TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT
Forest Active Community Trust (F.A.C.T)
For the Year Ended 2025
1. Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name: Forest Active Community Trust (F.A.C.T) Charity Registration Number: 1165950
Principal Address: Forest Sports Education LTD Kings Buildings, Hill Street Lydney, GL15 5HE
Trustees Serving During the Year:
David Taylor – Chair - Appointed 20/02/2018
Richard Kear – Treasurer - Appointed 18/11/2019
Joshua Carter – Trustee - Appointed 23/12/2025
Aidrian Bishop – Trustee - Appointed 01/03/2016
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Forest Active Community Trust is governed by its constitution and operates in accordance with Charity Commission guidance and applicable legislation.
Legal Structure
The charity is a registered charitable organisation established to benefit the communities of the Forest of Dean through increased access to physical activity, sport, and educational opportunities.
Trustee Recruitment and Appointment
The charity seeks trustees with a diverse range of professional skills and community insight to support strong governance and strategic leadership. Trustees are recruited through skills-based identification, community and professional networks, recommendations, and open recruitment where appropriate.
All newly appointed trustees receive an induction covering their legal responsibilities, the charity’s objectives, financial oversight, and safeguarding expectations where relevant.
Organisational Management
The trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial sustainability of the charity. Day-to-day delivery is supported by a team of experienced coaching staff and partner organisations, enabling the charity to deliver both direct provision and collaborative programmes.
The trustee board meets regularly to monitor financial performance, review operational delivery, assess risk, set strategic priorities, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Risk Management
Trustees actively review risks to the charity and implement appropriate mitigation strategies including financial controls, safeguarding practices, health and safety procedures, data protection, and partnership due diligence.
3. Objectives and Activities
Charitable Objectives
Forest Active Community Trust strives to make a positive impact across the Forest of Dean community through physical activity. The charity recognises the unique barriers to participation within a rural area and works collaboratively with public, not-for-profit, and private sector partners to increase both the range and quality of opportunities for people to be active and engage in sport.
Core Areas of Focus
-
Health and Social Inclusion
-
Sport Development in the Community
-
Sport Development for Talented Athletes
-
Education
Activities Delivered During the Year
-
Delivered structured physical activity sessions within the community
-
Partnered with local organisations to broaden participation
-
Supported inclusive programmes targeting underrepresented groups
-
Provided development opportunities for emerging athletes
-
Used sport-based initiatives to support educational engagement
4. Achievements and Performance
The trustees are pleased with the progress made during the reporting period and the continued positive impact on the local community.
Key Achievements
-
Expanded access to physical activity across the Forest of Dean
-
Strengthened partnerships with community stakeholders
-
Delivered high-quality coaching through experienced staff
-
Helped reduce barriers to participation in rural areas
-
Promoted healthier and more active lifestyles
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The charity provides public benefit by improving physical and mental wellbeing, increasing access to sport, supporting social inclusion, creating opportunities for personal development, and enhancing community cohesion.
5. Financial Review
Financial Position Total income: £0 Total expenditure: £0 Net movement in funds: £0
Reserves Policy
The charity maintains reserves to ensure operational continuity and to protect against unforeseen financial pressures. The trustees aim to hold reserves sufficient to cover approximately 3–6 months of operating costs.
Debts and Liabilities
None
6. Funds Held as Custodian Trustee
The charity did not hold any funds as a custodian trustee during the reporting period.
7. Plans for the Future
-
Expand community programmes
-
Strengthen cross-sector partnerships
-
Increase participation among underrepresented groups
-
Support athlete development pathways
-
Enhance educational impact through sport
-
Secure additional funding to ensure long-term sustainability
8. Trustee Responsibilities Statement
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards.
The trustees confirm that proper accounting records have been maintained, appropriate policies have been applied consistently, assets have been safeguarded, and the financial statements provide a true and fair view of the charity’s position.
Signed on behalf of the trustees:
Name: Richard Kear Position: Trustee Signature: R. Kear Date: 04/02/2026