Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
Company Number: 08043772 Charity Number: 1149717
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Year Ended 30 September 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
C O N T E N T S
| Page | |
|---|---|
| OFFICERS AND ADVISORS | 1 |
| REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES | 2 - 4 |
| INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS | 5 |
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | 6 |
| BALANCE SHEET | 7 |
| NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 8 - 11 |
Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) OFFICERS AND ADVISORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Trustees | Dr A D Boul |
|---|---|
| Mr R J Compton-Burnett | |
| Mr J J Gallagher | |
| Mrs J L Kirkland | |
| Registered Office | Unit 2 Westonhall Road |
| Stoke Prior | |
| Bromsgrove | |
| B60 4AL | |
| Administrative Office | Unit 2 Westonhall Road |
| Stoke Prior | |
| Bromsgrove | |
| B60 4AL | |
| Independent Examiners | Hazlewoods LLP |
| Windsor House | |
| Bayshill Road | |
| Cheltenham | |
| GL50 3AT | |
| Solicitors | Paris Smith LLP |
| 9 Parchment Street | |
| Winchester | |
| Hampshire | |
| SO23 8AT | |
| Bankers | Allied Irish Bank (GB) |
| 9 Waterloo Road | |
| Wolverhampton | |
| WV1 4NB | |
| Company Number | 08043772 (England and Wales) |
| Charity Number | 1149717 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements of The Capstone Care Leavers’ Trust (‘CCLT’) for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The results for the year are presented in the form of a Statement of Financial Activities, which incorporates the traditional income and expenditure account, in order to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities, and in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
Structure, Governance and Management
CCLT is a company limited by guarantee, not having share capital, and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association adopted on incorporation on 24 April 2012.
The trustees who held office during the year were as follows:
Dr A D Boul Mr R J Compton-Burnett Mr J J Gallagher Mrs J L Kirkland (appointed 23 October 2025)
When appointing newly elected Trustees, CCLT has a policy of induction, which includes ensuring that they are fully aware of their responsibilities in relation to both Companies House and Charity Commission guidance and the company’s objectives.
Objectives and Activities
CCLT aims to help care leavers in England and Wales who receive inadequate publicly funded support, and who are experiencing disadvantage as a result of having been brought up in care.
CCLT’s main role is to provide financial support through grants towards the cost of education and training and other appropriate resources or facilities, including household goods. CCLT also provides advice, information and guidance. Funding so far has been provided mostly by Capstone Foster Care Ltd. It is envisaged that the work of CCLT will be complementary to the existing obligations of local authorities in accordance with relevant legislation. Some of the funds that have been provided by Capstone Foster Care Ltd are restricted for use in relation to care leavers that have at some point been looked after by foster carers registered with Capstone Foster Care group companies.
Achievements and Performance
In 2024/25, the Trust received 102 applications , requesting £262,373 worth of support during the financial year, in addition to dealing with telephone enquiries. The Trustees have been able to provide swift responses to applications once sufficient information and, where necessary, statements of support from professionals, have been received. The Manager has been given discretion to make decisions in relation to straightforward grants of small amounts. The trustees made 73 grants totalling £56,590 in the report year.
The majority of applicants continue to be in the age range of 21 – 25 years, reflecting the on-going issues faced by young adults after initial help with independence from local authorities has been exhausted, and the extent to which the reduction in State welfare provision has affected this age-group.
CCLT opens quarterly throughout the year for online application submissions. Due to high demand for the charity, this structure ensures a manageable number of applications can be processed and applicants contacted within the promised six-week timeframe for board review and grant approval. However, applications related to education remain open for online submission all year round.
Applications were received from most parts of England, with the highest levels of funding in Worcestershire, Birmingham, Bradford, Haringey, and Hampshire.
The Trustees will continue to monitor the use being made of CCLT by Local Authorities to ensure that grant assistance is not unduly concentrated in a single geographical location. The policy of capping the total amount of grant aid available to applicants formerly in the care of an individual Local Authority will continue to be implemented.
CCLT is quite well known and generally attracts large numbers of applications in a short time period when the website is open for new applications. It is unlikely that further publicity will be needed in the future, but trustees will monitor this in conjunction with the level of applications received from different parts of England and Wales.
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Beneficiaries came from diverse backgrounds, with the largest groups being White British and Black British applicants.
Funding was predominantly directed towards essential items to support independent living, including household goods, white goods, and flooring, alongside support for driving costs and education-related study materials. The Trustees are satisfied that funds have been applied effectively and in line with the Trust’s objectives, responding to clear and ongoing need.
The Trust also secured additional income from third parties. Donations included £2,000 from the John Lewis Partnership, £1,000 from the Walter Priestman Memorial Trust, and £3,000 from the Ludlow Trust. The Trust’s JustGiving page generated £1,486, and participation in the Trundle Trust 70k step challenge raised £1,230.
Financial Review
During the year, the Charity received a total income of £64,635 (2024 - £113,572) and incurred expenditure of £92,648 (2024 - £113,209) which has resulted in a deficit for the year of £28,013 (2024 – surplus £363).
As at 30 September 2025, total funds stood at £49,255 (2024 - £77,268).
Plans for Future Periods
CCLT will continue to make grants on the same basis as in recent years. Processes are in place to monitor the progress of a sample of successful grantees after 12 months following a grant.
CCLT will look to continue to support other projects that provide effective assistance to the care leaving community.
In the coming year, CCLT will prioritise a focus on higher education grants to support care-experienced young adults in building a more secure foundation for future financial sustainability, while also developing their career and employability skills.
Reserves policy
Capstone Foster Care Ltd has indicated to the Trustees that it intends, subject to its own financial performance, to make substantial grants to CCLT for the foreseeable future. CCLT may receive donations from other parties over time but these are not expected to be material in the short term. The operating costs of CCLT are relatively fixed and the Trustees will monitor levels of grant making to make sure that adequate cash reserves are maintained at all times. The Trustees currently intend to maintain cash reserves to cover normal operating costs for at least six months.
Risk Assessment
The board have from time to time discussed and assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed and considered the safeguards that have been and can be implemented to mitigate those risks. In accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities the Trustees annually review the main risks facing CCLT.
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Board of Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). 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 group and the charity and of the profit and loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on a ‘going concern’ basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the charity will continue in business.
-
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
25/6/2026
Signed by order of the Board of Trustees on ………………
Mr R J Compton-Burnett Trustee
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025, which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees, who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the directions given by the charity commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and explanations sought from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
• the accounts did not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Martin Howard FCA For and on behalf of Hazlewoods LLP, Independent Examiners
Windsor House Bayshill Road Cheltenham GL50 3AT 25/6/2026 Date:……………………
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Donations and gifts Total incoming resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities 2 Total resources expended Net movement in funds Funds brought forward at 1 October 2024 Funds carried forward at 30 September 2025 |
Unrestricted fund 2025 £ 64,635 64,635 (89,730) (89,730) (25,095) 74,350 49,255 |
Restricted fund 2025 £ - - (2,918) (2,918) (2,918) 2,918 - |
Total Funds 2025 £ 64,635 64,635 (92,648) (92,648) (28,013) 77,268 49,255 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 113,572 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113,572 | ||||
| (113,209) | ||||
| (113,209) | ||||
| 363 76,905 |
||||
| 77,268 |
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
The Statement of Financial Activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) BALANCE SHEET AT 30 SEPETEMBER 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 6 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Funds Restricted income funds 7, 8 Unrestricted income funds: Operational general fund 7, 8 |
2025 £ 1,102 49,509 (1,356) 48,153 49,255 - 49,255 49,255 |
2024 £ 728 |
|---|---|---|
| 79,972 (3,432) |
||
| 76,540 | ||
| 77,268 | ||
| 2,918 74,350 |
||
| 77,268 |
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
For the year ended 30 September 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
25/6/2026
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ………………….and signed on its behalf by:
Mr R J Compton-Burnett Trustee
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, adopting the following principal accounting policies all of which are in accordance with 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 (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Company status
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1. The company is subject to the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with regards to the form and content of the financial statements.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated in the accounts at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life. The annual rates applied in this period were:
Website development costs 33% of cost Computer equipment 33% of cost
Incoming Resources
Incoming resources are allocated between:
Voluntary income (analysed between donations/gifts and grants receivable)
Donations/gifts and grants are accounted for on a receivable basis. Funds collected, to which the charity is entitled, but not received before the end of the financial year are included in incoming resources and in debtors.
Resources Expended
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any Value Added Tax which cannot be recovered. Where expenditure is directly attributable to more than one activity, it is apportioned across cost categories on the basis of an estimate of the proportion of time spent by staff on those activities.
Funds
Funds held by the charity are either:
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Unrestricted general funds, which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees, and;
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Restricted funds, which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions are specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The restricted funds received to date are to be given to care leavers who were looked after at some point by foster carers registered with Capstone Foster Care Limited group companies.
Taxation
The Company is an Exempt Charity within the meaning of Schedule 2 of the Charities Act 1993 and as such is a charity within the meaning of Section 519 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (formerly Section 506(1) of the Taxes Act 1988). Accordingly, the company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Section 524 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (formerly Section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988) or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Tax 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusively charitable purposes. The company is exempt for VAT purposes.
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2 RESOURCES EXPENDED ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITES
| Note Provision of care and education: Grants paid Depreciation 5 Support costs: Staff costs 4 Sundry Bank charges Website costs Total resources expended on charitable activities 3 NET INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR This is stated after charging depreciation 4 STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS Staff costs: Gross wages Social security costs Analysed: Staff costs included in support costs 2 |
2025 £ 56,590 881 57,472 33,491 507 178 1,001 35,176 92,648 2025 £ 881 2025 £ 30,271 3,220 33,491 33,491 |
2024 £ 74,201 463 |
|---|---|---|
| 74,664 | ||
| 37,362 78 140 965 |
||
| 38,545 | ||
| 113,209 | ||
| 2024 £ 463 |
||
| 2024 £ 35,322 2,040 |
||
| 37,362 | ||
| 37,362 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 October 2024 Additions At 30 September 2025 Depreciation At 1 October 2024 Charge for the year At 30 September 2025 Net book value At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 |
Computer Equipment £ 750 - 750 750 - 750 - - |
Website Development Costs £ 9,618 1,255 10,873 8,890 881 9,771 1,102 728 |
Total £ 10,368 1,255 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11,623 | |||
| 9,640 881 |
|||
| 10,521 | |||
| 1,102 | |||
| 728 |
| 6 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one Other creditors Credit card account 7 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities |
year Unrestricted Funds £ 1,102 49,509 (1,356) 49,255 |
2025 £ 749 607 1,356 Restricted Funds £ - - - - |
2024 £ 750 2,682 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,432 | |||
| Total £ 1,102 49,509 (1,356) |
|||
| 49,255 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: CFCB815C-865F-8721-809C-F9D7D867895F
THE CAPSTONE CARE LEAVERS’ TRUST (Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8 MOVEMENT ON RESERVES
Whilst the Statement of Financial Activities shows the movement on all funds, the position is also illustrated in this note for clarity:
| Funds brought forward at 1 October 2024 Net incoming / (outgoing) resources Funds carried forward At 30 September 2025 |
Operational general fund £ 74,350 (25,095) 49,255 |
Restricted fund £ 2,918 (2,918) - |
Total funds £ 77,268 (28,013) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49,255 |
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