Young People and Children First Taking reasonable care We have quoted below information from HMRC on reasonable care. "Under the new HMRC penalty System, a pent71ty will not be charged where reasonable care is taken ('), even if an error is made. As part of taking reasonable care a person may seek professional advice and may appoint an agent to help them with their affairs. Where a person appoints an agent this does not allow them to deny responsibilityfor their tox affairs. They still have o duty to toke reosonable core, within their obility ond competence, ond this includes taking reasonable core to ovoid inaccuracy by their agent. Where they give their agent all relevant information ond oct on the professionol odvice received they will hove token reasonoble core. They must, however, also check their agent's work or advi to the best of their ability ond competence." In a careful study of all the accountancy information web sites, we are yet to find an example of where HMRC have agreed that an error made on a tax return arose despite reasonable care; they always seem to assume it was caused at least by carelessness130% penalty)- the underlying message is that if a mistake is made, there will probably be a penalty. As your agents, we have compiled the enclosed accounts / tax returns solely from the source records, information and explanations provided by you. It is vitally important that you have disclosed all of your business and personal affairs to us that may have any implication on your tax position. It is also vitally important that you have records upon which you can rely in completing your self- assessment returns. We will have discussed with you if there are improvements that we could identify as being required in your record keeping- the responsibility for ensuring that appropriate records are maintained is yours. Please review the enclosed working papers and schedules that we have provided and reassure yourself that these are correct. If you are uncertain about any of the information within this package, please talk to your accountant at Riverview Portfolio. We ask that in addition to signing your returns, that you sign this declaration that you have fully understood your sole responsibility to provide us with full disclosure of any matters that are pertinent to your taxation, and that you have read and confirm that this package of papers is full and complete in all respects for this return period. Anna Savage Chair of Trustee
Company registration number: 08692587 Charity registration number= 1157870 Young People and Children First (A company limited by share capitsl) Annual RetM)rt and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Riverview Portfolio Limited 1 Market Hill Carne Wiltshire SN11 OBT
Young People and Children First Contents Trustees, Report 1to8 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities Independent Examinerfs Report 10 Statement of Financial Activities 11 to12 Balance Sheet 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14to24
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report TRUSTEES, REPORT OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Background of the Charity Young People and Children First (trading as Bridge for Young People (BfYP)) was launched as an independent charity in 2008, firstly under a previous named charity, Children First West Berkshire. BfYP is based in West Berkshire and has three shared houses in Thatcham, Berkshire. The charity was set up in 2008 by foster parents John and Patsy Stone lo fill a gap in provision for care leavers. BfYP has over 14 years, experience successfully delivering services to young people in need. Its profile and reputation have continued to grow locally over the past decade. The Charity's charitable purpose The Charity is estsblished for the benefit of children and young people who are, or have been. in care (our priority focuses on young care leavers) and other homeless young people aged beeen 16 - 25. Our vision Bridge for Young People wants to see a world where every child leaving care has the opportunity to have a safe place to live and to receive the guidance and support they need to bridge the critical gap between foster care and independent living. We want every young person to develop the life skills, coping strategies and confidence they need to achieve their full potential. Our mission statement Every child and young adult should have the right to be happy. healthy. safe. and SucsSfUl. Our values We believe that care leavers should enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other children and young people as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. including access to activities and opportunities that suit their needs, abilwties, and aspirations. Our aims To provide a safe and comfortable home. life skills and work and learning opportunities that will develop young peoples, skills and capacities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals. Why our work is needed Young people who have been in care, have often been exposed to neglect and abuse. This abuse can be physical, emotional. psychological andlor sexual. Their childhood and young adulthood is fraclured and unstable as a result of the abuse they have enduredlwitnessed. When children and young people are taken into care they are, understandably distressed. traumatised and frequently have significant mental health issues. The impact of these experiences has a profound impact on them. The long-term consequences of abuse and neglect can manifest in many ways. including: Low self-esteemlself-worth Lack of confidence Lack of trust (in themselves and others) creating problems with forming personal relationships and parenting Anger Guilt (thinking the abuse was 'their fault") Anxiety Page 1
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report Depression Self-harm Substance abuse. Children and young people need stability and security to enable them to Ilourish. Yet sadly the experience of children and young people who are in carelcare leavers is instability and flux. It is not unusual for them to have had a significant number of Social Workers and placements with Foster Carers during their childhoodladolescence, resulting in changes in schoolslfriends and family. This has a negative impact on them and consequently many young people leaving the care system have had reduced opportunities. They are often uneducated (with poor literacy skills), have limited practical skills and knowledge of basic life skills and poor emotional literacy, which impedes their ability to fulfil their personal polential. It is not uncommon for there to be limited. poor preparation for leaving care and this can result in a lack of suitable accommodation and support. Consequentially. many young people leaving the care system do not have the personal responsibility or discipline to cope with living independently, this is further exacerbated by their lack of a robust social support neork. Our Ambition During the 15 years the charity has existed the ambition of the charity has remained constant. This is to provide a safe, stsble environment for the young people using its services. Once they arrive at one of our houses and are "settled in", we can then begin working with them.. this entails offering a range of opportunities and provisions to enable them to acquire and embed the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enable them to move successfully to independent living. We are proactive and use a 'person ntred. and holistic approach in our work with young people. This entails working closely with other relevant organisations and servIs. Using this approach enables us to ascertain the individual needs of the young person are fully considered and are at the centre of everything we do. Working in this way, together we can create a "pathway. for the young person to walk along at their own pace. Effective work with the young people entails providing both practical, emotional and psychological support. This can include.. EmotionaVPsychological Support Relevant and timely emotionallpsychological support is provided by our support workers in tandem with specialists to help with attachment disorders and other associated issues related to Adverse Childhood Experiences. This aids the development of their self- esteem, self-respect, confidence. self-worth and trust (this latter area can often be very difficult as distrust of others (particularly adults) is common but not unexpected. often as a consequence of their fractured lives.)). Practical support Work related.. CV writing, interview and presentation skills. support with core subjects such as English and Maths, help with researching, securing. and maintaining volunteering opportunities, routes into education courses, training and employment. This gives them the opportunity to.try out" and work towards embedding these skills and knowledge. Llfe skills support Budgeting and money management, opening a bank account Cooking {on a budget) Self-care. hygiene and nutrition Understanding their rights and responsibilities Food shopping and food handling Page 2
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report House maintenance (taking responsibility for keeping their rooms and the rest of the house clean and tidy so they can continue to live in a comfortable environment) Recognising when to include, seek help from olher specialists and people (including volunteers). This is key to ensuring successful outcomes for the young people. Our overall ambition is for them to fully make use of the opportunities available for them. We want them to flourish and have a happy and successful future (however they define this) so they can move on as responsible people who can participate fully in society. For some young people, their progress as they navigate their pathway will be slow and they may often stumble. However, with ongoing support and a focus on them as individuals, each step helps them to progress and navigate their future path. Our Staff and volunteers Bridge for Young People has the capacity to deliver its work and learning programme with the support from highly skilled and experienced staff. The core team of full and part time staff include= CEO Support Service Manager Support Workers Corporate and Community Fundraiser Finance Officer Office Administrator Property Caretaker Live-in Supervisors Bank Staff (when required). This ensures that the planning and coordination of our programmes are efficient and effective. Young People and Children First also recruit, train and supervise a number of skilled volunteers. Volunteers are recruited according to the needs of the young people and the Charity. We have volunteers who are tutors. assisting with for example. English Language and Math, to enable the young people to pass their GCSE'S, interview skills. help with Cvwriting. assisting them to develop theircareers. Other befrienders assist with cooking. crafts and outside exercise. We also have volunteers for admin and fundraising. Activities The charitable objectives of the charity (which are set out in its constitution). are to advance in life and relieve the needs of young people through- the provision of recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interest of social welfare, designed to improve confidence and their conditions of life providing support and activities which develop their skills capacities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals. Utilising a strength-based and person-centred approach, the charity fulfils the objectives and activities above. We believe the environment in which the young people live is paramount to enabling them to settle in and feel "at home.. We have three family sized houses, which can house up to 10 young people (in total). All houses are in local residential settings. near to the town cenlre of Thatcham, with all its requisile facilities (shops, health facilities, GP surgeries, dentists, Hospital, Library, Community Centre, transport facilities). Having three houses ensures the environmentthe young people live in is not institutional (e.g. a large hostel) and the young people are not "lost" which helps the young people feel safe and valued. In addition to the Page 3
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report support workers and support manager. there is a live-in supervisor in each house who provides security, emotional support. and encourages the young people to participate in and develop skills in carrying out routine household chores. Each young person has a personalised development plan. This is created and monitored with the young person using the nationally recognised tool. Outcomes Star. This helps them to not only be the architect of their plan and be active participants in this. but it is also a visual tool, so they can see the progress they make and where they need more practical andlor emotional support. Beneficiaries of the work Our priority for access to our services is for care leavers who have left foster carelare homeless and need support to develop their life skills. Where we have vacancies and there are no care leavers requiring our services. we also work with other young homeless people (16-25). Many of the young people we work with have additional issues that require ongoing support. This includes young people on the autistic spectrum. with literacy and learning difficulties. mentsl ill health and challenging behaviours. The barriers faced by young people who have been in the care system, have been homeless and experienced instability in their lives can often feel unsurmountable. In comparison to their peers, they are more likely to have lower social skills and expectations. experience mental ill health (anxiety, depression). lower educational achievement leading to difficulties in accessing employment, further education, training. Post foster care, without ongoing access to suitable housing. they are more likely to experience sofa surfing andlor rough sleeping which bring with them additional concerns which also corrode their ability to improve their life. This continuation of their fractured lives is dangerous, making them more vulnerable to being exploited (e.g. trafficking, sexual abuse. criminal activity). National statistics, 2023 highlight that- A total of 13,112 young individuals aged out of the care system on their 18th birthday, marking a 4 /0 increase Sin 2020 Care leavers account for approx. 250/0 of the homeless population Over the past five years, there has been a 540/0 increase in the number of care leavers aged 18 to 20 experiencing homelessness Nearly 250/0 of the adult prison population have previously been in care. and almost 500/0 of individuals under 21 in contact with the criminal justice system have spent time in care By the academic yearthey turned 24, 52 % of looked-after children had been convicted of a criminal offence. compared to 13 % of their non-care-experienced peers. Among care leavers, 7 % of 17-year-olds, 3 /0 of 18-year-olds, and 6°/0 of those aged 19-21 were in accommodation considered unsuitable Just 9 /0 of care leavers entered higher education by their 19th birthday. compared to 470/0 of the wider population. There are 83,630 children in care in England (March 31st 2024) From April 2023 - 31st March 2024 69 % of children in care had one placement during the year, while 10 % eXperiend high instability, having three or more placements. 45°/0 of children were placed out of their home area. an increase of 41 % in 2020 Achievements and performance (2023-2024) This year our committed staff and volunteers have provided significant support and a range of activities with our young people. Achievements this year have included.. A home and support to 17 young people. This included 10 new young people during this time Of these 20 young people, 8 had a mild to significant learning disability- of which 6 was related to diagnosis on the Autistic Spectrum. During this year, 5 moved on into independent living in their own homes, and one to university On average across the year over 85 % were in education, training or employment. Page 4
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report One of the priorities of the charity is that young people accepting a place with the charity begin to engage with work (paid andlor voluntsry) and leaming. This can sometimes be difficult as often there has been little or no structure to their lives and coupled with their limited education this can often be a struggle for them. Our support staff provide in-depth support and work persistently and patiently with the young people to help them find and secure work and learning opportunities. Our staff have a breadth of knowledge of local organisations and excellent relationship with the local college and the volunteer bureau. Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement As a responsible charity, BfYP's commitment to equality opportunities and diversity is robust. This commitment includes all who receive our services (the young people), our staff and Trustees, volunteers, professional colleagues and all who come into contact with the charity. We respect and value diversity and our perspective is that it adds to and enriches the charity, enabling all to benefit. We strive to ensure that this commitment remains robust and therefore we remain vigilant to practices that could undermine this. We provide a working and supported housing environment which supports all current protected characteristics ie. age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief. sex or sexual orientation. Quality Assurance Bridge for Young People is OFSTED registered (2765415) to provide supported accommodation to 16 and 17 year olds. The charity is committed to maintaining and improving our quality assurance in all aspects of our work. This requires all working within the charity (employees, volunteers, Trustees) to be involved in this aspect of our work. We continue to enhance our existing quality assurance. We review and revise existing policies as per policy schedule ensuring they remain "fit for purpose". We run separate committees which include staffrUsteeSlexternaI personnel. This provides a more distinct focus on these specific areas of the charity. These are: Finance Committee HR Committee Growth (Wessex House) Committee To support these commwttees, we also have: A Quality Assurance Framework- for resident and support ServIS A Financial Controls policy and procedure. The committees have distinct responsibility for differing aspects of the organisation and enhance our quality assurance, enabling the charity to identify risks and address these quickly and effectively. Our Funders To enable us to continue to provide our much-needed housing and services for young people, we rely on fundraising, donations and grants. We are very grateful to all our supporters and friends who provide much needed funding and ongoing practical support. Our main funders this year have included.. Foundation IT Greenham Trust Lloyds Foundation Trust Englefield Trust Peter Baker Foundation Openwork Foundation Blagrave Page 5
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report Edward Gostling Foundation Global Make Some Noise Charitable activities Key performance indicators are recorded for many areas of the charity's work. below are the main ones for the year.. 10 out of the 17 young people during this year have obtained work 5 young people are in education The charity maintained a sustainable financial position The charity saw high occupancy levels, demonstrating the continued need for our services. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position Our total income increased from £422,616 to £447,751 in 202312024. This was as a consequence of high occupancy, an increase in funded support hours and increased donations. At the end of the financial year 202312024 the charity's total reserves as at 30th September 2024 were £288,867. The Trustees believe that this amount of reserves provides a robust foundation for the charity enabling them to develop and implement our future plans whilst also being aware of the challenging climate of securing additional funding. These reservices also take into account the growth of Wessex House, opening in April 2025. Investment policy and objectives Discretional investment powers are delegated to the charity's Trustees. Reserves policy The Trustees monitor the reserves of the charity. This process considers the nature of all income and expenditure streams, commitments, and the nature of the reserves. The Trustees have examined the minimum requirements for free reserves which are unrestricted funds not invested in fixed assets or otherwise committed. The charity intends to hold, as a minimum, a Reserve Fund equal to the sum required to run down, in a planned way, all projects over a period of three months taking into account monies still incoming. Further to the Reserves policy, the Trustees consider that there should be funds equivalent to 6 months expenditure with a target of at least £66,000 and this would provide a basis on which to expand the services provided by BfYP. Overall. this in line with the Charity Commission's own recommendations about reserves. FUTURE PLANS Our future plans for 2024-2025. We aim to: Open a six bedroomed house and seven one-bedroom flatlets to house 13 young people. This is a joint venture with Greenham Trust. Continue working closely with Wesl Berkshire Council on meeting the needs of 16-25 care leavers and homeless Take all the advantages provided by Lloyd's Foundation to further secure the foundations of the charity, in preparation for growth. Continue to increase our range of volunteers. providing opportunities for people to develop their interests and skills and "give back 'to their local community- Page 6
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company. limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 16 September 2013. In the event that the charitable company is wound up the liability of the members is limited to a sum not exceeding £10, being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company whilst they are a member or within one year of ceasing to be a member. Organisational structure The charitable company must have at any given time have at least three Trustees. During 2023-2024 the Trustee Board met every two months. Day to day responsibility for the provision of services rests with its CEO Tracy Undeood along with other officers to whom work is delegated accordingly. The Chair (Tim Dyson) is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the seNices specified and the key performance indicators are met. Boardrrrustee Structure (for the financial year 2023-2024) are as follows: Full Trustees Board Chair Tim Dyson (from 21 January 2019, appointed Chair July 2019) TRUSTEE - Mrs E M Bhatlacharyya - appointed 01.03.15 TRUSTEE - P E Greenan - appointed 02.07.18 TRUSTEE - P A Harris- appointed 04.03.19 TRUSTEE - Ms A J Savage - appointed 30.06.19 TRUSTEE- Mrs A.K. Salmon - appointed 16.12.19 TRUSTEE- Miss K Martin - appointed 01.11.22 TRUSTEE- Mrs K Ferris- appointed 03.08.20 TRUSTEE- Mr Peter Robertson- appointed 03.07.23 TRUSTEE - Mr Grahame Pitts appointed 29.07.24 TRUSTEE - Mr Martin Andrew Webb appointed 22.04.24 Committee Structure Finance Committee {including Risk Management) Trustees with accounting and business experience CEO Finance Officer HR Committee Trustees with HR and Business experience CEO Paid Management Staff Structure + volunteers Chief Executive Officer Support Services Manager Administrative Officer Page 7
Young People and Children First Trustee-s Report Finance Officer Fundraiser Volunteers (charity and office functions) House 1: Comerstone Live-in Supervisor Support Workers House 2: Rebecca House Live-in Supervisor Support Workers House 3: Hope House Live-in Supervisor Support Workers Induction and training of new Trustees Appointment of Trustees The Board has widened its membership and at the same time broaden the skill set that the Board has to draw upon. It has undertaken a review of Trustee Induction with a more robust induclion process. Trustee Inductlon The induction process includes the provision of Charity Commission documents about the responsibilities of Trustees, copies of the charity's goveming document, the latest Report and Accounts, charity aims and objectives. The roles and responsibilities of members of the Board and key staff will be provided to them once they are approved as a Trustee by the Trustee Board and have attended their first Trustee Board meeting. Meetings with key staff will also take pla once position approved. Risk management The Trustees are fully aware of their duty to identify and review risks to which the charity is exposed. Reviewing the charity's principal risks and uncertainties is done informally at its regular two monthly Trustee Board meetings. A formal risk register is in place and is a working document - for the Trustee Board to determine over all risks to the charity. Asset cover for funds Note 11 sets out an analysis of the assets attributable to various funds. These assets are sufficient to meet the charity's obligations on a fund-by fund-basis. Page 8
Young People and Children First Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities The trustees (who are also the directors of Young People and Children First for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practice) and applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of 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- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK 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 concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume thal the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable companys transactions and disclose wilh reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the trustees of the charity on 18 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Mrs Anna Julia Savage Chaiman and Trustee Page 9
Young People and Children First Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Young People and Children First {'the Company,) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the Companls gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confimi that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of , which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Young People and Children First as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act" or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records" or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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., or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities lapplicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. 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. 1 Market Hill Calne Wiltshire SN11 OBT 18 June 2025 Page 10
Young People and Children First Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 135,811 193.437 1.268 117,235 253,046 193.437 1,268 Total income 330.516 117,235 447.751 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities (4,323) (308,395) {4.323) (372,634) (64,239) Total expenditure (312,718) (64,239) (376,957) Net income Transfers between funds 17,798 (6.344) 52,996 6,344 70.794 Net movement in funds 11,454 59,340 70.794 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 211.129 6,944 218,073 Total funds carried forward 14 222,583 Unrestricted funds 66,284 Restricted funds 288,867 Total 2023 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 305.694 106.350 561 305.694 116,361 561 10,011 Total income 412.605 10,011 422.616 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitsble activities (1,740) (331,610) (1.740) (362,899) (31,289) Total expenditure (333,350) (31,289) (364,639) Net incomel(expenditure) 79,255 (21,278) 57,977 Net movement in funds 79,255 (21,278) 57,977 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 131,874 28,222 160,096 Total funds carried forward 14 211,129 6,944 218,073 The notes on pages 14 to 24 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page11
Young People and Children First Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 14. The notes on pages 14 to 24 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 12
Young People and Children First (Registration number: 08692587) Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 1.968 2,625 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14,532 279,141 14,999 209,456 12 293,673 224,455 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 6,774 9,007 Net current assets 286,899 215,448 Net assets 288,867 218,073 Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Restricted funds 66.284 6,944 Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds 222,583 211,129 Total funds 14 288,867 218,073 Directors. responsibilities- For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The director acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance wwth the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements on pages 11 to 24 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 18 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by.. Mrs Anna Julia Savage Chairman and trustee The notes on pages 14 to 24 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 13
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 1 Charity status The charity is limited by share capital, incorporated in The address of its registered office is= Venture West Greenham Business Park Greenham Thatcham RG19 6HX These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 18 June 2025. 2 Accounting policies Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otheNise stated. Statement of compliance The financial statements have been prepared in accordan 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}} (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Basis of preparation Young People and Children First 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 notes. Going concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties aboul the charitys ability lo continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity. Income and endowmenls All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be reiVed and the amount of the income re1vable can be measured reliably. Page 14
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Donations and legacies Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Grants receivable Grants are recognised when the charity has an entiernent to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been mel. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be mel, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released. Expenditure All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources. with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other suptM)rt costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Raising funds These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income. the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable activitles Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Support costs Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage. Taxation The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finan Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charilable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. Page 15
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets costing £0.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impaimient losses. Depreciation and amortisation Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value. over their expected useful economic life as follows= Stock Work in progress is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Net realisable value is based on selling price less anticipated costs to completion and selling costs. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads. Trade debtors Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade deblors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. Borrowings Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost. with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing. Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charty has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Fund structure Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Page 16
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. Pensions and other post retirement obligations The charity operates a defined benefit pension scheme.Typically defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age. years of Servi and compensation. The liability recognised in the Balan Sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date minus the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is measured using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future payments by referen to market yields at the reporting date on high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid. and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability. Actuarial gains and losses are charged or credited to other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. 3 Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Total funds Donations and legacies., Donations from individuals Grants, including capital grants; Grants from other charities 52.728 50 52.778 83.083 117,185 200,268 Total for 2024 135,811 117,235 253,046 Total for 2023 305,694 305,694 4 Income from charitable activities Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Total funds 193,437 193,437 Total for 2024 193,437 193,437 Total for 2023 106,350 10,011 116.361 Page 17
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 5 Investment income Unrestricted funds General Total funds Other investment income 1,268 1,268 Total for 2024 1,268 1,268 Total for 2023 561 561 6 Expenditure on raising funds a) Costs of generating donations and legacies Unrestricted funds General Total funds Note Allocated supporl costs 4,323 4,323 Total for 2024 4,323 4,323 Total for 2023 1,740 1,740 Total costs 7 Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Total funds Note 58.874 202.621 46.900 45,083 16,198 2,958 103,957 218.819 49.858 Staff costs Allocated support costs Total for 2024 308.395 64,239 372,634 Total for 2023 331.610 31,289 362,899 Page 18
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Total expenditure 8 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: 2024 2023 Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Other staff costs 202.472 12,470 3,877 184,216 11,153 3,976 218,819 199,364 No employee received emoluments of more than £60.000 during the year. Page 19
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 9 Taxation The charity is a registered charrty and is therefore exempt from taxation. 10 Tangible fixed assets Furniture and equipment Total Cost At 1 October 2023 12,474 12,474 At 30 September 2024 12,474 12,474 Depreciation At 1 October 2023 Charge for the year 9.849 657 9,849 657 At 30 September 2024 10,506 10,506 Net book value At 30 September 2024 1.968 1,968 At 30 September 2023 2,625 2,625 11 Debtors 2024 2023 Other debtors 14,532 14,999 12 Cash and cash equivalents 2024 2023 Cash at bank 279,141 209,456 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Other creditors 6,774 9,007 Page 20
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 14 Funds Balance at 30 September 2024 Balance at 1 October 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers Unrestricted funds General 211.129 330.516 (312.718) 64.239 {6.344) 6.344 222.583 Restricted funds 6.944 117.235 66,284 Total funds 218.073 447,751 (376.957) 288.867 Balance at 30 September 2023 Balance at 1 October 2022 Incoming resources Resources expended Unrestricted funds General 131,874 412,605 (333,350) (31,289) 211,129 Restricted funds 28,222 10,011 6,944 Total funds 160,096 422.616 (364,639) 218.073 15 Analysis of net assets between funds Total funds at30 September 2024 Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 738 285,150 (6,774) 279,114 1,230 8,523 1,968 293,673 {6,774) 288,867 Total net assets 9,753 Page 21
Young People and Children First Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Total funds at30 September 2023 Unrestricted funds General Restricted funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 984 215.932 (9,007) 207,909 1,641 8,523 2,625 224,455 {9,007) 218.073 Total net assets 10,164 16 Related party transactions Page 22
Young People and Children First Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Unrestricted Funds Total Total Unrestricted Unrestricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 135,811 193.437 1.268 305,694 106.350 561 Total income 330.516 412.605 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities (4.323) (1,740) (308,395) (331,610) Total expenditure (312,718) (333,350) Net income Transfers between funds 17,798 6,344) 79.255 Net movement in funds 11,454 79,255 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 211,129 131.874 Total funds carried forward 222,583 211.129 This page does not fomi part of the statutory financial statements. Page 23
Young People and Children First Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 Restricted Funds Total Total Restricted Restricted Funds Funds 2024 2023 Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 117.235 10.011 Total income 117.235 10.011 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (64,239) (31,289) Total expenditure (64,239) (31,289) Net incomel(expenditure) Transfers between funds 52,996 6,344 (21.278) Net movement in funds 59,340 (21,278) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 6,944 28.222 Total funds carried forward 66,284 6,944 This page does not fomi part of the statutory financial statements. Page 24