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← London Youth Choir

2024-08-31-accounts

Charity no. 1151714

LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

a Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 August 2024

London Youth Choirs Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road London E1 6LA

Telephone: 07388 623 178 Email: office@londonyouthchoirs.com

londonyouthchoirs.com

LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

CONTENTS

Reference and administrative information …………………………………………………. 2 Trustees’ report …………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Independent examiner’s report ……………………………………………………………… 24 Statement of financial activities ……………………………………………………………… 25 Balance sheet ……………………………………………………………………………………. 26 Notes to the financial statements ……………………………………………………………. 27

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Founding President

Suzi Digby OBE

Honorary Patrons

Gareth Malone OBE Sir Andrew Parmley Dame Janet Ritterman Sir John Rutter

Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE (Founding Patron) Patrick Russill (Founding Patron)

Trustees

Dame Deirdre Hutton (Chair) Leslie East OBE (Vice-Chair)(resigned 18th June 2024) Mark Gallagher (resigned 5th March 2024) Mike Georgiou (joined 14th November 2023) Michael Llewelyn-Jones Kate Ludlow Lucy Noble (joined 14th November 2023) Duncan Watts George Wills

Executive Director

Nina Camilleri

Development Committee

Kate Ludlow (Chair) Richard Huntingford Karaca Mestci Mary Quillen Andy Roberts Elizabeth Ross Charles Sandford Fiona Yeomans

Artistic Director

Rachel Staunton

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Charity registered number

1151714

Registered office

Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road London E1 6LA

Independent examiner

Jessica Lawrence FCA CTA Azets Audit Services Limited 12 King Street Leeds LS1 2HL

Bankers

CAF Bank Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME14 4TA

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

For the year ended 31 August 2024

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of London Youth Choirs for the year ended 31 August 2024. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of "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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) .

The reference and administrative information on the preceding page forms part of this report.

Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution

The charity is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation set up by a Charity Commission Scheme. The charity is constituted under a Charity Commission Scheme and is a registered charity number 1151714.

The principal object of the charity is to provide high quality choral training and performance opportunities for young people living and studying in London .

Method of appointment or election of trustees

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Charity Commission Scheme. Under the requirements of the Constitution , the Trustees are elected to serve for a period of four years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity, after which they must be re-elected.

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that its members possess the range of skills and expertise required for the effective administration of the charity . In the event of particular skills or expertise being lost due to retirement, appropriate individuals are identified and

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

approached to offer themselves for election to the Board of Trustees. The charity has produced an induction policy which outlines how a Trustee is approached and introduced to the charity and the formal procedure for appointing them as Trustee . Trustees are also offered the opportunity to visit the charity office and spend time with staff understanding systems and details of the operation of the charity .

Organisational Structure and Decision Making

The LYC Board of Trustees meets four times a year and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity . All Trustees give their time voluntarily .

The Executive Director and Artistic Director are afforded full artistic and operational control

subject to the budgeting limits set by the Board.

Objectives and Activities

Policies and Objectives

The objects of the London Youth Choirs are to advance the education and training of young people living or educated in London in the subject of music and the performing arts, and in particular , choral music . For the purposes of these objects, 'London' means the boroughs covered by the Greater London Authority or any successor body, and the City

of Londo n.

The charity will achieve this by :

people;

•

•

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

have had due regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

Activities for Achieving Objectives

‘Unlocking young people’s potential through the power of choral singing’

At London Youth Choirs (LYC), we provide a progression pathway for young people aged 7 to 23, welcoming everyone from absolute beginners to those aspiring to professional careers in the performing arts. Our 10 choirs – six central (City) and four regional (Southwark, Ealing, Tottenham and Streatham) – form the heart of our work, bringing together young singers from across London for weekly rehearsals and inspiring performances.

LYC members benefit from exceptional vocal training led by our highly experienced team of choral conductors, who nurture talent, build confidence, and develop skills in teamwork, musicianship and self-expression. These dedicated mentors not only foster vocal ability but also inspire and challenge our members. Through their expert guidance, our singers explore an extraordinary range of music – from 500 years of classical repertoire to jazz, gospel, contemporary pop and newly-commissioned works, ensuring a rich and diverse musical experience.

Beyond rehearsals, LYC members gain specialist coaching and opportunities through our partnerships with leading ensembles, including Tenebrae, The Sixteen, The Bach Choir and the London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir. These collaborations provide masterclasses, peer-to-peer learning, and performance opportunities, further enriching our members' musical development and experience.

At LYC, we believe that choirs offer more than just musical development – they provide a lifeline for young people’s wellbeing. Research shows that singing in a choir can positively impact mental health and social connection, particularly for young people facing challenges. Our Wellbeing Team ensures that members feel supported, valued and empowered, helping them to thrive both musica lly and personally.

Our Choirs

Singers can join LYC at any age or progress through the choirs, from Junior level to Cambiata Choirs and then to London Youth Choir or Chamber Choir. Level-appropriate musicianship training is provided to support members in their singing and development.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Rehearsals take place weekly during term time across London:

We are grateful for our strategic partnerships with City of London School and Streatham &

Clapham High School, which provide essential in-kind support through free rehearsal space. These partnerships enable us to expand our reach, enhance artistic output, and maintain a vibrant and inclusive choral community.

Such friendships are the lifeblood of our organisation - critical not only to the ongoing strategic development of LYC but also to our capacity to learn from and connect with inspiring people and institutions. We hope for long and flourishing relationships with the schools.

Many LYC members go on to audition for the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYC), with around 20 LYC members currently part of NYC. Our collaboration with NYC helps to broaden opportunities for young people from all backgrounds, further shaping the future of UK choral music and music education.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Widening Access & Engagement

Ensuring that LYC membership is truly open and accessible to all young Londoners is at the heart of our mission. We work proactively to remove financial, geographical and administrative barriers, making sure that no child is excluded from choral singing due to their circumstances.

This commitment is more crucial than ever. With arts and music increasingly marginalised in education policy and becoming less available to those who cannot afford to pay extra , we are determined to keep high-quality music opportunities within reach – especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which is placing additional strain on families.

To make this possible:

Impact in 2023/24

LYC Experience

At LYC, we are committed to making our membership affordable and ensuring that free places are available to all who need them. However, accessibility goes beyond affordability – it requires active outreach to schools and communities in disadvantaged areas of London. That’s where LYC Experience comes in.

LYC Experience is an initiative designed to reignite music as a vital part of the community and bring the joy of singing to musically underserved areas of our capital. Through this

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

programme, we collaborate with schools, music hubs, and families to empower young people through music, ensuring that every child – regardless of background – has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of choral singing.

At the heart of LYC Experience are free, engaging workshops that introduce young people to choral singing in a way that is inclusive, creative, and fun. These workshops not only inspire a love of singing but also establish a pathway into LYC choirs, helping to nurture diverse musical talent. By building trust with children, teachers, and communities, we create lasting connections and open doors to high-quality music education for those who might otherwise miss out.

Through LYC Experience, we are shaping a future where every child has access to the life-changing power of music – one voice at a time.

In 2023/24, LYC Experience engaged 2,171 young people through free singing activities across London. This included:

These sessions brought communities together through the joy of singing, expanding access to high-quality music education for those who need it most.

Spotlight: LYC & THAME S

Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service

In 2023/24, LYC’s Positive Change Choir brought the joy of choral singing to 60 young people (aged 11–15) from two secondary schools in Tower Hamlets, where 50% of pupils receive Free School Meals. For many, this was their first experience of singing in a choir.

Under the expert guidance of Naveen Arles (LYC Cambiata Boys conductor), the young singers were supported, encouraged and inspired to find their voices. The project culminated in an uplifting performance at Rich Mix Cultural Centre, showcasing their progress and newfound confidence.

In addition to working with students, Naveen led a highly successful CPD session for 11 local teachers from Tower Hamlets and neighboring boroughs, equipping them with the tools to engage young people in singing.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

We are thrilled that the Positive Change Choir will continue for another year thanks to further funding from THAMES, allowing us to build on this year’s success and continue embedding a culture of singing in local schools.

" This project has been fantastic. Workshops have been led in a supportive and engaging way, where all pupils have been able to access the repertoire (including pupils with SEN and ASC). The Positive Change Choir Project has been the perfect springboard to boost our school choir and embed a lasting legacy of singing at George Green’s School ."

– Head of Music, George Green’s School

Achievements and Performance

Review of activities

Building on the strong foundation of our first decade, LYC has continued to grow and thrive throughout 2023/24. We celebrate the dedication and passion of our members and the outstanding commitment of our team, which includes 13 core staff in the LYC office , 10 conductors, 4 pianists and 15 assistant leaders, 7 of whom were former members of LYC. The entire LYC community can take pride in our achievements as we look ahead to an exciting future.

2023/24 – our membership at a glance:

We’re constantly working to make our choirs more representative of the amazing diversity of London and measure our progress against London census data. Over the next year, we’re focusing

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

on improving the numbers of young people who take part who receive Pupil Premium, who identify as Disabled, and on the representation of ethnicities throughout our organisation. This is alongside our commitment to further increase the number of young people receiving financial assistance, and to encourage more boys to sing.

Performance Highlights: A Year of Spectacular Music-Making

37 Concerts | 21,160 Live Audience | 10.4 Million Broadcast Audience

In 2023/24, LYC delivered an extraordinary range of performances, showcasing 113 pieces by 97 composers, with half of the repertoire written in the 21st century. Spanning choral, folk, gospel, jazz, pop and musical theatre, our music embraced 17 different languages, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of our young singers.

Working with World-Class Artists

Throughout the year, LYC members had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with renowned musicians, conductors and performers, including:

" The Chamber Choir sounded terrific. The atmosphere and sense of purpose of the whole organisation seemed deeply inspiring to me, and there is nothing more powerful in music than what you’re all doing with these young singers ." – Gavin Carr, Conductor

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Collaborative Composition

50 members of the Cambiata choirs collaborated in workshops to write a new song, ‘Voices Unify ’ , working with professional musicians and composers Rosie Bergonzi and Joe Steele. The new song was premiered in March 2024.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, as the project gave them the chance to connect, explore their creativity, and discover their voices at a crucial age for self-expression.

The importance of this song and this project is highlighted in the very first words 'when words don't speak you sing' – these came from one member of the Cambiata Boys’ choir in our first session.

“ It’s so important to let young people have their own voice to sing about whatever is important to them. It’s obvious how much everyone cares about LYC and how much fun everyone has every week! ”

– Rosie Bergonzi, Percussionist & Composer

“ I loved creating something both personal, but fun as a group! ”

– Participant, age 13

Unforgettable Performances & Milestone Events

LYC performed in some of London’s most prestigious venues, delivering unforgettable moments in concerts and collaborations, including:

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Spotlight Event: D-Day 80 Commemoration

On 6 June, it was both an honour and a privilege for LYC Chamber Choir to perform as part of the official D-Day 80 commemorations in Normandy. Marking this historic occasion, the LYC Chamber Choir joined singer-songwriter Naomi Kimpenu and The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment to premiere a specially commissioned anthem – ‘ Lovingly Remembered ’ by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber – paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

" We were deeply humbled to play a part in this momentous occasion, commemorating the great sacrifices of those who gave their lives in the service of our country. May their bravery, resilience and sense of duty continue to guide and inspire the youth of today ." – Nina Camilleri, Executive Director

This deeply moving performance was a powerful reminder of the role of music in remembrance and reflection, ensuring that the legacy of those who served lives on in the hearts of future generations.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Youth Voice

Young Leaders Collective (YLC)

T his year marked the launch of LYC’s inaugural Young Leaders Collective, bringing together 10 LYC members to contribute to the organisation’s strategy and develop new skills. For the Young Leaders Collective, the year involved:

“ Working with YLC has been such a pleasure! Exploring the role of leadership, communicating and advocating on behalf of others and exploring what it means to truly embed youth voice in an organisation. If this group of amazing young leaders are an indicator of the future leaders in the world, we are in good hands! ”

– Sam Stimpson, EDI and Youth Voice Consultant

The programme, which will continue into the 2024/25 year, empowered members to bring about change in a charity they care so much about, and to give them the tools to become future leaders. At the year-end reflection, when asked to score, all respondents scored 5 out of 5 to the prompt: “ I am proud to have been in the Young Leaders Collective ”.

Some of the achievements from the group include: Developing and implementing a new Member-Wide Feedback system (The YLC Postbox), part-digitising the annual member feedback system, commissioning research into the North of the river / South of the river divide amongst members, and developing and presenting a recommendation for change to the Board of Trustees which called for:

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

  1. A sustained effort to build a purpose and community that is defined by our choir members

  2. inclusive and accessible opportunities for meaningful internal and external collaboration

Some of the areas covered throughout the year were: oversight and input into the annual member-wide feedback programme, introduction to charity governance and the third sector, teamworking (establishing terms of reference, meeting management & active listening exercises), careers in music and the creative sector, creative and critical thinking (including developing and learning creative brainstorming exercises), public speaking and presentation skills, legacy planning, fundraising and development workshop, recruitment, and event coordination.

One Young Leader puts their experience into words:

“ [The YLC] is a really great opportunity to learn more about the music/creative industry and learn invaluable skills that are useful in any career you go into. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful change and empowering young people then consider applying for the YLC! ‘By changing nothing, nothing changes. ”

– Tony Robbins, Young Leader

We are excited to see where the programme goes in the coming years, but the 2023/24 cohort set up a very sturdy foundation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

“ London Youth Choirs should be a place where all young Londoners and staff feel at home within a fair ecosystem that allows them to excel. ”

– Freddie Aitken, Membership and EDI Manager

There is a strong understanding among the Trustees and staff that inequities within society and within the sectors that we serve need to be addressed. We believe that music making should be for everyone, and that the choral sector will be richer and better if more people feel they have a place in it. As industry leaders, we see it as our role to spearhead bold, positive and inclusive practice in EDI.

We strive for a creative community where everyone feels able to participate and achieve their potential: a community that is inclusive and representative of the society we live and work in, and which enhances the safety, wellbeing and belonging of everyone. This commitment is reflected in our dedication to accessibility, anti-racism, respect, and embracing differences as outlined in our statement, which is publicly available on our website.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

In 2023/24 we highlighted the following target areas: diversifying our choir membership (particularly around better male representation), ensuring representation among the composers of the music they perform, enhancing training for our musical staff (particularly around neurodiversity), fostering diversity within the LYC management team, and diversifying the composition of our trustees.

To drive efforts like these forward, LYC established an EDI action group in 2021/22 and since then the group continues to convene monthly to explore opportunities for improvement. Additionally, team members participate in relevant training sessions to enhance their understanding and share insights. This year, that included compulsory autism awareness training, a session on Inclusive Practice with ABRSM’s Lincoln Abbotts and more. The EDI Staff Group is also in the process of conducting an internal audit of our EDI practice in order to set out clear and actionable targets. These will guide our progress and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of our organisation's mission and operations.

Here are some examples of the things we did in 2023/24 to remove barriers to access:

All these steps and more are part of an ongoing process to be a choir where no talented individual feels they can’t belong, where conversation and creativity is made richer through diversity and where all who engage with us are given all the tools to be the best version of themselves.

Supporting our members’ mental health and wellbeing

“ LYC is a very positive place, the people are fantastic, full of joy and enthusiasm for music and for the young people in the Choirs. It has had a truly positive impact on my child's well being. ”

– Parent of member

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

LYC has always promised to deliver two things: musical excellence and social change. While our primary activities revolve around choral singing training, our overall aim is to help young people reach their full potential, especially catering to those who have faced barriers to music making because of social disadvantage. We have seen from our work over the last 11 years that having a robust and proactive safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral support provision is vital for the delivery of the LYC programme, without which our music education services would be less effective.

Our pastoral care programme is a crucial part of this, ensuring that all young people are welcomed into the LYC community regardless of any pastoral needs that they may have. This helps us make LYC a safe and supportive environment where all children are nurtured and can grow in confidence.

Since 2021, Alison Bastable has been LYC’s Head of Safeguarding and Pastoral Care, working with our Head of Operations, Executive Director and LYC Trustee for Safeguarding, George Wills, to develop our policies and to implement our pastoral care programme at weekly rehearsals. This includes supporting individual members through one-on-one chats, weekly check-ins or programme adjustments, as well as planning the general wellbeing programme for all members. For many, our rehearsals are often the only place where they have a dedicated pastoral support network and someone to talk to.

" I love pastoral! My musicianship, confidence and happiness are all down to LYC and my career choice is totally inspired by the LYC female music educators and conductors! " – Member of London Youth Choir

To ensure that young people in our choirs receive the highest possible level of pastoral care, we have expanded our training opportunities for all staff at LYC over the last 4 years. This now includes:

The choir staff team are fully briefed about members' medical and pastoral needs and are updated weekly by way of a pastoral briefing at the start of each choir rehearsal.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Bi -weekly pastoral/behaviour meetings (Head of Operations, Artistic Director, Membership and EDI Manager and Head of Safeguarding) to discuss members behaviour and early intervention, if appropriate.

All staff use a reporting database called MyConcern. This logs pastoral and safeguarding concerns, which the Head of Safeguarding triages and acts upon.

The Safeguarding Team (LYC Trustee, Designated Safeguarding Lead and three Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads) meet every half term to discuss open safeguarding cases and to review cases to be closed.

Responding to the needs of our members, we have implemented the following initiatives:

“ I am so lucky to go to such a wonderful place and meet such welcoming people. ” – LYC Junior Girls Member, 10

Fundraising

2023/24 was the second and final year of LYC’s 10th Anniversary target, aiming to raise £1 million by August 2024. Over the year, LYC drew on individual support, trusts and foundations, and corporate giving to bring in over 70% of LYC’s income. All of this underpins our charitable work, reaching young people with the joys and benefits of singing, especially for those who are being excluded from these opportunities because of cost or other barriers.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Over the year, £510,586 was raised, meaning we successfully exceeded our 10th Anniversary target, a real sign of confidence in our strategy, vision and impact. We are incredibly grateful for the work of the whole team and wider organisation, all of whom contribute in different ways toward making fundraising possible and successful.

The team expanded in September 2023, with Nicola O’Donnell joining as LYC’s first Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, building a new strategy to help us make the most of our position in the capital to find funding for the communities in the wider city.

Individual Giving

Individual donors remain an important part of our fundraising, with our Major Donors, LYC Circle, and Patrons a vital source of consistent support for our charitable work.

A significant milestone this year was the success of the Big Give campaign, ‘ Raise Your Voice: Singing Opportunities for All’, which ran from 28 November to 5 December. The campaign raised an impressive total of £109,325, including Gift Aid and had our highest number of donors to a campaign to date, at 202. All funds went towards our work widening access and participation, supporting our financial assistance scheme, which offers young people facing barriers free places in our choirs, and our LYC Experience work in schools.

The campaign was made possible by match funding contributions of £25,000 each from The Childhood Trust and Convex Insurance. Notably, the campaign introduced 101 new donors to LYC, many contributing smaller amounts, broadening the base of support. Efforts to engage individual donors were amplified by personalised outreach from trustees, staff, and the Development Committee, which proved instrumental in attracting smaller yet impactful donations.

A subsequent campaign, ‘Champions for Children ’ , ran from 4 to 18 June 2024 and raised £55,352 (including Gift Aid) against our campaign target of £50,000. This was through 154 donations including 56% from first time donors, the highest number of any campaign so far.

Trusts and Foundations

We continued expanding our relationships with trusts, foundations and livery companies, with a 10% increase in funding in this area in the 2023/24 year. LYC was grateful to receive grants from the following organisations towards our work widening access and engagement in choral music through our provision of free places, our work in state schools and other core programmes: The Leverhulme Trust, Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers, Rainbow Dickinson Trust, Tower Hamlets Arts Education Fund, Swire Charitable Trust, Maja Tham Charitable Trust, Three Monkies Charity and SCOPS Arts Trust.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

We were very grateful for targeted support towards particular choirs from the following funders: Garrick Charitable Trust and London Philharmonic Choir toward LYC Chamber Choir, John Lyon’s Charity; Heathrow Community Trust and Ealing Music Service toward LYC West and surrounding work; John Coates Charitable Trust towards LYC South West; and Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust to London Youth Choir.

The Symondson Foundation continued funding our work on safeguarding, pastoral support and wellbeing, allowing us to invest in improvements to systems which allow us to care for young people, especially those more vulnerable members. The Marchus Trust provided funding for LYC’s 4th year of a collaborative songwriting project, with LYC’s Cambiata Choirs and composer Rosie Bergonzi working together to produce ‘Voices Unify: When words don’t speak you sing’, premiered in March 2024. The City of London Corporation provided another year of support for our summer performances in the City through the ‘Inspiring London through Culture’ fund.

Despite the successes, this area has been more challenging compared to previous years, reflecting wider industry pressures. To address this, LYC invested in external expertise, working with Achates to review and improve application materials.

Corporate

Our corporate partnerships also saw growth over this financial year, mainly due to a brilliant new 3-year partnership with Advent International, who are providing financial and leadership support to the organisation.

Convex Insurance continued to be a key partner, committing to provide match funding for LYC’s campaigns over the next 3 years. This is a really important contribution which not only provides much needed funds towards our accessibility and engagement work, but also allows us to leverage their support to bring in new donors for the charity.

China Construction Bank concluded their final year of corporate sponsorship of LYC, having been an invaluable partner over the 5 years from 2019.

All corporate supporters benefitted from opportunities to attend concerts and rehearsals to see first-hand the impact of their donations, and also had their own employee choirs set up by LYC conductors and pianists. These were a fantastic opportunity for people to experience first hand the impact of singing on community and wellbeing.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

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Finally, there are many other organisations which contribute to LYC through in-kind support, which make a big impact for our charity. These include Brand Cooke, City of London School, Clayton Hotel City of London and Streatham and Clapham High School.

Looking Ahead – 2024/25

As LYC enters its second decade, we reflect on the significant impact the organisation has made since its inception. Over the past ten years, LYC has grown into a thriving, ambitious charity with 11 dedicated and highly skilled members of staff, and a network of freelance musicians, conductors, and educators who are among the most respected in the sector.

Looking ahead, our focus will shift towards consolidation and sustainable growth. We aim to strengthen our organisational infrastructure, embedding the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised our journey so far within a stable, secure foundation. This will ensure that we can continue to pursue our mission with clarity and confidence, deepening our engagement across London and raising the artistic standard of our choirs.

Our strategic priorities for 2024/25 are as follows:

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events. A strategic partnership with London Voices, the UK’s leading adult professional session choir, will further strengthen this offer and direct relevant enquiries to LYC Voices.

We have now appointed our first full-time Director of Fundraising and Communications . Over the coming year, we will implement a new fundraising and communications strategy designed to build a broad and engaged community of supporters, with a particular focus on digital engagement. In recognition of the increasing strain on trusts and foundations in recent years, we will prioritise growth in our donor base, strengthen individual giving, promote legacy fundraising, and reduce our reliance on trust income.

Financial Review

The current level of funds held by the charity at the year end amounted to £236,450 (2023: £241,425) and included a designated reserve of £0 (2023: £15,000) and restricted funds of £360 (2023: £360). After deducting designated reserves, restricted funds and funds held as functional assets, the charity had free reserves of £222,253 (2023: £215,477).

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have adopted a reserves policy which, in the long term, aims to build reserves to cover at least two terms’ expenditure amounting to £324,514. Unrestricted free reserves at the end of the year stood at £222,253.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Trustees ' Responsibilities Statement

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period . In preparing these financial statements , the Trustees are required

to:

This report was approved by the Trustees of the London Youth Choirs on

and signed on their behalf by :

Dame Deirdre Hutton, Chair

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of London Youth Choirs

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘the CIO’) for the year ended 31 August 2024 .

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO 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 the CIO’s accounts 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

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 the ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

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: Jessica Lawrence FCA CTA Azets Audit Services Limited 12 King Street Leeds LS1 2HL Dated:

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Notes 2024
Unrestricted
£		 2024
Unrestricted
£		 2024
Unrestricted
£		 2024
Unrestricted
£		 2024
Restricted
£		 2024
Restricted
£		 2024
Restricted
£		 2024
Restricted
£		 2024
Total
£		 2024
Total
£		 2023
Unrestricted
£		 2023
Unrestricted
£		 2023
Unrestricted
£		 2023
Restricted
£		 2023
Restricted
£		 2023
Restricted
£		 2023
Total
£		 2023
Total
£
Income from:
Donations 2 521,472 12,940 534,412 524,955 10,000 534,955
Charitable
activities		 3 181,712 - 181,712 206,396 - 206,396
Investments 4,598 - 4,598 2,846 - 2,846
707,782 12,940 720,722 734,197 10,000 744,197
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 4 91,062 - 91,062 67,104 - 67,104
Charitable
activities		 5 621,695 12,940 634,635 661,411 10,000 671,411
712,757 12,940 725,697 728,515 10,000 738,515
Net income (4,975) - (4,975) 5,682 - 5,682
Transfers between
funds		 13,14 15,000 - 15,000 35,000 - 35,000
Net movement in
funds		 10,025 - 10,025 40,682 - 40,682
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought
forward
General Funds 226,065 360 226,425 185,383 360 185,743
Designated Funds - - - 15,000 - 15,000
Total funds carried
forward		 13,14 236,090 360 236,450 241,065 360 241,425

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 23-33 comprise these parts of these financial statements.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 August 2024

Notes 2024
£		 2024
£		 2024
£		 2024
£		 2024
£		 2023
£		 2023
£		 2023
£		 2023
£		 2023
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 9 6,824 3,727
Tangible assets 10 7,013 6,861
13,837 10,588
Current assets
Debtors 11 32,222 14,746
Cash at bank and in hand 213,161 251,730
245,383 266,476
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year		 12 (22,770) (35,639)
Net current assets 222,613 230,837
Total net assets 236,450 241,425
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted general 13 236,090 226,065
Unrestricted designated 13 - 15,000
Restricted funds 13 360 360
Total funds 236,450 241,425

The accounts were approved by the Board on and signed on its behalf by:

……………………………………….

Dame Deirdre Hutton Chair

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 August 2024

1 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are as follows:

1.1 Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and 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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

London Youth Choir 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 policies.

The accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.

1.2 Status

The London Youth Choir is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA.

1.3 Going concern

The Trustees have at the time of approving the financial statements a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income from donations and grants is recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, the receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. For donations, this is usually on receipt. For grants, this is usually when a formal offer is made in writing. If a donation or grant contains terms and conditions outside of the charity's control which must be met before the charity is entitled to the funds, or if the donor specifies that the funds must be used in future time periods, then the income is deferred.

Donated facilities and services are recognised at the date that they are utilised and are measured at their estimated fair value.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Income from charitable activities is recognised over the period to which the income relates. Concert fees are recognised at the date of the event. Membership fees are recognised over the period of the membership.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be estimated reliably. It is inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered.

Direct costs are those costs which directly attribute to its activities. The Trustees consider that there is only one activity, which is running the choirs. Wages and salaries are allocated to direct costs based on an estimate of time spent on charitable activities by staff members.

Support costs are those costs relating to functions which assist the work of the charity but do not directly relate to its activities, and creditors are measured at their settlement value.

1.6 Staff costs

The costs of short term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense where settlement of obligations does not fall within the same period. The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

1.7 Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for employees. Contributions are charged as an expense to the SoFA in the period in which they fall due.

1.8 Intangible assets

Intangible assets comprise of software and website development costs capitalised at cost and amortised over the estimated useful economic lives in annual instalments, with a full year’s charge in the acquisition year and no charge in the year of disposal as follows: website costs – 25% straight line.

1.9 Tangible assets

Individual fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and included at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives in annual instalments, with a full year’s charge in the acquisition year and no charge in the year of disposal as follows:equipment – 20% straight line.

1.10 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are those funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

1.11 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.

1.12 Taxation

The CIO is a registered charity and has no liability to corporation tax on its charitable activities during the year.

1.13 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial instruments of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. The charity's short term debtors and creditors are measured at their settlement value .

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

2. Income from donations

Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Donations 309,557 304,382
Donated facilities and services 23,500 23,500
Grants 201,355 207,073
534,412 534,955

Grants include £12,940 of restricted income. The comparative figure for 2023 includes £10,000 of restricted income.

Donated facilities and services relate to the provision of office space as well as marketing and professional services.

3. Charitable activities

Income Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Membership fees 132,161 95,117
Concert fees 49,551 111,279
181,712 206,396
4. Raising funds
Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Wages and salaries 86,376 47,935
Fundraising consultancy fees 410 15,971
Other costs 4,276 3,198
91,062 67,104

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

5. Charitable activities

Expenditure Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Wages and salaries 285,426 248,046
Musical leader and pastoral support fees 151,754 212,616
Bursary awards 20,128 17,632
Venue hire 38,016 60,315
Music hire 22,676 23,231
Advertising and marketing 26,730 18,887
Bank charges 106 60
Depreciation 4,070 5,685
Subscriptions 487 412
Travel 5,159 6,570
Support costs (see note 6) 80,083 77,957
634,635 671,411

Expenditure includes £12,940 of restricted expenditure from restricted funds. The comparative figure for 2023 includes £10,000 of expenditure from restricted funds.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

6. Support costs

Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Wages and salaries 30,000
30,000
Staff costs 11,809
10,195
Office costs 18,371
16,937
Printing, postage and stationery 2,919
4,550
Rent 13,714
11,652
Governance costs
Independent examiners fees 3,270 3,020
Legal fees - 1,603
80,083
77,957

7. Staff costs

Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Gross salaries 360,059 298,022
Employer’s National Insurance 30,989 20,913
Employer’s pension costs 10,754 7,046
401,802
325,981

The average number of employees during the year, based on headcount, was 11 (2023: 8.4). One member of staff earned over £60,000 in both years.

8. Related party transactions

The charity's key management personnel are the Trustees, Artistic Director and Executive Director & Finance Director. During 2024 £151,397 (2023: £150,146 ) was paid in employment benefits (including employer's National Insurance & pension contributions) and £18,839 (2023: £27,571) in consultancy fees to key management personnel. None of the Trustees received any remuneration in the year. 2 Trustees received reimbursement for expenses. The husband of the Executive Director was contracted in the year to provide conductor services, including expenses, totaling £398 (2023: £7,568).

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

9. Fixed Assets

Intangible assets Website
£		 Website
£		 Total
£
Cost
At 1 September 2023 21,568 21,568
Additions 4,961 4,961
Disposals - -
At 31 August 2024 26,529 26,529
Depreciation
At 1 September 2023 (17,840)
(17,840)
Charge (1,865) (1,865)
Disposals - -
At 31 August 2024 (19,705)
(19,705)
Net Book Value
At 31 August 2024 6,824 6,824
At 31 August 2023 3,727 3,727

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

10. Fixed Assets

Tangible assets Tangible assets Equipment
£		 Equipment
£		 Equipment
£		 Total
£		 Total
£
Cost
At 1 September 2023 10,425 10,425
Additions 2,359 2,359
Disposals - -
At 31 August 2024 12,784 12,784
Depreciation
At 1 September 2023 (3,565) (3,565)
Charge (2,206) (2,206)
Disposals - -
At 31 August 2024 (5,771) (5,771)
Net Book Value
At 31 August 2024 7,013 7,013
At 31 August 2023 6,861 6,861
11. Debtors
Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Trade debtors 3,139 1,475
Prepayments and accrued income 22,214 9,613
Gift Aid 6,869 3,658
32,222
14,746

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2024
£		 Total funds 2023
£		 Total funds 2023
£
Trade creditors 4,263 9,040
Other tax and social security 10,600 10,316
Accrued expenses 7,907 11,283
Deferred income - 5,000
22,770 35,639
Deferred income brought forward 5,000 117,018
Amounts released in the year (5,000) (117,018)
Income deferred in the year - 5,000
Deferred income carried forward - 5,000

Deferred income relates to pledges received in advance, which the donor has specified is to be used in future time periods.

13. Lease Commitments

A 3 year lease for Office Space commenced on the 1st April 2023 until the 31st March 2026. The rent commitments are as follows;

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

14. Movement in funds

Current year Brought
forward
£		 Brought
forward
£		 Brought
forward
£		 Brought
forward
£		 Brought
forward
£		 Income
£		 Income
£		 Income
£		 Resources
£		 Resources
£		 Resources
£		 Transfers
£		 Transfers
£		 Transfers
£		 Carried Carried Carried forward
£		 forward
£
Unrestricted funds 226,065 707,782 (712,757) 15,000 236,090
Designated funds 15,000 - - (15,000) -
Unrestricted funds 241,065 707,782 (712,757) - 236,090
Restricted funds:
Safeguarding - 2,940 (2,940) - -
City of London - 10,000 (10,000) - -
Cathedral Choirs 360 - - - 360
Restricted Funds 360 12,940 (12,940) - 360
241,425 720,722 (725,697) - 236,450
Prior year Brought
forward
£		 Income
£		 Resources
£		 Transfers
£		 Carried forward
£
Unrestricted funds 185,383 734,197 (728,515) 35,000 226,065
Designated funds 50,000 - - (35,000) 15,000
Unrestricted funds 235,383 734,197 (728,515) - 241,065
Restricted funds:
City of London - 10,000 (10,000) - -
Cathedral choirs 360 - - - 360
Restricted Funds 360 10,000 (10,000) - 360
235,743 744,197 (738,515) - 241,425

The Cathedral Choirs project seeks to engage members with church music and facilitate visits and joint performances with church choirs during the year.

The City of London provides funding for a series of summer Pop Up concerts at venues across the City of London.

Funds were received in 23/24 for Safeguarding to provide administrative support to the Head of Safeguarding.

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LONDON YOUTH CHOIRS A Charitable Incorporated Organisation

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Current year Restricted
funds 2024
£		 Restricted
funds 2024
£		 Unrestricted
funds 2024
£		 Unrestricted
funds 2024
£		 Total
funds 2024
£		 Total
funds 2024
£		 Total
funds 2024
£
Fixed assets - 13,837 13,837
Current assets 360 245,023 245,383
Creditors due
within one year		 - (22,770) (22,770)
360 236,090 236,450
Prior year Restricted
funds 2023
£		 Unrestricted
funds 2023
£		 Total
funds 2023
£
Fixed assets - 10,588 10,588
Current assets 360 266,116 266,476
Creditors due
within one year		 - (35,639) (35,639)
360 241,065 241,425

37