Company Registration Number - 09600079
The Charity Registration Number is :- 1166552
University Design Forum
Report and Accounts
period ended 31 August 2024
University Design Forum
Report and accounts for the period ended 31 August 2024
Contents
| Page | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charity information | 1 | |
| Trustees' Annual Report | 1 | |
| Statement of directors' responsibilities | 10 | |
| Independent Accountant's Report | 13 | |
| Funds Statements:- | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 15 | |
| Movements in funds | 16 | |
| Revenue Funds | 16 | |
| Income and Expenditure account | 17 | |
| Summary of funds | 16 | |
| Balance sheet | 18 | |
| Notes to the accounts | 19 |
University Design Forum
Company Registration Number - 09600079
Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
The Trustees present their Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 August 2024, which also comprises the Directors' Report required by the Companies Act 2006.
Reference and administrative details
The charity name.
The legal name of the charity is:- University Design Forum.
The charity is also known by its operating name, UDF
The charity's areas operation and UK charitable registration.
The charity is registered in England & Wales with the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW) with charity number 1166552
Legal structure of the charity
UDF was established around thirty years ago as an initiative of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in order to promote a stronger understanding of issues affecting its clients and to promote good design in a fast-changing sector with high public visibility and impact.
In 2014 the Forum decided, with the encouragement of the RIBA, to become independent, though with strong support for particular projects and initiatives.
UDF registered as a limited company on 20th May 2015 and became a charity on 14th April 2016.
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, registered under the Companies Acts . The governing document of the charity is the Memorandum and Articles of Association establishing the company under company legislation.
There are no restrictions in the governing documents on the operation of the Charity or on its investment powers other than those imposed by Charity Law.
By operation of law all, trustees are directors under the Companies Act 2006 and all directors are trustees under Charities legislation and have responsibilities, as such, under both company and charity legislation.
The trustees are all individuals.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
The principal operating address, telephone number, email and web addresses of the charity are:-
c/o The UDF Treasurer Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects 15-18 Featherstone Street London EC1Y 8SL Telephone 0207 251 0543 Email Address account@udf.org
The registered office of the charity for Companies Act purposes is:-
Crews Hill Golf Club, Cattlegate Road, Enfield, EN2 8AZ
The Trustees in office on the date the report was approved were:-
Trevor Wills (Chair) Steven Jenkins Tom Alexander Emma Keyse Ian Caldwell Cora Kwiatkowski (appointed 13th Feb 2025 Rupert Cook Eleanor Magennis (Deputy Chair) Heidi Corbet Tracy Mellor Simon Fraser Hiral Patel Ian Goodfellow (Deputy Chair) Julian Robinson Alexander Grigull Lars Wiegand (appointed 8th Feb 2024) Helen Groves (appointed 12th Oct 2023) Sean Woulfe Matt Hill (appointed 8th February 2024)
The following persons served as Trustees during the period ended 31 August 2024 :-
The trustees who served as a trustee in the reporting period were as shown above, and there were no changes during the year, or in the period between the year end and the approval of the accounts.
Trevor Wills (Chair) Emma Keyse Tom Alexander Aleksandra Krstanovic (resigned 1st Nov 2024) Ian Caldwell Roderick McAllister (resigned 7th July 2023) Rupert Cook Eleanor Magennis Heidi Corbet Tracy Mellor Harvey Dowdy (resigned 7th July 2023) Dr Caroline Paradise (resigned 7th July 2023) Simon Fraser Hiral Patel Ian Goodfellow (Deputy Chair) John Plumridge (resigned 28th March 2025) Alexander Grigull Julian Robinson Helen Groves Lars Wiegand Matt Hill Sean Woulfe Steven Jenkins
One-third (or the number nearest one-third) of the Trustees must retire at each AGM those longest in office retiring first and the choice between any of equal service being made by drawing lots. A retiring Trustee shall be eligible for re-election for consecutive periods not exceeding in aggregate nine years from the date of his or her original appointment but thereafter a Trustee shall not be eligible for reappointment until one year after his or her retirement.
All the trustees are also members of the charity.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Objects and activities of the charity
The purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document.
The Objects of the Charity are for the public benefit, the advancement of design in architecture in the Higher Education sector, including but not limited by:
(I) The promotion of high standards of architecture and design in the higher education built environment; and
(II) Raising awareness and appreciation of the importance of high standards of higher education architecture and design.
The main activities undertaken in relation to those purposes during the period.
UDF exists to promote high-quality design in university campuses, buildings and facilities, in the knowledge that the quality of the estate enhances the student experience of teaching and learning, the effective pursuit of research and the process of public engagement.
The principal activities of the charity during the year focused on:
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Membership;
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Educational Research;
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Conferences & Events; and
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Publications.
The main activities undertaken during the period to further the charity's purpose for the public benefit and plans for the future.
The Forum pursues its aims through several means: visits to university buildings of particular interest in the UK and overseas; dissemination of information on best practice and latest thinking through workshops, films, seminars and debates; and an annual conference on a specific topic.
The Forum also undertakes and publishes research relevant to promoting high-quality design in higher education. Research focuses both on innovation (looking forward) and lessons to be learnt (looking back) from projects in terms of student satisfaction, research and teaching outcomes, and operational success over time.
The Trustees have considered UDF activities and achievements for 2022/23 and its plans for 2023/24 against the Public Benefit Guidance issued by the Charity Commission.
The Trustees are satisfied that this report on UDF's activities in 2022/23, and its plans for the future, demonstrate that, in fulfilling of its objects, the charity is exercising diligence in the discharge or it's public obligations.
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in managing the activities of the charity.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
The main achievements and performance of the charity during the period.
The main objectives of the charity are four-fold:
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Membership;
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Educational Research;
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Conferences & Events; and
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Publications.
UDF Membership Update
Forty-one new members joined since the last annual report with interest from both HEI’s and consultant / contractors through event activities, our new website, social media activity increases, recommendations and word of mouth.
A summary of current membership is 205 Member Organisations (70 HEI’s - 34%, 135 Consultants/Contractors 66%). There is no significant change in the proportional percentage between organisation types since November 2018.
Existing memberships continue to be reviewed with longstanding debtors being withdrawn from membership.
A total of 15 members’ benefit from honorary/complimentary membership. There are 14 international members, mainly comprised of hosts from our international visits.
A membership campaign is being planned to attract more student members and HEI's.
Educational Research
The Research Group (RG) is now co-chaired by Trustees Alex Grigull, and since Autumn 2023 supported Cora Kwiatkowski. Rupert Cook stepped down from the role of co-chair, however remains engaged in UDF in his capacity as Trustee.
As the RG continues to initiate research projects which focus on promoting positive outcomes of design on building users and exploring the success of completed built environment projects in use, we summarise the findings of the annual sector survey below.
Involvement with RG is open to all University Design Forum members with an interest in research, promoting a mixture of representatives from higher education institutions as well as design and construction consultancies. The group has the specific objective to review Educational and Research themes appropriate to the charity. In the last 12 months, the focus of the group has been to develop the research into the design and potential impact of future learning environments tangible as well as a method to capture the student voice, through consumer research techniques.
The RG meets once a quarter to review current activities and plan upcoming projects. In addition, there are dedicated working groups that meet more regularly to progress activities associated to their given project.
The following will give a summary of the activities over the course of this year, with research and publication outlined below.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Topics of research and the annual survey
To determine the relevant topics, the research group regularly surveys the sector to understand which current and emerging themes are of interest the sector and to highlight areas the charity can support the sector’s development of knowledge.
We surveyed the university sector in 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 aiming to set the direction for our research in the period following the survey.
The University Design Forum Research Group see our role as one of both ‘taking the temperature (through survey) and setting the temperature, where topics are selected where have not been recently studied and need to be explored.
Our recent survey in the quarters 3 of 2024, highlighted the top 4: •Post Occupancy review and lessons learnt that support better learning environments (36%) •Building optimisation through retro-fit and meeting net zero targets (36%)
•Improving student experience across the estate (32%)
•Designing and agile, adaptable estate for changing needs (32%)
Current and ongoing studies are addressing these top topics, including: •RG007 Campus spaces and places: Impact on student outcomes, now titled: Social Learning Guide •RG009 Net Zero Carbon
•RG013 Adaptable Large Learning Spaces
•RG014 Data and AI
Emerging new themes to focus on themes raised in the survey and from the annual workshop, – currently being scoped for 2024-25 include: •Post Occupancy Studies and Lessons learnt.
Key events and dissemination
•April 2023: AUDE Annual Conference Social Learning Commons Guide •June 2023: UDF Annual Conference 2023 overview of completed and ongoing initiatives as well as a panel debate around RG009 – Sustainability debating the initial findings and contrasting those with input from university estates, maintenance and academic sustainability experts.
•April 2024: AUDE Annual Conference Social Learning Commons Guide with a panel discussion held at AUDE conference
•June 2024: UDF Annual Conference 2024 overview of completed and ongoing initiatives as well as Social Learn Commons Guide
Completed research in the period.
•RG005 PHASE 2 - Sustainable student residential design and development. Taking the insights of the work published last year, Phase 2 tests the findings through conducting a series of interviews with universities and student housing providers. Findings have been compiled and presented in an updated issue of the original published research paper.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Ongoing Research
•RG007 Campus spaces & places - Impact on student outcomes (commissioned research). The analysis of the literature review and following discussions above suggested next stages of the project could focus on one of two potential themes, the Curation of external/internal space for social learning experiences or Typologies of informality of internal/external space use
•RG009 Nett Zero. The working group has been in contact with the AUDE sustainability group and has been supported by several universities, who have provided example briefs and best practice guides. The aim of this work is to collate and make recommendations on: briefing and design requirements for achieving a target of zero carbon; net zero design targets and design guidance; examples of best practice.
•RG011 Inclusivity in Higher Education. To increase capacity of the University Design Forum Research Group, we have developed a working methodology to support and advise others undertaking research relevant to our aims and objectives. This work started in January 2022, with RG supporting the development of the topic and formation of the steering/ advisory group.
• RG012 Social Value (Civic Mission). This research aims to understand the breadth and type of social impact work undertaken by universities from a management and operational perspective. Additionally, it will consider the design impact, specifically how the quality of the built environment affects mental health and the resulting social impacts, and how these factors can be integrated within university estates.
• RG013 Adaptable Large Learning Spaces. Universities are facing stagnant income, rising operational energy costs, and reduced occupancy due to the shift to blended learning, prompting many to consider evaluating their current spaces. In this context, RG013 is identifying the design qualities of large, flexible learning spaces and what may contribute to their long-term success, making them worth preserving or incorporating into adapted campus buildings.
• RG14 Data and AI. Linked to the annual UDF conference theme, this research explores how universities are adopting data-driven strategies to enhance student retention and success. Institutions are integrating AI to personalise learning experiences and utilising analytics to align academic offerings with employer demands and student interests. Findings indicate that creating more suitable spaces for innovation could significantly boost productivity and learning.
Conferences & Events
A working group chaired by Ian Caldwell is focused on developing a programme of events and conferences. This group is well represented and is developing good relationships with HE institutions and other bodies.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Events
Reference Visits during the year were constrained by a number of factors including threats of industrial action on public transport, and several events were postponed into 2024/5. Reference visits in the year included:
•7th February 2024: Reference Visit to the University of Peterborough with a discussion on Higher Education design and the levelling-up agenda.
•14th-15th May 2024: International Study Tour to university projects in Rome on the broad theme of ‘creative adaptation’, including visits to Roma Tre University’s new Rettorato building and Mattatoio regeneration and three projects at Luiss University, along with a presentation of the proposed new library at La Sapienza University.
Two discussion sessions were held, one on ’20th Century Buildings – Refurbish or Replace’, held as part of a Reference Visit to the new Quadrangle Building at King’s College London in December 2023; the other at Make’s offices showcasing the outcomes of a recent three-year project by the Education Design Unit (EDU) in response to AUDE’s request for insights to optimise higher education estates, held in February 2024.
In October 2023, the first of a new series of round-table meetings was held on the theme of ‘How to be a great university client’, followed by the publication of a best practice note.
In addition, the Forum also contributed to other events including the Annual Conference of the Association of University Directors of Estates, SAUDE, and Education Estates’ annual conference in Manchester.
University Design Forum Annual Conference 2023
A very successful Annual Conference was held at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) on the 29th and 30th of June 2023 on the theme of ‘The Learning City’. The conference included tours and building visits and a review of the Blizard Building, the iconic new building at the university from 20 years ago.
University Design Forum Annual Conference 2024
A very successful Annual Conference was held at University of Glasgow on the 4th and 5th June 2024 on the theme of ‘Data Driven Design. The conference included tours and building visits across the new Gilmore Hill Campus.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
The difference the charity's performance during the period has made to the beneficiaries of the charity.
The Trustees agreed that the public benefit from UDF’s work through the Charity’s promotion of high quality design and planning in buildings and facilities used for higher education.
Structure, governance and management of the charity
The methods used to recruit and appoint new charity trustees.
The Board consists of:
• a minimum of four Trustees and the maximum number of Trustees shall be twenty-two. There is a desire to balance the trustees in equal proportion to HEI and other members
• One-third (or the number nearest one-third) of the Trustees must retire at each AGM
Eligibility
• Elected trustees must be Subscribing Members of the Association. Co-opted trustees may, but are not required to, be Subscribing Members of the Charity.
The charity's organisational structure.
The Trustees normally meet four times per year to consider the business of the Charity. One of these meeting is the AGM. If appropriate, meetings may be held by means of a telephone conference.
Trustees also participate in the following committees that meet regularly as required:
*Research Committee
*Events & Conference Committee
*Membership Committee
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
The Charity's professional advisors.
Bankers HSBC Bank Plc, 60 Queen Victoria Street , London, EC4N 4TR Solicitors Reema Mathur, Senior Associate, Charity & Social Enterprise Team Stone King, Boundary House, 91 Charterhouse Street London EC1M 6HR Accountants Christie & Co, Crews Hill Golf Club, Cattlegate Road, Enfield, EN2 8AZ
Financial review
The charity's financial position at the end of the period ended 31 August 2024
The financial position of the charity at 31 August 2024 and comparatives for the prior period, as more fully detailed in the accounts, can be summarised as follows:-
| Total Funds Unrestricted Revenue Funds available for the general purposes of the charity Net income |
2024 £ (15,731) 99,049 99,049 |
2023 £ 17,966 114,780 114,780 |
|---|---|---|
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Financial review of the position at the reporting date, 31 August 2024 .
All income received and expenditure incurred by the University Design Forum has been in connection with the objects of the charity; “to advance higher education through high-quality design and planning of buildings and facilities.”
The University Design Forum receives income from annual membership fees along with ticket sales and sponsorship for events and conferences held throughout the year. In some years, income has been received from publications sales, from research papers or conference literature.
In 2024 membership income increase over the previous year due to additional members and receiving payment against previous years that had been unpaid. In June 2024, we held our annual conference In Glasgow (Titled Data-Driven Design), with increased attendance and programme over previous years. There was also a small increase in associated hosting expenditure. External organizations sponsored the conference, providing additional income for the Forum.
Non-event expenditure during the year related to administration, and consultancy (legal and accountancy) fees associated with the day-to-day administration of the charity and costs relating to hosting and servicing events, as well as financing the research programme. Funds were also used this year in updating the website to improve accessibility, especially in relation to the groups research papers. There are several strands of research underway, with some papers nearing completion, and some which are in draft format which would require additional grant funding/sponsorship to complete.
During 2024, it was agreed by the Board to change the annual accounting period to 1st September to 31st August. This means the 2023-2024 year has been an extended period (previously ending 31st May) of 15th months. As such, reported income and expenditure is higher than normal reporting years. The reason for year-end change is to improve its relationship with the academic year (starts in Sept), invoicing period (Sept/Oct each year), and allows both the revenue and expenditure for the conference to be reported in a single year. This will make it easier for the Board to see income and expenditure as it has often been split over two reporting periods – especially in the case of the conference which is in early June.
The aim of the Board of Trustees is that annual membership fees will cover the costs of the charity’s core objectives and that all conferences and events organized will be at least self-financing. The trustees met periodically throughout the year to review management accounts and consider the financial performance of the charity during the year to have been satisfactory.
The charity has no fixed assets.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Policies on reserves.
The Board of Trustees regularly reviews the accounts of the charity including the use of surplus funds. At the end of 2024 surplus funds total £99,049. This is a decrease over the previous year.
All surplus funds have an identified future use either as working capital to service costs over the next year (£45K), during which income will reduce because of accrued subscription fees; for servicing conference and events including planning for a future 30th year anniversary of the group (£10K) and to finance future research and development projects in development (£50K).
Availability and adequacy of assets of each of the funds
The board of trustees is satisfied that the charity’s assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund.
Details of The Independent Examiner
Robert Woolley FCCA, CTA
Chartered Certified Accountant
Crown House York Road Shiptonthorpe York
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Statement of the Directors' and Trustees' Responsibilities
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Notwithstanding the explicit requirement in the extant statutory regulations,the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the SORP 2005, in view of the fact that the SORP 2005 has been withdrawn, the Trustees determined to interpret this responsibility as requiring them to follow current best practice and prepare the accounts according to the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015, (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016), (The SORP), .
In particular, the Companies Act 2006 and charity law require the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing those financial statements the Board is required to :-
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to prepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate
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to presume that the charity will continue in business;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
The law requires that the trustees must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for the year.
The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. 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.
The Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the Trustees' report, and the statutory responsibility of the Independent Examiner in relation to the Trustees' report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that , on the face of the report, there are no material inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements.
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Trustees' Annual Report for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Method of preparation of accounts - Small company provisions
The financial statements are set out on pages 15 to 27.
The financial statements have been prepared implementing the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015, (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016), (The SORP), and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102, (effective 1st January 2016)
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
This report was approved by the board of trustees on 10 June 2025.
STEVEN JENKINS Director and Trustee
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University Design Forum
Report of the Independent Examiner to the Trustees of the charitable company on the accounts for the period ended 31 August 2024
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charitable company on pages 15 to 27 for the period ended 31 August 2024 which have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and with the Financial Reporting Standard 102, (effective 1st January 2016) as modified by FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015, (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016), (The SORP), published by the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW) , and under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out on page 19.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the Independent Examiner and the basis of the report
As described on page 10, you, the charitable company's Trustees, who are also the Directors of the Company for the purposes of Company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and all other applicable law and with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, applicable to smaller entities, and for being satisfied that the financial statements give a true and fair view.
The Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Section 144(1) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply, and that there is no requirement in the memorandum and articles of the charity for the conducting of an audit, and that the accounts do not require an audit in accordance with Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. As a consequence, the Trustees have elected that the financial statements be subject to independent examination.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements are not required to be audited under any legal provision, or otherwise, and are eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:-
a) examine the financial statements of the charity under Section 145 of the Act;
b) follow the applicable procedures in the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement and scope of work undertaken
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under s145 of the 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 Act setting out the duties of an independent examiner in relation to the conducting of an independent examination. An independent examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charitable company and of the accounting systems employed by the charitable company and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you, as Trustees, concerning such matters. The purpose of the examination is to establish as far as possible that there have been no breaches of charity legislation and that, on a test basis of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures made, the financial statements comply with the SORP.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and information supplied by the Trustees in the course of the examination is not subjected to audit tests or enquiries and does not cover all the matters that an auditor would consider in arriving at an opinion. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide
Consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements, and in particular, I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view of the affairs of the charity, and my report is limited to the matters set out in the statement below.
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University Design Forum
I planned and performed my examination so as to satisfy myself that the objectives of the independent examination are achieved and before finalising the report I obtained written assurances from the Trustees of all material matters.
Independent Examiner's Statement, Report and Opinion
Subject to the limitations upon the scope of my work as detailed above, I have completed my examination: and can confirm that:-
The accounts of this charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006;
This is a report in respect of an examination carried out under 145 of the Act and in accordance with Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act which may be applicable;
and that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and Section 130 of The Charities Act 2011;
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 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;
have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles set out in the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015, (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016), (The SORP).
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.
Signed:-
Robert Woolley FCCA, CTA - Independent Examiner
Chartered Certified Accountant
Crown House York Road Shiptonthorpe York This report was signed on 10 June 2025
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University Design Forum - Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 August 2024
Statement of Financial Activities (including the Income and Expenditure Account for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024, as required by the Companies Act 2006)
| Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Income & Endowments from: Donations & Legacies A1 94,375 Charitable activities A2 92,560 Other trading activities A3 - Investments A4 2,493 Other A5 - Total income A 189,428 Expenditure on: Charitable activities B2 205,159 Total expenditure B 205,159 Net income for the year (15,731) Net income after transfers A-B-C (15,731) (15,731) Reconciliation of funds:- E Total funds brought forward 108,646 Total funds carried forward 92,915 Net movement in funds SORP Ref |
Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Current year Total Funds 2024 £ 94,375 92,560 - 2,493 - 189,428 205,159 205,159 (15,731) (15,731) (15,731) 108,646 92,915 |
Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 72,350 32,895 - 522 - 105,767 87,801 87,801 17,966 17,966 17,966 90,680 108,646 |
|---|---|---|---|
The 'SORP Ref' indicated above is the classification of income set out in the formal SORP documents. As required by paragraph 4.60 of the SORP, the brought forward and carried forward funds above have been agreed to the Balance Sheet.
A separate Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses is not required as this statement includes all recognised gains and losses.
All the prior year transactions were unrestricted items, and no further analysis is required
All activities derive from continuing operations
The notes attached on pages 19 to 27 form an integral part of these accounts.
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University Design Forum - Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 August 2024
University Design Forum - Resources applied in the period ended 31 August 2024 towards fixed assets for Charity use:-
| Funds generated in the year as detailed in the SOFA Net resources available to fund charitable activities Movements in revenue and capital funds for the period from 1 |
2024 2023 £ £ (15,731) 17,966 (15,731) 17,966 June 2023 to 31 August 2 |
|---|---|
Revenue accumulated funds
| Accumulated funds brought forward Closing revenue funds Summary of funds Revenue accumulated funds Recognised gains and losses before transfers |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 108,646 (15,731) 92,915 92,915 Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 92,915 |
Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - Restricted Funds 2024 £ - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 108,646 (15,731) 92,915 92,915 Total Funds 2024 £ 92,915 |
Last year Total Funds 2023 £ 90,680 17,966 108,646 108,646 Last Year Total Funds 2023 £ 108,646 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes attached on pages 19 to 27 form an integral part of these accounts.
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University Design Forum - Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 August 2024
University Design Forum
Income and Expenditure Account for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024 as required by the Companies Act 2006
| Income Income from operations Interest receivable Other operating income Gross income in the period before exceptional items Gross income in the period including exceptional items Expenditure Charitable expenditure, excluding depreciation and amortisation Governance costs Realised losses on disposals of social investments which are programme related Total expenditure in the period Tax on surplus on ordinary activities Retained surplus for the year Net income after tax in the financial year Net income before tax in the financial year Investment income |
2024 £ 186,935 2,493 - 189,428 189,428 204,469 690 - 205,159 (15,731) - (15,731) (15,731) |
2023 £ 105,245 522 - 105,767 105,767 87,141 660 - 87,801 17,966 - 17,966 17,966 |
|---|---|---|
All activities derive from continuing operations
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the headings and subheadings used in the Income and Expenditure account have been adapted to reflect the special nature of the charity's activities.
The notes attached on pages 19 to 27 form an integral part of these accounts.
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University Design Forum - Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
| Note | SORP Ref |
2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||||
| Current assets | B | |||||
| Debtors | 8 | B2 | 5,075 | 36,950 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | B4 | 98,864 | 82,090 | |||
| Total current assets | 103,939 | 119,040 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | ||||||
| one year | 9 | C1 | (4,890) | (4,260) | ||
| Net current assets | 99,049 | 114,780 | ||||
| The total net assets of the charity | 99,049 | 114,780 | ||||
| The total net assets of the charity are | funded | by the | funds of the | charity, as follows:- | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | ||||||
| Unrestricted Revenue Funds | 12 | D3 | 99,049 | 114,780 | ||
| Total charity funds | 99,049 | 114,780 |
The 'SORP Ref' indicated above is the classification of Balance Sheet items as set out in the formal SORP documents. As required by paragraph 4.60 of the SORP, the brought forward and carried forward funds above have been agreed to the SOFA..
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The charity is subject to Independent Examination under charity legislation, and the report of the Independent Examiner is on page 14.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
STEVEN JENKINS Trustee Approved by the board of trustees on 10 June 2025
The notes attached on pages 19 to 27 form an integral part of these accounts.
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University Design Forum
Notes to the Accounts for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
1 Accounting policies
Policies relating to the production of the accounts.
Basis of preparation and accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis, under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102, (effective 1st January 2016) and 'FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015, (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016), (The SORP), published by the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW) , effective January 2016, , and in accordance with all applicable law in the charity's jurisdiction of registration, except that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2015, (as amended by the Bulletin issued in February 2016), (The SORP), in preference to the previous SORP, the SORP 2005, which has been withdrawn, notwithstanding the fact that the extant statutory regulations, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 refer explicitly to the SORP 2005. This has been done to accord with current best practice.
Risks and future assumptions
The trustees are not aware of any material financial, economic, political or reputational risks to which the charity would be exposed. .As a Registered Charity, the charity is working for the public benefit. The ways in which it benefits the public are set out in more detail in the Trustees Annual Report.
Policies relating to categories of income and income recognition.
Nature of income
Gross income represents the value, net of value added tax and discounts, of goods provided to customers and work carried out in respect of services provided to customers.
Categories of Income
Income is categorised as income from exchange transactions (contract income) and income from non-exchange transactions (gifts), investment income and other income.
Income from exchange transactions is received by the charity for goods or services supplied under contract or where entitlement is subject to fulfilling performance related conditions. The income the charity receives is approximately equal in value to the goods or services supplied by the charity to the purchaser.
Income from a non-exchange transaction is where the charity receives value from the donor without providing equal value in exchange, and includes donations of money, goods and services freely given without giving equal value in exchange.
Income recognition
Income, whether from exchange or non exchange transactions, is recognised in the statement of financial activities (SOFA) on a receivable basis, when a transaction or other event results in an increase in the charity’s assets or a reduction in its liabilities and only when the charity has legal entitlement, the income is probable and can be measured reliably.
Income subject to terms and conditions which must be met before the charity is entitled to the resources is not recognised until the conditions have been met.
All income is accounted for gross, before deducting any related fees or costs.
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University Design Forum
Notes to the Accounts for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
Accounting for deferred income and income received in advance
Where terms and conditions relating to income have not been met or uncertainty exists as to whether the charity can meet any terms or conditions otherwise within its control, income is not recognised but is deferred as a liability until it is probable that the terms or conditions imposed can be met.
Where time related conditions are imposed or implied by a funder, then the income is apportioned to the time periods concerned,and, where applicable, is accounted for as a liability and shown on the balance sheet as deferred income. When grants are received in advance of the expenditure on the activity funded by them, but there are no specific time related conditions, then the income is not deferred.
Any condition that allows for the recovery by the donor of any unexpended part of a grant does not prevent recognition of the income concerned, but a liability to any repayment is recognised when repayment becomes probable.
Membership subscriptions
The income and any associated Gift Aid or other tax refund from a membership subscription received by the charity in the nature of a gift, is accounted for on the same basis as a donation.
The income from a membership subscription received by the charity where the subscription purchases the right to services or benefits is recognised as income from charitable activities.
Policies relating to expenditure on goods and services provided to the charity.
Recognition of liabilities and expenditure
A liability, and the related expenditure, is recognised when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of a past event, and when it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and when the amount of the obligation can be measured or reliably estimated..
Liabilities arising from future funding commitments and constructive obligations, including performance related grants, where the timing or the amount of the future expenditure required to settle the obligation are uncertain, give rise to a provision in the accounts, which is reviewed at the accounting year end. The provision is increased to reflect any increases in liabilities, and is decreased by the utilisation of any provision within the period, and reversed if any provision is no longer required. These movements are charged or credited to the respective funds and activities to which the provision relates.
Policies relating to assets, liabilities and provisions and other matters.
Debtors
Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts at the balance sheet date.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are calculated on the conventional accruals basis applicable to the accounts of this type of organisation.
Financial instruments including cash and bank balances
Cash held by the charity is included at the amount actually held and counted at the year end. Bank balances, whether in credit or overdrawn, are shown at the amounts properly reconciled to the bank statements.
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the cha
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University Design Forum
Notes to the Accounts for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
2 Liability to taxation
The Trustees consider that the charity satisfies the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by chapter 3 part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively on the specific charitable objects of the charity and for no other purpose. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the charity, and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
3 Winding up or dissolution of the charity
If upon winding up or dissolution of the charity there remain any assets, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, the assets represented by the accumulated fund shall be transferred to some other charitable body or bodies having similar objects to the charity.
4 Significance of financial instruments to the charity's position
There are no significant implications of financial instruments in relation to the charity's financial position.
5 The contribution of volunteers
The charity is not reliant on contribution of volunteers, as it was assisted by the services of an external paid administrator.
6 Remuneration and payments to Trustees and persons connected with them
No trustees or persons connected with them received any remuneration from the charity, or any related entity.
7 Deferred income - Unrestricted funds
| Membership subscriptions received in advance These deferrals are included in creditors 8 Debtors Trade debtors 9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals Deferred Income - Unrestricted & designated funds Other creditors |
Opening Released Deferrals from prior years £ £ - - |
Received less released in period £ - 2024 £ - 2024 £ 5,075 2024 £ 4,890 - - 4,890 |
Deferred at year end £ - 2023 £ - 2023 £ 36,950 2023 £ 4,260 - - 4,260 |
|---|---|---|---|
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University Design Forum
Notes to the Accounts for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
| 10 Income and Expenditure account summary At 1 June 2023 Surplus after tax for the year At 31 August 2024 |
2024 £ 114,780 (15,731) 99,049 |
2023 £ 96,815 17,966 114,781 |
|---|---|---|
11 Particulars of how particular funds are represented by assets and liabilities
| At 31 August 2024 Current Assets Current Liabilities At 1 June 2023 Current Assets Current Liabilities |
Unrestricted funds £ 103,939 (4,890) 99,049 Unrestricted funds £ 119,040 (4,260) 114,780 |
Designated funds £ - - Designated funds £ - - - |
Restricted funds £ - - - Restricted funds £ - - - |
Total Funds £ 103,939 (4,890) 99,049 Total Funds £ 119,040 (4,260) 114,780 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
12 Change in total funds over the period as shown in Note 11 , analysed by individual funds
| Unrestricted funds:- Unrestricted Revenue Funds Total unrestricted funds Total charity funds |
£ 114,780 114,780 114,780 Funds brought forward from 2023 |
See Note 13 £ (15,731) (15,731) (15,731) Movement in funds in 2024 |
£ - - - Transfers between funds in 2024 |
£ 99,049 99,049 99,049 Funds carried forward to 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13 Analysis of movements in funds over the period as shown in Note 12
| Unrestricted funds:- Unrestricted Revenue Funds |
Income 2024 £ 189,428 |
Expenditure 2024 £ (205,159) |
Other Gains & Losses 2024 £ - |
Movement in funds 2024 £ (15,731) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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University Design Forum
Notes to the Accounts for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024
14 The purposes for which the funds as detailed in note 12 are held by the charity are:-
Unrestricted funds:- These funds are held for the meeting the objectives of the charity, and to Unrestricted Revenue Funds provide reserves for future activities, and , subject to charity legislation, are free from all restrictions on their use.
15 Ultimate controlling party
The charity is under the control of its legal members.
Every member of the charity is obliged to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £1 to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.
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University Design Forum
Detailed analysis of income and expenditure for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024 as required by the SORP 2015
This analysis is classified by conventional nominal descriptions and not by activity.
| 16 Donations and Legacies Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Sponsorship income Trilogy Real Estate (including 2022) 7,000 3,500 6,000 Reiach & Hall 7,000 3,500 2,500 3,500 700 3,500 Professional HE Services Ltd 20,000 57,200 37,175 Total Donations and Legacies A1 94,375 17 Income from charitable activities - Trading Activities Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Primary purpose and ancillary trading 92,560 92,560 18 Current year Unrestricted Funds £ 2024 Total Income from charitable activities WSP UK Ltd Procure Partnership Roger Stirk Harbour & Partners Troup Bywater & Anders Limited Bennetts Associates Total sponsorship income Total Primary purpose and ancillary trading Members' Subscriptions as donations Primary purpose trading - Sale of goods and services in accordance with the charity's objects AtkinsRealis Purcell Gardiner & Theobald Overbury PLC Kendall Kingscott WT Partnership Multiple Construction Europe Ltd |
Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - Current year Restricted Funds £ 2024 |
Current year Total Funds 2024 £ - 7,000 3,500 6,000 7,000 - 3,500 2,500 - - - 3,500 700 3,500 20,000 57,200 37,175 94,375 Current year Total Funds 2024 £ 92,560 92,560 Current year Total Funds £ 2024 |
Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 13,000 - 3,500 - 3,500 - 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500 3,500 - - - 37,500 34,850 72,350 Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 32,895 32,895 Prior Year Total Funds £ 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
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University Design Forum
Detailed analysis of income and expenditure for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024 as required by the SORP 2015
| Total income from charitable trading 92,560 Total from charitable activities A2 92,560 |
- - |
92,560 92,560 |
32,895 32,895 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Investment income Bank Interest Receivable Total investment income A4 20 Other income and gains Troup Bywaters and Anders Trilogy Property Procure Partnership Framework Total other income A5 Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners Overbury PLC |
Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 2,493 2,493 Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - |
Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - |
Current year Total Funds 2024 £ 2,493 2,493 Current year Total Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - |
Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 522 522 Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ - - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Expenditure on charitable activities - Direct spending
| Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 49,600 110,388 1,027 Total direct spending B2a 161,015 Conference and event costs Research costs and case studies Professional Indemnity insurance |
Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - - - |
Current year Total Funds 2024 £ 49,600 110,388 1,027 161,015 |
Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 6,412 35,932 997 43,341 |
|---|---|---|---|
26
University Design Forum
Detailed analysis of income and expenditure for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024 as required by the SORP 2015
22 Expenditure on charitable activities - Charitable trading
| Current year Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ - Total charitable trading costs B2b - Cost of goods and services for primary purpose trading |
Current year Restricted Funds 2024 £ - - |
Current year Prior Year Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2023 £ £ - - - - |
|---|---|---|
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University Design Forum
Detailed analysis of income and expenditure for the period from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024 as required by the SORP 2015
| 23 Current year Current year Current year Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ Administrative overheads 14,182 - 14,182 24,016 - 24,016 - - - Professional fees paid to advisors other than the auditor or examiner 4,500 - 4,500 334 - 334 Financial costs 422 - 422 - - - Total support costs 43,454 - 43,454 The basis of allocation of costs between activities is described under accounting policies 24 Other Expenditure - Governance costs Current year Current year Current year Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ Independent Examiner's fees 690 - 690 Total Governance costs 690 - 690 25 Total Charitable expenditure Current year Current year Current year Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ Total direct spending B2a 161,015 - 161,015 Total charitable trading costs B2b - - - Total support costs B2d 43,454 - 43,454 Total Governance costs B2e 690 - 690 Total charitable expenditure B2 205,159 - 205,159 Information and publications Accountancy fees Administration Fees Bad and doubtful debts Bank charges Support costs for charitable activities Website and IT costs Other legal and professional |
Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 13,253 17,450 - 3,600 684 488 8,325 43,800 Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 660 660 Prior Year Total Funds 2023 £ 43,341 - 43,800 660 87,801 |
|---|---|
28