CHARITY NUMBER: 1166068
THE DAVID VAISEY TRUST REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31 OCTOBER 2025
THE DAVID VAISEY TRUST TRUSTEES’ REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year to 31 October 2025.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
The principal object of the charity is the advancement of education by encouraging and developing reading and literacy amongst the general public, particularly in Gloucestershire – a function it carries out in partnership with public libraries. An increasingly important aspect is the focus on children, young people and those experiencing social disadvantage; the charity therefore now also works with schools.
TRUSTEES
The Trustees who served or were appointed during the financial year, are as follows:
| Deborah Thacker | Julia Hasler |
|---|---|
| Sarah Smyth | Elizabeth West (appointed 6 March 2025) |
| Tryphosa Bennett | Louise Gifford (appointed 31 July 2025) |
| James Shrives (appointed 10 November 2025) |
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements can be prepared for each financial year that comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014. 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.
ACTIVITIES IN THE PERIOD
It was with great sadness that we learned that David Vaisey died on the 8[th] January 2025. His name, of course, lives on through the David Vaisey Awards celebrating his many achievements, not least as Bodley’s Librarian Emeritus, CBE and his lifelong dedication to libraries and reading.
The 2025 David Vaisey Award shortlist was unveiled at a lively event in July at Llantony Secunda Priory, Gloucester and marked the second time both school and public libraries were recognised, thanks to the award’s expanded scope, made possible by the generosity of its funders. The judges saw some outstanding applications with 4 schools and 3 public libraries selected as well as those for the Young Person’s award.
The Awards event at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October was very well attended with Cressida Cowell, author and previous Children’s Laureate, giving an inspirational speech and presenting the awards. In addition to the financial prizes, we have also offered staff further advice and support to help them develop partnerships with Read for Good and Read with Me.
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THE DAVID VAISEY TRUST TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
This was also the first time we have required impact reports from the recipients of our awards. These reports provide a breakdown of how the award money has been spent. The qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered allows us to gain an insight into the impact of the awards, and we share this information with our funders.
The Trustees have discussed ways that we can reach more schools and following consultation we have adjusted the timing of submissions and also developed a flyer to promote the Awards to all schools in Gloucestershire. It is hoped that these adjustments will make the application process more attractive and accessible for teachers. Work is also underway to improve our website, thanks to targeted funding, with links and resources for those considering a submission for an award.
The trustees would like to thank all those who have supported the trust during the period, both operationally and financially, and are particularly grateful for the generous 3 year funding commitment for Schools that we received from the Julia Rausing Trust which helps to underwrite the immediate future of the David Vaisey Awards.
By order of the Board of Trustees
Debby Thacker Trustee 20[th] August 2026
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THE DAVID VAISEY TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2025
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Income from donations 2 Bank interest RESOURCES EXPENDED Prizes awarded Expenses of awarding prizes Trust events and publicity Administrative expenses and bank charges NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
2025 £ 20,900 352 21,252 15,800 2,542 2,589 120 21,051 201 |
2024 £ 20,472 395 |
|---|---|---|
| 20,867 17,755 2,288 2,220 120 |
||
| 22,383 | ||
| (1,516) |
The related notes 1 to 3 form an integral part of these financial statements
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THE DAVID VAISEY TRUST BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank CREDITORS:amounts falling due within one year Accrued expenses Deferred income 2 NET CURRENT ASSETS CREDITORS:amounts falling due after one year Deferred income 2 NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds for School Awards Unrestricted Funds |
2025 £ 30,199 (3,600) (8,500) 18,099 (3,500) 14,599 13,099 1,500 14,599 |
2024 £ 23,398 (4,000) (5,000) 14,398 - 14,398 14,398 - 14,398 |
|---|---|---|
Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 20[th] August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Debby Thacker Trustee
The related notes 1 to 3 form an integral part of these financial statements
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THE DAVID VAISEY TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 OCTOBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Accounting
The David Vaisey Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission in England with number 1166068. Its registered office is at The Manor, Boddington, Cheltenham GL51 0TJ. These financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014.
b) Recognition of Income from Donations
The principal purpose of the Trust is to run the annual David Vaisey Awards. The Awards year runs from November to October and the income from donations is therefore recognised in accordance with the Awards year for which it has been given (if specified). General donations are recognised on receipt.
Gift Aid is reclaimed on donations and will be recognised in the year the funds are received from HMRC.
b) Recognition of Cost of Awards
As David Vaisey Awards are given to recognise initiatives, a portion of the award money may be given at a future date. The full cost of the remaining portion of awards made is accrued in the financial statements as it is deemed likely that they will be paid.
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS
Significantly more income was received this year than last year with some of that funding being deferred to future years in accordance with the accounting policy above – it will fund the relevant years of the Awards as analysed below:
| Year received | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Donations for 2025/26 | - | (8,500) |
| Donations for 2026/27 | - | (3,500) |
3. EMPLOYEE AND TRUSTEE INFORMATION
The Trust employed no staff in the period. The trustees received no remuneration in the period.
The Trust engaged the services of an Awards Administrator for the year who was paid an honorarium of £4,000.
The work of the Trust in delivering its aims and objectives is supported by a number of volunteers who provide their services without charge.
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