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← Decka Creative Yorkshire (Deckacy)

2024-03-31-accounts

DECKA CREATIVE YORKSHIRE (DECKACY)

Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Charity number 1153656

JANUARY 23, 2025

56, Westbourne Road,

Marsh, Huddersfield. HD1 4LE

DECKA CREATIVE YORKSHIRE (DECKACY)

Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Contents

Legal and Administrative Information

Report of the Management Committee

Statement of Financial Activities

Balance Sheet

Notes forming part of the financial statements

31[st] March 2023

Trustees’ Annual Report For The Period

From 1[st] April 2023 Period start date To 31[st] March 2024 Period end date Charity name: DECKA CREATIVE (YORKSHIRE DECKACY)

Charity registration number: 1153656

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 Promotion, nurture & support of high
standards among BAME artists & creative
practitioners in all branches of the creative
arts, enabling them to secure employment
across the spectrum of existing & new,
mainstream & fringe opportunities. Creative
enterprise training
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 DECKACY's primary purpose is to promote,
nurture, and support high standards among
BAME creative practitioners, ensuring all
activities further our charitable mission for
the public benefit. Our work focuses on
advocacy, advice, information, and providing
open space for creative expression.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, we
have been unable to deliver these activities
since the last report.
DECKACY aimed to benefit residents across
10 areas within Yorkshire and the Humber.
All services are offered free of charge,
promoting equal access and inclusivity
across our target regions.
Key Activities and Impact
1. Advocacy, Advice, and Information:
These services are vital in supporting
BAME creative practitioners by
offering guidance and resources
tailored to their unique challenges.
However, due to funding constraints,
these activities could not be carried
out in the past year. We remain
hopeful that future improvements in
funding will allow us to resume this
important work.
1. Advocacy, Advice, and Information: 1. Advocacy, Advice, and Information:
These services are vital in supporting
BAME creative practitioners by
offering guidance and resources
tailored to their unique challenges.
However, due to funding constraints,
these activities could not be carried
out in the past year. We remain
hopeful that future improvements in
funding will allow us to resume this
important work.
2. Open Space:
DECKACY aims to provide platforms
for BAME creative practitioners to
showcase their work and engage
with the wider community. Despite
setting targets to host showcases
across all target regions, the lack of
financial resources meant these
initiatives could not proceed this
year.
Looking Forward
The absence of funding has significantly
impacted our ability to fulfil our objectives,
but we remain committed to advocating for
and supporting BAME creative practitioners
and neurodiverse individuals. With renewed
funding or support, DECKACY can continue
fostering creativity, inclusivity, and equal
opportunities across the regions we serve.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The trustees of DECKACY confirm that they
have had regard to the guidance issued by
the Charity Commission on public benefit as
part of their governance and decision-
making processes. Despite the significant
challenges faced due to a lack of funding,
we remain steadfast in our commitment to
supporting BAME creative practitioners and
neurodiverse individuals.
While financial constraints have hindered the
delivery of our planned activities, the
trustees have continued to prioritise
inclusivity, equal opportunities, and
empowerment as core elements of our
mission. We believe these values align
closely with the principles of public benefit by
addressing inequalities and fostering
creativity within underrepresented
communities.
The trustees reaffirm their dedication to
upholding the public benefit principles and
look forward to fulfilling DECKACY's
objectives as soon as resources become
available, ensuring that our work makes a
meaningful and lasting impact.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference DECKACY Grant-Making Policy Para 1.38

Policy on grant making

  1. Introduction

DECKACY is dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities by supporting BAME creative practitioners and neurodiverse individuals. Our grantmaking policy is closely aligned with our mission to empower underrepresented groups, celebrate cultural diversity, and deliver tangible public benefit. This policy ensures that our grant distribution is fair, transparent, and impactful.

2. Grant Eligibility Criteria

3. Application Process

The grant application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible:

  1. Application Form – Applicants must complete a detailed application form outlining the purpose of their project, how it aligns with DECKACY’s values, its intended outcomes, and a breakdown of the budget.

  2. Supporting Evidence – Applicants must submit relevant supporting materials, such as portfolios, project plans, or partnership agreements.

  3. Submission Deadlines – Applications must be submitted within the specified timeframe, as announced on DECKACY’s website and social

channels.

  1. Application Support – To ensure accessibility, DECKACY offers support for applicants who encounter difficulties with the application process, including alternative formats and one-to-one assistance where necessary.

4. Decision-Making Framework

Applications will be assessed through a transparent and thorough decision-making process:

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

DECKACY is committed to ensuring that funded projects achieve their goals and deliver public benefit:

completion, recipients must submit a final report documenting outcomes, insights, and any challenges faced.

6. Grant Conditions

Grants are subject to the following conditions:

7. Commitment to Transparency and Inclusivity

DECKACY upholds the principles of transparency and inclusivity in all aspects of its grant-making process. We strive to reduce barriers and provide equal opportunities for all eligible applicants. Feedback and complaints regarding the process are welcomed as part of our commitment to ongoing improvement.

8. Policy Review

This grant-making policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with DECKACY’s mission and public benefit principles. DECKACY is proud to support creative practitioners and neurodiverse individuals through fair, impactful, and communitydriven grant initiatives. We look forward to enabling innovative projects that champion creativity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities.

Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 DECKACY Social Investment Policy
1. Introduction
DECKACY is committed to driving
meaningful social change through strategic
social investments, including program-
related investments. These investments are
designed to advance DECKACY’s mission of
empowering BAME creative practitioners
and neurodiverse individuals while achieving
measurable social and financial returns. This
policy outlines how DECKACY selects,
manages, and evaluates its social
investment activities to ensure they align
with our values and objectives.
3. Objectives of Social Investments
DECKACY’s social investments aim to:
•
Support initiatives that promote
creativity, inclusivity, and equal
opportunities for BAME creative
practitioners and neurodiverse
individuals.
•
Advance projects that foster cultural
diversity and make a positive impact
on underrepresented groups within
creative industries.
•
Generate financial returns that help
sustain DECKACY’s charitable
activities.
•
Contribute to long-term public
benefits, uplifting communities and
fostering systemic change.
3. Criteria for Selecting Investments
When considering social investments,
DECKACY applies the following criteria:
•
Alignment with Mission– The
investment must directly support
DECKACY’s mission to empower
marginalised groups and promote
equal opportunities in the creative
sector.
•
Social Impact– The proposed
investment should deliver
measurable social benefits, such as
increased opportunities for BAME
and neurodiverse creatives,

4. Program-Related Investments (PRI)

Program-related investments are a key component of DECKACY’s social investment strategy. These investments, which may take the form of loans, equity stakes, or other financial tools, are made with the primary goal of advancing our charitable objectives. Key features of PRI include:

5. Decision-Making Process

DECKACY employs a transparent and structured decision-making framework for social investments:

  1. Initial Assessment – All potential investments are evaluated against the criteria outlined in this policy.

  2. Proposal Submission – Applicants

must provide a detailed proposal outlining their project's objectives, expected social impacts, financial model, and risk factors.

  1. Review Panel – A diverse panel, including trustees, social investment experts, and community representatives, will assess proposals for alignment with DECKACY’s mission and priorities.

  2. Due Diligence – A thorough review of the investment opportunity, including financial analysis and risk assessment, will be conducted prior to approval.

  3. Approval Process – The final decision on investments will be made by DECKACY’s Board of Trustees, ensuring accountability and alignment with organisational goals.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure the success of our social investments, DECKACY is committed to ongoing monitoring and evaluation:

6. Commitment to Transparency and

Ethical Standards

DECKACY upholds the highest standards of transparency and ethics in its social investment activities. We are committed to:

8. Policy Review

This social investment policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with DECKACY’s charitable objectives and public benefit principles.

9. Concluding Commitment

DECKACY is dedicated to leveraging social investments as a tool for meaningful change. By aligning financial resources with our mission, we aim to create a lasting, positive impact on underrepresented groups, advance diversity in the creative industries, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Despite the valuable efforts and commitment
Para 1.38 of our volunteers, DECKACY Limited
Contribution made by acknowledges that their contribution alone
volunteers was limited in enabling the delivery of our
planned activities, highlighting both our
appreciation for their support and the need
for additional resources to achieve our
broader goals.
Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding during
the past year, the charity was unable to
deliver on its objectives or implement its
planned activities. This has been a
significant setback, underscoring the
challenges of advocating for and supporting
BAME creative practitioners and
neurodiverse individuals without the
necessary resources.
Had the objectives been met, the charity’s
work would have made a meaningful
difference by nurturing talent, fostering
inclusivity, and providing equal opportunities.
The intended impact included empowering
creative practitioners to reach their potential,
showcasing their work, and improving
representation in the creative sectors. These
efforts were also designed to bring about
wider societal benefits, such as increased
cultural enrichment and stronger community
connections.
The inability to fulfil these goals has been
deeply disappointing, as our commitment to
driving change and enhancing the lives of
our beneficiaries remains unwavering. With
renewed funding, we look forward to
delivering the ambitious and impactful work
that aligns with our mission.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41

Other

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 At the end of the reporting period,
DECKACY Limited recorded no grant
income, donations, or other financial
contributions.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 Reserves Policy Statement
DECKACY Limited maintains a reserves
policy to ensure financial stability and
safeguard our mission of supporting BAME
creative practitioners and neurodiverse
individuals. Despite not generating income
during the reporting period, maintaining
reserves is essential to our operations.
These reserves act as a financial safety net,
allowing us to manage unforeseen
expenses, bridge potential gaps in income
streams, and address unexpected
challenges.
Reserves are critical to supporting
DECKACY's long-term sustainability. They
provide the foundation needed to plan and
deliver initiatives with confidence, even in
the face of financial uncertainty. Our aim is
to hold reserves sufficient to cover at least
three months of operational costs, ensuring
that we can continue to advance our goals
without interruption.
By upholding this policy, DECKACY
demonstrates a commitment to responsible
financial management and sustaining a
meaningful impact in the creative sector.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 Nil
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 No income generated for this period
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 Nil
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 No income generated for this period

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including Para 1.47 any fundraising)

Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Trust Deed
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 DECKA Creative Yorkshire (DECKACY) was
incorporated as a charitable incorporated
organisation
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 DECKACY Limited is dedicated to
maintaining a diverse and inclusive board
that reflects our mission to support BAME
creative practitioners and neurodiverse
individuals. To enhance this commitment, we
are currently revising our trustee selection
methods to ensure greater inclusivity, with a
specific focus on incorporating provisions for
neurodiverse individuals. This ongoing
revision is part of our effort to create a
governance structure that values diverse
perspectives, drives innovation, and ensures
impactful solutions.
The review process involves consultations
with stakeholders, experts, and
representatives from the neurodiverse
community to establish a comprehensive
and inclusive approach. By updating these
methods, we reaffirm our dedication to
promoting equity and inclusion within our
leadership, ensuring that DECKACY
continues to operate with integrity and
purpose.
At the same time, DECKACY has
implemented a clear and structured process
for selecting trustees under our current
framework. Trustees are chosen based on
their ability to contribute effectively to the
charity’s strategic goals while bringing
diverse skills, experiences, and insights. Our
constitution outlines key provisions for
trustee appointments, including elections to
posts and direct appointments. Candidates
may be nominated and elected by existing
trustees, ensuring a thorough evaluation of
their qualifications and alignment with
DECKACY’s vision.
These combined efforts reflect DECKACY’s
commitment to fosteringagovernance

structure that promotes inclusion and diversity while maintaining the expertise needed to guide the charity sustainably. By adhering to these practices and continuously improving our methods, we aim to strengthen our leadership and remain true to the values that drive our mission.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees		 Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees		 Para 1.51 At DECKACY, most trustees are already
well-acquainted with the practical work of the
charity, reflecting their strong connection to
our mission and activities. For new trustees,
we’ve designed an orientation process to
ensure they feel fully equipped and informed
as they join the board.
New trustees are invited to participate in a
series of short training sessions, each lasting
no more than an hour, to familiarise
themselves with the charity and the context
in which we operate. These sessions are
jointly led by the Chair of the Management
Committee and provide an overview of key
areas crucial to effective governance,
including:
•
The roles and responsibilities of
trustees.
•
The core documents that define the
charity’s operational framework,
including the governing document.
•
DECKACY's resource management
and the current financial position, as
outlined in the latest published
accounts.
•
Strategic plans and objectives for the
charity's future.
To further support new trustees, every
participant receives a comprehensive
Question & Answer pack. This pack draws
on guidance from various Charity
Commission publications, including insights
from “The Essential Trustee,” and serves as
a valuable follow-up resource. Alongside the
Q&A pack, new trustees are also provided
with a copy of the governing document and
the latest financial statements to ensure they

To further support new trustees, every participant receives a comprehensive Question & Answer pack. This pack draws on guidance from various Charity Commission publications, including insights from “The Essential Trustee,” and serves as a valuable follow-up resource. Alongside the Q&A pack, new trustees are also provided with a copy of the governing document and the latest financial statements to ensure they

have all relevant information at their
fingertips.
This approach ensures both continuity and
an informed, confident leadership team,
further strengthening DECKACY’s
governance and alignment with our mission.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51
Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name DECKA CREATIVE YORKSHIRE
Other name the charity uses DECKACY
Registered charity number 1153656
Charity’s principal address 56, Westbourne Road. Marsh.
Huddersfield, WEST YORKSHIRE
HD1 4LE

The Management Committee has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. A risk register has been established and is updated at least annually. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Significant external risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan which will allow for the diversification of funding and activities. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the charity. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.

Organisational Structure

DECKA Creative Yorkshire (DECKACY) has a Management Committee of 8 members who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present the Committee has four members from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.

Responsibilities of the Management Committee

Company law requires the Management Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the management committee should follow best practice and:

The Management Committee is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The Management Committee is 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.

Members of the Management Committee

Members of the Management Committee, who are trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 3. Approved by the Management Committee on 15 September 2024 and signed on its behalf

Mr George Matheson (Chairman)

DECKA Creative Yorkshire (DECKACY) Statement of Financial Activities (including Income & Expenditure Account) for the Year ended 31 March 2024

Notes
Incoming resources
Incoming resources from
generated funds:
Voluntary income:
Donations and grants
b
Activities for generating funds:
Investment income
Incoming resources from
charitable activities:
b
Grants & contracts
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Costs of generating funds
Costs of generating voluntary
c
income
Fundraising trading: cost of goods
c
sold and other costs
Charitable activities
c
Governance costs
c
Total resources expended
Net income for the year. (Net
incoming resources before other
recognised gains)
Other recognised gains
Gain on revaluation of investments
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2021
2022
202.
2024
£
£
£
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

DECKA Creative Yorkshire (DECKACY)

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
d
Investments
Current Assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Revaluation funds
General funds
Restricted funds
Total Funds		 2023
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 £
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 2024
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-
0
0
0
0
0

These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small entities.

Approved by the management committee on 30 August YEAR and signed on its behalf by:

Ms Meirul Din - Treasurer

Financial Summary for DECKA Creative Yorkshire (DECKACY)

Over the past four years, DECKACY has not generated any income from donations, grants, investments, charitable activities, or voluntary contributions. Consequently, there has been no expenditure during this period. This prolonged financial inactivity reflects a significant challenge in advancing the charity’s mission and maintaining operational momentum.

While the absence of financial transactions means there are no outstanding liabilities or deficits, it also highlights missed opportunities for growth, outreach, and impact. Without funding, essential initiatives to support BAME creative practitioners and neurodiverse communities cannot progress as intended, potentially limiting the organisation’s effectiveness and reputation in the sector.

To address these challenges, DECKACY could explore several strategies to secure its financial future, including:

Strengthening financial planning and sustainability practices will be critical in enabling DECKACY to move beyond this phase of inactivity. By taking proactive steps to secure funding, the charity can better position itself to fulfil its mission of empowering underserved creative communities and advocating for inclusion and diversity.

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2019

1. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of fixed asset investments at market value, and in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005.

(b) Fund accounting

(b) Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following policies are applied to particular categories of income:

(c)

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

(d) Fixed assets

Fixed assets (excluding investments) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of minor additions or those costing below £1,000 are not capitalised.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life, which in all cases is estimated at 4 years. Impairment reviews are carried out as and when evidence comes to light that that the recoverable amount of a functional fixed asset is below its net book value due to damage, obsolescence or other relevant factors.

Investments held as fixed assets are revalue at mid-market value at the balance sheet date and the gain or loss taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

2. Trustee Remuneration & Related Party Transactions

No members of the management committee received any remuneration during the year.

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year (2023 – Nil).