of the limitation on the scope of the work referred to in our qualified opinion:
-
we have not received all the information and explanations that we considered necessary for the purpose of our audit; and
-
we were unable to determine whether adequate accounting records have not been kept.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) 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 charitable company'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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Page 17
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION (CONTINUED)
Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' 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.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the charity and sector, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to sector regulations and unethical and prohibited business practices, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, Charity Commission and sector regulations, and UK Tax Legislation. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls). Appropriate audit procedures in response to these risks were carried out. These procedures included:
-
Discussions with management, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
-
Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
-
Obtaining and reading correspondence from legal and regulatory bodies including HMRC;
-
Identifying and testing journal entries;
-
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members; and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.
Page 18
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION (CONTINUED)
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' 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 members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Goodman Jones LLP
Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors 1st Floor Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN Date: 30-05-25
Goodman Jones LLP are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 19
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 4 Charitable activities 5 Other trading activities 6 Investments 7 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Transfers between funds 16 Net movement in funds before other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses): Other losses Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 3,570,979 326,716 18,278 6,580 3,922,553 4,063,575 4,063,575 (141,022) 182,925 41,903 (124,045) (82,142) (391,115) (82,142) (473,257) |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 860,856 67,204 - - 928,060 714,872 714,872 213,188 (182,925) 30,263 - 30,263 1,775,978 30,263 1,806,241 |
Total funds 2024 £ 4,431,835 393,920 18,278 6,580 4,850,613 4,778,447 4,778,447 72,166 - 72,166 (124,045) (51,879) 1,384,863 (51,879) 1,332,984 |
Total funds 2023 £ 4,424,720 352,077 4,600 1,432 4,782,829 3,962,115 3,962,115 820,714 - 820,714 (16,211) 804,503 580,360 804,503 1,384,863 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 24 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
Page 20
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 08126776
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Current assets Stocks 13 Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension liability Defined benefit pension scheme liability 23 Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 16 Unrestricted funds General funds 16 Total unrestricted funds 16 Total funds |
111,916 885,899 385,392 1,383,207 (970,169) (473,257) |
2024 £ 1,505,462 1,505,462 413,038 1,918,500 1,918,500 (585,516) 1,332,984 1,806,241 (473,257) 1,332,984 |
41,056 565,533 212,521 819,110 (312,171) (391,115) |
2023 £ 1,483,335 1,483,335 506,939 1,990,274 1,990,274 (605,411) 1,384,863 1,775,978 (391,115) 1,384,863 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The entity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the entity to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
However, an audit is required in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.
Page 21
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 08126776
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 JULY 2024
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................
D Airan President
Date: 29-05-25
The notes on pages 24 to 41 form part of these financial statements.
Page 22
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
| STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash used in investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The notes on pages 24 to 41 form part of these financial statements |
2024 £ 399,585 (226,714) (226,714) 172,871 212,521 385,392 |
2023 £ 594,938 (614,553) (614,553) (19,615) 232,136 212,521 |
Page 23
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
1. General information
University of Westminster Students' Union is a charitable company registered in England and Wales. The registered office is 309 Regent Street, London, W1B 2HW. The objects of the Charity are set out in the Trustees' Report.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
University of Westminster Students' Union meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements have been prepared in Sterling, the functional currency of the Charity, and amounts have been rounded to the nearest £.
2.2 Going concern
As at the balance sheet date, the Charity has net assets of £1,332,984 (2023: £1,384,863) after recognising a pension deficit liability of £585,516 (2023: £605,411) on a multi-employer pension scheme. After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources and has received assurances from the University that financial support through the block grant and other financial support will continue to be available to enable it to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have considered the future plans of the Charity and it is deemed that the Charity can meet its commitments and liabilities. The Charity made no use of Government financial support schemes during the year. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
2.3 Company status
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity.
2.4 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocate to the appropriate fund.
Page 24
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grant income is recognised when the above criteria are met, together with any performance conditions addition to the grant. The annual subvention grant from the University of Westminster is recognised in the academic period to which it relates, subject to any attached KPIs being met.
Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliabily.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Income from charitable activities is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
2.6 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.7 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.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Page 25
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.8 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a straight line basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
- Building improvements 10% per annum on cost - Bar fixtures and fittings 20 % per annum on cost Motor vehicles - 20 % per annum on cost - Other fixtures, fittings and 20 % per annum on cost equipment
2.9 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
2.10 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.11 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and 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.
2.12 Liabilities
Liabilities and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
Page 26
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.13 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.14 Pensions
University of Westminster Students' Union participates in the Students' Union Superannuation Scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme whose membership consists of employees of students' unions and related bodies throughout the country. Benefits in respect of service up to 30 September 2003 are accrued on a "final salary" basis, with benefits in respect of service from 1 October 2003 accruing on a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) basis.
With effect from 30 September 2011 the Scheme closed to future accruals. The Scheme operates as a pooled arrangement, with contributions paid at a centrally agreed rate. As a consequence, no share of the underlying assets and liabilities can be directly atrributed to University of Westminster Students' Union.
The fund is valued at least every three years by a professionally qualified independent actuary with the rates of contribution payable being determined by the Trustees on the advice of the actuary. The 2013 valuation recommended a monthly contribution requirement by each participating employer expressed in monetary terms intended to clear the ongoing funding deficit. As a consequence, under FRS 102, the University of Westminster has recognised a liability on the balance sheet equal to the net present value (NPV) of future deficit reduction payments. These payments discounted to the present value using the mark yield on high quality corporate bonds.
The Union now operates a defined contributions pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Union to the fund in respect of the period. Differences between contributions payable in the period and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet.
Page 27
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:
The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
Pension deficit contribution
The Charity has entered into a commitment to provide deficit funding to the Students' Union Superannuation Pension Scheme, of which it is contributing employer. Under FRS102, the fair value of the commitment is recognised. The calculation of the fair value of the commitment is subject to an assumption of the discount rate. The discount rate is determined by the reference to market yields at the reporting date on high quality corporate bonds.
Income recognition
The Charity receives grant income which may include various milestones and performance conditions to be met in order for the Charity to have entitlement to the funds. The Charity makes various assumptions in determining the stage of completion of these milestones.
4. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 2,291,623 1,279,356 - - 3,570,979 Grants University subvention Grant of servicedaccommodation Other grants Other restricted grants Total 2023 3,101,846 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - - 860,856 860,856 1,322,874 |
Total funds 2024 £ 2,291,623 1,279,356 - 860,856 4,431,835 4,424,720 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,801,282 1,279,356 21,208 1,322,874 4,424,720 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 28
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| 5. Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 £ £ Bar, shop and events 307,913 - Clubs and societies 18,803 67,204 326,716 67,204 Total 2023 298,989 53,088 6. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Advertising and media 18,278 Total 2023 4,600 7. Investment income Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Investment income 6,580 Total 2023 1,432 |
Total funds 2024 £ 307,913 86,007 393,920 352,077 Total funds 2024 £ 18,278 4,600 Total funds 2024 £ 6,580 1,432 |
Total funds 2023 £ 287,566 64,511 352,077 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 4,600 |
||
| Total funds 2023 £ 1,432 |
||
Page 29
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Student Enterprise 934,465 Student Lifestyle 693,118 Student Wellbeing 1,523,490 Student Voice 1,036,547 4,187,620 Total 2023 3,551,300 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 67,855 145,925 291,111 209,981 714,872 427,026 |
Total 2024 £ 1,002,320 839,043 1,814,601 1,246,528 4,902,492 3,978,326 |
Total 2023 £ 879,075 838,883 1,276,319 984,049 3,978,326 |
|---|---|---|---|
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Student Enterprise Student Lifestyle Student Wellbeing Student Voice Total 2023 |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 465,903 495,157 1,217,059 894,843 3,072,962 2,323,855 |
Support costs 2024 £ 536,416 343,887 597,542 351,685 1,829,530 1,654,471 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,002,319 839,044 1,814,601 1,246,528 4,902,492 3,978,326 |
Total funds 2023 £ 879,075 838,883 1,276,319 984,049 3,978,326 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 30
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Depreciation Bad debt write off Serviced premises Insurance Computer and telephone costs Bank charges and commissions Sundry Legal and professional Travelling and subsistence Audit fee Other staff costs Repairs and maintenance Office expenses Security Total 2023 |
Student Enterprise 2024 £ 189,185 - 319,839 - 9,663 - - 5,351 - - - 3,458 - 8,920 536,416 508,334 |
Student Lifestyle 2024 £ - (48) 319,839 - - - - 5 23,228 - - - 863 - 343,887 363,239 |
Student Wellbeing 2024 £ 15,302 5,618 319,839 29,533 18,741 8,934 (801) 148,224 6,565 17,125 28,462 - - - 597,542 445,419 |
Student Voice 2024 £ - - 319,839 - 23,821 - - 7,624 - - - - 401 - 351,685 337,479 |
Total funds 2024 £ 204,487 5,570 1,279,356 29,533 52,225 8,934 (801) 161,204 29,793 17,125 28,462 3,458 1,264 8,920 1,829,530 1,654,471 |
Total funds 2023 £ 154,917 - 1,279,356 26,818 28,399 10,669 (7,893) 95,345 30,858 8,500 11,021 609 - 15,872 1,654,471 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 31
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
10. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes Costs of defined benefit pension schemes |
2024 £ 1,822,584 169,539 62,888 124,045 2,179,056 |
2023 £ 1,347,294 123,480 48,475 16,211 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,535,460 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| Full time Students - term time only |
2024 No. 44 54 98 |
2023 No. 39 30 |
|---|---|---|
| 69 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | ||
| In the band £60,001 | - £70,000 | 2 | - |
| In the band £70,001 | - £80,000 | 1 | 1 |
| In the band £80,001 | - £90,000 | 1 | - |
The total amount paid in respect of key management personnel, including employers NIC and pension contributions, was £344,993 (2023: £261,7912).
Page 32
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
Under the provisions made in the Charity's Constitution, sabbatical officers are paid as authorised, for the representation, campaigning and support work they undertake as distinct from their trustee responsibilities. This work included voicing student opinion with the University and local community, defending and extending the rights of students through petitions etc and also organising and supporting volunteers and service provision for them. During the year, the following sabbatical trustees received renumeration in respect of their employment contract with the Charity:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| N Aggarwal | Remuneration | 25,834 | 26,700 |
| T Bangia | Remuneration | 25,880 | 26,700 |
| P Dixit | Remuneration | - | 24,523 |
| Z Butt | Remuneration | - | 22,551 |
| M Jaffar | Remuneration | 25,303 | 3,176 |
| S Sethi | Remuneration | 3,230 | - |
| N Asakzai | Remuneration | 25,303 | 3,176 |
| C Dhapatkar | Remuneration | 3,230 | - |
| A Abrar | Remuneration | - | - |
| V Barton | Remuneration | 3,230 | - |
| A Musani | Remuneration | 3,230 | - |
| D Bamrara | Remuneration | - | 16,766 |
| D Airan | Remuneration | 28,187 | 3,176 |
During the year, three Trustees received reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses amounting to £2,625 (2023: two Trustees £1,096).
Page 33
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| 12. Tangible fixed assets Building improvements £ Cost or valuation At 1 August 2023 1,790,635 Additions 215,784 At 31 July 2024 2,006,419 Depreciation At 1 August 2023 350,932 Charge for the year 179,064 At 31 July 2024 529,996 Net book value At 31 July 2024 1,476,423 At 31 July 2023 1,439,703 13. Stocks Stock 14. Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Bar fixtures and fittings £ 15,908 2,579 18,487 14,093 1,976 16,069 2,418 1,815 |
Other equipment £ 9,161 - 9,161 9,161 - 9,161 - - |
Other equipment £ 131,917 8,351 140,268 90,100 23,547 113,647 26,621 41,817 2024 £ 111,916 2024 £ 821,982 8,464 55,453 885,899 |
Total £ 1,947,621 226,714 2,174,335 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 464,286 204,587 668,873 |
|||||
| 1,505,462 | |||||
| 1,483,335 | |||||
| 2023 £ 41,056 2023 £ 169,830 18 395,685 565,533 |
Page 34
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Resources deferred during the year |
2024 £ 230,470 - 47,964 691,735 970,169 2024 £ 584,122 |
2023 £ 227,966 5,286 - 78,919 |
|---|---|---|
| 312,171 | ||
| 2023 £ - |
Deferred income represents block grant income in respect of the 2024/25 academic year.
Page 35
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| 16. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 August 2023 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds General funds 214,297 3,779,063 Pension deficit (605,412) 143,490 (391,115) 3,922,553 Restricted funds UW 25,720 458,437 QHT - The Hideaway 258,694 - QHT - Cavendish hub 518,639 - QHT - Other 15,991 - QHT - Sports Participation / EAP (3,473) - QHT - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 1,269 136,110 QHT - Sports Facilities and Support Fund 4 125,000 QHT - Student Partnership & Enhanced Learning Spaces 933,296 41,153 QHT - Dragons Branding 1,769 - QHT - Fit For The Future - 100,156 Clubs and Societies 24,069 67,204 1,775,978 928,060 Total funds 1,384,863 4,850,613 |
Expenditure £ (4,063,575) - (4,063,575) (289,308) - - - - (136,449) (125,631) - - (100,914) (62,570) (714,872) (4,778,447) |
Transfers in/out £ 182,925 - 182,925 - (48,253) (69,355) (5,247) - - 627 (61,455) - 758 - (182,925) - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 31 July 2024 £ - 112,710 (124,045) (585,967) (124,045) (473,257) - 194,849 - 210,441 - 449,284 - 10,744 - (3,473) - 930 - - - 912,994 - 1,769 - - - 28,703 - 1,806,241 (124,045) 1,332,984 |
|---|---|---|---|
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UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| 16. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 August 2022 £ Unrestricted funds General funds 219,663 Pension deficit (589,200) (369,537) Restricted funds UW 25,720 QHT - The Hideaway 306,947 QHT - Cavendish hub 587,994 QHT - Other 21,238 QHT - Sports Participation / EAP - QHT - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion - QHT - Sports Facilities and Support Fund - QHT - Student Partnership & Enhanced Learning Spaces - QHT - Dragons Branding - QHT - Fit For The Future - Clubs and Societies 7,998 949,897 Total funds 580,360 |
Income £ 3,406,867 - 3,406,867 - - - - 21,106 119,685 125,000 939,133 25,000 92,950 53,088 1,375,962 4,782,829 |
Expenditure £ (3,535,088) (16,212) (3,551,300) - - - - (24,579) (118,416) (124,996) (5,837) (23,231) (92,950) (37,017) (427,026) (3,978,326) |
Transfers in/out £ 122,855 - 122,855 - (48,253) (69,355) (5,247) - - - - - - - (122,855) - |
Balance at 31 July 2023 £ 214,297 (605,412) (391,115) 25,720 258,694 518,639 15,991 (3,473) 1,269 4 933,296 1,769 - 24,069 1,775,978 1,384,863 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
16. Statement of funds (continued)
Restricted funds comprise the following:
Clubs and societies fund represents amounts raised by the clubs and societies of the Union for their own use.
Quinton Hogg Trust funding relates to grant income towards the cost of specific student activities or projects. Capital development projects are for Media Hub, The Hideaway, Cavendish Hub, Sports hall refurbishment of the basketball hoops, and for Enhanced Learning Spaces and Learning Platform. The capital development projects expenditure does not show on the Statement of Financial Activities, but on the balance sheet as fixed assets, whereas the grant received shows as restricted income. Included within restricted reserves is £1,476,794 (2023: £1,445,263) of capital funds, which will be released over the life of the assets. This can be seen in the analysis of net assets between funds (note 17).
UW - University of Westminster funding for specific projects, inlcuding a Santander grant to provide laptops who were not able to access IT services.
17. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets 28,668 Current assets 1,053,760 Creditors due within one year (970,169) Provisions for liabilities and charges (585,516) Total (473,257) |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,476,794 329,447 - - 1,806,241 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,505,462 1,383,207 (970,169) (585,516) 1,332,984 |
|---|---|---|
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(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
17. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Provisions for liabilities and charges Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 38,072 488,395 (312,171) (605,411) (391,115) |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 1,445,263 330,715 - - 1,775,978 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,483,335 819,110 (312,171) (605,411) 1,384,863 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2024 £ Net income/expenditure for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities) (51,879) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 204,587 Increase in stocks (70,860) Increase in debtors (320,366) Increase in creditors 638,103 Net cash provided by operating activities 399,585 19. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2024 £ Cash in hand 385,392 Total cash and cash equivalents 385,392 |
2023 £ 804,503 154,917 (2,597) (417,750) 55,865 594,938 2023 £ 212,521 212,521 |
|---|---|
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(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
20. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Cash at bank and in hand | At 1 August 2023 £ 212,521 212,521 |
Cash flows £ 172,871 172,871 |
At 31 July 2024 £ 385,392 385,392 |
|---|---|---|---|
21. Contingent assets
The University has agreed in principle to meet future deficit payments in regard to the Union's defined benefit pension scheme liability through the annual block subject, subject to confirmation of the annual block grants and the University having sufficient available funds.
22. Related party transactions
The controlling party of the Charity is the Board of Trustees.
Subvention income is received from the University of Westminster. The income reported for the year ending 31 July 2024 amounted to £2,291,622 (2023: £1,801,282). In addition, the Charity was also in receipt of £614,831 (2023: £65,585) additional income from the University. Donated serviced premises of £1,279,356 (2023: £1,279,356) were provided by the University during the year. The University also provides a payroll service for the Union. The Trustee Board is of the opinion that this assistance is not an influencing factor with regard to the formation of the Charity's policy setting.
The Charity was owed £592,456 (2023: £160,275) by the University at the balance sheet date. At the balance sheet date, the Charity owed £747,582 (2023: £127,789) to the University.
Page 40
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER STUDENTS' UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
23. Pension commitments
The Charity participates in the Students' Union Superannuation Scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme whose membership consists of employees of students' unions and related bodies throughout the country. Benefits in respect of service up to 30 September 2003 are accrued on a "final salary" basis, with benefits in respect of service from 1 October 2003 accruing on a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) basis. With effect from 30 September 2011 the scheme closed to future accruals.
The most recent Valuation of the Scheme was carried out as at 30 June 2022 and showed that the market value of the Scheme's assets was £106.7m with these assets representing 44% of the value of benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. The deficit on an ongoing funding basis amounted to £136.6m.
The assumptions which have the most significant effect upon the results of the valuation are those relating to the rate of return on investments and the rates of increase in salaries and pensions.
The 2019 valuation recommended a monthly contribution requirement by each participating employer expressed in monetary terms intended to clear the ongoing funding deficit over a period to May 2037. Contributions increased by 5% per annum from 1 October 2021 and will increase by a further 5% in each subsequent year. Surpluses or deficits which arise at future valuations will also impact on the Charity's future contribution commitment. In addition to the above contributions, the Union also pays its share of the Scheme's levy to the Pension Protection Fund.
In accordance with FRS102, the net present value of the future contributions required over the remaining 13 years to clear the funding deficit is £585,517 (2023: £605,411). In calculating this net present value, monthly payments from October 2023 with annual increases of 5% have been made and a discount rate of 5.12% representing the yield available on AA rated 15 year corporate bonds has then been applied.
The total contributions paid into the scheme by the Union in respect of eligible employees for the year ended 31 July 2024 amounted to £143,940 (2023: £nil due to the Union taking advantage of a 3 year upfront payment option in 2020).
NEST
Following the closure of the SUSS scheme to future accrual on 30 September 2011, the Union operates a defined contribution pension scheme for the benefit of certain employees based on a matched rate of 3%6%. The assets of the scheme are administered in a fund independent from those of the Union.
The total contribution payable into the scheme by the Charity in respect of eligible employees for the year ended 31 July 2024 amounted to £62,888 (2023: £48,475).
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