Registered number: 08112334 Charity number: 1148914
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT, INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 - 9 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 10 - 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
| Balance Sheet | 13 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 - 27 |
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Trustees | Susie Oakley, Chair |
|---|---|
| Fiona Luckhurst (resigned 28 November 2024) | |
| Rachel Greenwood | |
| Rebecca Giddings | |
| Ian Revell | |
| Adam Collins | |
| Angus Hickish | |
| Alexander Krol | |
| John Sorsby | |
| Helen Webb | |
| Jonathan Ager | |
| David Bird | |
| Tony Cann | |
| Oliver Thornton (appointed 14 October 2024) | |
| Maria Conacher (appointed 9 March 2025) | |
| Company registered number 08112334 Charity registered number 1148914 Registered office Douglas Bader House Horcott Hill Fairford Gloucestershire GL7 4RB Website address www.fsdp.co.uk Patron His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Ibn Al-Hussein Independent Examiner Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG Bankers HSBC 2 Market Place Cirencester Gloucestershire GL7 2NB Solicitors Charles Russell Speechlys LLP 5 Fleet Place London EC4M 7RD |
Page 1
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Financial Advisor
Cazenove Capital Management 12 Moorgate London EC2R 6DA
Page 2
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025 under the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011, together with the independently examined financial statements for the year, and confirm that the latter comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
CONSTITUTION, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) was incorporated on 20 June 2012 and registered as a charity on 11 September 2012. For legal reasons, its previous unincorporated charity, The Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (formerly ‘for the Disabled’) in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader CBE DSO DFC (DBMF), is being kept open for the sole purpose of holding the permanent endowment funds and for any future legacies in that name. On 7 February 2013, for administrative and accounting convenience, the Charities Commission approved a Scheme whereby DBMF became a linked charity of FSDP and ceased to be a separate charity. The governing document for both the incorporated and the unincorporated charities is the Articles of Association as adopted on 20 June 2012.
The object of Flying Scholarships for Disabled People is to improve the quality of life of disabled people by helping them to discover their true potential through the mental and physical stimulation of learning to fly a light aircraft. For the purposes of the charity, 'disabled people’ means persons who are physically disabled or otherwise impeded for any medical reason from leading a normal life.
Each year, disabled people wishing to apply for a scholarship do so by completing a comprehensive application form. A preliminary selection board considers all the applicants, typically about 50 per year, and selects around 18 to go forward to a three day final selection board traditionally held at RAF Cranwell. There, the candidates are subject to medical assessment, interviewed, undertake a variety of tests and also have the opportunity to find out more about what the scholarship involves. Members of the selection board include the Trustees, FSDP supporters, flying school instructors and qualified medical team. The latter play the crucial role of evaluating an applicant’s potential to meet the Civil Aviation Authority’s medical requirements. The actual number of scholarships awarded in any one year is dependent on the number of sponsors and the financial state of the charity.
Apart from its website and leaflet distribution at relevant events, the scheme is advertised in the following locations:
-
Facebook (www.www.facebook.com/FlyingScholarshipsForDisabledPeople/),
-
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/flyingscholarships/),
-
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/10636773/),
-
X (www.twitter.com/FSFDP),
-
YouTube (www.youtube.com/@flyingscholarshipsfordisab6161),
-
TikTok (@fsdp21)
It also enjoys some modest local PR coverage of the activities of some scholars. Most applicants have heard about the charity as a result of visiting the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and the charity’s website, from Facebook or Twitter, reading case histories in specialist magazines, or from ex FSDP scholars. We also had the support of the Typhoon Display Team for the duration of 2025 raising £30,000 for FSDP over the course of the year.
The majority of scholarships are sponsored although some are financed by the dividends received from FSDP’s endowment fund investments or fundraising. Each year there are various fundraising activities including members’ get togethers and at the Royal International Air Tattoo.
Page 3
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Organisational Structure
The administration of the charity is vested in the Trustees, the year began with 14 Trustees, however due to time constraints, one retired during the year, so we are currently thirteen in number, who delegate the day to day operation of the charity to its General Manager, who also acts as Secretary to the Trustees.
In addition to attendance at quarterly Trustee meetings, the Trustees typically participate in all aspects of the annual selection procedure for scholars, attend the Presentation Ceremony at the Royal International Air Tattoo (“RIAT”), on which occasion the scholars are presented with their certificate or wings, and visit scholars during their training in the UK.
Trustees
At the annual general meeting in each year, the Trustees elect one of their number to be Chairperson until the annual general meeting of the following year. The previous year's Chairperson may stand for re election.
When a vacancy arises on the Board of Trustees, persons considered suitable to undertake such a role, based on their background and ability to provide the expertise required of the Board, are approached to determine if they wish, and have the capacity, to join the Board and, if so, an interview is arranged.
At the time of their interviews, potential new Trustees receive a detailed briefing on the purpose and objectives of the charity and, if appointed, what is expected of them. They are encouraged to observe one year’s process from beginning to end, including Trustees meetings, scholarships, RIAT and observe the selection procedure for scholars. In addition, they meet with the General Manager for a general briefing on the charity's operations and administration. If the individual agrees to be appointed, the nomination is then considered and, as appropriate, approved by the Board of Trustees. All potential Trustees are required to confirm they are a fit and proper person in accordance with the Charities Commission requirements.
New Trustees are provided with:
-
The Charity Commissioners' Publication CC3
-
The Articles of Association dated 20 June 2012
-
The previous year's Report and Accounts
-
The minutes of the two previous Trustee meetings
-
The Trustee Code of Conduct
-
The Conflict of Interest Policy
-
The last Risk Assessment Review and Risk Register
-
Access to all of the charity’s documented policies and procedures
The Trustees are expected to familiarise themselves with their obligations and remain abreast of any relevant developments in charity law.
The Trustees are typically appointed for 4 years, and can be renewed at that point, with a maximum tenure of 8 years, however we are in the process of amending this to a term of 3 years with a maximum tenure of 9 years to correspond with the Articles of Association. While the latter is the usual maximum, exceptions may be made where it is difficult to recruit the appropriate skills or expertise. There is a Trustee rotation plan in place that prompts the programme of recruitment of new Trustees.
Page 4
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Governance Code
The Trustees are committed to good governance and readily adhere to the Seven Principles of the Charity Governance Code. During this financial year, all of our policies have been reviewed by all Trustees and, where appropriate, amendments made. The scholar selection process and the guidance given to our nominated flying schools have also been reviewed and improvements made.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
By balancing the generosity of our sponsors and the need to protect funds during 2024, we were able to award seven 3 week scholarships to Caroline Cooper, Steve Hamilton and Luke Louden with Bristol Aero Club at Gloucestershire Airport, Hamilton Males and Dorothy Stuart with Sherburn Aero Club at Sherburn-in Elmet Aerodrome, and Keiran Bennett and Ashley Vingoe with Halton Microlight Club at RAF Halton. We were also able to offer four 4 week scholarships to Tamla Willie, Niamh Phillips, Kate Evans and Jamie Campbell with Shadow Aviation at Compton Abbas Airfield.
Scholarships were generously sponsored/funded by British Airways High Flight (two scholarships), Lockheed Martin, Wings Around the World, Boeing, The Scholars’ Scholar Fund, Red Arrows Trust, Jame Rao – Live Your Dream, Abi Evans – Do What You Can’t, The Ingram Trust and RAF Charitable Trust. Pooleys Flight Equipment once again generously donated a flight bag and manuals to every scholar and extensive charity support was also given by our many volunteers, to whom FSDP is extremely indebted.
‘The Scholars’ Scholar’ award was made to Hamilton Males. This award is underwritten by the fundraising efforts of both Trustees and previous scholars.
The Royal International Air Tattoo took place in July 2025, enabling the charity to award the scholars from 2024 their “Wings”. The scholars in question were Caroline Cooper, Steve Hamilton and Luke Louden who all flew at Gloucestershire Airport, Dorothy Stuart and Hamilton Males who flew with Sherburn Aero Club. Ash Vingoe and Keiran Bennett who flew at RAF Halton, and Niamh Phillips, Tamla Willie, Kate Chalk and Jamie Campbell who flew with Shadow Aviation at Compton Abbas Airfield. The following trophies were also awarded:
2024 Wings Around the World Trophy to Caroline Cooper 2024 George Stewart Memorial Trophy to Keiran Bennett 2024 Douglas Bader Trophy to John Sorsby and Debra Ford
Finally, scholarship certificates were also awarded to all nine 2025 scholars.
Our promotional activity during this financial year was focussed around keeping the momentum gained by our success since our 40th anniversary year. We relied heavily on social media as our normally largest platform for social interaction. However, we were able to host two Christmas parties at flying schools this year, which both raised a modest income. We also ran the Scramble 100 – a fundraising scheme, aiming to get 100 people to raise £100 each in 100 days through whichever means they choose – this raised nearly £3,500. As already mentioned, we also had the support of the Typhoon Display Team this year. The focus of the charity continued to work towards supporting our existing ‘family’.
In accordance with the charity’s Strategic Plan, much continues to be done to raise the profile of the charity notably through social media. The charity currently does have limited staffing capacity and so, in addition to attracting funds, the focus remains for the immediate future on increasing the quality and quantity of annual scholarship applications.
While the indicators from the wellbeing metrics are encouraging, the qualitative evidence, as reflected in our scholars’ individual stories of their experience, continues to be overwhelmingly positive.
Page 5
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Our Flying Training sub committee has continued to prove invaluable in aiding Trustee decision making, notably regarding meeting our duty of care in respect of both the selection of flying schools and maximising the scholars’ flying experience. The Flying Training sub committee and medical team play instrumental and much valued roles in mitigating the key risks to which the charity might be exposed. Our disability sub committee, focussing specifically on issues surrounding disability, ensures we are doing our best to minimise difficulties for our disabled ‘family’ members. We also have a functioning Fundraising committee and a very robust Mentor team who support new candidates through the application and selection process, as well as through their scholarships.
The Trustees remain indebted to all our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, past and present scholars and members of the public for their donations, which have enabled the charity to continue to support disabled adults throughout the UK.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Turning to the Statement of Financial Activities below, the combined income from donations and investments decreased from £270,024 last financial year to £252,447 this one. Sponsorship income decreased by 22% in our FY2024-25 and donations (including FSDP’s lottery income) increased by 28%.
As in previous years, the charity was extremely well supported in its fund-raising activities by current and past scholars, mentors and the wider FSDP ‘family’ of supporters. It was also very well supported by the RAF's Typhoon Display Team that raised money for FSDP in memory of Sqn Ldr Mark Long.
FSDP’s total expenditure in FY2024-25 increased from £199,782 the previous year to £207,789. The costs of raising voluntary income increased from £9,320 to £31,236 because £20,000 was spent on marketing (including purchasing materials and equipment) . Expenditure on flying scholarships decreased from £190,462 the previous year to £176,553 this year principally because FSDP offered 9 scholarships in FY2024-25, as opposed to 11 in the previous year.
There was an overall increase in the value of invested endowments of £107,900 over the financial year from £1,311,508 to £1,419,408. This increase in value of £107,900 reflected the small positive return on investments. There was also an increase in unrestricted funds from £573,323 to £665,150 ie of £87,246. The overall result was a £199,727 increase in the charity’s net assets from £1,884,831 to £2,084,558.
As in previous years. most of the charity’s targeted aims for 2025 were achieved or work on them continues. These aims included:
. Completing successfully the second year of operation of the FSDP bursary award scheme.
. Identifying additional benefactor organizations and individuals to increase the number of scholarships that FSDP can offer.
. Running a fundraising project called “the Scramble” in which participants were encouraged to run their own local schemes to raise money.
. Working with and supporting past scholars to fundraise for FSDP through its Scholars’ Scholar Fund.
Page 6
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
INVESTMENT POLICY
The majority of FSDP’s assets are invested in the Cazenove Capital’s Charity Multi-Asset Fund (the CMAF). The CMAF meets our objective of having a diverse portfolio comprising equities, bonds, property and alternative assets. The CMAF aim is to provide income and capital growth of at least UK CPI +4% (net at fees) over a 10year period. Losses were sustained in the early years of this decade due to both the COVID pandemic and the early part of the Ukraine War. As a result, it is unlikely that the CMAF will meet its exacting aim for some years. However, now that those years of highly variable market performance and very high inflation have passed, the CMAF is performing well. The Trustees therefore continue to be reasonably confident about receiving an acceptable investment income return. The CMAF also has a responsible investment approach that is applied in all investment decisions.
Of FSDP’s £2,084K of funds, some £1,419K is permanent endowment. Therefore the Trustees are restricted legally on how they use those funds. FSDP is very fortunate to retain the ongoing support and engagement of the benefactors of the permanent endowment. Whilst it remains the benefactors’ current wish to keep the funds as permanent endowment, subject to them being consulted, they do not preclude the application of the permanent endowment to another use that may better serve the long-term interests of FSDP.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
There are some 13 million disabled people in the UK. While there are many thousands of charities supporting those with a disability, there is clearly a potential demand for our support. The Trustees have been privileged to see first hand the difference that has been made for the disabled community by the charity through its scholarship and bursary schemes. However, a limitation on achieving its goal of changing lives through the medium of flight is the availability of flying schools either with the relevant expertise within its instructor cadre or the specialist equipment to train those with the wide range of disabilities we encounter. In consequence, our ambitions to extend our brand and outreach within both the aviation industry and disabled sector must be tempered by pragmatism.
Work continues to identify other flying schools capable of meeting the needs of the charity and the FSDP scholars.
Over the next year, on going and new activities include:
-
•Retaining the current sponsors and, if possible, obtaining at least one new sponsor
-
•Retaining the Scramble 100 for its second year, aiming to increase the number of participants
-
•Ensuring appropriate succession planning is undertaken for and Trustee retirements in 2026
-
•Organise a ‘new and existing sponsors’ event.
Page 7
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
RISK MANAGEMENT
FSDP has a Risk Register as well as a general Risk Assessment that are subject to annual review. The key risk of the loss of the charity’s assets is mitigated through the investment policy referred to above. Other key risks would arise in the event of there being a major incident involving a scholar. This risk is mitigated through the selection screening process, which crucially includes medical assessment and in the careful choice of flying schools. The latter is the particular responsibility of the Flying Training Committee, the membership of which has the requisite expertise. Our safeguarding policy also has a role to play in the protection of both our scholars and the charity. A particularly rigorous review of our insurance cover took place, which emphasised the need to ensure the charity was a named part in each of the contracted flying school’s public liability cover.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
We continue to obtain, notably through the post scholarship oral and written reports that are required of every scholar, clear evidence that the vast majority of scholars enjoy a considerable boost in their sense of wellbeing as a direct result of completing the scholarship. We also conduct surveys that measure a scholar’s wellbeing prior to the award of a scholarship, on the completion of the scholarship and then again a minimum of 10 months later. These quantitative measures, combined with the qualitative commentary, offer evidence of a sustained benefit for most scholars in terms of wellbeing, confidence and engagement with society.
The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011, to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees maintain their view that FSDP should have reserves of cash and a reasonable expectation of receiving investment income in the current financial year that together will cover the costs of 10 scholarships (ie the costs of flying schools and scholars’ accommodation and food). This currently equates to a total of circa £150,000. Whilst reserves are sufficient to cover this, the need remains for additional fundraising to bring in money that can be used for unrestricted purposes.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees (who are also directors of the Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for Disabled People for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
•select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
•observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
•make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
•state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
Page 8
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships For Disabled People ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2025 which are set out on pages 12 to 28.
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and the charitable company’s Trustees as a body in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charitable company’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s Trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Page 10
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Dated:
9 December 2025
Helen Blundell
LLB FCA FCIE DChA
Crowe U.K. LLP
Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG
Page 11
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Income from: Donations 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net income before net gains on investments Net gains on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 176,510 100 75,837 252,447 31,236 176,553 207,789 44,658 47,169 91,827 573,323 91,827 665,150 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ - - - - - - - - 107,900 107,900 1,311,508 107,900 1,419,408 |
Total funds 2025 £ 176,510 100 75,837 252,447 31,236 176,553 207,789 44,658 155,069 199,727 1,884,831 199,727 2,084,558 |
Total funds 2024 £ 197,834 - 72,190 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 270,024 | ||||
| 9,320 190,462 |
||||
| 199,782 | ||||
| 70,242 118,824 |
||||
| 189,066 | ||||
| 1,695,765 189,066 |
||||
| 1,884,831 |
The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.
Page 12
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | € | f | |||
| Fixed assets | |||||
| lnvestments | 14 | 1,884,973 | 1,729,944 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 15 | 13,746 | 25,596 | ||
| Cashalbankand in hand | I | 232,913 | 183,940 | ||
| 246,659 | 209,536 | ||||
| Currentliabilities | |||||
| Credrtors: amountsfallingduewithinone year |
16 | (4V,074), | (s4,60e) | ||
| ' .t)'' |
|||||
| Netcurrentassets | 199,585 | 154,927 | |||
| Totalnetassets | 2,084,558 | 1,884,831 | |||
| Charityfunds | |||||
| Endowmentfunds | tt | 1,419,408 | 1,311,5A8 | ||
| Unrestrictedfunds | 4'7 | 665,150 | 573,323 | ||
| Totalfunds | 2,084,558 | 1,884,8s1 |
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. General information
The Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for Disabled People is a company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England and Wales (08112334) and a registered charity (1148914). Its registered office and principal place of business is Douglas Bader House, Horcott Hill, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4RB.
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),the Companies Act 2006, and the Charities Act 2011.
Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships For Disabled People 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.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees have undertaken planning and forecasting and continue to closely monitor any circumstances that might affect the stability of the charity. The Trustees believe that the Charity's financial resources are sufficient to ensure the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future, being at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements and that there are no material uncertainties about its ability to continue and therefore have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis.
2.3 Income
Donations income is received by way of sponsorship for individual scholarship placements, and by way of donations and gifts (including Gift Aid). Income from donations is included in income when receivable. When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to such income, the receipt of income is not included within income until the pre-conditions have been met.
Investment income consists of dividends and interest on the Charity’s bank and investment balances. Investment income is included when receivable.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the Charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the Charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, or the Charity is aware of the granting of a probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material to the charity.
Page 14
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all direct costs related to the category. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included within the expense to which it relates.
Charitable activities relate to direct costs of scholarships awarded. The cost of overall direction and administration, including the salary and overhead costs of administration, is apportioned on the basis that 70% of these support costs also relate to charitable activities.
Raising funds comprise of those costs incurred in setting up and managing fundraising events and the investment managers’ fees.
Governance costs comprise all costs incurred in running the charity. As such, it includes secretarial expenses, independent examination and legal fees together with the remaining 30% of support costs not allocated to direct charitable activities.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
2.5 Taxation
As a registered charity the Royal International Air Tattoo Flying Scholarships for Disabled People is entitled to taxation exemptions on all of its income and gains, properly applied for its charitable purposes.
2.6 Investments
Investments listed on a recognised stock exchange are stated at the market value at the date of the Balance sheet. Gains and losses on investments are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.7 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions. Cash equivalents and current investments are highly liquid and mature in no more than 3 months.
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Page 15
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.10 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.
The Charity has the following basic financial instruments. Investments, cash at bank and in hand, accrued income, accruals and other creditors, which are all measured at their settlement value.
2.11 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.12 Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity.
Permanent endowment funds represent those assets which must be held permanently by the Charity, principally investments. The funds must be retained in perpetuity to generate income to provide further scholarships.
Expendable endowment funds are attributable to the original amount settled on the Charity, subsequent settlement and accumulated gains and losses thereon. The endowments are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees on expenditure which meets the charitable objectives of the Charity.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to consider making any significant judgements and estimates where necessary. There are no items in the financial statements where significant judgements and estimations have been made.
Page 16
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
4. Income from donations
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations Donations 51,547 Gift Aid 2,203 Sponsorships received 116,040 Lottery income 6,720 Other income - Total 2025 176,510 Total 2024 197,834 |
Total funds 2025 £ 51,547 2,203 116,040 6,720 - 176,510 197,834 |
Total funds 2024 £ 40,226 1,080 148,770 6,486 1,272 |
|---|---|---|
| 197,834 | ||
5. Income from other trading activities Income from non charitable trading activities
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Merchandise sales | 100 | 100 | - |
Page 17
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
6. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Dividends 75,765 Interest 72 Total 2025 75,837 Total 2024 72,190 |
Total funds 2025 £ 75,765 72 75,837 72,190 |
Total funds 2024 £ 72,096 94 |
|---|---|---|
| 72,190 | ||
7. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Marketing 21,847 Investment manager's costs 4,351 Event costs 1,838 Lottery prizes 3,200 Total 2025 31,236 Total 2024 9,320 |
Total funds 2025 £ 21,847 4,351 1,838 3,200 31,236 9,320 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,141 4,183 554 3,442 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,320 | ||
Page 18
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Scholarships 176,553 Total 2025 176,553 Total 2024 190,462 |
Total 2025 £ 176,553 176,553 190,462 |
Total 2024 £ 190,462 |
|---|---|---|
| 190,462 | ||
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Scholarships Scholarships |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 128,128 Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 145,748 |
Support costs 2025 £ 48,425 Support costs 2024 £ 44,714 |
Total funds 2025 £ 176,553 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 190,462 |
Page 19
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Staff costs Other direct costs Scholarships approved Total 2025 Analysis of support costs |
Total funds 2025 £ 30,957 26,960 70,211 128,128 |
Total funds 2024 £ 28,708 38,738 78,302 |
|---|---|---|
| 145,748 | ||
| Staff costs Travelling and subsistence Office support costs Total 2025 Total 2024 |
Scholarship s 2025 £ 15,479 6,181 26,765 48,425 44,714 |
Total funds 2025 £ 15,479 6,181 26,765 48,425 44,714 |
Total funds 2024 £ 14,353 5,474 24,887 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44,714 | |||
10. Office support costs include:
| Accountancy costs, professional fees and Independent Examiner's fees Insurance Administration costs Sundry costs |
2025 £ 11,654 4,356 9,046 1,714 26,770 |
2024 £ 15,959 3,972 1,998 2,958 |
|---|---|---|
| 24,887 |
Page 20
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Included within support costs are governance costs of: 2025 £ Staff costs 15,479 Accountancy costs, professional fees and Independent Examiner's fees 11,654 27,133 11. Independent examiner's remuneration 2025 £ Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts 2,960 Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner in respect of: Accountancy 2,050 12. Staff costs 2025 £ Wages and salaries 43,999 Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes 2,437 46,436 The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows: 2025 No. Headcount 1 |
2024 £ 16,778 15,959 |
|---|---|
| 32,737 | |
| 2024 £ 2,780 1,930 |
|
| 2024 £ 41,044 2,017 |
|
| 43,061 | |
| 2024 No. 1 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
In 2025 the Trustees employed a part time Administrative Assistant to help the General Manager for 4 months.
Page 21
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
13. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 30 September 2025, expenses for aircraft fuel, general expenses, and travel & subsistence totalling £ 1,542 were reimbursed or paid directly to 4 Trustees (2024 - £2,194 to 7 Trustees for test fees and travel and subsistence).
14. Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 1 October 2024 Revaluations At 30 September 2025 |
Listed investments £ 1,729,904 155,069 |
|---|---|
| 1,884,973 |
15. Debtors
| Prepayments and accrued income | 2025 £ 13,746 13,746 |
2024 £ 25,596 |
|---|---|---|
| 25,596 |
Page 22
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Pension fund loan payable Grants payable Accruals Reconciliation of grants payable Commitments at 30 September 2024 Grants awarded in the year Grants paid in the year Commitments at 30 September 2025 |
2025 £ 15,517 325 26,092 5,140 47,074 2025 £ 28,260 72,000 (74,168) 26,092 |
2024 £ 21,639 - 28,260 4,710 54,609 2024 £ 9,449 88,000 (69,189) 28,260 |
|---|---|---|
Page 23
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
17. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Unrestricted Funds Endowment funds Wings around the world - Permanent endowment Former scholar's fund - Expendable endowment John Savile fund- Expendable endowment ACT fund- Expendable endowment Viccarage Trust- Expendable endowment Entrepreneur's fund- Expendable endowment Total of funds |
Balance at 1 October 2024 £ 573,323 1,055,641 18,549 118,642 47,457 59,356 11,863 1,311,508 1,884,831 |
Income £ 252,447 - - - - - - - 252,447 |
Expenditure £ (207,789) - - - - - - - (207,789) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ 47,169 86,850 1,526 9,761 3,904 4,883 976 107,900 155,069 |
Balance at 30 September 2025 £ 665,150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,142,491 20,075 128,403 51,361 64,239 12,839 |
|||||
| 1,419,408 | |||||
| 2,084,558 |
Page 24
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
17. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Unrestricted Funds Endowment funds Wings around the world - Permanent endowment Former scholar's fund - Expendable endowment John Savile fund- Expendable endowment ACT fund- Expendable endowment Viccarage Trust- Expendable endowment Entrepreneur's fund- Expendable endowment Total of funds |
Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 470,138 986,515 17,334 110,873 44,349 55,470 11,086 1,225,627 1,695,765 |
Income £ 270,024 - - - - - - - 270,024 |
Expenditure £ (199,782) - - - - - - - (199,782) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ 32,943 69,126 1,215 7,769 3,108 3,886 777 85,881 118,824 |
Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 573,323 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,055,641 18,549 118,642 47,457 59,356 11,863 |
|||||
| 1,311,508 | |||||
| 1,884,831 |
Page 25
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
17. Statement of funds (continued)
Permanent Endowment Funds
The Wings Around the World fund comprises donations raised by Polly Vacher’s two solo flights around the world and a variety of other fundraising initiatives.
Expendable Endowment Funds
The Former Scholars’ fund comprises donations from former scholars.
The John Saville fund comprises donations from John Saville.
The ACT Fund comprises donations from the ACT Foundation.
The Viccarage Trust fund comprises donations from Peter Viccars and the Viccarage Trust.
The Entrepreneurs Fund comprises donations from the Entrepreneurs Fund.
18. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fixed asset investments 465,565 Current assets 246,706 Creditors due within one year (47,121) Total 665,150 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ 1,419,408 - - 1,419,408 |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,884,973 246,706 (47,121) 2,084,558 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 418,396 209,536 (54,609) 573,323 |
Endowment funds 2024 £ 1,311,508 - - 1,311,508 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,729,904 209,536 (54,609) 1,884,831 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 26
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
19. Pension commitments
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme during the year contributions amounting to £2,133 (2024: £2,017) were made to the scheme. There was £325 outstanding at the year end (2024: £nil).
20. Related party transactions
The charity has a close relationship with the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises Limited (“RAFCTE”) and through it the Royal International Air Tattoo from which it derives its name.
During the year, the charity paid £12,913 ( 2024: £26,204) to reimburse RAFCTE for costs incurred on behalf of the charity. The charity received £15,000 (2024: £15,000) from RAFCTE as sponsorship income.The amount payable to RAFCTE at the year end was £12,913 (2024: £20,615).
During the year, Dodo Solutions who is owned by Lou Buckley's son provided webhosting and maintenace services to the charity for £2,470 (2024: £4,400) . These services are approved by the board and invoices over £1,000 require the Treasurer's signature. At the year end £130 was outstanding to be paid to Dodo Solutions (2024: £Nil).
Page 27