Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
Charity number: 1155621
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
| ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM | |
|---|---|
| CONTENTS | |
| Page | |
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 9 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
| Balance Sheet | 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 - 24 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Trustees
Reverend Susannah Curtis (resigned 30 September 2025) Ms Isabelle Hubbert (resigned 1 July 2024) Ms Katherine Hickson, Chair Robert Gomulak (appointed 13 December 2024, resigned 30 June 2025) Ms Emily Martin, President from 1/7/24 (resigned 30 June 2025) - Edwin Jermyn Francis (appointed 15 March 2024, resigned 30 June 2025) Oliver Davis, Treasurer (appointed 1 July 2024) Jonathan Savine (appointed 1 July 2024, resigned 30 June 2025) David Tait (appointed 6 May 2025)
Charity registered number 1155621 Principal office St John's College 3 South Bailey Durham Co. Durham DH1 3RJ
Honorary Treasurer Oliver Davis (appointed 1 July 2024 resigned 30 June 2025) Luke Chadwick (appointed 1 July 2025)
Accountants
Ryecroft Glenton Chartered Accountants 32 Portland Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE2 1QP
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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).
Objectives and activities
Policies and objectives
The SJCR's policies and objectives are identical to its charitable objects which are the advancement of education of students at St John's College for the public benefit by:-
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promoting the interests and welfare of students at St John's College during their course of study and representing, supporting and advising students;
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being the recognised representative channel between students and St John's College and any other external bodies; and
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providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and forms for discussions and debate for the personal development of its students.
The SJCR seeks to ensure fair treatment of all its members in the execution of its charitable objects.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
The SJCR achieves its objectives through:
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making grants to organisations;
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providing building facilities;
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providing advocacy, advice, information and other services; and
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acting as an umbrella and resource body.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Objectives and activities (continued)
Main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for the public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the charity.
The Charity Commission in its public benefit guidance states that there are two key principles to be met in order to show that an organisation’s aims are for the public benefit: first there must be an identifiable benefit and, secondly, that the benefit must be to the to the public or a section of the public. The Trustees are satisfied that the aims and objectives of the charity, and the activities reported on above to achieve those aims meet these principles.
The Trustees achieve their objectives primarily through the running of social and educational events for our members as well as allowing personal development and recreation.
Achievements and performance
Key performance indicators
Subscription income £29,249 (2024 - £27,245) Net surplus on fundraising activities £4,207 (2024 - £6,876)
Review of activities
In the period covered by this report, the SJCR has had wide success in a range of activities, including increasingly high engagement in student politics, community building through our provision of sports and societies, and our fundraising activities enjoying continuing high and increasing uptake.
Following the SJCR strategy document, the following report on the SJCR’s work and progress in 2024/25 is split into the five strategic areas.
Charitable Objectives
Similarly to the previous financial year, the main challenge faced by both SJCR members and the charity was the increased cost of living. Stubborn inflation and increased costs associated with events has made keeping costs low or similar to the previous financial year challenging for the organisation. Whilst the surplus on fundraising activities remained strong and subscription income increased, we have seen changes in student spending behaviour, indicating students are more hesitant to spend money. We have also seen an increase in students seeking part-time work which is impacting on our ability to recruit volunteers to give time to the SJCR.
To counter this, we have invested a significant amount of time in communicating and engaging with students regarding our finances, including how their money is spent and how they can seek financial assistance. For our fundraising events we have provided breakdowns of the ticket costs and continued to promote our student funds which can help members pay for unexpected costs and reduce the cost of our events tickets to widen participation. Our large fundraising events are far more than just fun for our members; they help us foster a sense of community and create shared experiences which are integral to university life.
Within the SJCR we also have the Middle Common Room (MCR) for postgraduate and mature students and the Cranmer Common Room (CCR) for those studying for Christian ministry. We have worked hard this year to ensure that they are well represented, one of our key objectives, and regular meetings between the Executives and Presidents of each Common Room has occurred. This has helped us represent our membership more effectively.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
Engagement and Communication
From the beginning of the academic year with Welcome Week, we have enjoyed fantastic engagement from our volunteers. Nearly all of our committees have been full, with new and returning members getting involved at all levels of the organisation. The Executive Committee has been particularly strong this year with a number of returning members, bringing good understanding of the organisation and its purpose, allowing us to provide a fantastic experience for our members.
Engagement in our sports and societies also remains very high. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities from table tennis to theatre and board games to badminton. Our provision of sports and societies continues to grow and our members are able to access all of these for free as part of their subscription fee.
Both the MCR and CCR have also had strong years, allowing us to better reach often underrepresented and alienated groups. Through a good provision of events, support and signposting in these Common Rooms we have seen good engagement in wider SJCR provision, including increased uptake of MCR and CCR members in our events and sports and societies. The outlook for these Common Rooms is more uncertain, however, as student recruitment changes at the university level threatens to disrupt the ability to retain institutional understanding.
Communication with the membership has also been a large focus this year. From the continual high readership of the joint St John’s College (SJC) and SJCR weekly newsletter, to better utilisation of the SJCR website and increasing use of Instagram to publicise activities, we have made efforts to centralise communications for our members.
Governance
As of the end of the financial year, the SJCR has now completed its transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). A number of tasks remain to fully finish this transition which will be completed over the course of the 25/26 financial year.
Work to ensure all our policies are up-to-date is ongoing and the Board has undertaken a recruitment process to obtain new lay trustees. The Board of Trustees is also better placed to understand the financial situation of the SJCR, with more in-depth financial reporting being implemented, arguably helping to mitigate one or our largest governance risks. We have also improved our governance practices which we hope will allow us to have more strategic conversations about the development of the charity once the transition to a CIO is complete.
Representation
Through the implementation of at least one inter-Common Room event and meeting per term, the SJCR has maintained good links with the subsidiaries, the MCR and CCR. This has helped foster connections between members of the SJCR, helping us to be representative and inclusive in our decision-making.
Community development remains a core focus of the SJCR, and we have continued to facilitate events which provide spaces where under-represented groups can come together to form support networks and friendships. Volunteers have worked hard to create spaces for members identifying as People of Colour, International students and LGBTQ+. A new event was introduced this year called ‘Bailey Pride’ which was a collaboration between all the Bailey Colleges of Durham University, with the aim of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to come together and recognise that they face greater challenges than their peers as a student at Durham. All of these areas, and more, continue to be something which the SJCR is passionate about.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Achievements and performance (continued)
In the wider context of Durham student politics, the SJCR has maintained and furthered our relationship with Durham Students’ Union, hosting events which bring students together and helping facilitate discussions around broader University issues. The SJCR has also continued to engage with other College Common Rooms to amplify the student voice and work for change. We continue to work closely with other Independent Common Rooms of the University for mutual benefit and furthering representation.
The relationship between the SJCR and SJC remains strong. Weekly meetings with College Officers helps ensure student voice remains a key aspect of decision making. SJC and the SJCR continue to collaborate on a number of projects for the mutual benefit of our members and students of the College.
Sustainability
The SJCR Environment Committee had another active year, promoting talks, initiatives and events. Their collective work led to St John’s winning the Durham University Greenspace Varsity competition.
Alongside this, significant work was undertaken to improve the financial sustainability of the SJCR. For the first time, subscription and membership collection was managed solely by the SJCR. This provided opportunities for us to better market ourselves and offer students who needed it the ability to pay in instalments. We also pursued new income streams, particularly from alumni wanting to give back to the SJCR. This is a huge area of potential for the organisation and one which should be explored over the coming years.
Summary
Overall, the SJCR reports a successful year focused on maintaining strong student engagement, representation, and community building despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising event costs. Efforts were made to increase transparency around finances and promote student assistance funds to ensure events and activities remained accessible to members. Engagement across committees, sports, and societies remained high, supported by a strong Executive Committee and active volunteers.
The SJCR continued to work closely with the Middle Common Room (MCR) and Cranmer Common Room (CCR) to ensure effective representation of postgraduate, mature, and ministry students. Governance improvements were also a priority, with the SJCR completing its transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and strengthening financial reporting and trustee oversight.
Community development and inclusivity remained central to the organisation’s work, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups and new collaborative events such as ‘Bailey Pride’. The SJCR also maintained strong relationships with St John’s College, Durham Students’ Union, and other College Common Rooms, while continuing sustainability initiatives and exploring new income streams, including alumni support.
Fundraising activities and income generation
The SJCR works in partnership with SJC and University in the induction of new students during “Welcome and Orientation Week”. Inducting new students into the common room effectively increases income gained through membership fees.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Financial review
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
Reserves policy
The SJCR and the board of trustees adopted a reserves policy to protect against potential losses through services, sports and societies and the largest social event. These were chosen as basis of the reserves policy as they are the most likely to fluctuate.
It should also be noted that the financial year now falls at the end of the academic year and so at the balance sheet date most of the sums from that academic year’s subscription would have been spent.
On 30th June 2025, the SJCR held £56,002 in reserves, of which £60,708 was cash at bank and in hand which the Trustees consider to be reasonable and in line with the above policies.
Financial review
As these financial statements indicate, the Charity has a sound financial base. One of the aims of the Trustees is to secure the long-term future of the Charity by careful and prudent management of its assets. As of 30 June 2025 the Charity had net assets of £56,002 (2024: £48,961) and it is the opinion of the trustees that the existing reserves are sufficient to meet any reduction in incoming resources in the foreseeable future.
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
Throughout the period the charity was controlled by its governing document, the St John’s College SJCR Constitution (“The Constitutional Documents of the John’s Common Room”). The governing document, ratified and adopted on 02 February 2011. Its most up to date form was ratified on 24 November 2020, due to a referendum.
The SJCR was registered as an independent charity on 4 February 2014 (registered number 1155621), it was an unregistered charity prior to this point. The constitution was adopted on 16 February 2023 as amended on 7 March 2016.
Under the current Constitution, the SJCR and its property is managed and administered by a Board of Trustees. The Board consists of The SJCR President, Treasurer and three Vice-Presidents and Four External Trustees. Internal and External Trustees are appointed in accordance with the procedures stated in the constitutional documents.
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
Internal Trustees are nominated by SJCR members for appointment by the Board of Trustees. External Trustees are voted upon in general meetings of the Trustee Board and then ratified by a general meeting of members, holding their position for up to two terms of four years.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Organisational structure and decision-making policies
The SJCR elects members of the SJCR to various officer roles, with varying responsibilities; of these, thirteen are members of the Executive Committee. The SJCR Executive Committee acts as a Management Committee and usually meets weekly, and failing that, fortnightly, during term time. Of the thirteen, a core of five are members of the Tier 1 Executive Committee, who are the five Internal Trustees.
All policy, planning and major financial or strategic decisions must either be approved by a SJCR general meeting or a Trustee meeting, or, when appropriate, both. Operational decisions are made by the appropriate SJCR Officers.
Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
Trustees are given in-house training on their responsibilities as well as the governing structure of the SJCR. Training and induction are delivered by the Chair of Trustees. New Trustees are also referred to the charities commission website for help.
Pay policy for key management personnel
The President’s employment of 30 hours per week is legally out-sourced by the SJCR to St John’s College (Charity No. 1141701) in order to ensure adherence to employment law, good practice and taxation matters. The monies for the President’s salary are transferred from the SJCR to St John’s College, and proper records kept. No other Trustees are remunerated in any way.
Related party relationships
The SJCR is recognised by St John’s College as the student representative body as agreed upon by a memorandum of agreement. We take on some joint activities mainly through St. John’s College, which is part of the University of Durham, such as open days, academic and social events. The SJCR works in collaboration with the Durham Students Union and consequently the National Union of Students, both of which provides wider representation for SJCR members and also offers guidance and support. The SJCR is partnered with the University of Durham, which provides space and facilities to members. We accept funding from University of Durham on a per member basis. We have strong links with various other academic and student bodies connected to St John’s College and the University of Durham generally.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.
The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud, reputation, and error. There currently is a risk register, which is reviewed annually. Further policies and protocols in include: the Financial Procedures of the Common Room, including cash and card handling policies as well as a whistleblowing procedure; the Memorandum of Agreement between the Trustees and College Council; and Common Room Representation on College Room Representation on College Council and Committees.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Structure, governance and management (continued)
Post balance sheet legal structure
With effect from 1 July 2025 the activities of the charity were taken over by St John's Common Room ("The CIO"), charity number 1205859.
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) was incorporated on 22 November 2023 and on the 1 July 2025 the activities, assets and liabilities were transferred from St John's Common Room, a charitable trust (Charity number 1155621) to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity number 1205859).
Plans for future periods
Major projects or activities in the foreseeable future include:
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Host fundraisers to finance activities of the charity
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Continue to provide previously listed services to members of the SJCR
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Continuing to operate in the best interests of the members within the changing landscape of higher education in the UK
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Complete transfer to a charitable incorporated organisation
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 23 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
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Oliver Davis SJCR President
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Ms Katherine Hickson Chair of Trustees
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St John's Common Room ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 June 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 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 been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work 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 work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 23 April 2026 Deborah Graham, FCA
Ryecroft Glenton 32 Portland Terrace Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1QP
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Other income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 44,562 35,825 49,652 - 130,039 45,445 77,553 122,998 7,041 48,961 7,041 56,002 |
Total funds 2025 £ 44,562 35,825 49,652 - 130,039 45,445 77,553 122,998 7,041 48,961 7,041 56,002 |
Total funds 2024 £ 39,843 31,352 48,843 51 120,089 41,967 80,509 122,476 (2,387) 51,348 (2,387) 48,961 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 13 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2025
| Note Fixed assets 12 Current assets Stocks 13 Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Unrestricted funds 16 Total funds |
1,728 108 60,708 62,544 (6,542) |
2025 £ - 56,002 56,002 56,002 56,002 56,002 |
2,625 4,927 52,423 59,975 (11,014) |
2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 48,961 |
||||
| 48,961 | ||||
| 48,961 | ||||
| 48,961 | ||||
| 48,961 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 23 April 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
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Oliver Davis SJCR President
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Ms Katherine Hickson Chair of Trustees
The notes on pages 13 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1. General information
St John's Common Room Trust is a registered charity, number 1155621. The charity is unincorporated and its registered office is St John's College, 3 South Bailey, Durham, Co. Durham, DH1 3RJ.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and 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 Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
St John's Common Room meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
As noted in the Trustees' Report and Note 19, the charitable activities are being continued by "The CIO" and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
For these reasons, The Trustees' continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure (continued)
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.
2.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.8 Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
2.9 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations 2,761 Grants - Durham University 12,552 Student membership subscriptions 29,249 44,562 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations 676 Grants - Durham University 11,922 Student membership subscriptions 27,245 39,843 |
Total funds 2025 £ 2,761 12,552 29,249 44,562 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 676 11,922 27,245 39,843 |
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ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Income from charitable activities - Student welfare and development 35,825 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Income from charitable activities - Student welfare and development 31,352 5. Income from other trading activities Income from non charitable trading activities Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fundraising events Student balls, formal and other fundraising events 49,652 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fundraising events Student balls, formal and other fundraising events 48,843 |
Total funds 2025 £ 35,825 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 31,352 |
|
| Total funds 2025 £ 49,652 |
|
| Total funds 2024 £ 48,843 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
6. Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising trading expenses
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fundraising events direct costs 45,445 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fundraising events direct costs 41,967 |
Total funds 2025 £ 45,445 |
|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 41,967 |
7. Analysis of grants
| Grants, Student welfare and development Grants, Student welfare and development |
Grants to Individuals 2025 £ 375 Grants to Individuals 2024 £ 336 |
Total funds 2025 £ 375 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 336 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Student welfare and development 77,553 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Student welfare and development 80,509 |
Total 2025 £ 77,553 |
|---|---|
| Total 2024 £ 80,509 |
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Student welfare and development Student welfare and development |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 46,486 Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 52,616 |
Grant funding of activities 2025 £ 375 Grant funding of activities 2024 £ 336 |
Support costs 2025 £ 30,692 Support costs 2024 £ 27,557 |
Total funds 2025 £ 77,553 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 80,509 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Student services Freshers week Student welfare and hardship Sports and societies costs Student enrichment Student services Freshers week Student welfare and hardship Sports and societies costs Student enrichment |
Student welfare and development 2025 £ 15,840 3,972 1,965 13,527 11,182 46,486 Student welfare and development 2024 £ 14,908 3,777 1,769 12,990 19,172 52,616 |
Total funds 2025 £ 15,840 3,972 1,965 13,527 11,182 46,486 Total funds 2024 £ 14,908 3,777 1,769 12,990 19,172 52,616 |
|---|---|---|
| Student welfare and development 2024 £ 14,908 3,777 1,769 12,990 19,172 52,616 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Office and general administration costs Insurance Presidents flat Bank charges Governance costs Bad debts Staff costs Office and general administration costs Insurance Presidents flat Bank charges Governance costs Bad debts |
Student welfare and development 2025 £ 14,775 647 1,048 6,995 2,094 4,977 156 30,692 Student welfare and development 2024 £ 11,999 801 950 6,151 1,523 5,934 199 27,557 |
Total funds 2025 £ 14,775 647 1,048 6,995 2,094 4,977 156 30,692 Total funds 2024 £ 11,999 801 950 6,151 1,523 5,934 199 27,557 |
|---|---|---|
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Governance costs included comprise:
| 2025 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| £ £ |
|
| Officers'and Trustee expenses | 543 770 |
| Accountancy fees-Ryecroft Glenton | 1,807 2,069 |
| Examiner's fees-Ryecroft Glenton | 1,900 1,860 |
| Other costs | 727 1,235 |
| 4,977 5,934 |
10. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination and preparation of the Charity's annual accounts | 3,707 | 3,929 |
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, a Trustee had been paid remuneration indirectly from an employment with St John's College, and has the use of a flat, shared with St John's College, as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Ms Emily Martin | Remuneration | 14,775 | - |
| Other benefits | 6,995 | - | |
| Ms Anna Robinson | Remuneration | - | 11,999 |
| Other benefits | - | 6,114 |
During the year ended 30 June 2025, expenses for travel and subsistence totalling £ 497 were reimbursed or paid directly to 2 Trustees (2024 - £770 to 4 Trustees) .
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
12. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 July 2024 At 30 June 2025 Depreciation At 1 July 2024 At 30 June 2025 Net book value At 30 June 2025 At 30 June 2024 13. Stocks Finished goods and goods for resale 14. Debtors Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 1,728 2025 £ 108 108 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 1,850 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,850 | ||
| 1,850 | ||
| 1,850 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 2024 £ 2,625 2024 £ 4,927 4,927 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 2,303 144 4,095 6,542 |
2024 £ 6,840 274 3,900 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,014 |
16. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Unrestricted funds General Funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds General Funds |
Balance at 1 July 2024 £ 48,961 Balance at 1 July 2023 £ 51,348 |
Income £ 130,039 Income £ 120,089 |
Expenditure £ (122,998) Expenditure £ (122,476) |
Balance at 30 June 2025 £ 56,002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 30 June 2024 £ 48,961 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 966A0CF5-B08D-439D-8D1D-9B809C449E27
ST JOHN'S COMMON ROOM
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
17. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Current assets 62,544 Creditors due within one year (6,542) Total 56,002 |
Total funds 2025 £ 62,544 (6,542) 56,002 |
|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 59,975 (11,014) 48,961 |
Total funds 2024 £ 59,975 (11,014) 48,961 |
|---|---|---|
18. Related party transactions
As disclosed above, the President of St John's Common Room is remunerated indirectly through St John's College (see note 11) in addition to other trustees via the means of paid employment.
19. Post balance sheet events
With effect from 1 July 2025 the activities and funds of the charity were taken over by St John's Common Room ("The CIO"), charity number 1205859.
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) was incorporated on 22 November 2023 and on the 1 July 2025 the activities, assets, liabilities and funds were transferred from St John's Common Room, a charitable trust (Charity number 1155621) to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity number 1205859).
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