Impact Report 2023-24 You can’t be what you can’t see...
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Message from the founder
When Local Village Network (LVN) started in 2015, it was driven by three powerful inspirations. The first came from observing a group of boys hanging outside my flat in Islington, London. When I engaged with them they explained that they didn’t feel like they belonged. They could see wealth all around them but didn’t think it was for them.
The second inspiration was my co-founder Paul Wheway. Paul’s journey through life has been marked by challenges; he grew up in care and was imprisoned for knife crime at an early age. He taught a crucial lesson: you can’t expect young people from poor and broken backgrounds not to go into crime if you do not work on their mindset. It was this realisation that underscored the importance of having access to positive influences. The third was the understanding that most people really want young people to succeed but there wasn’t a platform and structure for them to be able to help.
Now, nine years on, I am immensely proud of the work LVN is doing and
the profound impact it is having. What started as a tiny grassroots initiative has grown from a modest budget of £7k to a significant £250k+ operation. This growth reflects not just the expansion of our resources but also the deepening of our commitment to the young people we serve.
Sadly, the need for LVN is as strong as ever. Knife crime continues to rise and more youth are feeling marginalised by society. Still, 85% of job vacancies continue to be filled through networks.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of the LVN village. Your support has made a signif icant difference to the lives of thousands of young Londoners.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue working with all of you to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Rachael Box CEO
82.2% of students said they now understand how networking can help them build a better future.
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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2024
{ [ocat}] Amplify Me Schools Programme
(werworx) Scaled to 56 cohorts across 18 schools.
LVN Concept
5 years of funding secured
is born from City Bridge Trust Supporting girls across
London
2023
2015 MAYOR OF LONDON Design Future London
DesignFuture LVN supported 13 schools to enter Mayor of
London London competition
Registered as charity +om | ORE
Reg. No. 116275
MAYOR OF LONDON ‘New Deal for Young People’ Mentoring support
Summer Provision Stonebridge, Prepel for 4 secondary schools over 2 years
Stockwell & Islington
2022
2016
Amplify Me Schools Programme Scaling from 1
Youth Clubs & Pupil Referrals Units { [NETWORK] J school to 6 schools across London
Power of an Hour Sessions
‘When I Grow Up’ Primary School
SOAP.
Bux STEAM Programme
Students supported in 5 Islington primary schools
2017
First Community Event PplZexperian.s ® . Gay9 1 Partnerships
Partnership 2021
Girl Gang Intervention
Metropolitan Police and Mayor of London – VRU
LVN and City & Islington College promote LVN signposting platform
First project
2018 2020
Power of an Hour Pizza Nights emerald LVN CEO Rachael Box & Dr Hesketh
across Islington PUBLISHING Paper
DWP Delivery during Covid
CoRe Programme LVN career mentoring launched
across North London
sonunee Schools Programme Launched
Partnership with Deutsche Bank
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Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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2023/24 in numbers
10
London Boroughs
70
Students gained work expereience
2369
Activities on our signposting platform
18
Schools and colleges
180
Primary school students
148,000
Unique visitors to our signposting platform
34
56
Corporates Amplify Me giving over Programmes 2000 volunteer delivered hours
956
344
Volunteers
Secondary school students
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Amplify Me programme
Local Village Network’s Amplify Me mentoring programme combines employability skills with confidence building and mindset change, ensuring young people are equipped to identify and achieve their ambitions.
The Programme
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[Available to year] [ 9, 10 and 12 students]
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[We match schools and colleges with businesses who ] provide volunteers
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[Weeks 1-5:][ volunteers go into the school for 1 hour]
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[Week 6:][ students visit the business for 2 hours]
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[Volunteers support students to complete the ] LVN programme booklet
“
LVN’s approach of sharing personal experiences and building connections has been transformative. Students learn that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is a network of people who care about their future. This sense of community and support has been invaluable in helping students develop a positive outlook on their lives.”
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[Sessions are facilitated by a member of the LVN team]
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[Students can then receive ongoing ] [One-2-One ] online mentoring
- Teacher
Only by understanding young people can we change their mindsets and help them feel more hopeful, increase their aspirations and become more supportive of their peer group.
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Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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The students
we support
14%
of students were identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
21%
have English as a second language
39%
receive pupil premium
91%
from Ethnic Minorities
“I’ve enjoyed speaking to diverse people with similar interests but different stories.”
- Student
“I found my voice through LVN.”
- Student
“Hearing the career journey of mentors has helped me better understand how I can learn from mistakes and setbacks.”
- Student
“I’m happy to talk about my future aspirations as I know it will help me build networks.”
- Student
“Thank you for the opportunity to get advice and opinions from experienced people.”
- Student
“When I started this course, I was really unsure, uneasy and I didn’t know what to say. I was scared of growing up and not being able to find a job that I am comfortable with or that suits my skills. Now, at the end of the course, I know that it is possible to find a job based on your interests that I will enjoy.”
- Student
“I always thought that I wouldn’t fit in the jobs that I really want, but through this course I learnt that there are so many jobs out there that are for me, and that networking can help you get the job that you like.”
- Student
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Facilitators “ account
One of the most profound impacts of LVN’s classroom sessions is the way they help students understand that we all come from different backgrounds and that our imperfections don’t define us. The volunteers show our students that with the right support and mindset, they can overcome their challenges and create a positive path for themselves.”
- Teacher
As a facilitator of the Local Village Network programme, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first hand the transformative impact our mentoring initiative has on vulnerable young people. The nurturing support from our dedicated volunteers and the hope we instil in these students are key components in their personal and professional growth. Our programme underscores the importance of networks and how they function, ultimately providing students with opportunities they might not have otherwise encountered.
Initially, the differences between students with positive networks and those without are stark. Many students struggle with eye contact and are reluctant to discuss their future aspirations. For many, it’s evident that this is the first time they have even considered their futures. Early responses are often generic, with boys focusing on making money through careers in football or occasionally basketball, and girls expressing interest in healthcare professions or the beauty industry. Their exposure to the myriad of opportunities London offers is limited.
“
The LVN programme increases motivation, behaviour and engagement at school. As a result of this 81% feel programme more motivated to invest in their future by working hard now.
However, as the weeks progress, we see significant changes. Barriers start to come down, and students begin to think and speak differently about their futures. With the encouragement of our volunteers, students start to positively influence their peers and understand that it’s okay to fail. Importantly, they begin to realise that having aspirations is valuable and that support and options are available to help them achieve their goals.
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
Impact on students
“Students feel more welcome into the world of work. 72% say they are more confident to speak to new and diverse people.”
“ 76% feel more confident that my job application will be valued and accepted in the world of work”
“73% feel more confident communicating their skills.”
“ 75.8% of students said they have better understanding of how the skills they already have will be useful for employment.”
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“
Our students come from diverse backgrounds. They all need guidance and someone to ask about their future aspirations. LVN’s volunteers provide that nurturing support, showing students that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.”
- Teacher
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
How we make a difference
Work experience and internships
LVN has been facilitating work experience and internships as part of it’s support to schools and their students.
This year we successfully matched 70 students with businesses across our networks. Thank you so much to our partner Deutsche Bank who offered 20 of our Amplify Me students a week of work experience.
“It was fun. The video production was interesting, he talked about his journey and was funny. Trading floor was interesting as well, we saw how hard their work was with the big computers.” - Student, Haringey
“I enjoyed it when we did coding for creating websites, it was so fun because I created my own website. I also enjoyed the visit to the trading floor where we had the chance to ask questions to individuals and know more about Deutsche Bank.” - Student, Lambeth
72% of students who took part in Amplify Me requested support to find a part-time job.
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Case study
Raj was selected from students at City and Islington college for an internship at one of LVN’s partner companies dMFK Architects .
What does a typical day look like for you as an intern at dMFK?
’I spend most of my time rendering visuals in PhotoShop to help the architects bring their drawings to life. It took me a full day to do one task at first, but now I can do a similar task in one hour - it’s nice to know that I’m making progress.’
How are you finding working in an office environment? ‘I love working in the office. It’s very different to what I expected; professional, but comfortable and actually quite relaxing - not rigid, if that makes sense. When I’m here I feel confident that I’m smart enough to come up with good ideas.’
What are you enjoying the most so far?
The 5 week placement was such a success they offered him an additional 3 weeks . paid placement
Thank you to Islington Giving and Macquarie Bank for the internship funding.
‘I really enjoyed spending time on site, because it makes the work I’ve been doing in the office feel more real. If I do become an architect one day, I’d definitely want to be involved in both the design and delivery parts.’
Has anything surprised you about the world of architecture?
’What’s surprised me the most about the world of architecture is how many different companies are involved in the design of each building. For one project, the architect is co-ordinating the input of so many consultants - sometimes over 10.’
What’s the best advice you’ve been given during your internship?
‘I can’t think of one piece of advice, but I’ve learnt so much. I have to go back to college in September, but if it was up to me I wouldn’t leave.’
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
How we make a difference
My networks are my net worth
We at Local Village Network teach the importance of networking and how to build networks.
Signposting Platform
As part of our commitment to ensure that the young people we work with are aware of all the networks and opportunities open to them, we have built an online signposting platform. Young people and carers can use this to find activities and support in their local area. The platform is used by the Mayor of London and Metropolitan Police as part of their positive youth engagement strategy.
82.9% of students who attended Amplify Me said they now know that attending activities can help their future.
Scan and visit lvn.org.uk/signposts
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Online one-2-one mentoring
Students who have participated in our Amplify Me group mentoring programme can continue their journey with one-2-one online mentoring through the LVN bespoke mentoring portal. This provides young people with the chance to continue their journey, talk to more professionals, and become career ready.
Our unique speed networking approach to online mentoring helps to build perspective and confidence. 30 minutes might not seem much but collectively it makes a significant impact.
Building digital literacy and online etiquette
44% of jobs are either hybrid or fully remote and many initial interviews take place online.
Building confidence in speaking to new and diverse people In line with our theory of change, students grow each time they meet a new professional.
Building knowhow
Mentors support students to work through a selection of LVN topics including improving networking skills, exam preparation, understanding finance, and help with finding a part-time job.
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How we make a difference
Design Future London
Across November and December 2023, LVN delivered 13 Amplify Me: Design Future London mentoring programmes in partnership with the Mayor of London. The Programme was supported by 19 businesses from the built environment. A total of 311 students benefited from the interventions. Students were tasked with redesigning their local area. 3 LVN schools were shortlisted for prizes with one school winning an award.
You can’t be what you can’t see. 73% of students said as a result of this programme they would now consider a career in the built environment.
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Primary School Mentoring
Our Primary school programme “When I Grow Up I’m Going To Be...” gives year 5 students an opportunity to discover careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.
We bring in volunteers from the STEAM industries who explain their job role to the students, relating experiences to topics students are learning in class.
“The session linked with the science curriculum; learning about different jobs within STEAM and healthcare more specifically.”
- Teacher
“I remember LVN brings in different people to inspire us on what we might be when we are older.”
- Primary School Student
“It was a big surprise to see normally quiet students become so active. Many have taken a greater interest in STEAM topics since our visitor.”
- Teaching Assistant
Our journey with Deutsche Bank
Since 2021 Deutsche Bank has proudly partnered with Local Village Network (LVN). LVN along with the Corporate Social Responsibility team and the Black Leadership Forum at Deutsche Bank work together to deliver our joint Born to Be Empowered programme. This collaboration is part of our longstanding commitment to education and supporting young people to reach their full potential. Through weekly ‘ Amplify Me ’ sessions, regular ‘ Power of an Hour ’ assemblies in school alongside a growing work experience programme, we aim to offer a diversity of engagement opportunities. The bank’s employees sit at the heart of the programme too. Their commitment to visit the schools, give constructive guidance, and be a sounding board for the young people is what makes
the programme so impactful. The students are always motivated, openminded, and inquisitive to know more. They might be inspired by a career in banking and finance, or they could be empowered to make choices about their next education paths. Whatever the outcome, we aim for the programme to enable more students to make informed decisions about their futures. None of this would be possible without both the LVN Facilitators and the teachers who help bring this into each school, they all showcase immense passion and commitment to enabling students to thrive.
Deutsche Bank is honoured to collaborate with Local Village Network, and we look forward to our continued partnership.
Our partnership in numbers
4
year relationship
20
Power of the Hour assemblies
26
work experience placements
300+
employees have participated
1,730 directly supported students
3
end of year celebration events
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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“It’s great to be able to relate to the students. I was also always on report at school, none of the teachers would ever believe I could work in a bank. I’m glad to show a good example of how you can turn your life around.”
“Volunteering with LVN has allowed me to provide students with a clear understanding of our company structure and the diverse roles within it. It’s rewarding to see them connect their learning to real-world applications, gaining insights into how different parts of a business come together.”
“The programme is about Deutsche Bank employees engaging with our youth, but what I hadn’t considered was the profound impact they would have on me. I sincerely hope to be part of more programmes in the future.”
Testimonials
“ One of the most impactful lessons we impart to students is the importance of building positive connections. We help them understand how their behavior can influence their future opportunities and why mentoring and networking are essential for both personal and professional development. At LVN, we teach them that ‘My network is my net worth,’ emphasising the value of relationships in achieving success.”
- Facilitator
“ Seeing the sense of achievement on the faces of participants when they receive their certificates and LVN badges is priceless. It’s a small gesture, but it signifies their hard work and the nurturing environment LVN creates to support their growth.”
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
“
It’s inspiring to see how this experience empowers them to navigate different social and professional settings with ease.”
“
It’s about teaching young people that positive behavior, values, and a sense of responsibility can inspire confidence in employers, laying the foundation for their future success.”
“
“It’s incredible to witness the change in young people when they meet a range of inspiring role models through LVN. These interactions encourage them to think more critically about their futures, raising their aspirations and broadening their horizons.”
- Teacher
Our trustees
Our trustees bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from a variety of industries and life paths that ensure good governance, direction and impact of our charity.
Noël Williams Chair
Catherine Ruggles
Brian Cahalane
Dashika Nicole Alcee
Jules Kirby
Denzel Maxwell D Cameron
Alan Rutherford
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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Our team
At Local Village Network we are a small, tightly-knit team, brought together by our shared values and drive to make a real difference.
Rachael Box CEO & Founder
Lucy Edwards COO
Jade Broomby Programme Manager
Susanna Banjo Schools Programme Facilitator
Tracey Jacobs Schools Programme Facilitator
Samuel Broomby Software Developer
Carly Levinson Online Mentoring Coordinator
Thank you to our 2023/24 funders and volunteers
Accenture AJG (Gallagher) Almeida Theatre Amazon Amplifi Capital Business Design Centre Buzzacott LLP Camden Giving Cast Group Chartered Institute of Accountants Clothworkers Foundation DCX Paragon Derwent London Deutsche Bank dMFK Architects DP9 Estée Lauder Experian Forrester Family Trust Hill Group Hogan Lovells Hyde Park Place Estate Charity Islington Giving Judiciary & Law professionals
Keltbray KFC Foundation
Kier
Lewisham Council
London Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Macquarie Bank Mayor of London Mayor of London VRU Metropolitan Police Morgan Sindall Morris Charitable Trust Northern Trust Notting Hill Genesis Open Creates Quod Ridge and Partners LLP SCS Railways & HS2 St Giles & St George STEM UK The Alchemy Foundation
Tibbalds Troup Bywaters + Anders (tbanda)
Trowers & Hamlins
Tullys
Turner & Townsend
Visa
VolkerFitzpatrick
Walcot Foundation
Wates Group
Weatherbys Private Bank
Worshipful Company of Girdlers
Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT)
Worshipful Company of Management Consultants
Worshipful Company of Nurses
Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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“ “ I feel more hopeful for the future.”
My understanding of jobs and careers options has increased.”
- 75.9% of students.
– 90.0% of students.
Local Village Network | Impact Report 2023-24
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A look ahead
We are really proud of what we have achieved so far. When we started the charity in 2015, we could only dream that we would be where we are today.
As we enter our next 3 year plan, we are looking to double our impact whilst minimising cost, ensuring that the maximum amount of money goes directly towards supporting our beneficiaries to fulfil their ambitions.
As an organisation we are leveraging technology to enable us to deliver a stonger service to our young people, volunteers and partners.
We will also use what our young people are telling us to help change policy and give them a voice.
Critical to all of this are our wonderful volunteers, businesses, networks, teachers and funders.
We couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you.
Website: www.lvn.org.uk Email contact@lvn.org.uk to find out how you can get involved.
The information in this document is based on monitoring and evaluation data from 2023-24. Local Village Network is a registered charity: 1161275
©Local Village Network 2024
INDEPELYDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT TO TH£ TRUSTEES OF LONDON VILLAGE NETWORK ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR EIYDED 31 MARCH 2024 Charity Number 1161275 Respective responsibilities of trustee8 and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of th¢ Charities Act 20 I l (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under s¢¢tion 145(5)(b) of the Charities ACL and to state whether particular matters hav¢ come to our attention. Basis of independent examiners, statement Our examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedure$ und¢rtaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiners statement In connection with our examination no material matters have come to our attention which gives us cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. We have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enablc a proper understanding of the acco nts to b¢ rcached. BRENNAN PEARSON & CO Chartered Aceountants 1101112 Lancaster Road New Barnet Herts EN4 8AL 6 December 2024
| Charity Name: London Village Network | Charity Name: London Village Network | Charity Name: London Village Network | Charity Name: London Village Network | Charity Name: London Village Network | Charity Name: London Village Network | No: 1161275 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ A1 Receipts Receipts and payments accounts For the period from Period start date To Period end date 1st of April 2023 31st of March 2024 —_ |
Last year to the nearest £ CC16a |
|||||||||||||
| Grants and Donations | 263,915.79 | - | - | - | - | 263,916 | 219,476 | |||||||
| Debtors | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
(Gross income for AR)263,916 |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | 263,916 | 219,476 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). - - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total receipts 263,916 - - 263,916 219,476 A3 Payments ————~~——~~ |
||||||||||||||
| Charitable Expenditure | 204,420.82 | - | - | - | - | 204,421 | 163,798 | |||||||
| Raising Funds | 5,202 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5,202 | 2,125 | ||||
| Separate material item of expense | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Other | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total | 209,623 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 209,623 | 165,923 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total payments 209,623 - - 209,623 165,923 Net of receipts/(payments) 54,293 - - 54,293 53,553 A5 Transfers between funds - - - - - A6 Cash funds last year end 147,604 - - 147,604 94,051 Cash funds this year end 201,897 - - 201,897 147,604 ——SS5~~5=~~ SSS555 |
53,553 - 94,051 147,604 |
|||||||||||||
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period ~~a~~ |
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Categories Details funds funds funds to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ B1 Cash funds Current Bank Accounts 141,328 60,569 - - - - - - Total cash funds 141,328 60,569 - SSe= (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Agreement Error Agreement Error OK Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ B2 Other monetary assets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - = Fund to which Current value Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional) B3 Investment assets - - - - - - - - - - ===> Fund to which Current value Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional) B4 Assets retained for the - - charity’s own use - - - - - - - - - - =o Fund to which Amount due When due Details liability relates (optional) (optional) B5 Liabilities - - - - - Signed by one or two trustees on Date of behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Name approval Lucy Edwards 11/12/2024 ——=