THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Registered charity number: 1159356
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Independent Examinerfs report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 10 Notes lo the Accounts
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the accLJunts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 11 and comply with the Charty's governing instrument, The Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS102) applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Our Pur oses and Activities The Charity's objects are.. To advance for the public benefit, and with particular regard to gannent workers and their dependents throughout the world.. The relief of poverty., The promotion of human rights (as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)-, Compliance with the law and ethical standards of conduct. Achievements and Perfomiance The Trust's grant making policy provides the basis for its operations in support of the promotion of human rights and ethical and legal work practices for garment workers and their dependents. In March 2024 the Trust agreed a work programme for 2024125 building in part on the achievements of the 2023124 year, while recognising changing issues affecting worker wellbeing in Ihe fashion and textile industries. While retaining an emphasis on work designed to ensure, enhance, and extend legal provisions in the UK, Bangladesh and Pakistan, the Trust recognised the increasing significance of other pressures leading to support for a programme focused on six key areas of work. These were.. 1) Supporting UK garment industry workers, demands, we will lobby for fashion companies to support the development of the UK industry, through orders and good practice-, 21 Campaigning for corporate accountsbility, through work to discredit forms of corporate accountability that are failing in the gannent sector and build support for binding legislation that will see legal accounlability for UK companies-, 3) Supporting efforts to build worker power, through responsive campaigning to support country level human rights protection issues,. 4) Continuing to work to raise awareness of how online markets and consumer buying habits are having an impact on workers, rights through campaigning for greater transparency and regulation in fashion supply chains due to new consumer habits in e-buying- 5) Continuing to support global campaigning for a Just Transition for garment workers by engaging in debates on the topic to ensure that living wages and worker power are prioriti5ed in discussions on brand responses to climate breakdown,. and 6) Supporting efforts to build a re-engagement strategy for Leicesler workers, through events and online organising to engage garment workers in Leister and develop a group of women willing to speak publicly about their rights. To support this work, and address shifts in the charity funding landscape, we continued previous years, work to build capacity and resilience through..
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 cont. Achievements and Performance continued Improving LBL'S citizen organising approach to engage more activisls in taking actions and attending demonstrations., Developing LBL'S regular giving programme,. and Carrying out a financial review and commission specific fundraising support for Trusts & Foundations. In a rapidly shifting global environment, while these objectives were ambitious, most were substantially achieved and some exceeded. These circumstances are reflecled in the objectives developed for 2024125. Four categories of outcome may be as distributed unevenly across those first four objectives. The first, education activities, may be seen for instance in MMunity and public outreach work on issues linked to working conditions in the UK and in respect of specific issues and cases in South Asian states with large garment industries. In some key specific cases, education and advocacy work overlapped with strategic use of on-line petitions. Not all education work has been Ouard facing in this sense,. other activities included published briefing documents for journalists on issues such as industry auditing, and issues in the UK industry for MPS, as well as coverage in the industry press. Other education work included information for fashion and textile workers on Workpla righls. The second, advocacy, is closely linked to the educalion component, as seen in the on-line petitions, and briefings for key opinion formers. A continuing focus on the UK industry and e- retsiling has led to work to build community advocates, both among workers in the UK industry and community activists., this included, alongside organising and education work in Leicester, training and development workshops in London and Manchester. Woven through much of this advocacy and educalion work has been support for the proposed Business, Human Rights and Environment Act as a potentially useful mechanism to support the Trust's aims and objectives. The third strand, neorking, is vital in a diverse and complex industry. Alongside the Corporate Justi Coalition (CJC} and longstanding international neorkS and domestic sister organisations, and key area for developing neorkS has been the growing climate justice aspect of activities ri trE sector. This, along with work tracking produclion chains, remains by necessity an area where international neOrkIng is vital. It sils alongside important UK-specific neorkS including the CJC and continuing work with UK-based garment worker community organisations, especially in Leicester. The key focus of the fourth strand of work, research, has been on-line marketplace fashion supply chains, with a secondary focus on climate-related transition issues. All of this has been accompanied by a consistent on-line presence, evidence of continuing on- line engagement, and as noted impact through legacy media including the fashion industry press, in broadcasting and other publications. In terms of capacity development and resilience of the Trust, regular donor numbers continue to grow while overall income remains solid. We have implemented a legacy fundraising programme. We note, across the sector, thal fundraising continues lo be challenging and we have been working on ways to secure and enhance our income, including with the support of a new (in 2023124) Trust Board member with fundraising expertise and work with a fundraising consultancy to enhance expertise and provide advice on funding bids. The Trust continues to monitor income and notes that it may become necessary to explore with LBL ways to ensure the most effective and timely use of funds without threatening overall sustainability of work in the area. The decision by a sister organisation campaigning in the field lo close down and
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 cont. Achievements and Performance continued offer its reserves to the Trust had a significant impact on our work in 2024125, and is incorporated into planning for 2025126. Achievements are monitored by Truslees at quarterly Trust meetings as well as through reports presented by the Labour Behind the Label throughout the year. Public Benefit Trustees review public benefit annually (in March) when assessing the proposed activities for the forthcoming year. The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake and confim that all the charity's activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. Financial Review At 31 March 2025 the Charity had funds carried forward of £89,784 (2024 £117,385), of which £nil are held as restricted funds (2024 - £nil). The Charity's main sources of funding in the year were= donations of £80,924,. and grants of £20,000. The trustees are confident that the Charity is financially secure to deliver its programme of activities for 2024125. Investment olic As reserves are currently at a relatively low level, the majority of funds are currently held in a bank current account. Goin Concern The Irustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts. Plans for Future Periods Our workplan for 2025126 builds on and extends the 2024125 programme and successes, and adjusts key work streams to recognise shifts in the global and UK context of production and consumption.. 11 Campaign forjobs and decent work in the UK garment industry 2) Campaign for corporate accountability 3) Build worker power, through active solidarity actions to support gannent worker rights in the global south 4) Support global campaigning for a Just Transition for garment workers 5) Improve LBL'S citizen organising approach to engage more activists in tsking actions and attending demonstrations 6) Continue to develop LBL'S regular giving (RG) programme.
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 cont. Reference and Administrative Information Name & Charlty Number: Labour Behind The Label Trust.. Registered Charity No 1159356 Registered Office The Old Co-op 3842 Chelsea Road Easton Bristol BS5 6AF Trustees: Malcolm MacLean Joanna Ewart-James Sarah Daly Sharon Mitcheson Ronae Fagon Leanne McNulty (appointed 26109120241 Bankers: The Co-operative Bank PIC P.0. Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP Independent Examiner: Burnside Chartered Accountants 61 Queen Square Bristol BS14JZ Structure Governance and Mana ement Labour Behind the Label Trust operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland working closely with Labour Behind the Label Limited. Each organisation is separate and governed as an autonomous entity. They share some resources and a brand, in order to achieve their separate but similar objects as cost-effectively as possible. Governin Document The charity was established under a Trust Deed dated 29108112 (as amended by a deed dated 13109114) which eslablished the objects and powers of the charity. Recruitment and A ointment of the Trustees The trustees regularly review their skills and experien base to reflecl the needs of the organisation.
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 cont. Trustee Indudion and Trainin New trustees are given clear advice and support in relation to their obligations by incumbent trustees. All relevant documentation is made available including details of its resourcing, the current financial position as set out in the latest set of accounts and information about future plans and the strategic development of the charity. toda mana ement The Trustees have delegated the day to day management of the charity to Caroline Lewis, Director of Fundraising at Labour Behind the Label, who reports formally to the Trustees at meetings. Personnel Caroline Lewis Risk Management The Trustees have assessed the major financial and reputations risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Trustees review risk at each quarterly meeting, examining cash flow and any reputational risks due to high profile campaigns or events that Labour Behind the Label is leading on.
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 cont. Trustees, res onsibilities in relation to the financial statements The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The laws applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with Uniled Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (Uniled Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable regulations). Under that 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 Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that year. In preparing these financial ststements, the Trustees are required to: a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP- c) make judgemenls and estimates that are reasonable and prudenl., dl state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subjecl to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and e) prepare the financial ststements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operational existence. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charilies (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trusl deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Signed on behalf of the Trustees.. Malcolm MacL8an (Chalr) Trustee Date.. 16 December 2025
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requiremenls of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under seclion 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 Act. Independent examine8 statement I have completed my examination. I confirm thal no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in, any material respect- the accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act, or the accounts do not accord with those records. or 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 nol a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no olher matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name.. Stephen Burnside Relevant professional qualification or body.. ICAEW Address.. Burnside Chartered Accountants, 61 Queen Square, Bristol, BS14JZ. Date: Trqivl
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 INCOME FROM: Donations and legacies Donations Charitable activities Grants re1vable 80.924 80,924 119,681 20,000 20,000 22,117 TOTAL INCOME 100,924 100,924 141,798 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Costs of applying for grants Other fundraising costs 7,176 1,095 7,176 1,095 7,176 Charitable actlvlties- promoting human rights and ethical and le al work ractices for arment workers Grants payable Finance and book-keeping Independent examination Bank charges Travel and subsisten Subscriptions Sundry expenses 116,892 1,148 2,124 116,892 79,010 1,148 1,148 2,124 1,512 84 84 434 44 119 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 128,525 128,525 89,447 Net Incomel(expendlture) and net movement in funds for the year (27,601) (27,601) 52,351 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought fovard 117,385 117,385 65,034 Total funds carried forward 89,784 89,784 117,385 The notes on pages 11 to 13 form part of these accounts
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Note 2025 2024 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 1,232 108,773 10,824 134,405 110,005 145,229 LIABILITIES Creditors: amounts falling due within on8 year (20,221) (27,844) NET CURRENT ASSETSI(LIABILITIES) 89,784 117,385 NET ASSETS 89,784 117,385 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 89,784 117,385 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 89,784 117,385 These financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 16 Decembr 2025, and are signed on their behalf by- Malcolm Maclean TRUSTEE 16 December 2025 Date Charity No 1159356 10
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 1. Accounting policies a) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaclion value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note{s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicablé in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 20191, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefil entity as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust's ability to continue as a going cOnrn. b) Income recognition Donations and grants Income from donations and granls, including capital grants, is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, except as follows.. when donors specfy that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods. when donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions for use have been met. When donors specify that donations and grants, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. Interest reIvable Interest is included when receivable by the charity. c) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expendilure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. d) Fund accounting Funds held by the charity are: Unrestricted general fund5 these are funds which can be used in accordan with Ihe charitable objeGls at the discretion of the trustees. 11
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 cont 2. Comparative Statement of Financial Actlvlties for the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds 2024 INCOME FROM: Donations and legacies Donations Charitable actlvities Grants receivable 119,681 119,681 4,500 17,617 22,117 TOTAL INCOME 124,181 17,617 141,798 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Costs of applying for grants 7,176 7,176 Charitable activitles- promoting human rlghts and ethical and le al work ractlces for annent worker3 Grants payable Finance and book-keeping Independent examination Bank charges Travel and subsistence Subscriptions Sundry expenses 61,393 1,148 1,512 17,617 79,010 1,148 1,512 434 44 119 434 44 119 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 71,830 17,617 89,447 Net Incomel(8xpenditure) and net movement In funds for the year 52,351 52,351 12
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 3. Grants receivable Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Network for Social Change Joffe Trust Solomons Trust The Big Give Trust Barry Amiel & Nomian Melburn Trust Dashlight Foundation 12,117 2,500 4,500 5,000 5,000 3,000 15,000 15,000 20,000 20,000 22,117 4. Net incom81(expendSture) for the year This is stated after charging= 2025 2024 Independent examinerfs fees 2,124 1,512 5. Debtors 2025 2024 Prepayments and accrued income 1,232 10,824 1,232 10,824 6. Creditord 2025 2024 Creditors and accruals Deferred income 20.221 17,844 10,000 20,221 27,844 13
THE LABOUR BEHIND THE LABEL TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 7. Unrestricted funds Balance Movement in resources Transfers Balan 1 April Incoming Oulgoing beeen 2024 funds 31 March 2025 General Funds 117,385 100,924 128,525 89,784 8. Related party transactions and trustees, expenses The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment wilh the charity in Ihe year (2024.. £nil). There were no related paty transactions in the year. 14