Charity Registration Number: 1150283
Community & Education Centre (CEC)
A Registered Charity Organisation
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
Year ended 31st December 2024
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Community & Education Centre CEC
Reference and Administration Details
Year ended 31st December 2024
| Trustees: | Esther Bowen |
|---|---|
| Audrey Hylton | |
| Pauline Garnett | |
| Irene Fyfield-Johnson | |
| Georgina Kay | |
| Registered Office: | 233-237 Roundhay Road Resource Centre |
| Roundhay Road | |
| Leeds, LS8 4HS | |
| Charity Registration number: | 1150283 |
| Independent examiner: | PaulArt Accounting & Tax Services Ltd |
| Suite 210, 33 Great George Street | |
| Leeds, LS1 3AJ. |
Bankers: Santander 58/60 Briggate Leeds LS1 6AS Lloyds Bank PO Box 1000 Andover BX1 1LT Barclays Bank Leicester LE87 2BB
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Reference and Administration Details
Year ended 31st December 2024
| Contents | Page(s) |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Report and Charity Information | 4-6 |
| Courses and Accreditation Information | 7 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 8 |
| Statement Of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 11-13 |
| Explanation of Financial Provision | 14 |
| Future Plans | 15 |
| Structure, Governance and Management | 16 |
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Trustee’s report and charity information
Year ended 31st December 2024
The Trustees have presented their report and the financial statements of the charity for the period 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS102) in preparing the annual report and finance of the charity.
Charity’s Objectives
To advance the education of the public, in particular but not exclusively, adult learners by the provision of such training and assistance as the trustees may determine.
To promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of Leeds the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship, or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants.
To further such other charitable purposes for the public benefit as are exclusively charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.
Charity’s Activities
The project teaches academic courses to a category of disadvantaged learners i.e., teenage mothers, individuals with significant contact with the criminal justice system, refugees/asylum seekers, individuals with mental or physical health issues and the homeless. It will also work with individuals that require training support coupled with additional emotional care.
Achievement and performance
The Community & Education Centre (CEC) offers a variety of training and employment preparation programmes to suit the individual needs of all its students. We help all our clients reach their true potential through a wide range of training opportunities and individualised community support. We prepare individuals for the workplace and help them gain new skills or enhance existing skills. Through small group sessions students will attend classes on core subjects i.e. Remedial English, Mathematics, and ICT these subjects will also be available up to level 1 and 2 (equivalent to a GCSE grade C) for our more able students.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Trustee’s report and charity information (continued)
Year ended 31st December 2024
Financial Review
For the year ended 31st December 2024 , the charity received a total of £60,168 , compared with £63,183 in 2023. The small drop in income is mainly because a few one-off donations and project grants received last year did not repeat this year.
Total spending during the year was £52,547 (2023: £59,849). The reduction in costs mainly came from lower general expenses and office running costs.
After taking everything into account, the charity made a net surplus of £7,620 (2023: £3,334). This means that our income was higher than our spending, helping to strengthen our financial position.
At the end of the year, the charity had net assets of £7,789 (2023: £9,444). Of this, £2,647 is unrestricted and available to support the charity’s ongoing work, and £5,142 is restricted for specific projects.
Overall, the trustees are pleased with the charity’s financial progress and are confident that it remains in a stable position. We will continue to manage our funds carefully to make sure every pound goes towards helping those we support.
Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to maintain a level of reserves that ensures the charity can continue to operate effectively and meet its ongoing commitments, even if income were to fall unexpectedly. At 31 December 2024 , the charity held total funds of £7,789 , of which £2,647 were unrestricted. These unrestricted reserves are available to support day-to-day operations and any unforeseen expenses.
The trustees consider that holding approximately three months’ operating costs as free reserves is a reasonable target for a charity of this size. Current unrestricted reserves are close to this target, and the trustees are satisfied that the charity’s financial position remains healthy. Restricted funds of £5,142 are held for specific projects and can only be used for those purposes.
The trustees will continue to monitor the level of reserves throughout the year to ensure they remain adequate and appropriate for the charity’s needs.
Going Concern
The trustees have reviewed the charity’s financial position and future plans and are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future. The charity continues to receive steady income from its regular supporters and project funding, and expenditure is carefully managed in line with available resources.
Accordingly, the trustees have prepared the accounts on a going concern basis , as they believe there are no material uncertainties that would affect the charity’s ability to continue its operations.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Trustee’s report and charity information (continued)
Year ended 31st December 2024
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The trustees regularly review the main risks facing the charity to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to manage and reduce them.
The key risks identified during the year include:
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Funding uncertainty: Dependence on grants and donations means that future income levels can fluctuate. The trustees continue to explore new funding opportunities and maintain good relationships with existing supporters.
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Rising costs: Increases in general running costs could affect the charity’s ability to deliver services. The trustees monitor budgets closely to keep spending within available funds.
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Reliance on volunteers and key staff: The charity relies on the commitment of volunteers and a small team of staff. Steps are taken to ensure continuity through good communication, training, and succession planning.
The trustees are confident that, through active monitoring and prudent management, the charity’s risks are being effectively managed and do not pose a threat to its ongoing operations.
Statement of trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Miss Esther Bowen Chair of Trustees
23[rd] October 2025
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Courses and Accreditation Information
Year ended 31st December 2024
A range of supporting topics have been delivered including Building an Effective Job Search Skills Workshop, a CV Preparation Crash Course and a Meeting Potential Employers Networking Event, which take place at the end of each academic year. Taking place across Leeds, our training programmes cater for a range of physical, social, and psychological needs, and we have a number of different programmes which help and support the individuals.
At the end of each session the participants take part in a summative assessment which leads to a recognised qualification. The summative assessments are implemented to determine whether the students have acquired the skills and knowledge of understanding the training course and the aims it provided. The examination is done on the premises and checked by an external verifier.
The City and Guilds examination process in literacy and numeracy are valid accredited qualifications, which are recognised by employers. These qualifications will put the students in a position of beneficial employable status and take them into jobs that will enhance their career prospects.
We deliver literacy and numeracy City and Guilds level 1 and 2 qualifications (currently with very good pass rates) The Cambridge ESOL examinations from entry 1 through to level 2 in speaking/listening, reading, and writing accreditations are taken throughout the year and have been rewarding for the ESOL students.
We network and work alongside other educational providers such as the Worker's Educational Association (WEA), Aim to Learn, and the Learning Curve Group who are an employment organisation that have direct links to the Job Centres. They provide communitybased employment courses such as Health & Social Care, Security, Retail, Customer Services, Childcare Early Years, Cleaning and Office/Administration, alongside a selection of other vocational courses. Learner progress and satisfaction are evaluated through review and feedback forms, which help identify areas for improvement and maintain high training standards in line with our charitable objectives.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Independent Examiner`s Report For The
Year ended 31st December 2024
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Community & Education Centre (CEC)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements Community & Education Centre (CEC) for the year ended 31st December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, and the related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011('the Act'). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under the Charities Act 2011, s.144(2) (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
PaulArt Accounting & Tax Services Ltd Suite 210, 33 Great George Street Leeds England LS1 3AJ 23[rd] October 2025
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Statement Of Financial Activities For The
Year ended 31st December 2024
Receipts and payments account for the year ended 31st December 2024
| Total receipts Payments Charity Expenditure – White Goods Cost of Charity Activities Wages, salaries, and other staff costs Car, van, and travel expenses Premises cost Storage costs Telephone, fax, and other office costs Advertising and business entertainment costs Insurance Bank, credit card and other finance charges Accountancy, legal and other professional fees Church donation General Expenses Depreciation Total payments Net Surplus/(Deficit) |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| 33,283 26,88560,16863,183 |
|
| - 335 335 5,000 2,264 9,119 11,383 6,560 6,239 5,045 11,284 3,097 2,598 2,598 925 11,878 2,615 14,493 14,400 - - 356 2,366 2,366 14,115 95 70 165 2,520 191 191 - - - - 720 720 360 - - - 2,667 4,559 7,236 12,516 1,776 1,776 - |
|
| 30,804 21,743 52,547 59,849 |
|
| 2,479 5,142 7,6203,334 |
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Assets for charity's own use | ||
| 20 Workshop computers | Nil | Nil |
| 5 Printers | Nil | Nil |
| 3 Smartboards | Nil | Nil |
| Car | Nil | Nil |
| Building | 4,336 | 4,336 |
| Computers | Nil | 1,776 |
| Bank/building society balances | 3,453 | 3,332 |
| Liabilities | Nil | Nil |
| Net assets | 7,789 | 9,444 |
| Funds | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 2,647 | 9,444 |
| Restricted funds | 5,142 | Nil |
| Total funds | 7,789 | 9,444 |
Notes to the accounts
All original tangible fixed assets used by the charity have been fully written off. The majority of these assets were acquired prior to 2014 and are therefore fully depreciated, although they continue to be utilised in furtherance of the charity’s objectives.
Approved by the trustees on 23[rd] October 2025
And signed on their behalf by:
Miss Esther Bowen Chair of Trustees
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Community & Education Centre (CEC) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024
1 Statutory Information
The Charity is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The Charity’s registered number is 1150283.
2 Going Concern
The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis, as there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue. Based on the adequacy of the Charity's reserves as at the balance sheet date, along with their knowledge of the Charity's ability to meet bills, payments and other liabilities as they fall due, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has sufficient resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
3 Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic if Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds: These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity.
The charity solely had unrestricted funds in the period under review.
Designated funds: These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.
Restricted funds: These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal.
Income
Recognition of income: Incoming resources are recognised gross on a receipts and payments basis and are allocated to the Unrestricted Fund unless gifted on the basis of certain restrictions. There were no such restrictions in the year under review.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued)
Expenditure
Recognition of expenditure: Outgoing resources are recognised gross on a receipts and payments basis and are allocated against the General Fund unless incurred specifically for the purposes of any nominated fund. There were no specific payments in the period under review.
Expenditure on raising funds: These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising trading costs and investment management costs.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Areas of Judgment. The Trustees do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period.
Guarantee. The charity has not given any guarantees in the period under review and there are no outstanding guarantees at the balance sheet date.
Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC) Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 (continued) 4 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
| Income Donations Grants Total Income Purchases Charitable Expenditure Cost of Charitable Activities Total Purchases Direct Expenses Cost of Fund Generation Gross Income over Expenses Overheads Support Cost – Rent & Rates Support Cost – Heat, Light & Power Support Cost – Travelling Expenses Support Cost – Printing & Stationery Support Cost – Telephone & Computer Support Cost – Equipment Hire & Rental Support Cost – Maintenance Support Cost – Insurance Support Cost – General Expenses Management & Admin Management & Admin – Professional Fees Management & Admin – Accountancy Fees Depreciation – Computer Equipment Total Overheads Net Surplus/(Deficit) |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total funds Total funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 5,178 - 5,178 18,676 28,105 26,885 54,990 44,507 |
|---|---|
| 33,283 26,885 60,168 63,183 |
|
| - 335 335 5,000 2,264 9,119 11,383 6,560 |
|
| 2,264 9,454 11,718 11,560 |
|
| 95 70 165 5,000 |
|
| 30,924 17,361 48,285 46,623 |
|
| 11,878 2,615 14,493 14,400 - - 600 2,598 - 2,598 925 394 - 394 1,940 732 - 732 1,601 - - - 1,250 540 - 540 6,600 191 - 191 - 2,677 4,559 7,236 12,516 6,239 5,045 11,284 3,097 700 - 700 - 720 - 720 360 1,776- 1,776 - |
|
| 28,445 12,219 40,664 43,289 |
|
| 2,479 5,142 7,620 3,334 |
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Explanation of Financial Provision
Year ended 31st December 2024
In 2024, the accounts showed an income of £60,168. The Help Team service grew significantly, and the charity received grants to support marginalised beneficiaries during the high cost-ofliving crisis. The charity provided food, fuel vouchers, white goods, adult clothing, baby clothing via its baby bank service, and supported many applying for means tested benefits and health assessment forms.
During 2024, the community side of the charity expanded. In November 2024, the charity changed its name to Community and Education Centre (CEC) to reflect the charity’s community and education services. Additional Help Team advisers and a finance worker were appointed to manage the community and education work, and two bank accounts were opened in October 2024 to separate the community and education income. The trustees have secured a building loan and refurbishment grant, with completion expected in late 2025.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Year ended 31st December 2024
Future Plans
The charity serves the Chapeltown and Harehills areas, which include many disadvantaged and marginalised adults. Our work helps improve literacy, digital and life skills for those excluded from mainstream education, demonstrating clear public benefit.
Looking ahead from 2025, the trustees plan to purchase the charity’s own building, which will become the charity’s headquarters and training hub. The building loan and refurbishment grant have been secured, with completion expected by the end of the year.
The building will expand on the community service provided through the Help Team project and will also provide educational, digital, vocational and life skills courses for marginalised adult learners. The planned building will also include space for community hire, training rooms, and a homeless support facility, extending the charity’s outreach and sustainability.
We aim to strengthen engagement with BAME communities, supporting participants into employment and leadership roles, and promoting inclusion across our programmes.
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Community & Education Centre (CEC)
Year ended 31st December 2024
Structure, governance, and management
Governing document: Constitution adopted 01/03/2012 as amended on 19/12/2012
CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMUNITY & EDUCATION CENTRE (CEC) (A Community Education Initiative for Disadvantaged Adult Learners)
The organisation is known as the Community & Education Centre (CEC). The charity provides education and vocational courses for disadvantaged adult learners, and a Community Help Team project, alongside other community services for destitute families and marginalised individuals.
The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees.
The recruitment and appointment of new trustees is based on their expertise and how they can benefit the charity. The appointment of new trustees requires approval by the Board of Trustees.
This report was approved by the trustees on 23[rd] October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Signed:
Miss Esther Bowen Chair of Trustees 23[rd] October 2025
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