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2024-08-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report for the period Period start date Period end date 01 09 2023 31 08 2024 From To

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name Ustinov College Graduate Common Room Other names charity is known by Ustinov GCR Registered charity number (if any) 1164865 Charity's principal address Ustinov GCR, Ustinov College, Sheraton House, Sheraton Park, Durham Postcode DH1 4FL

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

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15		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
**year **		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (ifany)
Anthony Jones GCR President
2023-2024		 September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Ammar Alahmadi GCR Treasurer
2023-2024		 September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Aparna Dinesh-
Shanoy		 GCR Chairperson
2023-2024		 September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Jamie Hunter GCR Vice-President
2023-2024		 September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Cory Winter GCR Welfare Officer
2023-2024		 September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Katherine Schofield Student Trustee September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Adam Fletcher Student Trustee September 2023-July
2024		 Student Body
Thom Addinall-
Biddulph		 Chair of Trustees Appointments Committee
Ian MacDonald External Trustee Appointments Committee
RayMumford External Trustee Appointments Committee
Rachel Barclay External Trustee Appointments Committee
Evangelos
Vagenas-Nanos		 Alumni Trustee Appointments Committee
Ahmed Shafquat
Hassan		 GCR President
2024-2025		 July 2024-August 2024 Student Body
Artie Graham GCR Vice-President
2024-2025		 July 2024-August 2024 Student Body
Chris Johnson GCR Welfare Officer
2024-2025		 July 2024-August 2024 Student Body

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Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser
Name
Address
Accountant B.H. Accountancy Ltd 363 West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 7NL
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Anthony Jones (GCR President 2023-2024)

Anthony Jones (GCR President 2023-2024)

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Constitution and Standing Orders Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution) Unincorporated Association How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Student Trustees and the GCR officers are elected at the Annual General Trustee selection methods Meeting at the beginning of summer by the wider membership in an (eg. appointed by, elected by) election process. The alumni and external trustees are both appointed by a simple majority vote of the Appointments Committee provided that the appointment of each Alumni Trustee is ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of a general meeting.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

The current trustee board comprises five officer roles (President, Vice President, Chair, Welfare Officer, and Treasurer). Along with being members of the Trustee board, these officers also sit on the executive committee and head the general GCR committee, which governs the dayto-day activities of the GCR.

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

The trustee board meets as needed or at least once per term. The trustee board also meets before the AGM of the GCR each year to approve the accounts before they are presented to the GCR body and ratified by a two-thirds majority. Trustees were recruited based on their knowledge and experience with Ustinov and/or Durham University.

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and procedures to manage them.

The Trustee Board's main objective is to ensure compliance with standing orders and the constitution. Both documents prioritise welfare support and enhance the overall student experience at Ustinov College.

During the last year, Thom Addinall-Biddulph, alumni trustee, acted as the Chair of the Trustee Board.

Section C Objectives and activities

The GCR's objectives are outlined as followed by the constitution: "3. The GCR's objects are the advancement of the education of Students at Ustinov College for the public benefit by: 3.1 promoting the interests and welfare of Students at Ustinov College during their course of study and representing, supporting and advising Students; 3.2 being the recognised representative channel between Students and Ustinov College and any other external bodies, including the DSU and Summary of the objects of the Team Durham; charity set out in its 3.3 providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities and governing document forums for discussions and debate for the personal development of its Students; 3.4 promoting intercultural understanding among Students, informed by the College motto Diversitate Valemus; and 3.5 promoting ecological awareness among Students, and encouraging sustainable and environmentally-friendly behaviour, with the aim of improving the environment in which Students live, both locally and globally."

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The GCR has been an inclusive hub of support and enrichment for postgraduate students, fostering fulfilling experiences throughout the academic journey. Among our most important activities are: Welfare Campaigns: The GCR has consistently championed the wellbeing of postgraduate students through targeted welfare campaigns. Social Engagement: Our GCR has orchestrated various engaging and inclusive social events, creating opportunities for meaningful interactions among postgraduate students. From themed parties to our weekly pub quiz, these events are aimed to foster connections and forge lasting friendships with the students. Summary of the main Cultural Enrichment: The GCR has facilitated enriching cultural activities undertaken for the experiences through events and external excursions. These endeavours public benefit in relation to have allowed postgraduate students to explore local landmarks, historical these objects (include within sites, and diverse cultural offerings. this section the statutory declaration that trustees have Supportive Community: The GCR has created a welcoming and inclusive had regard to the guidance community beyond academic pursuits. By organising support groups and issued by the Charity informal gatherings, postgraduate students have found a network that Commission on public encourages personal development, shared learning, and mutual benefit) encouragement. Advocacy and Representation: The GCR has actively advocated for the needs and concerns of postgraduate students, acting as a voice to ensure their perspectives are heard and their interests are addressed within the broader university context. In summary, the GCR’s initiatives encompass comprehensive activities to support postgraduate students' well-being, social connections, cultural enrichment, and professional growth. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment and facilitating diverse experiences, the GCR plays a vital role in enhancing the overall student experience

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

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In August/September 2023, we invested in the social space in the college, renamed ‘The Paddle’ as part of our activities to invest in the best facilities for our members and college more widely – these furnishing improvements have been retained on our asset list.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

Section D Achievements and performance

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Section D Achievements and erformance p This past year the GCR continued to commit to delivering events for our Summary of the main community. Redevelopment of the common room was undertaken in achievements of the charity September 2023, project managed by the President for 2023-2024 during the year Anthony Jones. The revamp signalled a renewal and commitment to delivering a firstclass environment and experience for all Ustinovians. Other significant milestones across various domains included: Postgraduate Engagement: Our charity has successfully cultivated a vibrant and engaged postgraduate community, fostering intellectual and social interaction among scholars from diverse backgrounds and nationalities (Ustinov College is the largest and most diverse from Durham University). Our events, discussions, and collaborative initiatives have led to a thriving network that has been praised by both students and staff. Biggest GCR membership: With well over 200 students now members , this year has been one of impactful and sustained work across many areas. The most important area is community. We continue to work hard as volunteers to bring together everyone studying at Ustinov. Cultural Enrichment: The GCR organized external trips to notable destinations. These excursions provided opportunities for cultural exploration, learning, and fostering bonds among students. Events: We are holding more events than ever and the Halloween Party, Summer Ball and Ustinov Day remain highlights, bringing together a record number of our students. Continued support for Clubs and Societies: We are proud to be home to a wide range of clubs and societies, both sporting and personal interests. We are now one of few colleges who do not require membership to participate in college sport, providing benefit to all of our members and the wider college. Formal dinners: We are hosting formals at various colleges around the University again. We hosted the first ever Cathedral formal in January 2024 – a first in Durham and a fantastic evening was had by all our members who attended. Impactful Welfare Campaigns: Our welfare team, led by our welfare officer, has continued to run events centred on wellness and wellbeing. We have a weekly tea and biscuits event that provides a space for students to talk in a supportive environment. In summary, the GCR’s achievements continue to reflect a deep commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community, promoting excellence in sports and academics, and actively contributing to positive change through impactful initiatives and events. We remain dedicated to furthering our mission and creating a lasting impact for years to come. After the conclusion of the college day, the team running the GCR changes to the next group for the academic year. The transition this year has been very successful and the team of Shaf, Artie and Chris will now work to delivering freshers week in the new academic year.

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Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The charity’s reserves are maintained such that any complication with the GCR’s relationship with the university would not result in a deficit in the GCR’s accounts. This effectively results in a reserve of £70,000, assuming that any dispute would be quickly resolved. Similarly, this would allow the GCR to continue functioning were our income to substantially change within the period of one year. Reserves stand at £70,000, which is currently the required amount.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

Not applicable.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Thomas Addinall-Biddulph Full name(s) Anthony David Jones Position (eg Secretary, Chair, President 2023-2024 Chair of Trustees etc) Date 3rd September 2024

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USTINOV COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMON ROOM USTINOV COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMON ROOM USTINOV COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMON ROOM USTINOV COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMON ROOM USTINOV COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMON ROOM No (if any) No (if any) No (if any) CC16a
For the period
from		 01/09/2023
Period start date		 To Period end date
31/08/2024
Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest £
13,083
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
22,588
26,728
-
-
-
-		 Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
to the nearest £
13,083
-
22,588
26,728
-
-
-
-		 Last year
to the nearest £
UNIVERSITY GRANT 13,083 - - 13,083 12,885
INTEREST EARNED - - - - -
GCR LEVIES - 22,588 - 22,588 11,505
RECEIPTS FROM ACTIVITIES - 26,728 - 26,728 8,634
TRANSITIONAL FUND - - - - -
OTHER INCOME - - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)
13,083		 49,316 - 62,399 33,024
-
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts
A3 Payments		 13,083
17,204
-
2,165
-
2,375
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-
-
-
-
-
-		 49,316
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-
-
-
-
40,005
-
-
-
-
-
-		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 62,399
17,204
2,165
-
2,375
40,005
-
-
33,024
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 17,204 - - 17,204 3,402
COMMON ROOM - - - 17,754
ADMIN AND WELFARE 2,165 - - 2,165 1,029
TV AND RADIO - - - - -
LICENSING AND INSURANCE 2,375 - - 2,375 2,389
ACTIVITIES - 40,005 - 40,005 37,420
MERCHANDISE - - - -
TRAVEL COSTS - - - - -
ACCOUNTANCY - - - -
DONATIONS - - - -
BANK CHARGES - - - -
OTHER EXPENSES - - - - -
**Sub total ** 21,744 40,005 - 61,749 61,994
-
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - - -
- - - - -
**Sub total ** - - - - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end		 21,744
- 8,661
-
40,211
31,550		 40,005
9,311
-
39,291
48,602		 -
-
-
-
-		 61,749
650
61,994
- 8,661 9,311 - 650 - 28,970
- - - - -
40,211 39,291 - 79,502 108,472
31,550 48,602 - 80,152 79,502

17/06/2025

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B5 Liabilities
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B3 Investment assets
B2 Other monetary assets
B1 Cash funds		 Signature
Details
Details
Details
LOAN TO UNIVERSITY
Details
CURRENT ACCOUNT
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Details		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
31,551
48,602
-
-
-
-
31,551
48,602
Agreement Error
OK
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
1,500
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
Thomas Addinall-Biddulph
Anthony Jones		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
OK
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
Date of
approval
Thomas Addinall-Biddulph 03/09/2024
Anthony Jones 03/09/2024

17/06/2025

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

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(IIARIIY F 0￿1551 Independent examiner's report on the accounts S8Ction A Independent Examine￿$ Report Report to the trusteesl members of USTINOV COLLEGE GRADUATE COMMON ROOM On accounts for the year ended 31ST AUGUST 2024 Charity no lif any) 1164865 Set out on pages Respective The charity's trustees a￿ reSponsi￿e for the preparation of the accounts. responsibilities of The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year trustees and examiner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to-. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission {under section 14515)Ibl of the Charities Act, and to stale whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given examiner's statement 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 procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as lo whether Ihe accounts present a 'true and fair, view, and the report is limited lo those matters sel out in the statement below. Independent In connection with my examination. no rnatter has come to my attention examiner's statement 1. which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in. any material respect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met", or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Signed: Date: 2610612025 Name: B.H. ACCOUNTANCY LTD Relevant professional qualificationlsl or body: THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES Address: 363 WEST ROAD, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, TYNE AND WEAR, NE15 7NL IER March 2012

Section B Disclosure Only complete if Ihe examiner needs to highlight rnatenal problems. Glve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER March 2012