Charity registration number 1166536
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
M Read M Layberry O.B.E S Major S Leach J Layberry
Charity number 1166536 Independent examiner S Jennings FCA Azets Audit Services Globe House Eclipse Park Sittingbourne Road Maidstone Kent United Kingdom ME14 3EN
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 13 |
THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1.1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "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 2019).
Objectives and activities
The aims of The Layberry Foundation remain the same - to help meet the needs of vulnerable young people who, in the main, have left or are about to leave Local Authority care, and who are lacking in the practical and life skills they need to gain employment and survive in society. Although The Layberry Foundation (based on a 52-acre farm and forestry site in Northwest Kent) has only been able to provide limited opportunities for young people to work in this environment, it has been able to continue to expand its activities into the community, by working alongside Sevenoaks District Council in a project aimed at young people who have been impacted by COVID. This has involved the recruitment, training, and appointment of a number of Mentors who have been matched to young people in the local community. The Layberry Foundation supervises and monitors their activities and works with the Local Authority when additional needs are identified.
There are still planning considerations to be overcome at the farm in order for the site to reach its potential, so over the past year our partnership with Sevenoaks District Council Voluntary Sector has been taken precedence and has been operating successfully. A small amount of funding has again been made available from the council to facilitate this work. For what we achieved we were presented with an award from Sevenoaks District Council 'Making it Happen' Community & Voluntary Awards, Youth Mentoring Project, Youth Group of the Year Winner 2023. The project also received the iESE Certificate of Excellence Winner 2023 to mark significant Innovations in transforming local public services. This was largely due to the very 'hands on' approach of our Project Co-ordinator whose social work expertise was a great asset to the Sevenoaks District Council and the young people in the District, although the Sevenoaks District Council project has now come to an end. This work will continue until the young people themselves feel they no longer need the support.
The important links that have been developed locally as a result of our involvement with Sevenoaks District Council's Voluntary Forum have given us access to local organisations which can enhance our work with young people.
The Co-ordinator who has been in post for three years has built valuable links within the local community as well as recruiting, training and supervising mentors and facilitating activities for young people. The part-time admin assistant continues to put systems in place and deal with day to day paperwork. This person's role is also to apply for Grant Applications, based on our development plans and organise events and workshops.
The funding for the Co-ordinator and the Admin Assistant posts has again been provided by the fostering organisation with whom the Charity is closely involved. Whilst other small amounts of funding have been received it is clear that the reliable source of funds provided by the fostering agency (ALL4U Fostering Ltd) continues to be the only secure way to ensure the continuation of these salaried posts going forward. However, The Layberry Foundation were successful in their bid to AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in achieving some funding to enhance the facilities at the farm. This included a proportion of wages for a 'Nature and Landscape Access Assistant' and this post has now been filled.
We continue to encourage young people approaching the time when they will leave care to consider linking with Mentors, though this of course depends on matching, location and availability. We continue to work on this and have arranged workshops exploring Leaving Care issues with foster carers.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
The Fostering Agency
The fostering agency has always been closely allied to The Layberry Foundation, and in fact it is a Limited Company owned in a Trust; if surplus monies are generated, under the terms of this Trust, 50% goes back into the agency for the benefit of the children, foster carers and staff with the remaining 50% being donated to The Layberry Foundation. These donated funds are Restricted Funds to the extent that they cover the salary and on-costs of the Co-ordinator employed by The Layberry Foundation. Any amount over and above that cost shall be deemed Unrestricted Funds.
It continues to be the overall aim that the fostering agency, working alongside The Layberry Foundation, provides support and guidance to young people from the time they come into care until they make the transition into independence, and beyond.
Funding Streams/Donations
The charity has received funding from the Fostering Agency which has secured the Co-ordinator's and Administrator's post for a further year. In these uncertain times, there is no guarantee that the Fostering Agency will continue to grow going forward, but with the growing evidence of the Charity's positive impact on young people, and the good reputation it is gaining locally, we feel confident that our funding applications will receive favourable responses going forward.
Sevenoaks District Council has continued to support The Layberry Foundation to receive a small amount of funding to promote their project.
Both The Layberry Foundation and ALL4U Fostering have as their clear aim the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Fostering Agency and Foundation Relationship
The Fostering Agency has continued to attract (without resorting to advertising or financial incentives) many fostering families, some new to fostering, others experienced in the sector, all of whom are attracted by the ethos of an organisation which does not seek to make money out of children in care, and aspires to provide an individualised, therapeutic service for each child placed so as to help them reach full potential. Some of these foster carers are seeking to also become Mentors for the Charity, bringing those aspirations with them. The fostering agency continues to grow rapidly and is financially secure, despite the economic challenges we all face – and unlike many other such organisations, it carries no debt, which bodes well for the work of the Charity.
All the signs indicate that The Layberry Foundation will in the future be in a relatively secure financial position to fulfil its ambition of providing an innovative and inclusive service to young people.
Publicity
The Charity’s website has undergone a further review and is still a ‘work in progress’. It is, however, now able to provide a platform from which the Charity can demonstrate the work it is doing, and is aspiring to achieve in the future.
There has been a great improvement in terms of Social Media usage, and it is clear that the Charity’s reputation has grown markedly because the Social Media sites are updated very regularly and are very actively promoting the Charity’s work locally. This is very much thanks to the committed involvement of the member of staff concerned. Our reputation is growing locally because of our direct work in the community. This is being enhanced by the Coordinator having a ‘presence’ at local functions and activities for young people.
Achievements and performance
The results for the year are set out on page 5.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
Financial review
The financial year for The Layberry Foundation is 1st November to 31st October. Income from 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024 was £94,764 (2023: £105,887)
It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Structure, governance and management
The Layberry Foundation was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on the 14th April 2016. Charity number 1166536.
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: M Read M Layberry O.B.E S Major S Leach J Layberry
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
S Major
28 August 2025
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Layberry Foundation (the Charity) for the year ended 31 October 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
S Jennings FCA Azets Audit Services
Globe House Eclipse Park Sittingbourne Road Maidstone Kent ME14 3EN United Kingdom
Dated: 29 August 2025
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 82,302 12,462 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 98,549 12,462 Gross transfers between funds - - Net (expenditure)/income for the year/ Net movement in funds (16,247) - Fund balances at 1 November 2023 110,248 - Fund balances at 31 October 2024 94,001 - |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 94,764 89,550 16,337 111,011 77,600 10,889 - 1,874 (1,874) (16,247) 13,824 3,574 110,248 96,424 (3,574) 94,001 110,248 - |
Total 2023 £ 105,887 |
|---|---|---|
| 88,489 | ||
| - 17,398 92,850 |
||
| 110,248 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2024
| 2024 Notes £ Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 94,001 Net current assets Income funds Unrestricted funds The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 28 August 2025 M Layberry O.B.E S Major Trustee Trustee |
£ 94,001 94,001 94,001 |
2023 £ 110,248 |
£ 110,248 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110,248 | |||
| 110,248 | |||
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.7 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.8 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ Donations and gifts 82,302 - AONB Grant - 12,462 82,302 12,462 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 82,302 81,775 - 12,462 7,775 16,337 94,764 89,550 16,337 |
Total 2023 £ 81,775 24,112 |
|---|---|---|
| 105,887 |
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
4 Charitable activities
| Staff costs Asset Purchases Computer Services Utilities Printing & Stationary Travel Insurance Sundry Entertainment Bank Fees Advertising & Marketing Repairs & Maintenence Training Payroll Fees Accountancy Fees Subscriptions Mentoring Fee Paid on behalf of ALL4U Grant funding of activities (see note ) Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
Total 2024 £ 87,101 3,000 538 1,059 527 1,362 1,070 2,639 211 30 382 3,383 190 2,743 4,500 66 1,739 471 111,011 - 111,011 98,549 12,462 111,011 |
Total 2023 £ 70,151 - 423 1,285 159 3,386 1,067 746 94 - 2,081 1,892 500 2,090 4,500 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 88,374 115 |
||
| 88,489 | ||
| 77,600 10,889 |
||
| 88,489 |
5 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
6 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Number | Number |
| 3 | 3 |
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
| 6 Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
(Continued) 2024 2023 £ £ 77,192 66,116 6,265 1,975 3,644 2,060 87,101 70,151 |
(Continued) 2024 2023 £ £ 77,192 66,116 6,265 1,975 3,644 2,060 87,101 70,151 |
|---|---|---|
| 70,151 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
8 Other monetary assets
At 31 October 2024 the charity was owed the following amounts:
Pension contributions overpaid - £601 Receivable from ALL4U - £471
9 Assets retained for the charity's own use
At 31 October 2024 the charity had use of the following assets:
Computer equipment - cost £732, current value £nil Portable disabled toilet - cost £13,623, current value £10,898 Cabin - cost £3,000, current value £2,700
10 Liabilities
At 31 October 2024 the charity had the following current liabilities:
Trade creditors - £345 Accountancy fees - £4,200 HMRC (PAYE and NIC) - £1,928 Net wages payable£83
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
11 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Movement in funds | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | ||
| 1 | November | resources | expended | 1 November | resources | expended | 31 October | ||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| AONB Grant | (3,574) | 16,337 | (10,889) | (1,874) | - | 12,462 | (12,462) | - |
This fund represents income received for the purpose of funding the proportion of salary of the Nature and Landscape Access Assistant provided by AONB.
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THE LAYBERRY FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2024
| 12 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2024 2024 £ £ Fund balances at 31 October 2024 are represented by: Current assets/(liabilities) 94,001 - 94,001 - |
Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 94,001 110,248 - 94,001 110,248 - |
Total 2023 £ 110,248 |
|---|---|---|
| 110,248 |
13 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).
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