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← Lincoln Diocesan Board Of Education

2024-12-31-accounts

Company registered number (England & Wales) : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

Company registered number: 08334622

Charity registration number: 1151733

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Report of the Director of Education

Throughout 2024, the Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education (LDBE) team has shown great resilience and commitment to provide consistently high-quality support for church schools and academies in the diocese of Lincoln.

Unusually, the team encountered high staff absence in the latter part of the year due to medical issues, family bereavement and personal circumstances. In this situation, the team responded with great care and compassion for one another. With robust systems and processes in place, we were able to be flexible and agile in managing the workload, ensuring that the support we provided to schools was sustained at a high standard.

The pastoral care we have provided school leaders during the year has continued to be an important part of our work. We are really pleased that school leaders have the trust and confidence in the LDBE team to help them through challenging times. We have supported school communities in a variety of difficult situations such as bereavement, illness, parental complaints, managing the pressures of inspection and responding to changes in government policy.

In the summer term of 2024, we saw a change of government which consequently led to new educational policy decisions. There have been policy changes which have had implications for the diocesan multi-academy trust (MAT) strategy. For example, the new government revoked the academy orders that had been issued to five schools with double requires improve There was then a policy decision that meant schools could only receive a grant to cover conversion costs if they were in a group of three schools applying to join the same MAT at the same time. It was then announced later in the year - would be removed and there would be no grants to fund conversion costs or MAT growth from the 1st January 2025.

This flurry of government announcements relating to academisation generally left school leaders and governors confused and lacking certainty in the future of multi-academy trusts. The LDBE has responded constructively to the government announcements. Like the National Society for Education and other DBEs, we expressed our concern to the government about the withdrawal of the conversion grant, stating that it could leave some schools vulnerable - if they needed to join a MAT but they could not afford the . In December, the LDBE agreed in principle to explore how it may work with schools, MATs, the Local Authorities and the Department for Education to support schools with this funding issue.

A major event in the LDBE calendar last year was the diocesan MAT roadshows. From a survey of church schools, the LDBE recognised that they needed to raise awareness with Governing Boards about the pressures many schools can potentially expect (e.g. budget pressures, recruitment and retention), and that the church MATs in this diocese can help ease the pressures whilst preserving the Christian character of the schools. Following these roadshows, and the development of video resources, the LDBE is assured that at least 79 church schools now have accurate information to make more secure decisions about their long-term future.

During 2024, six schools joined church MATs and the LDBE gave consent to four schools wishing to join in 2025. The total number of academies within MATs by the end of 2024 was 39 schools.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

Company registered number: 08334622

Charity registration number: 1151733

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Another significant change for schools in 2024 has been the revisions to the Ofsted inspection process. The revisions were made in response to a c ound the pressure of an Ofsted inspection contributed to the death of a headteacher in Berkshire. While the revisions in 2024 have been generally well received by schools (i.e. removal of the single word overall judgement and the notification of inspection now only being on Monday), school leaders still feel considerable pressure with the inspection. The LDBE has supported schools throughout the inspection process, e.g. speaking with inspectors and attending feedback sessions. This is not always easy to manage when there have been multiple schools getting the Ofsted call on the same day. The DBE team is grateful to DBE directors attending some feedback sessions.

In 2024, there were 36 Ofsted inspections of church schools. 92% were judged to be at least good across all key areas of inspection.

During 2024, there were also 32 church school inspections (Statutory Inspection for Anglican and Methodist Schools - SIAMS). I am delighted that all church schools Common strengths identified included the clear theologically rooted vision that is enabling all children and adults to flourish. The quality of collective worship and Religious Education were also often noted as strengths. Thanks to the LDBE team for their hard work in supporting school leaders at every stage of inspection, including preparation, at the time of inspection and afterwards.

The breadth and quality of the LDBE training, courses, conferences and support services for church schools and academies are reflected in the positive evaluations, the recognition in some inspection reports and the high number of schools subscribing to the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and the MAT Partnership Agreement (MPA), In 2024, all church MATs subscribed to the MPA and a record number of 125 schools joined the SLA. This is in a climate when school budgets are under pressure.

In 2024, the LDBE team has also invested significant time in developing resources for schools. A key resource for schools is the new Religious Education curriculum materials for Early Years through to Key Stage 3. The Diocesan RE adviser produced this fantastic resource in the summer and there are a growing number of academies within, and beyond, the diocese using these.

The LDBE continues to work closely with Lincoln Cathedral, the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance (LDTBF) The LDBE enjoys operating out of the same building at Edward King House and working collaboratively on key priorities. For example, during 2024 the Diocesan Director of Education attended Staff meetings and presented on items such as Growing Faith and the diocesan vision of education. We have been working closely with the DBF on issues such as aligning our IT infrastructure and supporting the work towards carbon net zero in the diocese. With the Cathedral, we plan and host very successful events such as the Church Schools Festival, the

At the end of 2024, the LDBE came to the end of the triennium. In the autumn, the LDBE concluded that over the three years, there had been considerable progress made against targets in the Strategic Plan. I would like to thank the DBE directors for the support and challenge they have provided the DBE team in these three years. The Bishop of Lincoln and Diocesan Synod appointed DBE directors, who then co-opted other directors with a range of skills and experiences, to serve the new triennium from January 2025 through to December 2027.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

Company registered number: 08334622

Charity registration number: 1151733

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The DBE has approved a new Strategic plan for the next three years. It is underpinned by the diocesan vision for education and shaped by the four core vision drivers - More details about the new plan can be found on page 6.

Canon Paul Thompson - Diocesan Director of Education

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Contents

Report of the Director of Education ............................................................................................................................... 1
Objectives ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Activities ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Achievements and performance .................................................................................................................................. 13
Financial Review ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
Plans for future periods
.
.
.24
Factors affecting our success ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Structure, Governance and Management .................................................................................................................... 27
.32
Disclosure of information to Auditor ............................................................................................................................ 34
............................................ 35
..
38
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39
Statement of Cash Flows
40
41

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees present their report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity

Name of the Charity Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education

Company registration number 08334622 registered in England and Wales Charity registration number 1151733 Trustees The constitution of the Board of Education and appointment of Directors is 25 et seq. Trustees in post at the date of signing of this report are shown on page 34.

Diocesan Director of Education Canon Paul Thompson

Contact information The registered office of the company and principal trading address of the charity with other contact details are shown on page 34 at the back of the Report. Professional advisers Details are shown on page 33.

Objectives

The objects of LDBE as stated in its Articles are:

1.1 The Objects of the Board are to promote or assist in the promotion of education for the public benefit of the Diocese

1.2 The Objects shall be carried out in accordance with the doctrines and principles of the Church of England This is consistent as required by The Measure 25 et seq.).

Vision and Mission

The Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education launched a new vision for education in October 2023. The vision is essentially our promise to schools. Throughout 2024, the vision has enabled functions of the DBE Measure 2021 and the objects as stated in our Articles. It is through our close partnerships with schools and academies that we have a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of our church school communities. The vision is our vehicle for meeting the needs of church schools so that all adults and pupils may flourish.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Our diocesan vision for education:

There are four vision drivers and they are theologically rooted in the story of Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:3-12). They are:

CALLED Like Moses was called to help the people of God. We are called to serve all adults and pupils in our school communities so that they may live life to the full.

ASPIRATIONAL Just as Moses was aspirational in actively addressing injustice, we will work with schools and academies with the support of God to break down barriers and be aspirational for all.

ROOTED Just as the burning bush is rooted in holy ground, our schools are rooted by a Christian foundation, through Christian hope and the love of God. Our work is driven by our deep roots of faith, hope, love, family, partnerships and links with the church and community.

EMPOWERING Just as Moses was empowered by God to be an agent of change. The LDBE empowers church school leaders and pupils to be agents of positive change so that church schools can serve the common good in deeply Christian ways.

This is our vision. We CARE.

We have been very clear with schools that our vision is not to serve as their own school vision. Also, it does not replace the Church of England’s national vision for education. Schools have been advised to relate to the national and diocesan vision for education and consider how the Church of England (at national, diocesan and parish level) can work with schools to fulfil the bespoke vision they have for their own unique communities.

Many schools have welcomed the diocesan model for developing a vision, that has deep theological roots. It is evident in schools that the national vision and diocesan vision is supporting the work in schools. Our new vision is shaping every decision, every policy and every aspect of our work with schools. It underpins our new three-year strategic plan.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The diagram below shows how the national and diocesan vision helps to support and shape the bespoke vision schools have for their own unique communities.

Strategy

At the end of the academic year in 2024, the LDBE evaluated the progress made in the key priority areas listed in the strategic plan for 2021 to 2024. In the plan, there were 31 objectives across the four key functions of the DBE Measure. It was agreed that the following 23 objectives had been fully achieved but of course ongoing monitoring and attention in many of these areas is needed to sustain the good practice:

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

For the other eight objectives, the work is ongoing and moving in the right direction:

A new Strategic plan for 2025 2027

In autumn 2024, the LDBE team approved a new strategic plan to address key priorities for the DBE over the next three years, 2025 to 2027.

The plan is informed by the following:

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

This chart shows the three key strategic priorities and the 12 areas of focus for the DBE over the next three years.

Public Benefit

In determining the activities the charity will pursue; the Board has had due regard to the guidance on Public Benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

LDBE works with the various partners described on pages 30 to 32 and with the 142 Church Schools within the diocese. Services are generally delivered to schools and to teachers, but the Board and staff are continually aware of the impact of its work on the pupils and students within the schools, then on the wider community.

Risk management

The key financial, educational and reputational risks, to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, has been reviewed and systems established to manage those risks.

The Risk Register provides detailed information about the risks to the charity, the potential consequences if the risks are not managed, the actions being taken and a RAG rating of how well the risks are being managed. An example of key risks and actions being taken are as follows:

Insufficient growth and development of majority church MATs

Actions include an updated strategy to develop up to 6 majority MATs. In response to a school survey, the LDBE worked closely with church MATs to plan a MAT roadshow in Autumn 2024. The roadshow encouraged school leaders / governors to evaluate their capacity to manage pressures and consider how being part of a MAT can help them sustain good quality education. The LDBE gained approval from the DfE to establish a fifth MAT in Autumn 2024. Throughout 2024, the Diocesan Director of Education had led regular CEO network meetings to support MAT growth and development.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Inability to appoint suitably skilled foundation governors

Actions include the appointment of a new DBE administrator to develop systems and processes for recruiting new foundation governors. The LDBE team provides induction training, professional development and support for all governors. In 2024, a survey for governors identified future training needs. A MAT toolkit has been updated to strengthen local governance in MATS.

Inability to maintain links between schools, the church and the clergy to understand their role to protect and develop distinctively Christian education in their local church schools

The LDBE has continued to work closely with the church community to strengthen partnerships between church and school. For example, we support clergy to be effective foundation governors; we have developed Visitor programme, and we are promoting the Growing Faith Adventure through our training and SLA visits to promote links between church, school and home.

Inability to recruit appropriately skilled and qualified people to the LDBE team. Actions include training and deployment of Associate advisers to support central team. The RE adviser now undertakes SLA visits to talent spot Leading RE teachers.

The LDBE continues to review and develop policies and terms and conditions on a regular basis. There is robust induction, appraisal and training for staff to ensure the team is well placed to meet the needs of the organisation and schools considering staff workload and wellbeing. Robust systems and processes have been developed to support business continuity.

Inability to support LAs and schools robustly enough to improve and maintain standards of education Actions include diocesan advisers supporting and challenging LA and school leaders on issues impacting on quality of education. The LDBE continues to embed robust and effective Head Teacher Performance Management (HTPM) service for schools. The LDBE has established a comprehensive monitoring programme for church MATs.

Disruption and business continuity

Actions include the Senior Leadership Team responding to government guidance and national and local restrictions accordingly. The LDBE have further developed the systems in place to maintain close relationships and stay in contact with schools when face to face visits are not possible or feasible e.g. zoom. A new electronic file management system has been developed to enhance security and remote working practices. The LDBE has secured an IT agreement with the DBF to ensure IT infrastructure is secure and reliable.

Break even budget moving to profit

Actions included regular reviews of diaries and income generation streams e.g. course delivery, development of new training resources to adapt and develop new ways of working in the future. The sale of disused school properties and the strategic management of investments has led to the LDBE being able to set a budget for 2025 with an in-year surplus for the first time in many years.

The activities that LDBE has undertaken throughout 2024

listed under four core functions which relate to the DBE Measure 2021. They are:

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Activities

purpose for public benefit and are listed under the four key functions that relate to the DBE Measure 2021, referenced below.

AREA 1 - To promote or assist in the promotion of education in the diocese that is consistent with the faith and practice of the Church of England (with a focus on SIAMS Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools)

AREA 2 - To promote or assist in the promotion of religious education and religious worship in schools in the diocese

AREA 3 - To promote or assist in the promotion of church schools in the diocese (with a focus on school improvement to sustain good church schools)

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

AREA 4 - To promote co-operation between itself and other persons concerned with education in the diocese (partnerships).

Courses, conferences and festivals

Over the past few years, to accommodate changing working patterns and school needs, we have continued to reduce the number of courses offered during the year and instead focused on what schools need. We have continued with the pattern of three conferences in a year. This is a more effective use of time for the schools and the education team.

By reducing the number of courses throughout the year, this frees up time for officers to deliver bespoke sessions in schools. Looking at the data from previous years, it was clear that the demand for these types of sessions has increased. This new way of working started in September 2023 and has continued into 2024. Feedback from schools for courses and conferences is overwhelmingly positive.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Topics for training events include RE, Christian Distinctiveness, Church School Inspection, School Improvement and Collective Worship. We have also seen a high demand for courses on spirituality and the governor and headteacher briefings.

LDBE continues to insist on high quality leaders and speakers for all the conferences, to ensure schools get the best support they need to be successful church schools.

The Church School Festivals for infant and primary schools continue to grow in popularity. In 2024, eight days of were at capacity after the success of an extra day being introduced the previous year. This ensured as many schools as possible, who expressed an interest, could attend. The 2024 C Carol Service held in Lincoln Cathedral was, once again, successful with many parents joining to see their children involved in the afternoon worship. The LDBE Board meeting was arranged on the same day as the Carol Service to allow the trustees the opportunity to attend the service. This was appreciated by the trustees and very well attended. The popularity of this event has resulted in two dates secured for 2025. This will provide as much opportunity as possible for pupils to attend, subject to the number of the places available in Lincoln Cathedral, a key element of the events success.

Achievements and Performance

LDBE Strategic Overview

Education

SIAMS inspections

Since January 2024, there have been forty-two SIAMS inspections carried out in the Diocese of Lincoln. Every The inspection findings indicate that the school is living up to its foundation as a Church school, and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish Two church schools had inspections deferred during this period.

The Diocesan RE and SIAMS Adviser continued to attend diocesan SIAMS lead briefings, deliver training and support for schools in the Diocese preparing for SIAMS inspection. SIAMS continued to be a focus in central courses and conferences held for school leaders and teachers throughout this year.

The education team have continued to provide SIAMS support and training for schools through virtual courses, conferences, bespoke reviews and SLA visits. Schools that are expecting inspection in the next year are accessing this training and support.

School leadership

Partnerships

The diocesan education team has continued to work closely with a variety of organisations to support church schools. Strategy meetings with the Local Authorities has taken place, mostly through virtual meetings, which have been productive in providing collaborative support and advice to schools. The LDBE senior leadership team continues to be a member of several partnership boards including the Lincolnshire Education Group, the North Lincolnshire Education Standards Board and Standing Advisory Council for RE. LDBE has nominated DBE directors to sit on LA scrutiny committees.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Officers mee the Local Authorities, Department for Education, teaching schools and Ofsted to provide tailored support for schools in focus. We also work collaboratively with the LEAD teaching school to allocate mentors to new headteachers. In Lincolnshire, the LA consider the LDBE as a key strategic partner and we have developed an schools.

The LDBE continues to support and deploy Associate Advisers to enhance the capacity of the LDBE team. Associate advisers are serving headteachers with knowledge, and a proven track record, in church school leadership to be able to support other schools. They are briefed on national and diocesan policy and provided with templates and website resources to support schools in Service Level Agreement visits. The Associate Advisers, and other experienced headteachers, undertake mentoring roles for new headteachers when required.

Support for Schools

Service Level Agreement

In 2024, 125 (88%) of all Church of England schools chose to subscribe to the Diocesan Service Level Agreement (SLA) or MAT Partnership Agreement (MPA), which is an increase of 4 schools from the previous year. Despite the financial pressures facing schools, 2024 saw the highest number of schools joining the SLA or MPA.

Any school that joins a MAT is required to join the MPA if they not already done so. A Diocesan Officer or a Diocesan Associate Adviser makes an annual support visit to every school. Schools within a multi academy trust (MAT) are visited by the same advisor, a member of the LDBE team, and a report is provided to the MAT CEO after all visits have been completed.

strengths and areas for future development. Through these visits the team have been able to celebrate successes with the schools, identify and share good practice and provide appropriate support. Since the introduction of the National SIAMS team publishing a list of schools that may be inspected in a particular academic year, diocesan officers have offered an autumn support visit to schools that are expecting a SIAMS inspection, to ensure they feel prepared for the inspection. This has proved successful and popular and will continue, moving forward.

Schools in Focus

Through regular partnership meetings with the Local Authorities, school visits, inspection reports and data records, we have a good oversight of church school performance.

We maintain comprehensive confidential records about schools with vulnerabilities and those in need of careful monitoring, support and challenge. The vulnerability may include one or several of the following issues: poor inspection outcomes; below average pupil outcomes; unstable or weak leadership; staff recruitment and retention; underdeveloped curriculum; financial issues and general concerns about capacity to sustain a good quality of education for all pupils.

Four out of the five church schools that

Four out of the five church schools that had their academy order revoked by the Department for Education due to a change of government policy. Two schools chose not to continue with academy conversion and will now receive government funded school improvement support instead.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

In January 2024, 40% of schools recorded to be facing at least one of the challenges listed above. The most common vulnerability was end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) outcomes for pupils being below average in one or more core subject. The Lincolnshire average at KS2 remained below the national average for all schools.

With the intelligence we have about schools, we have been able to work with school leaders and key partners, such as the Local Authorities and teaching schools, to provide support and challenge needed to improve the quality of education in schools. For example, supporting the recruitment of new heads, training for subject leaders, strengthening governance, headteacher performance management and developing vision. More details about our school improvement offer can be found on page 17.

During 2024, some schools were taken out of focus for multiple reasons e.g. standards had improved, or leadership was more secure, but some different schools with vulnerabilities had come into focus. By October 2024, the figure rose to 45%. This is high but less than the 50% of schools reported to have a vulnerability in January 2023. We continue to work with our collaborative partners and develop the MAT infrastructure to help ease the pressures on schools.

Headteacher recruitment

During 2024, the LDBE team supported 28 recruitment processes. 18 out of 28 schools made successful appointments of substantive headteachers or heads of schools. 10 schools were unable to appoint a head and so we worked with the LA and Governing Board to secure an interim leader whilst continuing the search for a permanent headteacher or head of school. At the end of year, two headteachers announced they were retiring in 2025, and we will support the schools with these recruitment processes as well. The three most common reasons for headteachers leaving their schools are retirement, promotion to a larger school or senior post or resignation to leave education. These reasons each account for about a third of all departures.

To ensure the recruitment process is rigorous, the Diocesan Director or Education (DDE) invests a lot of time helping the governors to develop high quality recruitment packs and well-structured selection activities. The DDE, or his representative, attends all shortlisting and interview days and advises governors if candidates are appointable or not. Recruiting high quality headteachers continues to be a challenge for schools.

Induction visits take place for all new heads appointed and they are provided with a mentor, guidance and support needed to lead a church school. Headteachers appointed in 2024 were invited to special commissioning service in Lincoln Cathedral. The next commissioning service is planned to take place in March 2025.

Religious Education

Partnerships

The RE Adviser for LDBE attended Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) meetings in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. In addition, working closely with the Local Authority RE Adviser for Lincolnshire and with staff at Bishop Grosseteste University on their regional RE hub meetings. Training has been provided on Religious Education for a range of ITE programmes, including Bishop Grosseteste University Primary PGCE, LEAD Equate Teaching School Alliance and Lincolnshire SCITT groups. A series of regular regional RE networking meetings were delivered, that are affiliated with the National Association of Teachers of

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

RE (NATRE) and advertised via the national RE Hubs. These sessions were open to all schools and academies in line with the requirements of the LDBE Measure in relation to RE.

As well as actively supporting and promoting high quality RE within the Diocese, the RE Adviser worked regionally and nationally; a member of the Church of England Educatio , representative of the , a member of the Education Committee of the Faith and Belief Forum, the Oak National Academy Expert Advisory Group The RE Adviser continued to work as a supervisor for the Farmington Scholarship (Farmington Institute, University of Oxford) and as a mentor on the Leadership Programme offered by the Culh

The Lincolnshire locally agreed syllabus for RE has been in use across greater Lincolnshire. This has enabled the Diocesan RE Adviser to offer more consistent support to church schools across the Diocese. To further support the effectiveness of this work, the RE Adviser continued to work alongside three Associate Diocesan RE Advisers, who provide RE support across the Diocese. The Lincolnshire locally agreed syllabus for RE is currently under review with the expectation that it will be available from summer 2025. In response to requests from MATs and standalone academies, the Diocesan RE Adviser has written a Primary RE Curriculum and is marketing it locally and nationwide. The RE Adviser is beginning to shape training and support in light of anticipated changes to RE, as well as in response to the National Content Standard for RE (2023) and the Ofsted RE Subject Report (2024).

This work forms the basis of support for teachers and subject leaders around the Diocese of Lincoln.

Work with schools

LDBE Measure, 2.1a). Throughout this year, the Diocesan RE Adviser delivered primary and secondary RE networking meetings around the Diocese of Lincoln. These sessions remain free and open to all teachers and subject leaders of RE (both church and non-church schools). The Diocesan RE Adviser produced three annual newsletters, as well as running social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch with RE teachers, subject leaders and other professionals around the country.

The courses and conferences programme included training sessions on teaching different religious worldviews, designing a RE Curriculum, meeting the expectations of Ofsted and SIAMS in relation to RE, assessing pupil progress in RE and other relevant topics. Bespoke training is frequently requested. Support was provided for teachers taking on the role of RE subject leader, as well as supporting head teachers and governors in their monitoring of RE. There was close working with colleagues to support schools to develop their distinctively Christian vision and monitor their effectiveness as church schools using the current SIAMS inspection framework. This included working with schools to ensure they are meeting the expectations of the Church of England

Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education (2019). In addition to this, the Diocesan RE Adviser continued to deliver keynote and workshop sessions at conferences accessed by teachers within and beyond the region.

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Work beyond schools

The Diocesan RE Adviser is currently working with a variety of collaborative partners, including Shooting Fish Theatre Company and cultural solutions UK, to deliver Empowering Voices, Exploring Worldviews , the fourth phase of REConnecting Lincolnshire project. This project has received grant funding from a number of funders, diversity of religious and non-religious worldviews through the medium of podcasts and accompanying educational resources. To date, seven out of the proposed eight 30-minute podcasts have been launched; the final episode is in progress.

The Diocesan RE Adviser has been leading a national team of RE teachers and leaders to deliver The Religion and Worldviews Project, funded by the Templeton Foundation. This project is a major piece of work that involves trialling the draft National Statement of Entitlement for RE, which seeks to set a consistent standard for RE in schools and academies across the country. The project outcomes were launched in May 2024 and continue to be used to inform the future direction of Religious Education in England.

, although the task has proven difficult in recent years. In 2024 we had 44 active Bishop Visitors, this reflects a reduction of 15 from the 59 in 2023, however some of this data This does , and their role, by working with the new Diocesan Children and Young People Enabler. We are also spending time training current Bishop Visitors, so they are better equipped to work in the schools.

School Improvement

School Reviews and general work with schools

LDBE is aspirational for all pupils and staff in all its schools. As such, strategies for school improvement are uniquely offered through the lens of the vision for education. Whilst reflecting the Christian inspired vision, the offer is robust and of high quality. It reflects up-to-date thinking in education practice, pedagogy and policy. The offer also reflects the inspection frameworks for both SIAMS and Ofsted. Please note that since autumn term 2024,

provision areas but no overall grade is provided.

Strategies for school improvement in 2024 included:

Head Teacher Performance Management

School Improvement Partner days and packages

School Reviews e.g. for special needs, governance, curriculum, pupil premium, etc.

Bespoke training for individual schools e.g. governance, curriculum, pedagogy

Planned training programmes with a particular focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Head Teacher and Governor briefings

Liaison with Local Authority school improvement partners and attendance at school strategy meetings

In 2024 a small number of schools bought into the school improvement package, accessing support in many areas. Areas of focus included: curriculum development, middle leader development, special needs and governance.

Bespoke training has been a feature of school improvement work and this has allowed school leaders the opportunity to really focus on the particular needs of their school. This area is a competitive market, particularly with the growth of the DfE funded offers for the wide range of National Professional Qualifications and the development packages provided by national education and teaching hubs e.g. Maths, English, behaviour, etc.

There continues to be an increased number of requests for bespoke governance training. Often these are focused on the roles and responsibilities of boards or to support boards understanding of inspection. A Multi Academy Trust also requested whole trust training. We provided support for one governance review in 2024 and a further schools requested a full website review.

Themes of special needs, justice, diversity and inclusion continue to be a priority. A series of training focused on all forms of inclusion took place throughout the year.

Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are a significant thread through all LDBE work. In response to Lament to Action, racial justice remains a priority. A change of approach this year has seen elements of this training woven through the whole training offer. This work has formed part of governor and head teacher briefings.

25% of schools accessed support for their head teacher performance management in 2024. A real strength of this offer is the opportunity it provides to work with governing boards, to support the professional development of their senior staff through the lens of the vision for education. Robust conversations ensure Christian vision. As an increasing number of schools join MATs, the number of schools requesting this support is beginning to reduce.

Members of the central team maintain strong links with local authorities. This enables appropriate support to be offered to schools when needs arise. LDBE members provide additional support for all schools who are under scrutiny from their local authorities. Partnerships across local authorities continue to be prioritised. LDBE is a partner of LEG (Lincolnshire Education Group) and works closely with other organisations including Teaching school Hubs, SEND partnership boards and Research schools.

Head teacher and governor briefings continue to be well attended. They enable the central team to communicate updates to reflect both National and local priorities.

Church School Distinctiveness and Statutory Inspection of Church Schools (SIAMS)

The LDBE team have continued to provide the support schools need to further develop an effective and distinctive Christian character. There has been an ongoing focus on developing a Christian vision for the schools. Support and training are provided to help school leaders and governors to develop and embed a vision, that is

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

rooted in theology, in line with the Church of England and Diocesan vision for education and meets the needs of the community. This focus on vision has been particularly powerful for many schools as they have used this to steer through the challenges and identify areas for development. With the LDBE training offer in place, and the schools increasing engagement with in-person and virtual training, schools are well placed to further develop their Christian character and be successful at their next inspection.

In response to requests from schools the team has:

Courses, Conferences and Festivals

873 delegates attended a total of 37 training events in 2024. This year shows our new structure of offering fewer courses, giving officers more time to deliver bespoke training in schools. (2023 - 1,088 delegates attended 62 events). This also gives officers time to diversify their work and create resources that are needed by schools. Courses, conferences and events are now just one element of our provision for schools rather than the main element. SIAMS related topics and RE training are the most significant topics, as well as our free briefings for Headteachers and governors. The programme of courses, conferences and training opportunities is reviewed annually and aimed at a range of stakeholders including senior leaders, governors, teachers, RE subject leaders, support staff, Bishop Visitors, and clergy.

In addition to central training events, the team has provided 48 school-based training sessions for individual schools and MATS.

2,459 pupils attended the Church School Festival in 2024 (2,071 attended in 2023). 253 pupils attended the carol service in December 2024 (266 attended in 2023). The number of pupils attending the carol service is heading back to pre-covid levels. Next year a theme linked to Christmas will be explored, which will hopefully encourage more schools to attend.

2024)

19 of the Church Schools in the Diocese of Lincoln, including 1 in North Lincolnshire, had Voluntary Aided (VA) status at the end of the year. One school in North Lincolnshire that began the year as VA school within a federation, moved to an academy trust on 01 September 2024.

Therefore, 2024 started with 20 VA schools but this figure reduced to 19 by the end of the year.

The 2024/25 academic year was the fourth year of the School Condition Allocation (SCA) grant. LDBE continued the partnership with the Diocese of Sheffield, established in 2020, continuing to share knowledge and expertise that has developed into a strong working relationship. LDBE remained the lead receiving the 2024/25 grant allocation for both organisations.

The grant was allocated to priority projects identified in the conditional surveys of all the VA schools across both Dioceses and beyond the financial capabilities of school budgets. Projects selected typically cost tens if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. To utilise the grant, and to get through as much priority work as possible, projects are considered being completed in phases that also helps the school manage their 10% financial contribution.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

A panel discussion convened of representatives from both LDBE and the Diocese of Sheffield along with the architects, who work closely with the schools, consider projects that meet the criteria of most urgent need, the school financial position and whether it is necessary to complete the work in phases. A number of site visits to schools were organised to assess the current fabric of the buildings and where priority work was required to aid the decision making process. The rising cost of raw materials remains a financial constraint, leading to projects being phased to tackle the areas in most urgent need. When tenders have been issued, the number returned has been low so finding contractors can sometimes result in the work being planned later than in previous years. Projects that received funding this year included several roof replacements, like previous years, along with plans to replace single glazed windows.

On the net zero carbon agenda, Heat Decarbonisation Site Reports (HDSR) were completed for all but three of the VA schools within LDBE and the Diocese of Sheffield by the supplier selected in the previous year. The results for each site to achieve net zero carbon status listed projects to be completed, the reduction in CO2 emissions that would be achieved, an estimated cost of the work and any potential savings year on year. As a result of the reports, LDBE and the Diocese of Sheffield were able to consolidate the results and state, based on those findings, the total cost of all the work required. There are a number of caveats and assumptions, but this is the first piece of work commissioned and reported back to LDBE and the Diocese of Sheffield in the challenge to achieve net zero status for the VA school sites alone. The summary revealed a shortfall of £ millions to achieve net zero carbon at the VA school sites based on the funding likely to be received on current figures. The results of the findings have been reported back through the various panels and committees for further scrutiny and how this information can be used going forward.

The reports identified smaller projects that schools were encouraged to note and look to use the additional devolved formula capital funding received in December 2022. This has seen work on the installation of solar panels, replacement doors, additional insulation in the roof, improving boiler controls and temperature gauges. In some cases, the funding has been earmarked to fund replacement windows referenced above.

Several VA schools with LDBE were identified by the CofE Education Office as in scope for a survey on LED lighting to replace older less energy efficient installations. LED lighting is one of the quick wins in terms of reducing carbon emissions and saving money within the net zero carbon agenda.

During the year, other companies have approached both LDBE and the Diocese of Sheffield with potential solutions and improvements to reduce energy usage including the funding of larger scale installation of solar panels and additives to improve the performance of existing boilers.

The SCA grant continues to be received into the LDBE bank account. The contracts remain between the Governors and the suppliers and for the grants between the Governors and the DfE. The income and expenditure are not included in the LDBE Statement of Financial Activities for the charitable company. Note 12 to the Financial Statements discloses the amount of grant involved.

LDBE accounts continue to show a fee charged to the schools for administering the funds and completing the relevant returns to the DfE.

Site Trusts

Site trustees hold the school buildings and playground on trust for education in accordance with the principles of the Church of England. In many cases, the trustee was Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance Limited (LDTBF), but often the Vicar and Churchwardens of the parish were appointed and sometimes a local charity is the Trustee, or the land rather than being freehold is leased.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Under the Transfer Agreement of 2018, LDTBF site trusts and custodian trusteeships have transferred to LDBE. To ensure the directors of LDBE, as trustees of the sites, are made aware of site matters these are presented to the Finance & Administration Committee and ratified by the full board.

During 2024 we have continued the exercise to ensure that all such trusts and land holdings are in order.

The table below indicates the types of trusteeship, and number of schools included in each category

Trustees

Custodian Trusteeships

Charity Commission, essentially

Four sites remain completely unknown; work is ongoing but it is possible that all routes may be exhausted without success. In such cases, work with the Charity Commission to determine a trustee will be needed.

Closed Schools General Purpose Reserve Fund

This is an LDBE restricted fund; its purpose is to support Christian education within the Diocese of Lincoln. During the year 19 grants of up to £500 totalling £9,056 (2023 - £5,930) were made to individual schools. The number of grants approved in 2024 was 10 more than in 2023. A common request in 2024 was for funds to promote and display the new LDBE vision around the school. Creating places of peace and reflection for both indoor and outdoor settings were requested on more than one occasion.

The £ value of grants submitted and approved, meeting the eligibility criteria in 2024, represents a 53% increase on the previous year. To maintain the fund over the long term the eligibility criteria have been revised. A school can now only apply every three years for a grant, previously this has been annually, but the clock is reset if a new head teacher is appointed.

The 2024 budget received Board approval to transfer £20,000 recorded as part of the grant income, from the fund to support the Schools Improvement programme.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial Review

Reserves policy

The Directors of LDBE considered the reserves policy at the Finance and Administration Committee in March 2025 and agreed to hold reserves equivalent to 12 months of operating costs.

At the end of the 2024 financial year, the total reserves have increased to £7,576,816 with unrestricted accounting for £847,248 (2023 - £795,011), restricted £811,077 (2023 - £784,142) and the endowment £5,918,491 (2023 - £5,642,826). The endowment includes properties and sales proceeds for surplus assets. The £1.1m debtor in last years accounts was realised as cash in October 2024 when the release of the funds was approved. The funds were invested by the investment managers for the long term for income generation from the fund aligned to total return accounting in December.

The level of free reserves, unrestricted less fixed assets, equates to £844,628.

Income

Expenditure

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

result of the review, it was decided another full-time position to support the administration team would be the best option. The appointment to the administration team would see all three members able to share common duties whilst retaining their own areas of specialism. The recruitment period resulted in a two month period of pay savings where no one was in post. Recurrent savings year on year as a result of the changes implemented were also achieved. The staff complement at the end of the year remained at eight, all of whom are employed on a full-time basis. Staff costs remain the largest area of expenditure. This brings its own challenges with inflation and getting the right balance between a pay award and longterm financial stability of a small team. Different scenarios are presented to enable LDBE directors to have that discussion with the calculations on the recurrent impact before any decision is approved.

Based on the above in the context of the current economic and political environment, the Charity will aim to hold free reserves equivalent to 12 months of operating costs, in line with the reserves policy. 2024 general expenditure equals £579,708. At the 31 December 2024, the general funds stand at £847,248 ratio of 1 : 1.46 of 12 months operating costs.

The directors note that in the current five-year plan, maintaining free reserves equivalent to 12 months operating costs is achievable. This will be subject to any market fluctuations and the impact of the value of investments outside of the control in a challenging world order. A positive recurrent change to income generation potential going forward, the additional 2 million units purchased in multi asset fund in December 2024 mentioned in Income summary above. The returns on these units will begin to appear in the figures going forward that have been included in the current five year plan. These funds have been referenced for several years and are now in LDBE control to boost the financial sustainability in the years ahead.

LDBE is aware of the boost to the investment income, but challenges lie ahead with other income streams and costs expected to rise throughout the current five year plan. LDBE own MAT strategy, promoting the benefits of joining will, in time, lead to a reduction in some income streams. This will depend on the level of services currently purchased by schools from LDBE, prior to joining a MAT. A change in government has led to the withdrawal of the £25k grant for schools converting to academy status. LDBE is now looking at how it could potentially support this change financially to ensure the education and Christian distinctive of the schools is maintained when it comes to joining a MAT in the future. Inflation has continued to fall over the last 12 months

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

but, as the largest area of expenditure is salaries, any increase through a pay award increases the recurrent costs of structure in place. There is the balancing act of rewarding, retaining and recruiting staff with affordability over the long term whilst addressing the other points raised above in this paragraph.

The risk register is split into two key sections; one of those deals specifically with financial issues, that are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the appropriate committee. The points raised above around how some income streams are likely to fall if , which is being promoted by LDBE, and the withdrawal of the conversion grant are noted as areas that need to be addressed. The risk register identifies various plans and ways these hurdles can be addressed to mitigate potential losses.

The directors are satisfied the reserves at 31 December 2024 are sufficient and the policy will be kept under me. The review will compare 2025 performance against budget, forecast adjustments that will be recurrent, income assumptions in future years, new income streams, changes in policies, the implementation of any further cost reduction plans and the impact on the forecast reserves.

Principal funding sources

The Income and Expenditure Account shows Grants for the year totalling £195,442 compared to £1,324,129 in 2023, as per note 2. The reduction reflects the one off event in 2023 recognising the sale proceeds from a surplus asset. The investments generated £253,676 of income compared to £202,619 in 2023.

The total income earned from fees charged is shown in note 3. Fees are charged for attendance at courses, conferences and festivals with different rates for face to face and online delivery of training. Conferences remain face to face, allowing delegates the opportunity to network during planned intervals and workshops. HTPM and School Improvement Programme are two other key funding sources but are likely to reduce in the years ahead if schools currently purchasing these services from LDBE move into a MAT.

The Closed Schools General Purpose Reserve Fund receives income from investments which must be spent or granted in accordance with the terms of the fund.

Plans for future periods

As noted on page 8, the LDBE has approved a new strategic plan for 2024 to 2027 to set out its key operational approaches for carrying out the functions of the DBE Measure 2021, and realising the national and diocesan vision for education.

In addition to this plan, LDBE has updated its Diocesan Strategy for Academisation. This can be found on the diocesan website via this link: https://www.lincolndiocesaneducation.com/matstrategy

This is a public facing document that every diocese is expected to have according to the new model Articles for Church of England multi-academy trusts (MATs). The document provides comprehensive information about how the LDBE will relate to all key stakeholders in order to support the development and growth of church MATs in the diocese.

The LDBE MAT strategy aims to ensure that the church MATs in the diocese are supported to flourish, so that they can serve church schools of different sizes and in different contexts. The Diocesan Director of Education will continue to hold termly CEO network meetings, having proved to be a useful vehicle for implementing the MAT strategy. The roadshow events and developed videos for school leaders and governors have helped school leaders deepen their understanding of the MAT strategy and the benefits of being part of a church MAT. Due to the

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

join a church MAT. It is, of course, made clear to schools that we respect it is ultimately the Governing Board decision.

In Autumn 2024, (following LDBE consent), the DfE approved for Keystone Academies Trust to become a church MAT. It is expected that it will take in the first church school in 2025. There are now five church MATs in the diocese. The current aim is to have six MATs in place across the diocese, as that number is considered to give the diocese the MAT capacity to serve all church schools wishing to join a MAT. The number of MATs needed however is continually kept under review.

The diagram below shows how the educational landscape may change if all the LA maintained church schools and stand-alone academies are part of the six church MATs. The LDBE will be at the centre of the 6 diocesan approved MATs, and have a pivotal role in supporting them to maintain the Christian character of all church schools within them. This diagram has been used regularly in our briefing and training sessions to explain the diocesan MAT strategy to school leaders.

The LDBE’s strategic plan s are regularly reviewed and designed to be flexible to accommodate emerging priorities.

Factors affecting our success

All church schools are subject to statutory legislation. The many and substantial changes over recent years are therefore significant to LDBE, as to other DBEs:

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

o Changing school improvement funding streams

Lincolnshire geography has challenges relating to rural, coastal and urban poverty. There are many small, rural schools that are increasingly finding it difficult to attract a high calibre of staff or the resources they need to sustain high quality education. Promoting diversity in leadership and through the curriculum is also a challenge in some mono-cultural villages and towns in the diocese.

The LDBE continually reviews its Risk Register to ensure there are strategies in place to address the factors that may affect our success.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

Diocesan Boards of Education

Diocesan Boards of Education are regulated by measures which stipulate how the board that oversees the Director of Educat

Members of the unincorporated Diocesan Board of Education became the first Members and Directors of LDBE on incorporation in 2013 and the company became active on 1 January 2014.

In April 2021, a new measure was approved by the General Synod. This required that a new scheme of the board an Synod. This scheme came into force on 1[st] March 2022, and states that the board will be comprised of:

(a) The Bishop,

Where the number of nominations is within the maximum allowed within (b) or (c), the individual is automatically appointed to the Board. It is possible that under (c), there may be more nominations than the maximum places available. At this point, all nominees will be asked to present their case in front of the electing body as to why should be appointed to the Board. The electing body will decide who to appoint. Any unsuccessful applicant can apply under (d) to be a co-opted member of the LDBE. The appointed members of the Board under (a), (b) and (c) will make the decision around the appointment. All appointed trustees have equal voting rights.

If a vacancy becomes available, under (c) an individual can be nominated by members of Diocesan Synod to be elected to the Board. If a vacancy arises under (d), an individual with the skills set to aid the Board in meeting its strategic objectives may be approach. The individual may or may not choose to join the Board.

This new measure also required that new articles for the company be drafted, which were adopted by special resolution of the directors of the board on 10[th] February 2022, and which came into effect from 1[st] March 2022.

Committees of the Board

The Board delegates closer involvement in the work of LDBE to two committees, Learning & Development and Finance & Administration, each supported by a designated Officer. A Committee will be quorate at least 40% or five Members being present. In addition, the Director of Education or his Assistant Director must be present.

Trustees

The Trustees who have served at any time during the year or who were in post at the date of signing this Report are noted below:

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

==> picture [488 x 409] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Date Date
Surname Forename(s) Committee Appointment
appointed retired
Adnitt Michael Iain 01/01/19 F&A CO-OPTED
n/a
Allain -Chapman Justine Penelope Heathcote 19/04/22 BN
Bacon Julie Kathleen 21/11/20 F&A E
Barron Sonia Patricia 01/01/16 31/12/24 L&D E
Beverley Joan Hilary 01/01/16 L&D E
Booth Fiona Beth 14/01/25 L&D CO-OPTED
Brewster Paul David 01/03/22 F&A CO-OPTED
Brown Nicholas James Watson 01/03/22 F&A BN
Clements David 01/01/19 31/12/24 F&A E
Conway Stephen David 11/11/23 n/a EX-OFFICIO
Edwards Cherry Anne 01/01/16 L&D E
Ely Sonya 12/03/20 L&D CO-OPTED
Fisher Nicolete 16/12/13 F&A BN
Holmes Leanne 14/01/25 F&A CO-OPTED
Kyle Martin James 10/10/19 12/09/24 L&D CO-OPTED
Lawrence Victoria 01/01/25 F&A E
Machell Georgina 07/05/19 L&D BN
Mann Frederick Frank 01/03/22 31/12/24 F&A E
Robinson Ian 01/03/22 L&D BN
Sarvananthan Sudharshan 15/07/23 F&A E
Stern Julian 01/03/22 L&D CO-OPTED
Warrick Alison 01/01/16 F&A E
Webb Michelle Dawn 09/04/25 F&A E
Whiteoak Daphne 12/03/19 L&D CO-OPTED
----- End of picture text -----

F&A Finance & Administration Committee L&D Learning & Development Committee E Elected by Diocesan Synod BN

Remuneration of Key Personnel

LDBE officers and staff are all employees of the LDBE, a key responsibility of the Directors. The Finance & Administration Committee will make a recommendation to the Board on pay awards using the previous 12 months CPIH statistics as a guide. Affordability and the current economic trends will form part of those discussions. Benchmarking with other comparable organisations is also considered and provided where the information is available.

Induction and training of Trustees

Members are supplied with a Directors Induction Pack, which includes the Measure, the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Members also receive Charity Commission guidance on the Responsibilities of Trustees on appointment. In reporting to the Board and Committees, Officers ensure that they provide sufficient background information and explanations to enable Members to make informed decisions.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Conduct of Business

The full Board meets four times a year. It is responsible for ensuring that the charitable company complies with the requirements and regulations outlined above and that it works efficiently and effectively to further the diocesan vision for education. Board members are volunteers.

The Board delegates business to two sub-committees. Committee responsibilities are broadly as follows:

Finance and Administration Reviews budgets and forecasts for the company and monitors financial results. Committee Oversees the implementation of policies and procedures, processes and systems. Chair: Canon Nicolete Fisher Supervises the appointment process for Foundation Governors. Members: 9 Reviews the financial risks recorded on the risk register. Learning and Development Monitors school effectiveness Committee Considers school place provision Chair: Rev S Barron Produces strategy around teaching and learning particularly of RE Members: 9 Reviews the educational risks recorded on the risk register

The Board has delegated day to day management of the charity to the Diocesan Director of Education and their team. During 2024 this included:

Education Officers

Assistant Diocesan Director of Education

School Improvement Officers Two Schools Effectiveness Adviser

Core support staff Finance & Operations Manager Two Administration Officers Third Administration Officer (started 03 June 2024) Compliance & Governance Lead (left 28 March 2024)

Within a small team it is often the case that we are working across different activities and helping each other.

Charitable company

Until 31 December 2013, the Board of Education of the Diocese of Lincoln operated from within the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance Limited (company registered number 97256, charity registration number 249355). With effect from 1 January 2014, operations transferred to a new company, limited by guarantee, which is also a registered charity.

The governing document of LDBE is its Articles of Association. The Board must also comply with The Measure, with company and charity law.

Working partnerships : related parties

bodies, as noted below.

Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance Limited (LDTBF)

LDBE works closely with LDTBF. LDBE relocated to the headquarters of LDTBF and now rents serviced offices from LDTBF.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The two organisations have a data sharing agreement which is GDPR compliant and allows us to work together to further the work of the schools and parishes. The two organisation work closely on the provision of IT services and security.

away days. The Assistant Diocesan Director is a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Board.

Academy Trusts

LDBE is a corporate Member of all the church multi-academy trusts and single academy trusts in the diocese of Lincoln (as per the Articles of Association) for these Trusts. The LDBE nominates a representative to attend the Annual General Meetings and other meetings arranged for Members of the Trust.

Working partnerships: wider network

Diocesan Education Officers are members of numerous networks, meeting regularly to share good practice with colleagues from other Dioceses and the Church of England Education Office.

The LDBE works closely with Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Local Authorities, the Lincolnshire Education Group, North Lincolnshire Education Standards Board, Ofsted and the Department for

Every church school sits within a parish. The LDBE supports schools to develop a strong and fruitful relationship with the parish. As part of the diocesanengaging with the Local Mission Partnerships as they become established to ensure there is strong connectivity between schools and the church community.

Some of these relationships ensure officers keep up to date with new initiatives to provide appropriate support and advice to schools. Some are about influencing policy and others about working in partnership to ensure schools get a cohesive and relevant offer.

Table 1 below shows how we work with other organisations.

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Table 1 : working with other organisations

==> picture [503 x 651] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Professional body Main involvement
Working with the Regional Director/DfE to form new church MATs and
Department for Education convert church schools into academies; and to monitor performance in
schools and academies.
Ofsted Feedback at inspections and monitoring visits
Church of England Education
National guidance and support e.g. relating to SIAMS inspections
Office
North Lincolnshire Local School improvement, headship recruitment, Education Standards Board,
Authority Scrutiny Panel and SACRE
Lincolnshire County Council
Supporting vulnerable schools, Headteacher recruitment
North East Lincolnshire Local
Authority
The Lincolnshire Education Key strategic partner to support sector led school improvement in
Group (LEG) Lincolnshire
Association of Anglican
National updates and strategy on church school education
Directors of Education (AADE)
Diocesan Admissions Group National updates on admission policy
Diocesan Governance Group National Updates on Governance
Association of RE Advisers,
National updates on Religious Education
Inspectors and Consultants
Church Schools Festivals
LDBE Carol Service
Lincoln Cathedral
Headteacher Commissioning Service
The Diocesan Director of Education is a Lay Canon
----- End of picture text -----

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity: itemised

Bankers NatWest Bank plc Smiths Bank 225 High Street Lincoln LN2 1AZ Solicitors Lee Bolton Monier-Williams Chattertons Solicitors 1 The Sanctuary 9 Broad Street Westminster Stamford SW1P 3JT PE9 1PY Womble, Bond & Dickenson 1 Whitehall Riverside Leeds LS1 4BN Auditor HaysMac LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees At the date of signing Venerable Dr Justine Allain-Chapman, Archdeacon of Boston, Chair Mr M Adnitt Mrs J K Bacon Dr H Beverley Mrs F B Booth Mr P Brewster Revd N Brown Rt Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of Lincoln Mrs C Edwards OBE Mrs S Ely Canon N Fisher Mrs L Holmes Revd V Lawrence Revd G Machell Canon I Robinson Revd Canon S Sarvananthan Prof J Stern Mrs A Warrick Revd M Webb Mrs D Whiteoak

Diocesan Director of Education Canon P Thompson Registered office Edward King House Minster Yard Lincoln LN2 1PU Principal address Edward King House Minster Yard Lincoln LN2 1PU Telephone number 01522 504010 Website www.lincolndiocesaneducation.com Email education@lincoln.anglican.org

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees (who are also directors of Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education for the purposes of company law) 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).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions, and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information to Auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

In preparing this report, the Trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 24 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

_____ Venerable Dr Justine Allain-Chapman, Archdeacon of Boston, Chair of the Board

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LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education for the year ended 31 December 202 4 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our ponsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

e

preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

the information given in the

35

Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements

set out on page 24 the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.

Based on our understanding of the charitable company and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to Church of England Measures, health and safety and employment (including taxation), and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and Church of England Measures.

the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to fund accounting and revenue recognition. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

36

Company registered number : 08334622 Charity registration number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Lee Stokes (Senior Statutory Auditor) 10 Queen Street Place For and on behalf of Hays Mc a LLP, Statutory Auditor London Date: EC4R 1AG 18 July 2025

37

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

and Income and Expenditure Account FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies
Grants
2
Charitable activities
Special projects
3
School buildings
3
School improvement
3
Courses, conferences and festivals
3
Other income
3
Investment Income
Dividend Income
Rental Properties
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Diocesan Board of Education Measures
4
Special projects
4
School buildings
4
School Improvement
4
Courses, conferences and festivals
4
Grant-making
4
Multi Faith Projects
4
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET (EXPENDITURE)/ INCOME
Net gains/(losses) on investments
9
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Transfer between funds
13
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
13		 General funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
125,672
3,750
66,020
195,442
15,650
-
-
15,650
10,628
-
-
10,628
139,479
-
-
139,479
63,078
-
-
63,078
17,738
-
-
17,738
63,659
26,482
120,923
211,064
42,612
-
-
42,612
478,516
30,232
186,943
695,691
324,216
-
-
324,216
16,723
-
-
16,723
276
-
-
276
156,140
-
-
156,140
82,353
-
-
82,353
-
29,027
-
29,027
-
1,480
-
1,480
579,708
30,507
-
610,215
(101,192)
(275)
186,943
85,476
32,506
27,210
209,645
269,361
(68,686)
26,935
396,588
354,837
120,923
(120,923)
-
795,011
784,142
5,642,826
7,221,979
847,248
811,077
5,918,491
7,576,816
2024		 2023
Total
£
1,324,129
5,000
12,073
148,640
67,572
12,165
162,679
39,940
1,772,198
334,782
15,178
10,095
157,912
88,977
25,930
20,317
653,191
1,119,007
93,480
1,212,487
-
6,009,492
7,221,979

The notes on page 41 to 55 form part of these Financial Statements.

Details of comparative figures by fund are disclosed in note 16.

38

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

BALANCE SHEET

AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets
8
Investments
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
Cash at bank
Total current assets
CREDITORS : Amounts falling due within
one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FINANCED BY RESERVES :
General Funds
13
Restricted Funds
13
Endowment
13
TOTAL RESERVES OF THE CHARITY		 2024
Total
£
2,620
6,893,046
6,895,666
103,157
740,778
843,935
(162,785)
681,150
7,576,816
7,576,816
847,248
811,077
5,918,491
7,576,816		 2023
Total
£
3,886
5,401,524
5,405,410
1,360,398
796,095
2,156,493
(339,924)
1,816,569
7,221,979
7,221,979
795,011
784,142
5,642,826
7,221,979

The notes on page 38 to 51 form part of these Financial Statements

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities.

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the directors on 24 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Venerable Dr Justine-Allain-Chapman, Archdeacon of Boston, Chair of the Trustees

39

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Cash flows from operating activities: 914,411 (123,096)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of investments (5,187,449) (442,647)
Sales of Investments 3,965,288 472,244
Investment income 253,676 202,619
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,243) (1,131)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (969,728) 231,085
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of		 (55,317)
796,095		 107,989
688,106
the reporting period 740,778 796,095
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities
2024
£
Net income for the reporting period (as
the Statement of Financial Activities)
354,837
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
2,509
(Gains)/losses on investments
(269,361)
Investment income
(253,676)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
1,257,241
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(177,139)		 2023
£
1,212,487
2,372
(93,480)
(202,619)
(1,172,752)
130,896
Net cash (used in ) / provided by operating activities 914,411 (123,096)
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand		 2024
£
740,778		 2023
£
796,095
Total cash and cash equivalents 740,778 796,095

40

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a Basis of accounting and going concern

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the 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) Second Edition effective January 2019.

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention.

The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties around the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Sale proceeds for the sale of surplus assets were released and invested during 2024 that was part of the longer term planning, when the funds would be released was the unknown factor. On the basis of reviewed cash flow forecast and risk planning, the trustees can sign the Charity accounts as a going concern.

b Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the accounting policies, trustees are required to make judgement, estimates, and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 based on new information received affecting the value of the asset.

Investment properties are valued on the basis of capitalised rent yields or reference to external market data. Capitalised rents are based on a 5% yield due to the nature and term of the tenancy. The existence of any restrictions on the investment properties and their realisable value, due to their educational background, would be highlighted in the Charity Report produced at that point in time.

c Fund accounting

LDBE holds funds of the following types:

General funds - which are available for any purposes within the LDBE's objects.

Restricted funds - which are subject to specific conditions imposed by the donor.

Endowment funds - which are subject to the conditions of the Uniform Statutory Trust.

d Income

Income is accounted for when the charity is entitled to receive the income, when it can be valued accurately and when it is probable that it will be received. It is deferred to the extent that it is contractually related to a later accounting period.

Grants in kind are valued at the cost to the grant-making body.

e Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis and wherever possible charged directly to the activity concerned, including staff costs. Certain support costs are apportioned to activities proportionately with the staff costs charged to that activity.

f School buildings and capital

As explained in note 12 to the Financial Statements, capital grants and costs of schools projects which are the responsibility of the governing body of the school concerned have been excluded from these accounts.

41

Company number : 08334622

Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

g Grants payable

Grants are included in the period in which the charity has committed the expenditure and when it can be quantified with reasonable certainty.

h Tangible fixed assets

Expenditure on assets is capitalised if it is over £500 and written off on a straight line basis over the expected useful life of the asset. This varies from 3 to 5 years.

A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable.

i Financial instruments

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised with the exception of investments which are held at fair value. Financial assets held amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand, together with trade and other debtors. A specific provision is made for debts for which recoverability is in doubt. Cash at bank and in hand is defined as all cash held in instant access bank accounts and used as working capital. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors except social security and other taxes and

i i Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

j Investments

Investments are stated in the balance sheet at their fair value. All movements in value arising from investment charges and revaluations are included in the Statement of Financial Activities. Investment properties valuation, a tenant in residence, are calculated based on the average annual rent for the lease term. The average annual rent represents 5% of the property's valuation. The trustees have agreed this method after discussions and contributions with professionals within this field. A full red book estate valuation has been discussed by trustees, but considering the cost, the uniqueness of the properties, finding a reliable comparison or one recently sold and the longer terms plans, the average annual rent representing an agreed percentage of a property's valuation continues to be the approach the directors have adopted.

The assets held within the investment portfolio were aligned to the total return investment strategy in January 2024. Assets held at the beginning of 2024 were sold and units purchased in one multi asset fund designed for a total return accounting. The dividend stream throughout 2024 were more consistent and, returns were higher than the previous year, as shown on the Statement of Financial Activities. The capital growth is also available to trustees where parameters have been agreed a set percentage per annum can be drawn down for specific purposes if required.

42

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 INCOME FROM GRANTS
Other grants		 General
funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
125,672
3,750
66,020
195,442
125,672
3,750
66,020
195,442
2024		 2023
Total
£
1,324,129
1,324,129

The reduction in grant income is due to income recognised from the sale of a school in 2023 with none in 2024

Endowment in 2024 reflects interest earned on the sale proceeds before the funds were released by DfE above the amount recoginised in the 2023.

3 INCOME FROM ACTIVITIES

All income from activities is attributable to the charity's general funds.

Special projects
Staff release fees and trust work
School buildings
Fees for administrative support
School improvement
Service level agreement and fees
Courses, conferences and festivals
Course fees and festival attendance
Other income
Other income		 General
funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
15,650
-
-
15,650
10,628
-
-
10,628
139,479
-
-
139,479
63,078
-
-
63,078
17,738
-
-
17,738
246,573
-
-
246,573
2024		 2023
Total
£
5,000
12,073
148,640
67,572
12,165
245,450

43

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4 COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Diocesan Board of Education Measures
Special projects
School buildings
School improvement
Courses, conferences and festivals
Grant-making
REConnecting Lincs
World Views		 Staffing
Other
direct costs
Support
costs
Grants
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
233,738
2,455
88,023
-
324,216
16,713
-
10
-
16,723
-
-
276
-
276
146,640
-
9,500
-
156,140
64,269
16,070
2,014
-
82,353
-
-
-
29,027
29,027
-
-
-
-
-
1,000
-
-
480
1,480
462,360
18,525
99,823
29,507
610,215		 2023
Total
£
334,782
15,178
10,095
157,912
88,977
25,930
16,085
5,332
654,291

The Grant-making costs are to CofE schools to enhance their Christian ethos. Further details can be found on page 19 of the Trustee Report under Closed School General Purpose heading.

The REConnecting Lincs is the continuation of the Empowering Voices project, delivered by a production company, under the title Working Beyond Schools. Exploring Worldview projects continued in 2024. Details of both can be found on page 14 of the Trustee Report. On the Statement of Financial Activities, these two projects are shown under the heading Multi Faith Projects

Diocesan Board of Education Measures
Special projects
School buildings
School improvement
Courses, conferences and festivals
Grant-making
REConnecting Lincs
World Views		 Staffing
Other
direct costs
Support
costs
Grants
2023
Total
£
£
£
£
£
215,747
12,070
106,965
-
334,782
12,654
-
2,524
-
15,178
9,580
-
515
-
10,095
139,981
-
17,931
-
157,912
67,477
17,528
3,972
-
88,977
-
-
-
25,930
25,930
-
-
-
16,085
16,085
1,100
-
-
4,232
5,332
446,539
29,598
131,907
46,247
654,291

5 SUPPORT COSTS

Diocesan Board of Education Measures
Special projects
School buildings
School improvement
Courses, conferences and festivals
Multi-Faith project		 2024
£
88,023
10
276
9,500
2,014
-
99,823		 2023
£
106,965
2,524
515
17,931
3,972
-
131,907

44

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024 2023
£ £
6 NET INCOME BEFORE TRANSFERS
Net income is stated after
Depreciation 2,509 2,372
Audit fees (incl, VAT) 29,040 21,360

Board members were not entitled to, and did not receive any remuneration in their capacity as trustees in the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023 - £nil).

£456 travel expenses were claimed by five trustees as board meetings were held in person and attending feedback sessions for Ofsted & SIAMS (2023 - £730 for six trustees).

7 STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social Security
Pension
Other staff costs		 2024
£
364,174
40,423
40,190
17,573
462,360		 2023
£
355,353
38,997
39,100
13,089
446,539

The average number of people employed during the year were 8 ( 2023 : 8)

Remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel, Diocesan Director of Education and the Assistant Director, including employers national insurance and pension contributions amounted to £173,072 (2023 ; £164,710)

The number of staff whose emoluments amounting to more than £60,000 were as follows

2024 2023
Number Number
£60,000 - £70,000 1 1
£70,000 - £80,000 - -
£80,000 - £90,000 1 1

45

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Cost at 1 January 2024
Additions in year
Disposals in year
Cost at 31 December 2024
Accumulated depreciation at 1 January 2024
Charge for in year
Disposals in year
Accumulated depreciation at 31 December 2024
Net book value at 31 December 2024
Net book value at 31 December 2023		 2024
£
9,333
1,243
(3,000)
7,576
5,447
2,509
(3,000)
4,956
2,620
3,886

9 INVESTMENTS

Brought forward
Additions
Disposals
Investment Gains / ( Losses )
Carried forward
Historical cost of investments		 £
£
£
4,660,485
741,039
5,401,524
5,187,449
-
5,187,449
(3,965,288)
-
(3,965,288)
216,921
52,440
269,361
6,099,567
793,479
6,893,046
5,786,441
711,966
6,498,407
2024
Listed
investments
Investment
property
Total		 2023
£
5,337,641
442,647
(472,244)
93,480
5,401,524
5,180,900
Total
Equities
Bonds
Multi Asset Funds
Alternatives
Market value of investments		 2024
2023
£
£
-
2,504,780
-
590,507
6,099,567
797,129
-
768,069
6,099,567
4,660,485
Listed Investments

46

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 DEBTORS
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by related parties
Prepayments and accrued income
11 CREDITORS - amounts due within one year
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to related parties
Deferred income
Other creditors and accrued expenses		 2024
£
18,845
2,626
81,686
103,157
2024
£
1,809
1,143
100,074
59,759
162,785		 2023
£
18,731
4,507
1,337,160
1,360,398
2023
£
6,449
5,682
100,353
227,440
339,924

Deferred income is represented by eight months worth of subscriptions, £63k for theService Level Agreement (SLA), that CofE schools within LDBE geographical area buy into each year. The subscriptions runs from the start of the academic year on 01 September, ending on 31 August the following year. The key aims of the SLA is, "living out our diocesan visison for education," and "the DBE team of highly experienced practioners is able to provide a wide range of quality services and exciting opportunities to help schools meet current and emerging needs of a constantly changing education landscape."

£20k is for property rent paid in advance and £3k for training packages where the second and final day is delivered to the school in the new financial year.

The final £14k is a payment received for a piece of work to be completed. This amount was carried forward from the previous year but has since been returned in 2025 as priorities have changed and the original work identified will no longer be going ahead.

All of the deferred income from 2023 has now been recogised in the 2024 accounts with the exception of the £14k mentioned in paragraph above.

47

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12 SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND CAPITAL PROJECTS

School buildings partnership scheme

The Charity assists Voluntary Aided (VA) schools with capital projects. It acts as a banker for the DfE / Education Skills Funding Agency in receiving the funding and settling contractors invoices for approved projects on their behalf. 2024 is the fifth year of the School Condition Allocation (SCA) funding. LDBE is the lead partner with the Diocese of Sheffield. LDBE receives the funding allocation for both organisation which is allocated according to need identified in the conditional surveys for all VA schools across both Dioceses.

This is a significant activity of the charity but the capital projects are not reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities as the contracting party is the School's Governing Body and not LDBE.

A summary of transactions during the year is set out below:

School Governors' contribution
Project expenditure
Department for Education capital grants		 2024
£
846,397
56,569
902,966
902,966		 2023
£
801,939
123,122
925,061
925,061

At the year end, LDBE held the following assets and liabilities for ongoing projects at Voluntary Aided (VA) schools. The assets and liabilities do not form part of the LDBE's accounts, as described below.

Debtors and accrued income
Cash at bank
Creditors and deferred income		 2024
£
81,140
451,099
(532,239)
-		 2023
£
167,275
331,684
(498,959)
-

48

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 FUNDS OF THE CHARITY

Summary of the activities of the funds of the charity in the year:

Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Restricted Funds
Closed School Fund
REConnecting Lincs
World View Project
Endowment
Uniform Statutory Trust
Unapplied Total Return
Grand Total All Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Restricted Funds
Closed School Fund
REConnecting Lincs
World View Project
Endowment
Uniform Statutory Trust
Unapplied Total Return
Grand Total All Funds		 Balance at
01/01/2024
Unapplied
Total Return
Income
Expenditure
Investment
gains/(losses)
Transfers
£
£
£
£
£
£
795,011
-
478,516
(579,708)
32,506
120,923
770,711
-
26,482
(29,027)
27,210
-
11,963
-
2,500
-
-
-
1,468
-
1,250
(1,480)
-
-
784,142
-
30,232
(30,507)
27,210
-
4,462,910
-
66,020
-
142,853
-
1,179,916
-
120,923
-
66,792
(120,923)
5,642,826
-
186,943
-
209,645
(120,923)
7,221,979
-
695,691
(610,215)
269,361
-
Balance at
01/01/2023
Unapplied
Total Return
Income
Expenditure
Investment
Losses
Transfers
£
£
£
£
£
£
834,552
-
455,563
(606,944)
16,902
94,938
752,480
-
26,431
(25,930)
17,730
-
9,048
-
19,000
(16,085)
-
-
1,700
-
4,000
(4,232)
-
-
763,228
-
49,431
(46,247)
17,730
-
4,411,712
(1,150,787)
1,172,266
-
29,718
-
-
1,150,787
94,938
-
29,130
(94,938)
4,411,712
-
1,267,204
-
58,848
(94,938)
6,009,492
-
1,772,198
(653,191)
93,480
-		 Balance at
31/12/2024
£
847,248
795,376
14,463
1,238
811,077
4,671,783
1,246,708
5,918,491
7,576,816
Balance at
31/12/2023
£
795,011
770,711
11,963
1,468
784,142
4,462,910
1,179,916
5,642,826
7,221,979

49

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 FUNDS OF THE CHARITY continued

Closed School Fund

This fund is for educational purposes in the Diocese of Lincoln. Activities are required to develop the Christian character of the school. The fund operates by making grants. At 31 December 2024 the fund included investment assets of £698,136 (2023: £605,412), with the balance within net current assets.

REConnecting Lincs

The project sought and was granted a final tranche of funding to complete the full suite of eight podcasts and associated education packs. These continue to support pupils to engage with the lived reality of religious and nonreligious worldviews in the RE Classroom.

Religion and Worldviews Project

The project is funded through the Templeton Foundation and published its final outcome in May 2024. It has a significant impact, including on the recently published National Content Standard for Religious Education.

Uniform Statutory Trust

Dividends from the Uniform Statutory Trust investment are a major source of income to LDBE. The dividends are a key component of LDBE annual income to plan and deliver activities in line with the objectives of the charity. The portfolio is managed by investment managers on behalf of LDBE with clear strategy on return and risk. The year end closing balance of the fund included investment assets of £4,671,783.

The Endowment is invested in one multi asset fund aligned to charities having adopted total return accounting. Any proposals to draw down funds from the UTR require trustees approval within the agreed parameters. Any Endowment gains and losses are allocated between the UST and the UTR in direct proportion to the original number of units purchased. No indexation is applied to the UTR only the direct proportion of any gains or losses recorded in a financial year.

Net Asset by Fund - 2024

Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total Net Assets by Fund		 General
funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
2,620
-
-
2,620
683,711
698,136
5,511,199
6,893,046
308,252
113,468
422,215
843,935
(147,335)
(527)
(14,923)
(162,785)
847,248
811,077
5,918,491
7,576,816

Net Asset by Fund - 2023

Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total Net Assets by Fund		 General
funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
£
3,886
-
-
3,886
655,296
673,307
4,072,921
5,401,524
306,485
253,540
1,596,468
2,156,493
(170,656)
(142,705)
(26,563)
(339,924)
795,011
784,142
5,642,826
7,221,979

50

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Summary of assets by fund 2024

Unrestricted Funds
General
Restricted Funds
Closed School Fund
REConnecting Lincs
World View
Total Restricted Funds
Permanent Endowment
Uniform Statutory Trust
Unapplied Total Return
Total Endowment Funds
Grand Total All Funds		 Tangible
Investments
Current
Assets exc
cash
Cash
Current
Liabilities
Long
Term
Liabilities
Net
Assets
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,620
683,711
96,010
212,242
147,335
-
847,248
-
698,136
7,147
90,620
527
795,376
-
-
-
14,463
-
14,463
-
-
-
1,238
-
1,238
-
698,136
7,147
106,321
527
-
811,077
-
4,264,491
-
422,215
14,923
4,671,783
1,246,708
1,246,708
-
5,511,199
-
422,215
14,923
-
5,918,491
2,620
6,893,046
103,157
740,778
162,785
-
7,576,816
Fixed Assets
Creditors

51

Company number : 08334622

Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14 RELATED PARTIES

LAAT - The Chair and Vice Chair of LDBE, are corporate members of Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT). The role of a corporate member is attending the annual general meeting. The day to day decisions are taken by the by the Board of Directors that does not include the corporate members.

FRS102 para 33.4 (a) definition describes the role of a corporate member and is not a related party simply where two entities have a director of member of key management personnel in common.

Under para 33.4 (d) it is not a related party where there is significant business , merely by virtue of the resulting economic dependence.

The LDBE MAT strategy document quotes the MAT Trust Board new Articles of Association (5s) that enables the MAT Trust Board to enter into agreements that the diocese requires in order to support church schools within the MAT. This is not regarded as a related party transaction as the LDBE is the appropriate religious authority.

2024 2023
£ £
Sales to LAAT 17,560 19,705
Balance owed to LDBE at 31 December - 395
Purchases from LAAT 500 2,000
Balance owed by LDBE at 31 December - -
Accrued income at 31 December - -

LDTBF

Two directors of the company are also directors of the Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance (LDTBF) (2023 - two). The Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education (LDBE) was established to fulfil the requirements of LDTBF under the Measure. LDBE rents space from the head office of LDTBF whilst operating a hybrid working model.

Accordingly LDTBF is a related party for LDBE. Transactions during the year were as follows:

Note
Other grants
Grant
2
Sales to LDTBF
Purchases from LDTBF
Balance owed by LDBE at 31 December
Other transactions with LDTBF
Grants received from LDTBF		 General
Fund
Restricted
Fund
2024
£
£
£
105,672
-
105,672
105,672
-
105,672
General
Fund
Restricted
Fund
2024
£
£
£
-
-
-
29,483
-
29,483
513
-
513		 2023
£
107,136
107,136
2023
£
540
36,509
612

52

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14 RELATED PARTIES continued

Schools

Some Trustees of LDBE were also school governors during 2024. Accordingly these schools are related parties of LDBE. The names of the schools and the total of transactions with them during the year are noted below:

2024 2023
Ancaster CoE School Y Y
Barkston & Syston CoE Primary Y Y
Caistor Grammar N Y
Caistor CoE & Methodist N Y
Coleby CoE Primary N Y
Dunholme St Chad CoE Primary Y Y
Denton & Harlaxton Federation Y Y
Fiskerton CoE Primary School Y Y
Great Ponton CoE Y Y
Kirkby-on-Bain CoE Primary Y Y
Lincoln St Faiths & St Martins CoE Junior School Y Y
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Horncastle Y Y
Rauceby CoE School Y N
Reepham CofE Primary School N Y
Ropsley CoE Primary Y Y
Saxilby CoE Primary School Y Y
Spalding Grammar School Y Y
St Gilberts CoE Primary, Stamford Y N
St Thomas' Primary Academy Y Y
The St Lawrence Academy Y Y
Trent View College, Scunthorpe Y N
Tydd St Mary CoE Primary School Y Y
Weston Hills CoE Primary School Y Y
Westwoodside Primary Academy Y N
Wyberton Primary Academy Y Y

53

Company number : 08334622 Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14 RELATED PARTIES continued

2024 2023
£ £
Sales to schools 33,925 36,980
Balance owed to LDBE at 31 December 2,627 3,767
Purchases and payments to schools 1,850 1,357
Balance owed by LDBE at 31 December - -

15 Analysis of charity funds

The General Funds throughout the presentation of the accounts represent the day to day activities of the charity in delivering its objectives.

Restricted Funds are represented by;

Closed School Fund,

pecific restricted funds (REConnecting Lincs & World View Project),

Endowment which comprises the Uniform Statutory Trust (UST) and the Unapplied Total Return (UTR).

Details around these specific funds are shown in Note 13.

54

Company number : 08334622

Charity number : 1151733

LINCOLN DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16

FUNDS OF THE CHARITY continued - STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES year end 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies
Grants
2
Charitable activities
Special projects
3
School buildings
3
School improvement
3
Courses, conferences and festivals
3
Other income
3
Investments
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Diocesan Board of Education Measures
4
Special projects
4
School buildings
4
School Improvement
4
Courses, conferences and festivals
4
Grant-making
4
Multi Faith Projects
4
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET (EXPENDITURE)/ INCOME
Net gains/(losses) on investments
9
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Transfer between funds
13
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
13		 General funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Total
£
£
£
128,863
23,000
1,172,266
1,324,129
5,000
-
-
5,000
12,073
-
-
12,073
148,640
-
-
148,640
67,572
-
-
67,572
12,165
-
-
12,165
81,250
26,431
94,938
202,619
455,563
49,431
1,267,204
1,772,198
334,782
-
-
334,782
15,178
-
-
15,178
10,095
-
-
10,095
157,912
-
-
157,912
88,977
-
-
88,977
-
25,930
-
25,930
-
20,317
-
20,317
606,944
46,247
-
653,191
(151,381)
3,184
1,267,204
1,119,007
16,902
17,730
58,848
93,480
(134,479)
20,914
1,326,052
1,212,487
94,938
(94,938)
-
834,552
763,228
4,411,712
6,009,492
795,011
784,142
5,642,826
7,221,979

55