**Charity registration number 1153769 (England and Wales)**
## **CHEXS**
**ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**
## **CHEXS**
## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
|**Trustees**|A. Gorton|
|---|---|
||S. Farmer|
||P. Seeby|
||S. Goldsmith|
||B. Booth|
||K. Laffar|
||J. Cottenden|
||P. Spears|
||J. Hewitt|
|**Patron**|Dame Alison Peacock|
|**CEO**|P. Maiden|
|**Charity number**|1153769|
|**Principal address**|Theobalds Enterprise Centre|
||Theobalds Business Park|
||Inovation Place|
||Platinum Way|
||Cheshunt|
||Waltham Cross|
||EN8 8YD|
|**Independent examiner**|John Wilson FCA ATII|
||Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants|
||36 Crown Rise|
||Watford|
||Hertfordshire|
||WD25 0NE|
## **CHEXS**
## **CONTENTS**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Chairperson Foreword|1|
|Trustees' report|3 - 11|
|Statement of trustees' responsibilities|2|
|Independent examiner's report|12|
|Statement of financial activities|13|
|Balance sheet|14|
|Notes to the financial statements|15 - 24|
## **CHEXS**
## **CHAIRPERSON FOREWORD**
‘Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.’ Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Did you know that the word ‘charity’ comes from the Latin word, ‘caritas’ which means love? And I’m sure that you have heard the phrase ‘charity begins at home.’?
This phrase is often attributed to 17th century writer Thomas Fuller, but the saying is actually a centuries old observation that learning how to care for all members of society at home encourages us to apply it elsewhere.
However, Fuller's meaning is often misinterpreted today. He didn't mean that we should only help those near to us…absolutely not! His full text states: ‘Charity begins at home, but should not end there.’
In other words, we should nurture a sense of compassion and generosity in our relationships with those around us, but we should then work to extend that compassion and generosity to everyone in need in the wider world.
In my humble opinion, CHEXs is the epitome of Fuller’s ‘full quote’; our mission: ‘to create a trusting and honest environment to inspire the next generation’ is underpinned by our holistic approach through which we strive to ensure that every member of our local community/family is recognised and respected as an individual with infinite potential…as someone who can make a valued contribution to the common good.
Towards this aim, on 17th July 2025, the UK government launched the ‘Civil Society Covenant’, outlining a new way of working that puts people and communities at the heart of decision making; the Covenant sets out how civil society and public bodies will work together at both national and local level in the future, to design policy that works for everyone. While also marking a commitment to improve collaboration across wider public bodies in health, local government and the justice system.
Quite simply, this is music to our ears at CHEXs since this is what we have been doing for the last 14 years as we focus on those members of our local community (our ‘family’) in need of help and support; we see this as a collective responsibility, often involving a wide variety of organisations/agencies as part of our holistic approach.
A key factor in the success of our approach is that CHEXs is not a ‘sticking plaster’ solution…it is so much more than that…it goes much deeper; as you read through this wonderful annual report, you will clearly see through the data provided and within every ‘story’.
As Saskia Konynenburg [(The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) Executive Director] states:
‘The voluntary sector is vital to the fabric of a fair and equal society…the government has recognised the crucial role our sector [ (NCVO)] plays in achieving that. The Civil Society Covenant lays out the ambition for how we put people and communities back at the heart of decision making and lays a roadmap for a relationship where true lived experience forms the basis of designing good government policy.’
‘Hoorah!’ say all of us at CHEXs!
I began with a quote from Mark Twain…and if you have read previous CHEXs annual reports…you’ll know that I love a quote!
And what better way to conclude than with a quote from Anne Frank, whose ‘charity’ most certainly extended beyond her own situation and provides ‘food for thought’ for us all:
‘How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.’ Anne Frank
## **A. Gorton**
Chairperson
Dated: 3 November 2025
- 1 -
## **CHEXS**
## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England 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 year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient 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. They are 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.
- 2 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
## **Objectives and activities**
## **Who are CHEXS and what do we do?**
CHEXS is an award-winning youth and family support charity based in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire — one of the county’s most deprived and ethnically diverse areas. Our purpose is to empower disadvantaged young people to reach their potential and to support families facing significant challenges.
We work with 11 local primary schools and 2 secondary schools who refer children to us when they are not achieving their potential and when underlying issues at home are suspected. By addressing root causes such as poverty, family stress, and poor mental health, we help children build aspirations and self-esteem while enabling parents to strengthen relationships and parenting skills.
## **CHEXS Vision, Mission and Values**
## **Vision**
CHEXS’ vision is to be a sustainable and resilient organisation that helps families through difficult times, transforms lives by nurturing resilience, inspires hope, and provides opportunities for children and parents to thrive.
## **Family Support Mission**
Our support helps parents develop stronger family relationships by building parenting confidence, improving communication, and tackling challenges such as financial stress, housing, and mental health.
## **Young People Support Mission**
Our approach creates a trusting and positive environment where young people can set goals, build resilience and self-esteem, and discover their strengths through challenging projects and teamwork.
## **Values**
- **Community** – We aim to create a united community working together to improve our local area.
- **Homes** – Supporting families to build happier home lives with better communication and stronger relationships.
- **Enrichments** – Engaging children and young people in positive activities that raise self-esteem, improve relationships, and develop life skills.
- **Xtra-mile** – Always going above and beyond to support families.
- **Support** – Providing a dedicated, enthusiastic, professional, and inclusive service for all families in the local community.
- 3 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## _Strategies for achieving aims and objectives_
## **The Strategic Business Plan: Purpose and Objectives**
Our five-year Strategic Plan (2024–2029) sets out ambitious but achievable goals to support over 600 children and young people and 345 families. It was developed through a three-month review of our Vision, Mission, Values, and strategic outcomes, culminating in a focus day in March 2024.
The plan is structured around **five key outcomes** and delivered through three core strategies:
1. **Growth Strategy** – Expanding reach, building partnerships, and ensuring succession planning.
2. **Marketing Strategy** – Strengthening visibility, stakeholder engagement, and community profile.
3. **Service Strategy** – Maintaining high-quality delivery while adapting to emerging needs.
## **Key Strengths**
- **Whole Family Approach** – Supporting both children and parents together to address root causes.
- **Strong Culture of Support** – A cohesive team working collaboratively with beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- **Trusted Partnerships** – Longstanding relationships with schools, housing associations, and local authorities.
- **Commitment to Mental Health and Resilience** – Supporting wellbeing through tailored interventions.
- **Flexibility and Innovation** – Adapting services quickly to meet changing needs and going the extra mile for families.
## _Public benefit_
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
## **Community Impact and Engagement**
CHEXS has been embedded in the local community for over a decade. We take pride in our reputation for trust and reliability. In 2024–25, we continued to deliver our **Children & Young People GROWTH Programme** and **Family Support Services** , alongside new initiatives co-designed with partners to address emerging needs.
We are extremely grateful to our stakeholders, partner agencies, funders, and trusts and foundations that have supported CHEXS over the last 12 months.
CHEXS’ whole-family approach has supported **507** disadvantaged and underperforming school-age children this year, helping to build their aspirations, self-esteem, and wellbeing. Alongside this, our team has worked with **156** disadvantaged families, supporting parents to strengthen family relationships, improve parenting confidence, and manage their children’s behaviour more effectively.
## **The team has also supported and worked with:**
- a. Providing afterschool and holiday support to **265** disadvantaged young people ( **170** afterschool and **95** holiday), helping to build aspirations, self-esteem, and wellbeing
- b. Providing one-to-one and small group coaching to **113** children and young people. c. Issuing **132** foodbank vouchers to families.
- d. Securing emergency support for **161** families through food and fuel vouchers, helping them to keep their homes supplied with energy and essentials.
- e. Training **405** professionals including **361** in safeguarding, **23** in basic first aid, and **21** in paediatric first aid.
- f. Running **19** Real Talk sessions with **59** attendees, providing peer-to-peer support and expert input.
- g. Delivering **26** family craft sessions, attended by **143** families ( **407** individual attendances)
- h. Supporting around **3** , **000** family members through our Easter and Summer Fun Days.
All families supported had children struggling to achieve their potential due to complex challenges at home or in school.
- 4 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **Parent Quotes**
_**“Thank you so much, that is beyond lovely to hear. I can’t thank you guys enough for helping and including #####. His confidence has really grown this year. He’s really enjoyed being included in this. He said he’s asked to do it next year too but not sure if they will allow it. It’s taken him out of his comfort zone and made him try things he would normally shy away from. I can see his confidence has grown talking to people too, children and adults. I am really grateful to you guys thank you.”**_
_**“Truly your words, support, love and encouragement mean so much and what you say is spot on - we just need reminding sometimes. thank you for being a part of my journey and for your genuine pure heart too - I see the warrior in you to and it's inspiring and encouraging too. I'm so grateful”**_
## **Children Quotes**
_**“I like CHEXS because it's fun. It helps me to calm down. CHEXS has made me more confident because it made me speak up more. I love the CHEXS activites and it has made me work with people that I wouldn't get to work with. I've made friends in CHEXS. CHEXS is 10/10.”**_
## **Young People Quotes**
_**“I found today very interesting as we learnt lots of new things especially at the nature centre. Being outside helps my mind to relax.”**_
_**“I think this session really made me feel better about myself, I feel like if I had someone to talk to privately when I needed to would help a lot.”**_
_**“Chexs has helped me improve how I handle my emotions and realising that if I feel wronged, I can regulate my emotions and respond after I've calmed down.”**_
## **Achievements and performance**
_Significant activities and achievements against objectives_
## **How CHEXS Responded to the Increased Demand Over the Last 12 Months**
The cost-of-living crisis and increased school referrals meant demand for CHEXS’ services rose again in 2024–25. Families continued to face food and fuel poverty, mental health struggles, and housing insecurity.
## **CHEXS responded by:**
- Providing 1:1, face-to-face emotional and practical support in schools, homes, cafés, and community venues.
- Offering easy-to-access online support through social media, blogs, and “top tips,” ensuring families stay connected to help and advice.
- Delivering specialist parent workshops on Emotionally Based School Avoidance, Parenting a Child with SEN, Boundaries/Routines/Behaviour, Identifying Early Signs of SEN, and SEND “Lunch and Learn” sessions.
- Running Real Talk, giving parents a voice in shaping services and the opportunity to learn from peers and visiting organisations (SPACE, B3 Living, Safer Places, NHS services, and local employment support).
- Supporting families to co-produce events, with growing involvement from Parent Champions.
- Offering **38** community volunteering opportunities for young people, parents, and local residents.
- 5 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **Key achievements have been:**
- Responding to referrals where the most common issues for young people were **emotional wellbeing (32%)** , **confidence (28%)** , **behaviour (19%)** , and **risk-taking (13%)** .
- Seeing a continued rise in young people with special educational needs (134 in 2024–25 vs 122 last year, +10% a **43% increase in the last 2 years** ).
- Delivering the GROWTH project to **242** young people, helping them develop resilience, leadership, and aspirations.
- Supporting **170** children in afterschool leadership activities.
- Engaging **95** children in holiday projects ( **46** through CHEXS and **49** through the HAPpy programme).
- Supporting **21** young people through _My Life_ projects aimed at reducing risky behaviour.
- Helping **28** young people transition successfully into secondary school.
- Offering families of young people in GROWTH additional support, with **84** parents completing questionnaires showing strong improvements across communication, relationships, and parenting confidence.
- Delivering Time for You sessions attended by **363** adults, tackling loneliness and isolation.
## **Outcomes**
More often than not, the challenges faced by the young people we work with are related to issues at home. CHEXS therefore provides holistic family support alongside work with children and young people.
## **Outcomes achieved by parents (n=84 questionnaires):**
- 87% improved communication with their children
- 88% felt more confident in their parenting skills
- 68% reported improved relationships with their children
- 86% found better ways to cope with behaviour
- 67% felt more effective at supporting learning
- 95% said CHEXS helped them access wider support (housing, debt, SEND)
- 97% felt supported throughout their time working with CHEXS
## **Outcomes achieved by children & young people (n=243 questionnaires):**
- 92% said they feel good about themselves
- 89% said they feel more confident
- 95% reported following school rules better
- 90% said their behaviour at home improved
- 86% said their communication skills improved
- 85% improved problem-solving skills
- 86% improved leadership skills
- 92% felt proud of their achievements
- 76% said they could manage their emotions better
- 89% improved teamworking skills
- 84% improved independent working
- 95% said they got on better with friends
- 6 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **Quotes from Schools**
Alongside capturing outcomes data and case studies from parents, we also ask schools making referrals to provide feedback:
_**“The pupils at Flamstead End School have really enjoyed taking part. In the Growth Programme and the afterschool interventions. Taking part in these interventions has seen a marked improvement in their selfconfidence and given them the opportunity to engage in activities they would not otherwise have experienced. There is also the massive benefit of Karen and the rest of the team who can offer a friendly face to our pupils transitioning into secondary school. Thank you to the whole of CHEXs for the support you offer to our families, it does make a massive difference to all that have been supported.”**_
## _Fundraising practices_
## **Community Events**
Throughout the year, CHEXS held community events that brought families together, built relationships, and provided affordable fun for those struggling financially. In addition to our Easter and Summer Fun Days, we also ran seasonal activities such as wreath workshops.
- 7 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
_Fundraising performance_
- 8 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
- 9 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **Financial review**
CHEXS proactively continues to review income and expenditure with Trustees and other key stakeholders and is constantly looking for new funding streams that can complement the existing ones and support projects for the benefit of families and young people. This approach ensures CHEXS is continuing to build a sustainable platform to remain pivotal in helping families to reach their full potential.
During the year September 2024 to August 2025, CHEXS reported a total surplus of **£52,807** , of which **£4,742** related to unrestricted funds and **£48,065** to restricted funds. Total income increased to **£592,450** from **£485,759** in 2024, while expenditure rose modestly to **£539,643** from **£480,713** in 2024.
The charity remains in a strong financial position, with **Cash at bank and in hand of £187,299** at 31 August 2025, supporting healthy liquidity and operational resilience.
Income is derived from a range of sources, with grant income continuing to represent the majority share, complemented by direct project contributions and school memberships. CHEXS’ growing base of corporate and community funders further strengthens financial resilience.
This diversification is being driven through four strategic pillars:
- **Pillar 1 – Social Enterprise** : Strengthening earned income through school contributions, traded services, training offers, and new commissioning partnerships.
- **Pillar 2 – Trusts and Foundations** : Deepening relationships with existing funders while pursuing multiyear and Lottery opportunities aligned to our prevention and GROWTH priorities.
- **Pillar 3 – Business and Corporates** : Expanding partnerships with businesses, major donors, and sponsors to secure unrestricted support and in-kind resources.
- **Pillar 4 – Fundraising and Donations** : Building individual giving, legacy pledges, and community fundraising events supported by digital engagement and stewardship.
Staff costs remain the largest area of expenditure, reflecting CHEXS’ commitment to long-serving, skilled staff who provide consistent support and trusted relationships with families. This investment in people underpins the quality and impact of delivery across all programmes.
The surplus generated in 2024/25 will be added to reserves, strengthening CHEXS’ ability to meet its updated reserves target and ensuring sustainability in the face of rising challenges.
## _Reserves policy_
The CHEXS board diligently monitors the charity's reserves and actively works with the Senior Leadership Team to diversify and strengthen funding streams. While using reserves is not preferred, the board recognises that exceptional challenges may justify their use. Ensuring the charity's ability to continue supporting families during difficult times is our priority. We are committed to rebuilding and increasing our reserves to secure future stability.
Our reserves policy is regularly reviewed to ensure it meets operational needs. The goal is to maintain a fund of approximately three months of operational costs of **£135,000** and up to **£45,000** towards staff redundancy costs. This ensures we have sufficient reserves to address any unexpected income shortfalls and fulfil our financial obligations.
Looking forward, we anticipate higher expenditure to meet growing demand. This will necessitate increased reserves to protect our services from short-term financial disruptions and, in extreme situations, to cover redundancy costs if operations were to cease.
Currently our total unrestricted reserves stand at **£126,256** , of which **£49,742** have been designated towards the Organisational Resilience Fund, leaving **£76,514** as unrestricted free reserves. We are committed to maintaining and growing these reserves in line with our policy to ensure the charity's sustainability.
## _Investment policy_
Under the constitution, the charity has the power to make any investment as the Trustees see fit.
- 10 -
## **CHEXS**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## _Major risks_
CHEXS’ trustees regularly review the charity’s Risk Policy & Risk Register. We are confident that our governance framework allows us to plan for long-term sustainability while meeting the immediate needs of families and young people.
## **Structure, governance and management**
The charity is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
A. Gorton
S. Farmer
P. Seeby
S. Goldsmith
B. Booth
K. Laffar
J. Cottenden
P. Spears
J. Hewitt
## _Recruitment and appointment of trustees_
Trustees are appointed through an open nomination process. We invite community members via our website, social media, and word of mouth to apply when vacancies arise.
The Board meets formally four times a year (including the AGM) with three additional subgroup meetings. Trustees remain actively engaged with the Senior Leadership Team in monitoring the charity’s Strategic Plan.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
A. Gorton
## **Trustee**
3 November 2025
- 11 -
## **CHEXS**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHEXS**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of CHEXS (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
- 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
- 3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
## John Wilson
## **John Wilson FCA ATII**
Howard Wilson Chartered Accountants 36 Crown Rise Watford Hertfordshire WD25 0NE 4 November 2025
- 12 -
## **CHEXS**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**Notes**
**£**
**£**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
774
-
Charitable activities
**4**
235,004
356,672
**Total income**
235,778
356,672
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
**5**
4,488
-
Charitable activities
**6**
226,548
308,607
**Total expenditure**
231,036
308,607
**Net income and movement in**
**funds**
4,742
48,065
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Fund balances at 1 September
2024
121,514
24,274
**Fund balances at 31 August**
**2025**
126,256
72,339|**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
774
6,671
-
591,676
232,171
246,917
592,450
238,842
246,917
4,488
5,504
-
535,155
214,325
260,884
539,643
219,829
260,884
52,807
19,013
(13,967)
145,788
102,501
38,241
198,595
121,514
24,274|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
6,671
479,088|
|---|---|---|
|||485,759|
|||5,504
475,209|
|||480,713|
|||5,046
140,742|
|||145,788|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 13 -
## **CHEXS**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
## _**AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025**_
|**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
**12**
**Current assets**
Debtors
**13**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within**
**one year**
**14**
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**The funds of the charity**
Restricted income funds
**17**
Unrestricted funds
**19**|**2025**
**£**
32,464
187,299
219,763
(25,280)|**2024**
**£**
**£**
4,112
33,262
230,939
264,201
(118,413)
194,483
198,595
72,339
126,256
198,595|**£**
-
145,788|
|---|---|---|---|
||||145,788|
||||24,274
121,514|
||||145,788|
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 3 November 2025
## A. Gorton **Trustee**
- 14 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Charity information**
CHEXS is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
## **1.1 Accounting convention**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
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.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
## **1.2 Going concern**
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity 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 financial statements.
## **1.3 Charitable funds**
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the accounts. Expenditure meeting the criteria as set is allocated against the specific reserve in the year it is incurred.
## **1.4 Income**
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
## **1.5 Expenditure**
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis inclusive of VAT.
- 15 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
**(Continued)**
## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Computers 25% straight line Motor vehicles 25% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
## **1.7 Impairment of fixed assets**
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
## **1.8 Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
## **1.9 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.
- 16 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
**(Continued)**
## _**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 payments 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.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## _**Derecognition of financial liabilities**_
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
## **1.10 Employee benefits**
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
## **1.11 Retirement benefits**
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
## **1.12 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.
## **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 ongoing 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.
- 17 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **3 Income from donations and legacies**
|Donations and gifts
**Income from charitable activities**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
Memberhip income
69,777
-
Project income
125,138
7,087
Grants receivable
40,089
349,585
235,004
356,672|**Unrestricted**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
774
6,671
**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
69,777
60,798
-
60,798
132,225
141,373
-
141,373
389,674
30,000
246,917
276,917
591,676
232,171
246,917
479,088|**Unrestricted**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
774
6,671
**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2024**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
69,777
60,798
-
60,798
132,225
141,373
-
141,373
389,674
30,000
246,917
276,917
591,676
232,171
246,917
479,088|
|---|---|---|
|||**Total**
**2024**
**£**
60,798
141,373
276,917|
|||479,088|
## **4 Income from charitable activities**
## **Grants receivable**
|Children in Need
National Lottery
Hertfordshire Community Foundation
Garfield Weston
Stort Valley Rotary Helping Herts
Worshipful Co Garden
Broxbourne Borough Council
Henry Smith Charity
Google UK Ltd
Other|**2025**
**£**
44,805
124,398
30,684
30,000
7,784
4,975
14,500
80,550
65,876
(13,898)
417,470|**2024**
**£**
-
102,232
19,625
30,000
-
-
14,962
96,600
-
13,498|
|---|---|---|
|||249,921|
**5 Expenditure on raising funds**
||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2025**|**2024**|
||**£**|**£**|
|**Community fundraising, events and sponsorship**|||
|Advertising|4,488|5,504|
- 18 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **6 Expenditure on charitable activities**
|||**Educational**|**Educational**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**and**|**and**|
|||**extended**|**extended**|
|||**services**|**services**|
|||**2025**|**2024**|
|||**£**|**£**|
||**Direct costs**|||
||Staff costs|414,593|388,236|
||Depreciation and impairment|1,371|-|
||Project costs|28,838|27,314|
||Staff training|13,306|12,659|
||Insurance|6,447|5,102|
||Office costs|18,494|12,408|
||Motor & travel costs|7,872|6,947|
||Professional fees|3,861|5,000|
||Sundry expenses|451|167|
||Bank charges|17|-|
||Governance costs|1,680|1,200|
||Venue costs|17,775|8,632|
|||514,705|467,665|
||Grant funding of activities (see note 7)|20,450|7,544|
|||535,155|475,209|
||**Analysis by fund**|||
||Unrestricted funds|226,548|214,325|
||Restricted funds|308,607|260,884|
|||535,155|475,209|
|**7**|**Grants payable**|||
|||**Educational**|**Educational**|
|||**and**|**and**|
|||**extended**|**extended**|
|||**services**|**services**|
|||**2025**|**2024**|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Grants to individuals|20,450|7,544|
- 19 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
|**8**
**Net movement in funds**
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
**9**
**Trustees**
J Cottenden who is a trustee, was paid £652 (2024 - £Nil) during the year.
**10**
**Employees**
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
**Employment costs**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000
is as follows:
£60,001 to £70,000
**Remuneration of key management personnel**
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
Aggregate compensation|**2025**
**£**
1,200
1,371
**2025**
**Number**
14
**2025**
**£**
366,653
28,669
19,271
414,593
**2025**
**Number**
-
**2025**
**£**
205,154|**2024**
**£**
1,200
-|
|---|---|---|
|||**2024**
**Number**
13|
|||**2024**
**£**
342,968
26,700
18,568|
|||388,236|
|||**2024**
**Number**
1|
|||**2024**
**£**
180,150|
## **11 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
- 20 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
|**12**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Computers**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1 September 2024
-
Additions
5,483
At 31 August 2025
5,483
**Depreciation and impairment**
At 1 September 2024
-
Depreciation charged in the year
1,371
At 31 August 2025
1,371
**Carrying amount**
At 31 August 2025
4,112
**13**
**Debtors**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Other debtors
**14**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
**Notes**
Deferred income
**16**
Other creditors
Accruals
**15**
**Retirement benefit schemes**
**Defined contribution schemes**
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes|**Motor**
**vehicles**
**£**
53,006
-
53,006
53,006
-
53,006
-
**2025**
**£**
32,464
**2025**
**£**
23,283
-
1,997
25,280
**2025**
**£**
19,271|**Total**
**£**
53,006
5,483|
|---|---|---|
|||58,489|
|||53,006
1,371|
|||54,377|
|||4,112|
|||**2024**
**£**
33,262|
|||**2024**
**£**
117,179
34
1,200|
|||118,413|
|||**2024**
**£**
18,568|
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
- 21 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
|**16**|**Deferred income**|||
|---|---|---|---|
|||**2025**|**2024**|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Other deferred income|23,283|117,179|
||Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:|||
|||**2025**|**2024**|
|||**£**|**£**|
||Deferred income is included within:|||
||Current liabilities|23,283|117,179|
||Movements in the year:|||
||Deferred income at 1 September 2024|117,179|104,843|
||Released from previous periods|(117,179)|(104,843)|
||Resources deferred in the year|23,283|117,179|
||Deferred income at 31 August 2025|23,283|117,179|
## **17 Restricted funds**
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
||**At 1**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**At 31 August**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**September**|**resources**|**expended**|**2025**|
||**2024**||||
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Awards for All (Big Lottery)|-|124,398|(115,406)|8,992|
|Worshipful Co Garden|-|4,975|(4,975)|-|
|Broxbourne Borough Council|-|14,500|(10,107)|4,393|
|Henry Smith COVID-19 Long-term Support|9,274|18,550|(27,824)|-|
|Henry Smith Charity - Improving Lives|15,000|62,000|(62,000)|15,000|
|Hertfordshire Community Foundation|-|30,684|(21,084)|9,600|
|Google UK|-|42,673|(18,169)|24,504|
|Children in Need - After School Programme|-|44,805|(36,137)|8,668|
|Goffs School|-|7,087|(5,905)|1,182|
|Chapman Charitable Trust|-|2,000|(2,000)|-|
|Peabody Community Foundation|-|2,000|(2,000)|-|
|Shanly Foundation|-|2,000|(2,000)|-|
|Ladbrokes|-|1,000|(1,000)|-|
||24,274|356,672|(308,607)|72,339|
- 22 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
|**17**|**Restricted funds**||||**(Continued)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Previous year:**|**At 1**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**At 31 August**|
|||**September**|**resources**|**expended**|**2024**|
|||**2023**||||
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
||Awards for All (Big Lottery)|4,045|102,233|(106,278)|-|
||Warburtons Grant|7,500|-|(7,500)|-|
||Broxbourne Borough Council|500|14,962|(15,462)|-|
||Henry Smith COVID-19 Long-term Support|9,274|36,600|(36,600)|9,274|
||Henry Smith Charity - Improving Lives|3,037|60,000|(48,037)|15,000|
||Hertfordshire Community Foundation|-|19,625|(19,625)|-|
||Edward Gostling Foundtion|13,885|-|(13,885)|-|
||Kelly Family Trust|-|5,133|(5,133)|-|
||Other funds|-|8,364|(8,364)|-|
|||38,241|246,917|(260,884)|24,274|
## **18 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
**At 31 August 2025:**
Tangible assets
-
4,112
Current assets/(liabilities)
126,256
68,227
126,256
72,339
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**At 31 August 2024:**
Current assets/(liabilities)
121,514
24,274
121,514
24,274|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
4,112
194,483|
|---|---|
||198,595|
||**Total**
**2024**
**£**
145,788|
||145,788|
- 23 -
## **CHEXS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025**_
## **19 Unrestricted funds**
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
||**At 1**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Transfers At 31 August**|**Transfers At 31 August**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**September**|**resources**|**expended**||**2025**|
||**2024**|||||
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Organisational Resilience Fund|30,000|-|-|19,742|49,742|
|General funds|91,514|235,778|(231,036)|(19,742)|76,514|
||121,514|235,778|(231,036)|-|126,256|
|**Previous year:**|**At 1**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Transfers At 31 August**||
||**September**|**resources**|**expended**||**2024**|
||**2023**|||||
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Organisational Resilience Fund|30,000|-|-|-|30,000|
|General funds|72,501|238,842|(219,829)|-|91,514|
||102,501|238,842|(219,829)|-|121,514|
The Organisational Resilience Fund was set up in order to provide funds to cover for any unexpected expenditure that the charity should face, as well as provide a fund towards redundancy should the charity have to reconsider its operations, subject to funding.
## **20 Related party transactions**
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
- 24 -