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UNITED WAY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST ] DECEMBER 2025 CHARITY NUMBER: 1153509
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their report and financial statements, for the year ended 31[st] December 2025, for the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1[st] January 2019).
The accounts have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The objects of the charity are:
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(1) To promote the efficiency and effectiveness of charities by providing leadership, guidance and support to any charity in the UK working towards or meeting United Way membership standards.
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(2) To promote any charitable purposes and in particular, the advancement of education, the promotion of healthy lives and the support of sustainable income.
Public Benefit:
We are a proud member of the United Way network – the largest privately funded charity in the world. Learning from and sharing networks, expertise and experience with 1,800 United Ways in over 40 countries helps us support corporate partners and communities like no other partner can.
United Way UK is part of an international movement that empowers local communities by connecting them with individuals and organisations that seek purpose and ways to support others. We are a unique and agile platform where community need meets corporate and philanthropic goals. Our work is led by the community, so that all stakeholders can work together, amplifying impact.
We believe United Way UK has a uniquely strategic focus on local community groups within the UK voluntary sector, leveraging global expertise, results and networks to reduce inequalities.
The trustees have given consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Introduction
We are pleased to present the Trustees’ Annual Report for United Way UK for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.
The charity continued to strengthen its financial position during 2025, with income increasing to £537,000, compared with £471,000 in 2024.
While annual income has varied across reporting periods due to the timing of grants and funding cycles, the organisation has maintained sustained long-term growth. Since 2019, income has increased at an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8%, reflecting continued organisational development, diversification of funding and increasing visibility across the UK.
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Alongside growth, the organisation continued to strengthen financial sustainability through careful cost management and operational efficiencies during the year. Programme expenditure increased by 4% as delivery and impact continued to grow, while office and financial administration costs reduced by 22%, reflecting ongoing focus on efficiency and financial stewardship.
Key Achievements During 2025
Organisational Strategy & Development
During 2025, we developed a new strategic framework for 2025–2030, designed to support the next phase of organisational growth and impact. The strategy focuses on six core areas:
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delivering deep and sustainable impact across UK communities
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securing long-term funding streams
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strengthening recognition and credibility across the UK
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proactively developing solutions that support people and communities to thrive
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establishing the organisation as a recognised thought leader
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strengthening integration within the wider global network
Governance & Leadership
The organisation further strengthened its governance and leadership structure through the appointment of Lailany Sierra as Co-Chair alongside Peter Badenhuizen, supporting the next phase of strategic growth and organisational development.
Income Diversification & Sustainability
The charity secured its first unrestricted grant from Garfield Weston (£20,000), representing an important step in diversifying income streams and developing new strategic funding relationships.
The organisation also continued to strengthen its corporate partnership model including the development of new anchor relationships, supporting long-term sustainability and the continued growth of place-based programmes across the UK.
Programme Impact & Partnerships
In 2025, we reached more than 16,000 individuals and families across our programmes and partnerships, and increased our Community Hub of small, local charity partners from 50 to 264.
During the year, increased corporate support for the Reading Oasis school libraries initiative enabled continued investment in children’s education and mental health. During 2025, we installed a further 7 libraries, bringing the total number of installations to 55, with additional locations already pledged for 2026.
The organisation also continued to deepen cross-sector partnerships across business, schools and community organisations, strengthening its role in delivering place-based social impact.
Research & Evidence
During 2025, we formally launched Beyond Books , a long-term research programme exploring the impact of reading for pleasure on children’s lives beyond literacy attainment, including confidence, mental health, aspirations and relationship-building.
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Developed in partnership with Anthem Trust, whose schools are participating in the research, and supported through expert advisory input via Cranfield Trust’s volunteer programme, the study will follow children across their 7-year primary school journey. The programme reflects United Way UK’s growing focus on evidence, learning and long-term impact, and is believed to represent one of the first longitudinal studies of its kind exploring the wider impact of reading for pleasure on children’s lives throughout an extended educational period.
Operational Development & Governance
During the year, we reviewed and relaunched our payroll giving programme with a new HMRCregisterd partner. This strengthened governance, transparency, donor accessibility and operational controls, while improving risk management and the donor experience.
The organisation also continued to strengthen its operational infrastructure, financial oversight and impact reporting processes to support future growth and sustainability.
10-Year Anniversary
In summer 2025, United Way UK celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special event bringing together supporters, partners and friends of the organisation to reflect on the charity’s journey achievements and future ambitions.
The trustees would like to extend particular thanks to our friend and supporter Gwendolyn Mok, who performed at the event alongside fellow concert pianist Julian Jacobson, helping to create a memorable celebration as we looked ahead to the next chapter of our journey.
Looking Ahead
The Trustees recognise that the external environment for charities, businesses and communities remains challenging, with increasing demand for support alongside continued financial pressure across all sectors.
In response, we will continue to focus on:
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strengthening long-term financial sustainability
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growing cross-sector partnerships
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expanding place-based programmes
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developing evidence-led approaches to impact
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strengthening our profile and influence across the UK
The Trustees remain confident that United Way UK is well positioned to continue delivering meaningful impact and sustainable growth in the years ahead.
The Trustees would also like to extend their sincere thanks to all our supporters, partners, volunteers, Trustee Board members and staff team for their continued commitment, generosity and dedication throughout the year.
Financial Review
Income totalling £536,848 (2024: £471,232) was received in the year, of which £231,374 was by way of donation (2024: £290,359). Expenditure for the year totalled £486,551 (2024: £478,264). At 31[st]
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
December 2025 the charity’s reserves stood at £525,202 (2024: £474,905) with £212,850 being restricted funds (2024: £220,709).
RISK MANAGEMENT:
The charity reviewed risk during 2025, covering the key aspects of our work including finance and reputation. Material risks were identified, reviewed and mitigated by the trustees and this will continue in the year ahead.
The main risks to the charity are:
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The ability to generate sufficient financial support to maintain operations and achieve charitable aims. This is mitigated by fundraising plans being under constant scrutiny by the board of trustees, many of whom have an experienced commercial background. There is also a shared responsibility to increase profile and funds raised across the staff and trustees.
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Reputation risk. As new projects and partnerships are established there is a risk that the small team becomes overstretched/overpromises and this damages the reputation of the charity to deliver. All new proposals and projects are costed with a consideration of additional resources needed.
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Concentration risk. This is a known risk owing to our partnership with Costco being so significant in terms of income spread. We are working to our action plan on this, developing new and existing partnerships to diversify income streams and strengthen relationships. The Trustees are satisfied this issue is being addressed.
RESERVES POLICY:
The trustees aim to maintain a level of reserves to establish a sustainable entity and guard against contingencies. The charity aims to hold reserves amounting to approximately 9 months’ average expenditure in the current year, increasing the previous coverage ratio of 6 months, in order to ensure our ability to deliver under current economic uncertainties.
At the end of the financial year, unrestricted funds totalled £312,352 of which £606 is represented by tangible assets and £8,376 represented by intangible assets (see note 9), leaving surplus free reserves of £303,370 (2024: surplus £239,494). The Organisation requires £257,132 for nine months running costs.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
United Way is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity
Commission, number 1153509 and governed by its constitution dated 22[nd] August 2013. It is also known as United Way UK.
Selection, Recruitment and Appointment of New Trustees:
Trustees are elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Casual vacancies may be filled by co-option on condition that trustees so appointed are formally re-elected at the following AGM. New trustees are provided with induction/orientation by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and given the key documents of; the constitution, recent board minutes and strategic presentations. All trustees sign a declaration to run the charity in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Charity Commission publication CC3 – Responsibilities of Charity Trustees.
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Management and Delegation:
The affairs of the charity are managed on a day to day basis by the CEO.
The trustees, in their power, have delegated the financial administration and accountancy to LCVS.
United Way Worldwide:
United Way is affiliated to United Way Worldwide and acts as the national body for United Way in the UK.
As a national United Way network partner, we adhere to their global standards and have agreed, amongst other criteria to adhere to the following:
Mission: Network Partner subscribes to a vision and mission that is consistent with those of United Way Worldwide:
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Vision: United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives
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Mission: To improve lives by mobilising the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good
Operations:
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Conducts a study of the community and evaluates pressing problems
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Engages members of the community as volunteers, donors and partners
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Mobilises resources through diverse resource development activities
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Applies resources where they will be used effectively to strengthen communities and improve lives
Verifies the use and the impact of resources invested in the community system citizenship: Provide financial and other resources to support capacity building and the network.
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY
Registered Charity Number: 1153509
Principal Office:
151 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2AH
Trustees:
The trustees who served during the year are as follows:
Chair Mr. Peter Badenhuizen Secretary Mr. Ian Yates (Resigned March 2026) Treasurer Mr. Neil Maffey Trustees Ms Lailany Sierra Ms Elizabeth Mary Ellen Buss Mr. Murray Orr Mr. Gary von Lehmden (Resigned June 2026) Mr. Nailesh Rambhai Mr. Francesco Vanni d’Archirafi Chief Executive: Ms. Jane Hudson-Jones Independent Examiner: James Wheelen Accountancy Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Minshull House, 67 Wellington Roard North Stockport SK4 2LP Accountancy & Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) Financial Administration 151 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2AH
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UNITED WAY
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustee is required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by
Neil Maffey Treasurer
Lailany Sierra Co-Chair of Trustees
Dated: 6/24/2026
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UNITED WAY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF UNITED WAY
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of United Way for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………………………………………….
James Wheelan Accountancy Limited Chartered Certified Accountants
Minshull House, 67 Wellington Roard North Stockport SK4 2LP
29 July 2026
Dated: ………………………………….
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UNITED WAY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| Year to 31st December | Year to 31st December | 2025 | Year to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 31st December | |||
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Total | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 180,272 | 51,102 | 231,374 | 290,359 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 220,726 | 84,748 | 305,474 | 180,873 |
| ------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Total | 400,998 | 135,850 | 536,848 | 471,232 | |
| ------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 342,842 | 143,709 | 486,551 | 478,264 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Total | 342,842 | 143,709 | 486,551 | 478,264 | |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Net (expenditure)/income movement |
58,156 | (7,859) | 50,297 | (7,032) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 10,11 | 254,196 | 220,709 | 474,905 | 481,937 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 9-11 | 312,352 | 212,850 | 525,202 | 474,905 |
| ======== | ======== | ======== | ======= |
The notes on pages 13 to 23 form part of these accounts.
The net movement in funds in the year was derived from the continuing activity of the charity.
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UNITED WAY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| Year to 31st December | Year to 31st December | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 195,361 | 94,998 | 290,359 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 83,168 | 97,705 | 180,873 |
| ------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Total | 278,529 | 192,703 | 471,232 | |
| ------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 226,937 | 251,327 | 478,264 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Total | 226,937 | 251,327 | 478,264 | |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Net (expenditure)/income / Net movement |
51,592 | (58,624) | (7,032) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 10,11 | 202,604 | 279,333 | 481,937 |
| -------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 9-11 | 254,196 | 220,709 | 474,905 |
| ======== | ======== | ======== |
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UNITED WAY
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| Note | 31st December 2025 | 31st December 2025 | 31st December 2024 | 31st December 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets: | |||||
| Tangible assets | 6 | 606 | 1,650 | ||
| Intangible assets | 8,376 | 13,052 | |||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||||
| 8,982 | 14,702 | ||||
| Current assets: | |||||
| Debtors | 7 | 132,494 | 44,223 | ||
| Cash at bank | 435,110 | 465,894 | |||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||||
| Total current assets | 567,604 | 510,117 | |||
| Liabilities: | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 8 | (51,384) | (49,914) | ||
| one year | |||||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||||
| Net current assets | 516,220 | 460,203 | |||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||||
| Net Assets | 525,202 | 474,905 | |||
| ======= | ======= | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| The funds of the charity: | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 9,11 | 312,352 | 254,196 | ||
| Restricted funds | 9,10 | 212,850 | 220,709 | ||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||||
| Total charity funds | 525,202 | 474,905 | |||
| ======= | ======= |
Approved and authorised for issue by the trustees and signed on their behalf by Neil Maffey Lailany Sierra Treasurer Co-Chair of Trustees Dated: 6/25/2026
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UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (SORP FRS102) effective 1[st] January 2019 and Charities Act 2011.
The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.
The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
Going concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have considered and have reasonable expectation that the Charitable Incorporated Organisation has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are the charity’s free reserves available for the trustees to distribute in accordance with the charity’s charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictive conditions imposed by the donor. All restricted funds are accounted for as restricted income and expenditure for the purposes is charged to the fund.
Income recognition
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies comprise donations & sundry grants and membership subscriptions which are recognised in the accounts when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably, with the exception of known legacies which are accounted for when their receipt is certain.
Income from charitable activities is recognised on an accruals basis. Grants receivable are recognised on the date on which their unconditional payment is confirmed by the donor.
Income from other trading activities relates to fundraising income and is recognised when the amount is certain.
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UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Expenditure recognition
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the statement of financial activities. Support and governance costs are applied to unrestricted funds unless specifically included in the restrictions, as specified by the donor.
Costs of charitable activities relate to the operation of the project comprising all management and operational overheads. Charitable activities includes grant funding to beneficiaries. These are dealt with in the Statement of Financial Activities when payment has been approved by the charity. Governance costs relate to compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and specifically include all costs incurred by the charity in producing the Annual Report. These are dealt with in the Statement of Financial Activities when payment has been approved by the charity.
Foreign currency expenses paid for in local currency are included in the accounts at the conversion rate on the date that the reimbursement is made.
Fixed Assets
Capital expenditure over £500 is treated as a fixed asset and is depreciated or amortised over its useful economic life on the following basis:
Computer Equipment – 33.33% on straight line basis
Intangiblles – 20% on straight line basis
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other shortterm liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.
Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity’s balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Taxation
The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. The charity is not able to recover Value Added Tax. Expenditure is recorded in the accounts inclusive of VAT.
2. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
No critical accounting estimates or judgments are made during the preparation of these financial statements.
| 3. | DONATIONS AND LEGACIES | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | |
| Funds | Funds | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | 86,743 | 51,102 | 137,845 | |
| Grants: | ||||
| Costco | 73,529 | - | 73,529 | |
| Garfield Weston Foundation | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | ||
| 180,272 | 51,102 | 231,374 | ||
| ======= | ======= | ======= |
15
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| 2024 | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 51,151 | 94,998 | 146,149 |
| Donations in kind | 26,100 | - | 26,100 |
| Grants: | |||
| Costco | 118,110 | - | 118,110 |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | |
| 195,361 | 94,998 | 290,359 | |
| ======= | ======= | ======= |
4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Total | Total | |
| United Way in the UK | 220,726 | 84,748 | 305,474 | 180,873 |
| ====== | ======= | ======= | ======== |
Income from charitable activities in 2024 comprised restricted funds £97,705 and unrestricted funds £83,168.
5. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Direct | Support & | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable | Governance | 2025 | 2024 | |
| Expenditure | Costs | Total | Total | |
| United Way in the UK | 450,812 | 35,739 | 486,551 | 478,264 |
| ======== | ======== | ======== | ======== |
16
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| a. | Analysed as follows: | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct charitable expenditure: | |||
| Staff costs | 266,352 | 268,011 | |
| Reading Oasis direct costs | 23,338 | 15,374 | |
| Give Local Grants * | 45,000 | 45,000 | |
| Other grants | 46,783 | 24,600 | |
| Consultancy | - | 12,900 | |
| Project delivery costs | 52,059 | 53,627 | |
| United Way dues | 4,940 | 7,306 | |
| Fundraising development | 2,898 | 545 | |
| Travel & subsistence | 8,657 | 3,433 | |
| Gift aid charges | 522 | 486 | |
| Bank charges and interest | 263 | 408 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | ||
| 450,812 | 431,690 | ||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||
| Support and governance costs: | |||
| Office costs | 19,271 | 19,330 | |
| Equipment | 132 | - | |
| Rent | - | 13,200 | |
| Recruitment | 6,480 | 329 | |
| Financial administration | 8,254 | 8,254 | |
| Audit | - | 5,280 | |
| Independent Examination | 780 | - | |
| FX | 822 | 181 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | ||
| 35,739 | 46,574 | ||
| ------------ | ------------ | ||
| 486,551 | 478,264 | ||
| ======= | ======= |
2024 above expenditures: Restricted funds £251,327, unrestricted funds £226,937
- see note 5d for breakdown
During the year there were no out of pocket expenses reimbursed to trustees (2024: £nil)
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| b. | Analysis of staff costs: | £ | £ |
| Salaries | 234,302 | 234,175 | |
| Social security | 18,524 | 19,785 | |
| Pension | 13,526 | 14,051 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | ||
| 266,352 | 268,011 | ||
| ======= | ======= |
17
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
c. Particulars of employees :
The average number of employees during the year was as follows:
2025 2024 Charitable activities 5.8 6 ==== ==== This equated to 5.8 full time equivalent staff (2024: 6). One employee received emoluments of £60,000 or more during the year. Emoluments No. Employees No. Employees 2025 2024 £80,000 – £89,999 1 1 The trustees are not remunerated for their services and are not included in the above number of employees.
d. During the year the following give local grants were made to organisations:
| Organisations | £ |
|---|---|
| Murtle Market | 1,500 |
| FastAid Solihull & Birmingham | 1,500 |
| DigiLocal | 1,500 |
| Romodels | 1,500 |
| KidsBank Chester | 1,500 |
| The Together Project CIO | 1,500 |
| Upper Norwood Association for Community Care | 1,500 |
| The School Bank West Lothian | 1,500 |
| Mustard Seed Autism Trust | 1,500 |
| Teams and Bensham Community Care | 1,500 |
| Riana Development Network | 1,500 |
| Community Matters (Yorkshire) | 1,500 |
| Be Free Campaign | 1,500 |
| The Menopause Charity | 1,500 |
| Girl Pack | 1,500 |
| Men Behaving Dadly | 1,500 |
| Assisting Berkshire Children to Read | 1,500 |
| Warwickshire Pride | 1,500 |
| CRESST (Conflict Resolution Education in Sheffield Schools Training) | 1,500 |
| Breakout Youth | 1,500 |
| The Anne Robson Trust | 1,500 |
| Surplus to Supper Trust CIO | 1,500 |
| Reach Out for Mental Health | 1,500 |
| PACE Charitable Trust | 1,500 |
| Impactful Lives | 1,500 |
| Creating Adventures | 1,500 |
| Coventry Rugby Community Foundation | 1,500 |
| The Olive Trust | 1,500 |
| Headway Derby | 1,500 |
| The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre (The Well) | 1,500 |
| Total grants | 45,000 |
| ======= |
18
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Addition to the give local grants, the following grants were also made during the year:
| Organisations | £ |
|---|---|
| Hope nottingham | 9,436 |
| Refuge | 10,000 |
| Salvation Army | 10,000 |
| Trussell | 10,000 |
| SIFA Fireside | 2,261 |
| Thrive | 2,261 |
| Stephen Cox Garden Trust | 2,261 |
| Samaritians | 10,000 |
| Think Forward | 8,000 |
| Total grants | 64,219 |
| ======= |
| 6. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | |||
| Equipment | Total | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Cost | |||
| Balance at 1st January 2025 | 7,326 | 7,326 | |
| Additions in the year | 948 | 948 | |
| Disposal in the year | (3,348) | (3,348) | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Balance at 31st December 2025 | 4,926 | 4,926 | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Accumulated Depreciation | |||
| Balance at 1st January 2025 | 5,676 | 5,676 | |
| Charge for the year | 1,281 | 1,281 | |
| Disposal in the year | (2,637) | (2,637) | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Balance at 31stDecember 2025 | 4,320 | 4,320 | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Net Book Value at 31st December 2025 | 606 | 606 | |
| ===== | ===== | ||
| Net Book Value at 31st December 2024 | 1,650 | 1,650 | |
| ====== | ==== | ||
| All fixed assets are used in furtherance of | the organisation’s | charitable objectives. |
19
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Website | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Development | Total | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Cost | |||
| Balance at 1stJanuary 2025 | 23,376 | 23,376 | |
| Additions in the year | - | - | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Balance at 31stDecember 2025 | 23,376 | 23,376 | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Accumulated Depreciation | |||
| Balance at 1stJanuary 2025 | 10,324 | 10,324 | |
| Charge for the year | 4,676 | 4,676 | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Balance at 31st December 2025 | 15,000 | 15,000 | |
| --------- | --------- | ||
| Net Book Value at 31st December 2025 | 8,376 | 8,376 | |
| ===== | ===== | ||
| Net Book Value at 31stDecember 2024 | 13,052 | 13,052 | |
| ====== | ==== | ||
| 7. | DEBTORS | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments | 432 | 740 | |
| Other debtors | 132,062 | 43,483 | |
| ----------- | ----------- | ||
| 132,494 | 44,223 | ||
| ====== | ===== | ||
| 8. | CREDITORS | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Other creditors | 34,746 | 32,218 | |
| Accruals | 16,638 | 17,696 | |
| ----------- | ----------- | ||
| 51,384 | 49,914 | ||
| ====== | ====== |
20
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
9. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| 2025 | Net current | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Cash | assets | Total | |
| assets | balances | /(liabilities) | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | 8,982 | 243,453 | 59,917 | 312,352 |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------------- | |
| Restricted funds: | - | |||
| CAF America- Lenovo | - | (5,970) | 13,643 | 7,673 |
| Foundation | ||||
| Celinex – Youth Challenge | - | 12,276 | - | 12,276 |
| Enthuse- Reading | - | 10,498 | - | 10,498 |
| Oasis | ||||
| Lenovo Foundation | - | (6,650) | 6,650 | - |
| Local Giving | - | 29,890 | - | 29,890 |
| Give Local (Costco) | - | 138,739 | - | 138,739 |
| John Deere | - | 13,774 | - | 13,774 |
| Pitney Bowes | - | (900) | 900 | - |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------------- | |
| - | 191,657 | 21,193 | 212,850 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------------- | |
| 8,982 | 435,110 | 81,110 | 525,202 | |
| ======= | ======= | ======= | ======== | |
| 2024 | Net current | |||
| Fixed | Cash | assets | Total | |
| assets | balances | /(liabilities) | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | 14,702 | 262,010 | (22,516) | 254,196 |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------------- | |
| Restricted funds: | ||||
| Celinex – Youth Challenge | - | 12,989 | - | 12,989 |
| Enthuse- Reading | - | 4,690 | 15,925 | 20,615 |
| Oasis | ||||
| Local Giving | - | 23,367 | - | 23,367 |
| Give Local (Costco) | - | 139,161 |
- | 139,161 |
| John Deere | - | 7,069 | - | 7,069 |
| Campaigns | - | 830 |
- | 830 |
| Reading Oasis | - | 16,678 |
- | 16,678 |
| Pitney Bowes | - | (900) | 900 | - |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------------- | |
| - | 203,884 | 16,825 | 220,709 | |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | -------------- | |
| 14,702 | 465,894 | (5,691) | 474,905 | |
| ======= | ======= | ======= | ======== |
21
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
10.
| 2025 | Opening | Closing | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | Income | Expenditure | Balance | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| CAF America- Lenovo | - | 13,643 | (5,970) | 7,673 |
| Foundation | ||||
| Campaigns | 830 | - | (830) | - |
| Cellnex- Youth Challenge | 12,989 | - | (713) | 12,276 |
| Enthuse- Reading Oasis | 20,615 | - | (10,117) | 10,498 |
| Give Local (Costco) | 139,161 | 44,578 | (45,000) | 138,739 |
| John Deere | 7,069 | 64,456 | (57,751) | 13,774 |
| Lenovo Foundation | - | 6,650 | (6,650) | - |
| Local Giving | 23,367 | 6,523 | - | 29,890 |
| Reading Oasis | 16,678 | - | (16,678) | - |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | |
| 220,709 | 135,850 | (143,709) | 212,850 | |
| ======= | ======= | ======= | ======= | |
| 2024 | Opening | Closing | ||
| Balance | Income | Expenditure | Balance | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Campaigns | 830 | - | - | 830 |
| Cellnex- Volunteering Day | - | 2,839 | (2,839) | - |
| Cellnex- Youth Challenge | 52,698 | 60,681 | (100,390) | 12,989 |
| Dow UK | 14,322 | - | (14,322) | - |
| Estee Lauder RO Schools | 6,000 | - | (6,000) | - |
| Enthuse- Reading Oasis | - | 20,615 | - | 20,615 |
| Give Local (Costco) | 124,251 | 59,910 | (45,000) | 139,161 |
| John Deere | 23,495 | 33,624 | (50,050) | 7,069 |
| Lenovo Month of Service | 6,269 | - | (6,269) | - |
| Local Giving | 17,233 | 6,134 | - | 23,367 |
| MUFG- Reading Oasis | - | 5,500 | 5,500 | - |
| Pitney Bowes | 6,682 | 3,400 | (10,082) | - |
| Reading Oasis | 27,553 | - | (10,875) | 16,678 |
| ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | ------------ | |
| 279,333 | 192,703 | (251,327) | 220,709 | |
| ======= | ======= | ======= | ======= |
Description of funds
CAF America Lenovo Foundation-
Campaigns - Campaigns aimed to raise money in support of a United Way UK initiative – e.g. campaign to raise funds to buy Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children.
Cellnex Volunteering Day - Funding received to increase the employability knowledge and skills of charities supporting migrants.
22
Docusign Envelope ID: 795D9C35-904D-84C7-83DB-3FD582812F14Docusign Envelope ID: 28767F50-DBBA-8FEE-83EC-83417AD6AFB1Docusign Envelope ID: 1CD85E1E-7B9D-824A-8244-40D816DF29D3
UNITED WAY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Cellnex Youth Challenge - Funding received to support the Youth Challenge Programme, aimed to inspire young people to follow a career in STEM and the Telecomms industry.
Dow UK - Contribution towards Poverty, Disability & Mental Health.
Estee Lauder RO Schools – Funding received in support of Reading Oasis Programme.
Enthuse Reading Oasis - Restricted Donation received through Enthuse for the reading Oasis programme.
Give Local (Costco) - Payroll giving monies from Costco to fund Give Local grants.
John Deere - monies given for support centred around 2 community impact areas: Food Insecurity and Youth Employability.
Lenovo Foundation - funding received for school project delived in dublin
Local Giving - payroll giving monies to be used in the local area.
Lenovo Month of Service - in support of Global Month of Service Project in Basingstoke and Glasgow.
MUFG Reading Oasis - Restrcited donation received in support of the reading oasis programme.
Pitney Bowes - Funding received in support of Christmas “making something that matters” initiative and corporate volunteering opportunities.
Reading Oasis - funds given to develop and launch ‘United Way Reading Oasis’.
11. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Unrestricted funds are spent or applied at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity’s purposes.
12. RELATED PARTIES
Sue Knowles is a trustee of United Way and is also Marketing and Adminisrator Director at Costco. In the year Costco made a grant of £73,529 (2024: £118,110) to United Way. Sue supported the submission of United Way UK’s application for this grant but was not part of the decision making on grants. She derives no benefit from United Way in return.
13. REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Aggregate compensation | 105,396 | 94,833 |
| ====== | ====== |
14. LIMITED LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
In the event of winding up, the members of the CIO have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.
23