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Charity Registration No. 1172569
WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
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 - 12 |
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The previous financial year end was changed to 31 March 2024 to align with the year end of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, of whom the trustees are all partners or employees.
This report relates to the year ended 31 March 2025 for the Charity Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) charity number 1172569.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, 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).
Reference and administrative information
| Charity number | 1172569 |
|---|---|
| Principal address | C/o Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP |
| The Spark | |
| The Helix | |
| Draymans Way | |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | |
| NE4 5DE | |
| Independent examiner | Philip Holt FCA FCIE |
| High Park Farm | |
| Kirkbymoorside | |
| York | |
| YO62 7HS | |
| Bankers | Lloyds Bank Plc |
| 102 Grey Street | |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | |
| NE99 1SL | |
| Solicitors | Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP |
| The Spark | |
| The Helix | |
| Draymans Way | |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | |
| NE4 5DE |
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
The Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) CIO was established by a Constitution dated 12 April 2017, last amended on 12 December 2017. The Charity is organised as a CIO and is governed by the Constitution.
The Constitution provides that there shall not be less than two trustees. There is no maximum number of trustees that may be appointed to the Charity. Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity trustees. Any trustee vacancies which arise are filled by search with due regard to maintaining a proper balance of skills and experience within the members. Appointments are made following an agreed process and ratified by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees manage the affairs of the Charity in accordance with the objectives and powers set out in the Constitution.
Trustees
Hannah Cane (resigned 22 October 2024) Sarah Sally Dallow Jonathan Charles Bower Nicholas Huw Barwood Andrew Richard Harding Ewelina Joanna Kurek (appointed 1 April 2025) Bethany Kate Brown (appointed 1 April 2025) Stephanie Fern Antrobus (appointed 1 April 2025) Stephen John Baker (appointed 1 April 2025)
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the Charity, as set out in the governing document, is for the public benefit, to further such exclusively charitable purposes according to the law of England and Wales as the charity trustees in their absolute discretion from time to time determine.
Grant making policy
The Charity invites applications for grants from the public and the Trustees meet regularly to decide which applications to support. Each year the aim is for as much income as possible to be distributed, however if not all of the Charity's income is distributed then this will be retained for future grants in the following years.
Financial Review
During the year under review the Charity had net outgoings of £35,748 (2024: net outgoings £10,775) as shown on page 5 of the financial statements.
Achievements and Performance
During the year the Trustees made grants totalling £146,963 to 55 organisations (2024: £121,601 to 40 organisations).
Public Benefit
The Trustees pay due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and all grants which are made are to further the Charity's purposes and for public benefit.
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Reserves policy and going concern
The Trustees have not formulated a Reserves Policy but are of the opinion that sufficient cash should be held to meet twelve months governance costs, any known liabilities and approved but unpaid donations. This would equate to a free reserves target of between £2,000 to £5,000. The Trustees consider the current level of unrestricted funds of £26,976 (2024 - £62,764), being the free reserves of the Charity, to be sufficient to meet both ongoing charitable donations and the management and administration costs of the Charity.
Risk Factors
The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks to which the Charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the exposure of the Charity to major risks.
Plans for Future Periods
The Trustees are continuing to look for opportunities to make grants in line with their objectives but within an overall budget governed by the income of the Unrestricted Fund which arises substantially from payments made under Gift Aid. The intention is to distribute the income within 12 months of its receipt.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
16-01-2026
The report was approved by the Trustees, on ....................................... and signed on their behalf by:
...................................... [styA997943D2771492...Da by: Sarah Sally Dallow Trustee
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK)
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 5 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner
As the Charity's Trustee you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and 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.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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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(i) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or (ii) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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(iii) the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.
Philip Holt FCA FCIE Harrison Holt Chartered Accountants High Park Farm Kirkbymoorside York YO62 7HS
16-01-2026
Dated: .........................
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 12 Months to | 11 Months to 31 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 March 2025 | March 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 92,813 | 89,683 |
| Fundraising activities | 3 | 17,253 | 18,498 |
| Investment income | 4 | 2,529 | 3,722 |
| Total income | 112,595 | 111,903 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Raising funds | |||
| Fundraising costs | 114 | 63 | |
| Charitable activities | |||
| Grants payable | 5 | 146,963 | 121,601 |
| Other | |||
| Support and governance costs | 6 | 1,266 | 1,014 |
| Total charitable expenditure | 148,343 | 122,678 | |
| Net income /(expenditure) for the year | (35,748) | (10,775) | |
| Net movement in funds | (35,748) | (10,775) | |
| Fund balances at 1 May 2024 | 62,724 | 73,499 | |
| Fund balances at 31 March 2025 | 26,976 | 62,724 |
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 31 March 2025 | 31 March 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors and prepayments | - | - | - | - | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 28,346 | 63,664 | |||
| 28,346 | 63,664 | 63,664 | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 8 | (1,370) | (1,370) | (940) | (940) |
| Net current assets | 26,976 | 62,724 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 26,976 | 62,724 | |||
| Net assets | 26,976 | 62,724 | |||
| Funds of the Charity | |||||
| Unrestricted general funds | 9 | 26,976 | 62,724 | ||
| 26,976 | 62,724 |
16-01-2026 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees, on .................................... and signed on their behalf by:
.................................... [styA997943D2771492...Da by: Sarah Sally Dallow Trustee
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are set out below.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) – 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and 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 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Charity is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional and presentation currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
The previous financial year end was changed to 31 March 2024 to align with the year end of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, of whom the trustees are all partners or employees. The comparative amounts set out in the financial statements are for the 11 month period ended 31 March 2024.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have 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 Incoming resources
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
1.4 Resources expended
Expenditure and liabilities are recognised on an accruals basis as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Where the Charity gives a grant with performance conditions for its payment, being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the Statement of Financial Assets once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants payable without performance conditions are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the Charity.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity and include the independent examiners fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity.
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies (continued)
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Assets on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.g. floor areas, per capita or estimated usage as determined by the Trustees.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.5 Financial instruments
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 "Basic Financial Instruments" and Section 12 "Other Financial Instruments Issues" of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity Balance Sheet once the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the accounts, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
1.6 Debtors and provisions
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
1.7 Creditors and provisions
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for the goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.8 Funds
The unrestricted general fund handles all donations and other income, pays some grants to charities and covers all management and administration costs.
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 2 | Donations and legacies | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 March | 31 March | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Income from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP | 88,998 | 71,757 | |
| Other donations and gifts | 3,815 | 17,926 | |
| 92,813 | 89,683 | ||
| 3 | Fundraising activities | ||
| 31 March | 31 March | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Staff fundraising | 17,253 | 18,498 | |
| 17,253 | 18,498 | ||
| 4 | Investment income | ||
| 31 March | 31 March | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 2,528 | 3,189 | |
| HMRC gift aid interest received | - | 533 | |
| 2,528 | 3,722 |
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 5 Grants payable Grant to institutions (> £500) Grants to institutions - 55 grants (2024: 40) 16-25 Independent People Abby's Heroes Access to Justice Foundation Alive Activities Alzheimer's Society Bankside Open Space Barca Leeds BelEve Beyond Food Foundation Bi Pride UK Blue Ribbon Foundation British Red Cross Cancer Research UK Children in Need Children's Heart Surgery Fund City Reach Great Ormond Street Henshaws Society for Blind People Hope Foundation (The) Hugs Childrens Cancer Charity Leeds North and West Foodbank Macmillan Movember National Trust People's Kitchen (The) Plymouth Drake Foundation Power2 SAMEE Charity Scotswood Natural Community Garden Ltd Smile for Life Solent Youth Action Stroke Association (The) Talk Club Bristol Tiny Lives Trust Triangular CIO Total other grants <£500 |
31 March 2025 £ 146,963 - 11,087 2,750 14,446 875 - 5,000 5,000 9,172 5,000 1,795 25,000 1,790 750 7,438 - 1,010 - 4,216 9,545 - 1,000 1,105 1,250 10,527 - - 4,967 5,000 - - 1,000 5,000 1,000 5,000 6,240 146,963 |
31 March 2024 £ 121,601 551 - 23,636 10,054 - 900 - - - - - 30,000 1,210 - - 4,135 - 1,000 5,278 - 6,469 - - 1,250 7,913 8,228 8,254 - - - 4,213 - - - - 5,800 121,601 |
|---|---|---|
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5 Grants payable (continued)
Reconciliation of grants payable:
| Reconciliation of grants payable: | 31 March | 31 March | |
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Commitments at 1 April 2024 | - | - | |
| Commitments made in the year | 146,963 | 121,601 | |
| Grants paid during the year | (146,963) | (121,601) | |
| Commitments at 31 March 2025 | - | - | |
| Commitments at 31 March 2025 are payable as | |||
| Within one year | - | - | |
| After more than one year | - | - | |
| - | - | ||
| 6 | Support and governance costs | 31 March | 31 March |
| 2024 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Support costs comprise: | |||
| Bank charges | 156 | 114 | |
| Other governance costs comprise: | |||
| Independent examination fee | 1,110 | 900 | |
| 1,266 | 1,014 |
7 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the current year or the previous period.
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WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other creditors Independent Examination fee accrued |
31 March 2024 £ - 290 1,080 1,370 |
31 March 2024 £ - 40 900 |
|---|---|---|
| 940 |
8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Net current liabilities Long term liabilities £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by: Unrestricted Income Funds Unrestricted general funds 26,976 - 26,796 - Net current liabilities Long term liabilities £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Unrestricted Income Funds Unrestricted general funds 62,724 - 62,724 - |
Total £ 26,976 |
|---|---|
| 26,976 | |
| Total £ 62,724 |
|
| 62,724 |
10 Related parties
During the year the Charity received donations of £88,998 (2024 - £71,757) from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP of whom the Trustees are all partners or employees. The amount outstanding at the year end was £nil (2024 - £nil).
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