CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
CHARITY REGISTRATION NO: 1165412
CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| CONTENTS | PAGE |
|---|---|
| LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION | 1 |
| REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES | 2-7 |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT | 8 |
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | 9 |
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION | 10 |
| NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 11-13 |
| DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | 14 |
CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: REGISTERED OFFICE: TRUSTEES: INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
1165412 336 Brixton Road London SW9 7AA Mr. Kaleb Hailu Mr. Lee Lawrence Mr. Steven McKay Ms. Nyemeh Badjan Mr. Simon Jones Mr. Fitzroy Dawson
Allen Robyn and Associates Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants 367 Caledonian Road London N7 9DQ
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ issued in March 2005.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing documents
The charity is controlled by its constitution and is registered as a CIO and received Charitable status on the 3rd of February 2016. It is managed by a board of trustees which meet regularly during the year to discuss and approve the strategic direction of the organisation and other relevant matters including grant applications, policies, operational plans.
Risk management
The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for the system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system is designed to manage the risk to the Charity not achieving it objectives and can provide reasonable assurance against material misstatement of loss.
AIMS AND OBJECTS
Cherry Groce Foundation exists to:
To relieve the need of those with a physical or mental impairment / disability by:-
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Acting as a resource for disabled persons and their carers;
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Providing or assisting in the provision of activities that will enable disabled persons and their carers to participate within the community;
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Providing or assisting in the provision of facilities and activities for recreation with the object of improving their quality of life;
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Advancing education;
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Advocating for the rights of disabled persons and their carers; and
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Promoting and delivering other activities that support those affected by disability that meets the agreement of the trustees.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. Introduction
Over the 2024–2025 year, the Cherry Groce Foundation continued to expand its impact across schools and communities, empowering young people with the emotional intelligence, confidence, and historical knowledge needed to advocate for themselves and their communities. Nearly 200 pupils engaged in our Education Programme, with 170 fully participating and 17 teachers receiving dedicated training.
Our work extended beyond classrooms, with strong community involvement, impactful collaborations, and meaningful professional development initiatives—including training MET Police leaders and partnering on the Encounter, Transform & Repair workshop. Volunteers and staff played a vital role throughout, supporting events, storytelling, and programme delivery.
As we look ahead, the Foundation is preparing for a significant milestone—the 40th Anniversary of the events surrounding the 1985 uprising—while continuing to broaden our educational reach, strengthen partnerships, and champion our mission.
2. Founder Message
Reflecting on the past year, we are proud of our achievements and grateful for your support. Our programmes have made a significant impact, and we look forward to continuing this
3. Impact and Achievements
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Schools Engaged: Sudbourne Primary School, Clapham Manor Primary School, Streatham Wells Primary School, and a community session.
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Pupils Impacted: Nearly 500 pupils, with 170 fully participating.
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Teacher Training: 17 teachers and staff received training and participated in the programme.
4. Programme Outcomes
The programme aimed to develop students’ emotional intelligence and empower them to use their voices constructively. Students produced creative works in subjects such as English, Art, and PSHE, including poems, artwork, and role plays.
Engagement levels were high, with positive feedback and notable improvements in specific skills and emotional support.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The community event provided an opportunity to include children within the community and support the Education Lead and consultant in refining the programme based on feedback from teachers, staff, and pupils.
"We worked with the Cherry Groce Foundation on their Education Programme last year and it was one of the most inspirational projects we have ever been part of. It has been a real privilege for our students to hear Lee's story, then use this as a springboard to delve into, and respond to, a significant period of local history (and one that really resonates with our students and their families). As a school we are committed to diversifying our curriculum in a meaningful way, and this project has really helped to breathe life into this ambition".
5. Financial Overview
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Funding Sources: Lambeth Changing Lives Social Value Engagement Programme, various donations, and fundraising initiatives.
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Major Expenditures: Core costs, programme delivery, teacher training, and community events.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Reserve policy
The Trustees aim to retain sufficient free reserves at a level which equate to a minimum of three months of unrestricted expenditure. These reserves should be held in case of any sudden decline in income and to ensure that we can meet our commitments to providing our services and activities. Specifically, these commitments include our contractual obligations in relation to our support and outreach work. However, due to the challenges faced during the year, the level of reserves require could not be maintained and the Trustee are actively reviewing the charities operation in order to resolve the situation.
The Trustees have implemented robust budgetary controls to monitor costs in an effort to minimise expenditure throughout the year.
Financial performance during the year
The Charity's total income for the year under review was £112,158 (2024: £120,530); whilst total expenditure in the year was £122,219 (2024: £108,641). Net deficit for the year was £ (10,061) (2024: £11,889 surplus and the total unrestricted reserves at the end of the financial was £ (30,579); 2024: £392. The year was extremely challenging, however Trustees placed emphasis on financial management to ensure that the funds within the organisation are properly managed.
6. Community Involvement
Throughout the year, we participated in many community activities. Lee, the Founder, engaged in initiatives educating young people and adults about the story of Cherry Groce in partnership with Elevated Minds and Westminster University.
We maintained a strong presence at community events and continued involvement in training new recruits, first and midline leaders of the MET Police, ensuring they understand
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
the importance of community engagement. This included facilitating conversations during the Passing Out Parade Community Involvement week and presenting Cherry Groce’s story.
The Foundation was also a partner for the Encounter, Transform & Repair professional development workshop created by Lee to train Senior Leaders in all 12 Borough Command Units and AS Lambeth/Southwark frontline leaders. The involved team each received a Commendation from the previous Borough Commander.
7. Volunteer and Staff Contributions
Volunteers and staff played a crucial role in capturing stories, creating decorations, and ensuring the success of our events. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in achieving our goals
8. Future Plans
Next year, we aim to expand our reach to more schools, enhance our existing programmes, and continue our advocacy for emotional intelligence and student empowerment.
We will also be focusing on planning the 40th Anniversary of the event that sparked the 1985 uprising following the shooting of Cherry Groce.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202
9. Acknowledgements
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, sponsors, and partners. Your support makes our work possible.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of
resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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b) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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c) state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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d) Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at 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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
Accountants
The accountants, Allen Robyn & Associates Ltd, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:
Signed: ............................................
Lee Lawrence
Date: 29/01/2026
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
To the trustees of Cherry Groce Foundation, I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31st March 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Responsibility of Examiner
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 43(3)a of the 1993 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the
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Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the company 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 matter. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that:
a. proper accounting records are kept; and
b. accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records. Or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed …………………………………………… Date:30/01/2026……...…………
Rolston Allen
ALLEN ROBYN & ASSOCIATES LTD
Chartered Certified Accountants 367 Caledonian Road
London N7 9DQ Date: 30/01/2026
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES | Notes | Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming resources from generated funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| Donations and Other Income | 2 | 112,158 | 120,530 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||
| Charitable Activities | 3 | 112,560 | 90,110 |
| Support Costs | 4 | 8,418 | 17,371 |
| Governance Costs | 5 | 1,241 | 1,160 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 122,219 | 108,641 | |
| NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR | (£10,061) | £11,889 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Prior year adjustment | 10 | (20,910) | - |
| Total Funds Brought Forward | 392 | (11,497) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | (£30,579) | £392 |
None of the charity's activities were acquired or discontinued during the year and there were no recognised gains and losses for 2025 nor in the prior year other than those included in the statement of financial activities.
The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these accounts.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| TANGIBLE ASSETS Furniture & Equipment CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank in hand CREDITORS: within one year Net Current Assets TOTAL ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES FUNDS: Unrestricted Funds |
Notes 8 - 6,508 1,073 15,166 1,073 21,674 9 (33,899) (24,294) (£30,579) £392 2025 2024 10 (30,579) 392 (£30,579) £392 Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2025 2024 2,247 3,012 (£32,826) (£2,620) |
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The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on…29/01/2026…..and signed on its behalf by:
Lee Lawrence
Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these accounts.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102) .The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Going cncern
The trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Although the charity incurred a deficit of £(10,061) during the year ended 31st March 2025, the trustees consider that the charity has sufficient resources to meet its obligations for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Investment Income
Investment income consists of net interest received during the year and accounted for as unrestricted fund.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Charitable activities
Costs of charitable activities are those costs relating to the activities carried out to meet the objectives of the Charity. These include both directly attributable costs and apportioned support costs.
Governance costs
Governance costs are the costs associated with the strategic direction of the organisation and with meeting regulatory responsibilities including apportioned support cost.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Furniture and equipment
20% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 2.VOLULTARY INCOME Donations Grants Other Income Total incoming resources 3. CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE Community transport service Rent and rates Salaries and wages 4. SUPPORT COST Insurance Advertisement Professional fees Post,stationery and telehone Travel expense Repairs and maintenance IT and software General expenses Depreciation 5.GOVERNANCE COST Accountancy and Examiners 6. FIXED ASSETS COST At 1st April 2024 Additions As at 31st March 2025 DEPRECIATION Opening Balance Charge for the year NETBOOK VALUE As at 31st March 2025 As at 31st March 2024 |
2025 83,512 21,830 6,816 £112,158 2025 62,064 5,450 45,046 £112,560 2025 - 3,768 1,083 1,114 288 - 1,165 235 765 £8,418 2025 £1,241 Furniture and Equipments 3,777 - 3,777 765 765 1,530 £2,247 £3,012 |
2025 83,512 21,830 6,816 £112,158 2025 62,064 5,450 45,046 £112,560 2025 - 3,768 1,083 1,114 288 - 1,165 235 765 £8,418 2025 £1,241 Furniture and Equipments 3,777 - 3,777 765 765 1,530 £2,247 £3,012 |
2024 61,618 50,873 8,039 £120,530 2024 49,115 2,858 38,137 £90,110 2024 398 4,783 8,000 1,546 183 354 959 383 765 £17,371 2024 £1,160 Total 3,777 - 3,777 765 765 1,530 £2,247 £3,012 |
2024 61,618 50,873 8,039 £120,530 2024 49,115 2,858 38,137 £90,110 2024 398 4,783 8,000 1,546 183 354 959 383 765 £17,371 2024 £1,160 Total 3,777 - 3,777 765 765 1,530 £2,247 £3,012 |
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CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
7. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS Trustees' expenses
There are no paid staff. All tasks are carried out by Trustees who are not remunerated and do not receive any expenses or benefits for their activities.
| 8.DEBTORS: within one year Mobility Transport 9.CREDITORS: within one year Other Creditors 10. MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS |
- £33,899 2025 2025 |
£6,508 £24,294 2024 2024 |
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| MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds General Fund Analysis of Funds General fund for the year Cherry Groce Memorial Fund Total funds |
Incoming Resources £112,158 1.04.2024 392 - 392 |
Resources Expended £122,219 Movement in funds (10,061) (20,910) (30,971) |
Movement in | |||
| Funds (£10,061) 31.03.2025 |
Funds | |||||
| (9,669) (20,910) |
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(30,579) |
CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Total incoming resources RESOURCES EXPENDED: Charitable Expenditures Community transport service Rent and rates Salaries and wages SUPPORT COST Insurance Advertisement Professional fees Stationery and telephone Travel expense Repairs and maintenance IT and software General expenses Depreciation Governance cost Accountancy and Examiners Total resources expended Net expenditure Incoming Resources: Voluntary income: Donations Grants Other Income |
£112,158 2025 62,064 5,450 45,046 £112,560 - 3,768 1,083 1,114 288 - 1,165 235 765 £8,418 £1,241 £122,219 (£10,061) 2025 83,512 21,830 6,816 |
£120,530 2024 49,115 2,858 38,137 £90,110 398 4,783 8,000 1,546 183 354 959 383 765 £17,371 £1,160 £108,641 £11,889 2024 61,618 50,873 8,039 |
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