Company number 8286100 Charity number 1150372 ## **Oaks Trust** Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 August 2025 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Financial Statements - 31 August 2025** |**CONTENTS**|| |---|---| ||Page| |Reference and administrative details|1| |Trustees' Report|2-4| |Independent Examiner’s Report|5| |Statement of Financial Activities|6| |Balance Sheet|7| |Cash Flow Statement|8| |Notes to the Financial Statements|9-14| ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** Oaks Trust is a registered charity _(1150372)_ and a company limited by guarantee _(8286100)_ . Its registered office is: 21/23 Clarendon Villas Hove East Sussex BN3 3RE The Trustees throughout the Year, _(unless otherwise shown)_ , and at the date the report is signed were: A Bateman W Bigwood N de Freese A Knight M Sibanda J Waller D Wilson Company Secretary A Waller Bankers: National Westminster Bank plc 103 Church Road Hove East Sussex BN3 2BF Independent Examiner: Dr Shona Wardrop C.A. 44 Grand Parade Brighton BN2 9QA 1 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT** The trustees present their 13[th] report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 9 and 10 and comply with current statutory requirements the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland _(FRS102) (effective from 1 January 2019)_ , the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2019. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** The company was incorporated on 8 November 2012 and was registered as a charity on 7 January 2013. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The activities started in 2014. The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of the members is £1 each in the event of the company being wound up. The trustees of the company are appointed upon becoming a trustee of Clarendon Trust Limited, which is the sole member of Oaks Trust. The induction process for trustees involves supplying them with copies of the Memorandum & Articles of Association, recent Accounts and Minutes of trustees’ Meetings. Trustees meet regularly through the Year and all the major decisions of the charity are made by them in consultation with the charity’s managers. Oaks Trust is connected with Clarendon Trust Ltd _(of 21-23 Clarendon Villas, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3RE)_ in that the charities have common trustees and Clarendon Trust Ltd is the sole member of Oaks Trust. The trustees have recognised the importance of assessing and managing risk associated with the charity’s objectives. The process of identifying risk is ongoing and has been an essential part of the management of the charity. The trustees have implemented systems to ensure ongoing identification, management and documentation of foreseeable risks. ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT** The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and paid due regard to it in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The trustees are satisfied that the ongoing activities in which they are involved, that the charity is continuing to meet the public benefit requirement. Oaks Trust seeks to help those who are poor and disadvantaged for a variety of reasons. Oaks Trust is working to alleviate poverty across Brighton, Hove and Shoreham in a number of ways. We operate foodbanks in collaboration with Trussell trust, work readiness/mental health help on a local farm, monthly hot meals for the homeless community in central Brighton, Baby Basics essential provisions for vulnerable new mums, and more besides. All of this comes under the ‘Care For Our City’ brand which is funded by the Oaks Trust and Friends First charities. Our foodbanks are located in Shoreham, Hangleton, Hove and central Brighton - the latter being the busiest of the four, with a high percentage of single men relying on our service. The food bank in Hangleton _(Oasis Foodbank)_ , is changing to ‘Oasis Community Shop’ in October 2025, serving subsidised _(rather than completely free)_ food to low income households in the local area, with the advantage that guests can stay for longer rather than just the short term crisis provision that the food bank offers, and no formal referral is required to visit. 2 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Trustees’ Report – continued** ## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT** Between September 2024 and August 2025, our food banks served 3386 food parcels which fed 5841 people - including 1361 children whose families are struggling to afford the essentials. Benefit and debt advisors from Money Advice Plus have been working each week in our food banks, funded by a grant that we have received from Trussell Trust. They have brought in hundreds of thousands of pounds of debt relief and benefits claims for our guests and continue to be a huge asset. In addition, we have also had visits by social prescribers, energy poverty relief agencies, careers advisors and other agencies who have been able to support our guests in tangible ways. A major issue for many people is loneliness and isolation, and our food banks _(along with initiatives run by Emmanuel Church)_ are a valuable source of community, connection and friendship. In November 2024, a giving campaign at Emmanuel Church raised £217,000 _(via the Clarendon Trust)_ for our social action projects, and that money has allowed us to keep the foodbanks well stocked and staffed. We have also received some local government funding and private grant money. We have 8 staff _(all part time)_ who are currently leading our food banks and other projects. However, all of our work is heavily dependent on the 75+ or so volunteers who help us keep things running smoothly. The gift campaign also allowed us to purchase a van which has been very useful for transporting people and goods between our sites and the farm, and collecting food and furniture items etc. We were also delighted to be able to give away a portion of the money to some other charities and agencies who are working in Brighton and Hove to alleviate poverty. It is important to us to work alongside others and develop good relationships with those who are supporting the poor and vulnerable. In addition, a portion of the money has also been spent setting up an addiction recovery ministry in collaboration with the KEYS charity, launching in Autumn 2025. We are conscious that substance abuse is a huge social issue in our city and we are keen to support people who are battling addiction, alongside other agencies working in that arena. The church owns three buildings in different parts of the city, and they are all utilised not only for church meetings, but as spaces to operate our various Care For Our City projects. We are in regular conversation about how the buildings can be used even more effectively, and we’re excited about the possibility of work readiness schemes in one of the cafes, warm spaces, playgroups and other ways of having our doors open to the community. Each month about 60 or so homeless and vulnerably housed people come and enjoy a hot meal on a Sunday afternoon, provided at our central Brighton site. This is known as ‘Carpenters Arms’ and is part of a city-wide church collaboration where a different church will host the meal each week through the month. We also operate two Baby Basics _(Brighton & Shoreham)_ projects which make links with midwives in the region to support new mothers who are identified as struggling with financial stability, with the gift of a Moses Basket full of about £200 worth of consumables for mum and baby. Both projects are run by volunteers. The Shoreham site has been delivering a few of these baskets each month and the Brighton site has been preparing to ramp up their output after some leadership and team changes. 3 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Trustees’ Report – continued** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** The Statement of Financial Activities on page 6 shows total incoming resources for the year of £200,514. Sources of funding are donations from individuals and churches as well as grant-making trusts and companies. The charitable company has funded various activities, which are in line with its stated objectives. The level of activity for the year was satisfactory and there was a surplus for the year of £3,198. All funds are restricted and totalled £83,574 at 31 August 2025. ## **RESERVES POLICY** The trustees have formulated a reserves policy in line with Charity Commission guidance. It is the trustees’ intention to maintain free reserves sufficient to enable the trust to meet its recurring expenditure for the foreseeable future. At Year end restricted reserves were £83,574. ## **PLANS FOR FUTURE YEARS** We are excited about the year ahead with a number of new initiatives starting. Although the need is massive, it is a genuine privilege to be able to play a small part in helping people at their toughest times and have some positive impact in the city. Chariot House Limited have been appointed as independent examiners via a resolution at the Annual General Meeting. This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption. Approved by the trustees on 24th March 2026 and signed on their behalf by : William Bigwood Chair of Trustees 21/23 Clarendon Villas Hove East Sussex BN3 3RE 4 ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’ REPORT TO THE SOLE MEMBER OF OAKS TRUST** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Oaks Trust for the year ended 31 August 2025. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity trustees of Oaks Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 _('the Act')_ . I report in respect of my examination of Oaks Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 _(5)(b)_ of the Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: - accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or - the accounts do not accord with those records; or - the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities _(Accounts and Reports)_ Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dr Shona Wardrop C.A. 44 Grand Parade Brighton East Sussex BN2 9QA Date: 24th March 2026 5 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2025** |**Notes**
**INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
**Incoming resources from generated funds**
Voluntary income
2, 5
**Total incoming resources**
**Resources expended**
**Charitable Activities**
Foodbanks
3, 5
Baby Basics
3, 5
**Total resources expended**
**Net movement in funds**
Fund balances brought forward at
01 September 2024
**Fund balances carried forward at**
**31 August 2025**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
200,514
200,514
197,316
-
197,316
3,198
80,376
83,574|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
179,104| |---|---|---| |||179,104| |||148,430
-| |||148,430| |||30,674
49,702| |||80,376| |||| All funds are restricted. The Statement of Financial Activities reflects the results of continuing activities for the Year. There were no recognised gains or losses for the Year other than those shown on the Statement of Financial Activities. The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements. 6 **OAKS TRUST** **Company number: 08286100** ## **Balance Sheet at 31 August 2025** |**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
─
**CREDITORS - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE**
**WITHIN ONE YEAR**
─
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
─
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**FUNDS**
**Restricted funds**
6
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**2025**
**£**
8,260
2,419
80,747
─────
83,166
(7,852)
─────
75,314
─────
83,574
83,574
83,574|**2024**
**£**
-
1,287
82,798
─────
84,085
( 3,709)
─────
80,376
─────
80,376
80,376
80,376| |---|---|---| The company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2025. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the Year in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for: - (a) ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and - (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial Year and of its surplus and deficit for each financial Year in accordance with the requirements of section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime. Approved by the trustees, signed on their behalf by and authorised for issue on 24th March 2026 William Bigwood Chair of Trustees The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements. 7 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 August 2025** |**2025**
**Reconciliation of net movement in funds to**
**net cash flows from operating activities**
**£**
Net movement in funds
3,198
Depreciation
3,540
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
(1,132)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
4,143
**Net cash inflow from operating activities**
**Capital expenditure**
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(11,800)
**Net cash outflow from capital expenditure**
**Increase/(decrease) in cash in the year**
**Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement**
**in net cash funds**
Net funds at beginning of the year
Change in net funds during the year
Net funds at end of the year|**2024**
**£**
**£**
30,674
-

(1,287)

(2,065)
9,749

-
(11,800)
(2,051)
82,798
(2,051)
80,747|

**£**



| |---|---|---| |||27,322| |||| |||-| |||| |||27,322| |||55,476
27,322| |||82,798| 8 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025** ## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES** The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with Charities SORP _(FRS 102)_ 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland _(FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)_ ', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. In light of the above and following a review of our financial position, reserves and future plans, the trustees have confidence the charity will remain a going concern for the foreseeable future. ## **(a) Incoming resources** Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. ## **(b) Resources expended** Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis. Overhead and support costs have been allocated on the basis of actual time spent. Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office and governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit and legal fees. ## **(c) Voluntary assistance** A certain amount of time is expended by volunteers on the charitable company's activities which is donated free of charge. It is not possible to quantify the value of the time given, and accordingly it is neither recorded as donated income nor as an expense in the financial statements. 9 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025** ## **(d) Taxation** The company is a charity within the meaning of Para 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010. Accordingly, the company is exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains within categories covered by Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. No tax arose in the year. ## **(e) Pensions** The charitable company contributes to defined contribution pension schemes. The charge to the Statement of Financial Activities for 2025 was £2,811 _(2024 – £2,907)_ . ## **(f) Fund accounting** An explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Funds held by the charity are restricted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. ## **(g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation** Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight line basis as follows: Vehicles/equipment – 33% per annum 10 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year Ended 31 August 2025** ## **2 VOLUNTARY INCOME** |Donations from churches
Corporate and local authority donations
Other donations and tax recovered|**2025**
**£**
53,810
115,253
31,451
200,514|**2024**
**£**
52,833
92,310
33,961| |---|---|---| |||179,104| During the Year £53,750 was donated by Clarendon Trust. During the Year the following grants of £2,000 or more were received: |Trussell Trust_(for Money Advice Plus)_|£51,750| |---|---| |Trussell Trust_(for Foodbank salaries)_|£12,000| |West Sussex County Council|£20,250| |Brighton & Hove City Council|£27,000| ## **3 RESOURCES EXPENDED ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** |**Direct Costs**
Direct staff costs
Other direct costs
**Support costs**
Support staff costs
Other support costs
Depreciation|**2025**
**£**
49,177
112,612
161,789
29,999
1,988
3,540
197,316|**2024**
**£**
44,014
95,857
139,871
6,646
1,913
-
148,430| |---|---|---| Other support costs include independent examiner fees of £1,600 _**.**_ ## **4 TRUSTEES AND STAFF COSTS** No trustees received or waived salary or expenses from the company during the year. ## **Staff costs** |**aff costs**||| |---|---|---| ||**2025**|**2024**| ||**£**|**£**| |Gross salaries|44,128|46,044| |Social security costs|2,149|1,710| |Pension costs|2,811|2,907| 11 49,177 50,660 ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025** There was no key management personnel remuneration during the year (2024: nil). The average number of persons employed by the charitable company during the year was as follows: |as as follows:||| |---|---|---| ||**2025**|**2024**| ||**Number**|**Number**| |Average number of employees|3|3| No employees had emoluments in excess of £60,000: nil (2023/24: nil). ## **5 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** |**Cost**
1 September 2024
Additions in the year
31 August 2025
**Accumulated depreciation**
1 September 2024
Charge for the year
31 August 2025
**Net book value**
At 31 August 2025
At 31 August 2025|**Vehicle**
**£**
-
11,800
─────
11,800
-
3,540
─────
3,540
8,260
-|**Total**
**£**
-
11,800
─────
11,800
-
3,540
─────
3,540
8,260
-| |---|---|---| 12 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025** ## **6 RESTRICTED FUNDS** |**Balance at**
**1 September**
**2024**
**£**
**Restricted funds**
Shoreham Foodbank
27,337
Centre Foodbank
1,854
Villas Foodbank
556
Oasis Foodbank
1,838
Shoreham Baby Basics
1,152
Brighton Baby Basics
4,000
Trussell Trust
43,638
──────

80,376

**Balance at**
**1 September**
**2023**
**£**
**Restricted funds**
Shoreham Foodbank
26,980
Centre Foodbank
1,904
Villas Foodbank
1,138
Oasis Foodbank
1,530
Shoreham Baby Basics
1,152
Brighton Baby Basics
2,000
Trussell Trust
15,088
──────
49,702
|**Movement in resources**
**Balance at**
**31 August**
**2025**
**Incoming**
**Outgoing**
**Transfers**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
48,698
36,607
(18,000)
21,428
47,512
39,954
5,000
14,412
20,870
26,238
5,500
689
17,250
25,242
7,500
1,346
220
-
-
1,372
2,188
-
-
6,188
63,776
69,276
-
38,139
──────
──────
─────
─────
200,514
197,316
-
83,574



**Movement in resources**
**Balance at**
**31 August**
**2024**
**Incoming**
**Outgoing**
**Transfers**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
42,141
23,693
(18,000)
27,337
24,204
33,754
9,500
1,854
21,220
26,802
5,000
556
18,789
21,981
3,500
1,838
-
-
-
1,152
2,000
-
-
4,000
70,750
42,199
-
43,638
──────
──────
─────
─────
179,104
148,430
-
80,376

| |---|---| Foodbanks are the restricted funds representing the emergency food distribution service. The Centre, Villas and Oasis Foodbank function as branches of the Shoreham Foodbank. 13 ## **OAKS TRUST** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025** ## **7 CONNECTED CHARITY** The charitable company is connected with Clarendon Trust Limited _(of 21-23 Clarendon Villas, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3RE)_ in that the charities have common trustees and Clarendon Trust Ltd is the sole corporate member of Oaks Trust. ## **8 CHARITABLE COMPANY STATUS** The charitable company does not have a share capital and the liabilities of its sole member are limited to the guarantee of up to a maximum of £1. ## **9 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** There were no related party transactions, other than those between members of the group – see trustee report. 14