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2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1174316 (England and Wales)

RICHMOND PARK

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

RICHMOND PARK

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Sheffield City Council is the sole trustee of the charity, acting through the Cabinet of the Council.

Charity Sub-Committee Members Cllr Richard Williams (Chair) Cllr Fran Belbin (Deputy Chair) Cllr Douglas Johnson (Group Spokesperson) Cllr M Chaplin Cllr K Crossthorn Charity number (England and Wales) 1174316 Principal address Sheffield City Council Parks and Countryside Centre in the Park Guildford Avenue Sheffield S2 2PL Independent examiner Melvin Bailey FCCA DChA for and on behalf of: Rogers Spencer Newstead House Pelham Road Nottingham NG5 1AP

RICHMOND PARK

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 16

RICHMOND PARK

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements comply with the charity’s trust deed, applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective on 1 January 2019 (Updated second edition – October 19).

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 governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)".

Objectives and activities

The Governing documents are three covenants dated 9 December 1933, 1 February 1934 and 26 March 1936.

Richmond Park is a large green space in the South East of Sheffield with numerous facilities such as a football pitch, BMX track, zip wire, climbing boulder, playground, outdoor gym equipment, Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), woodland, dipping pond, bowling green and pavilion.

The site contains a mosaic of habitats from open grassland to the perimeters of woodland to wetland habitats which offer a range of opportunities for wildlife. The bulk of the site is grassland, scattered within the grassland are areas of copses of maturing tree planting.

The objects of the charity are the provision and maintenance of a public park and recreation ground in Sheffield for the use of members of the public resorting thereto with the object of improving their conditions of life.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

RICHMOND PARK

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The park had until recently the Friends of Richmond Park group which unfortunately folded in 2023. The group was first formed as community group in late 2006 with the aim of protecting and improving the once under-utilized green space that is Richmond Park. Parks and Countryside worked closely with the community group to develop an ambitious Master Plan that, if achieved, will make the park a cornerstone of community life. There have been initial discussions with interested parties to resurrect the Friends Group and this process is on-going.

Community involvement in the park has vastly improved. In 2009, the Friends of Richmond Park began hosting community events and activities for the surrounding communities. These include events such as the Annual Community Fun Day, football training for the under sixteens with Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Coaching teams, activities with the Ranger Service, Activity Sheffield and adult learning events. A change of committee was implemented in 2017/18 and a decision taken to reverse the Stewardship agreement with more emphasis put on joint working between the FORP & Parks & Countryside.

Achievements to date include the installation of the BMX track, zip wire, climbing boulder, football pitch, regeneration of a community use room in the pavilion and renovation of part of the old tennis courts into a multi-use games area, renovation and new planting to the park entrance off Hastilar Rd South, tarmac resurfacing of several paths within the park, and cutting back of shrubs to improve visibility/sight lines.

In 2014 and 2015 the group undertook to build up the number of activities held for the benefit of park users they worked with National Citizenship Scheme Groups to complete maintenance and fund raising work. In 2015, following a fatal accident, the Normanton Hill entrance into the park was installed to improve visitor safety, adjacent to the busy road. This also included new areas of wildflower seeding, hedge planting, a new road crossing with improved visibility and a new access road into the park.

Over the last few years Richmond Park has suffered from flooding as a result of poor drainage, clay soils and natural springs across the site. A project was agreed to capitalise on this situation by capturing the water through creating a SUDS shallow basin on the site of the old playground, and then guiding the water through the park through a series of swales link in with the water course that runs along the side of the park. This project was completed Spring 2023.

Events

During 2024/25 community led events including summer sports activities have been delivered along with Sheffield City Council ranger led activities such as tree planting and scrub clearance.

Plans For Future Periods

Financial review

Restricted Funds – Net expenditure of £10,669 (23/24: Net income of £7,084). Restricted income this year is £0 (23/24: £17,061).

Unrestricted funds – Net income of £nil (23/24: £nil).

The income from charitable activities was £28 (23/24: £nil) with expenditure of £36,219 (23/24: £41,297) resulting in a deficit of £36,101 (23/24: £41,297).

The deficit was funded by the revenue grant from Sheffield City Council of £36,101 (23/24: £41,297).

As at 31 March 2025 the charity had total funds of £785,115 (23/24: £795,784). These funds are all tied up in fixed assets.

RICHMOND PARK

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Reserves policy

As the charity is managed and funded by the Council no specific unrestricted charity reserves are deemed to be necessary. Annual revenue expenditure is generally greater than income and the variance is born by the Council and not carried forward into the next financial year.

Risk Management

The charity is dependent for its day-to-day management upon Sheffield City Council. It is therefore considered expedient and cost effective for the charity to adopt the Council’s risk management policy and strategy, which it considers is a crucial part of the service planning process in highlighting key risks and how they affect the Council’s ability to deliver its service and how they will be managed. The Council has incorporated a formal approach to risk management in its day-to-day operations and has developed a toolkit to allow managers to identify risk, which would prevent them from achieving their objectives and to provide information and guidance on how these risks can be managed. The Council operates an Internal Insurance Account covering a variety of risks.

Structure, governance and management

Richmond Park is a charity and the sole Trustee is Sheffield City Council. The Charity Trustee Sub Committee is a standing sub committee of the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee. It has been established to take all decisions of the Council, including but not limited to disposal of and other dealings with charitable land.

Management of the park is the responsibility of the Councils’ Parks and Countryside service. Management and administrative decisions are not decisions of the Council as Trustee, and are made by the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, the Director of Parks, Leisure and Libraries, or the head of Parks and Countryside service in accordance with the Arrangements for the Delegation of Functions To Officers, under part 3 of the Council’s constitution.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Cllr Richard Williams (Chair) Cllr Fran Belbin (Deputy Chair) Cllr Douglas Johnson (Group Spokesperson) Cllr M Chaplin Cllr K Crossthorn

Recruitment & appointment of trustees

Richmond Park is a charity, for which Sheffield City Council is sole trustee, acting through the charity trustee subcommittee (a standing subcommittee of the council’s strategy and resources policy committee).

Councillors are elected by registered voters in their wards and are appointed to the committee by full council in accordance with the council’s constitution. Appointments to the committee comply with the requirements of political proportionality as set out in the local government and housing act 1989.

Councillors serving on the committee receive appropriate induction to ensure they understand the distinction between the council’s statutory duties and its legal obligations as charitable trustee.

Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.

Trustees induction & training

New trustees undergo training to brief them on their main duties: their legal obligations under charity and company law, the Freedom of information act 2000 and the Equalities act 2010, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and the the committee and decision-making processes. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.

RICHMOND PARK

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Cllr Richard Williams (Chair) Trustee

26 January 2026

RICHMOND PARK

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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).

The 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:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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.

RICHMOND PARK

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RICHMOND PARK

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Richmond Park (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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:

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.

Melvin Bailey FCCA DChA

Newstead House Pelham Road Nottingham NG5 1AP 27 January 2026

RICHMOND PARK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
36,101
-
Charitable activities
4
28
-
Total income
36,129
-
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
36,129
10,669
Total expenditure
36,129
10,669
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
-
(10,669)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
-
795,784
Fund balances at 31 March
2025
-
785,115
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
36,101
41,297
17,061
28
-
-
36,129
41,297
17,061
46,798
41,297
9,977
46,798
41,297
9,977
(10,669)
-
7,084
795,784
-
788,700
785,115
-
795,784
Total
2024
£
58,358
-
58,358
51,274
51,274
7,084
788,700
795,784

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

RICHMOND PARK

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 785,115 795,784
Current assets
Debtors 12 1,400 998
Creditors: amounts falling due within 13
one year (1,400) (998)
Net current assets - -
Total assets less current liabilities 785,115 795,784
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds 15 785,115 795,784
785,115 795,784

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 26 January 2026

Cllr Richard Williams (Chair) Trustee

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Richmond Park is a registered charity in England. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are for the provision and maintenance of a public park and recreation ground.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 on 1 January 2019 (Updated second edition – October 19), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

1.1 Accounting convention

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 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) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

1.2 Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise of unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for specific purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, is included in income when it is probable that the income will be received, and is allocated to the appropriate fund.

Investment income is included when receivable.

Rental, events, and similar income is included when the event or function has taken place.

The cost of running the park is funded by Sheffield City Council. Annual revenue expenditure is generally greater than income and any variance is borne by the Council by way of a grant to the charity.

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, net of any VAT, which can be recovered as Sheffield City Council is the sole trustee and therefore has special status under s33 VAT Act 1994.

The main exception to this treatment is payments for such items as gas and electricity are charged at the date of the meter reading rather than being apportioned between years. This policy is applied consistently each year.

Expenditure has been allocated to the activities to which it is directly attributable.

The cost of generating any external funding, such as grant applications and events, is attributable to the time of Sheffield City Council officers who work on a range of projects including the charity. As such it is not possible to accurately apportion the cost of this to the charity so no charge is included in the accounts.

Charitable activities are set out within the charitable deeds and represent the costs associated with the running and maintenance of the park.

Independent examination costs and finance officer costs are charged to the charity. The Council currently absorbs the cost of other officers’ time. This policy is kept under review.

Staff costs

The staff who work for the charity are employed by Sheffield City Council, and are subject to the terms and conditions of that organisation. The costs of such staff are recharged to the charity. Full disclosure of the relevant staff costs and numbers is provided in the notes to these financial statements.

Pensions

City Council employees may participate in the Local Government Superannuation Scheme, which provides members with defined benefits related to pay and service. The City Council makes payments for this group of employees to the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, which administers pension arrangements on behalf of Sheffield City Council and the other local authorities in the South Yorkshire area. The City Council bears any deficit or surplus on the scheme and does not charge this to the charity.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Richmond Park is classified as a Community Asset. The trustees policy is to value Community Assets at £Nil.

The Council Dwellings and all other Land and Buildings are initially carried in the accounts at cost.

Charity assets are revalued on a 5-year rolling programme (unless significant works are undertaken in the meantime that would materially impact asset values) to ensure that material changes in value are reflected as at the balance sheet date. Additional revaluations may be undertaken on an ad hoc basis i.e. where properties change use, there has been a material change in value.

Expenditure on fixed assets is capitalised, provided that the fixed asset yields benefit to the charity and the services it provides are for a period of more than one year.

Assets have been reviewed for any impairment loss in respect of consumption of economic benefit.

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Depreciation is provided on fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of the assets over their expected useful lives as follows:

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

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.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
36,101
-
Donations and gifts
Community Infrastructure
Levy
-
-
Friends of Richmond Park
-
-
Sheffield City Council -
revenue grant
36,101
-
36,101
-
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
36,101
41,297
17,061
-
-
15,750
-
-
1,311
36,101
41,297
-
36,101
41,297
17,061
Total
2024
£
58,358
15,750
1,311
41,297
58,358

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income from charitable activities
Outdoor sports 28 -
Expenditure on charitable activities
Expenditure Expenditure
on on
charitable charitable
activities activities
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 7,880 7,549
Depreciation and impairment 10,669 9,977
Ranger service 1,735 625
Grounds maintenance 8,990 9,393
Repairs & maintenance 2,013 3,018
Tree works 3,240 648
Playground refurbishment & maintenance 6,082 4,292
Council tax - 7,051
Electricity 1,457 1,803
Water 2,259 4,772
44,325 49,128
Share of support and governance costs (see note 6)
Governance 2,473 2,146
46,798 51,274
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 36,129 41,297
Restricted funds 10,669 9,977
46,798 51,274

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6 Support costs allocated to activities

Expenditure
on charitable
activities
2025
£
Governance
2,473
2025
Governance costs comprise:
£
Independent examination fees
1,400
Finance office costs
1,073
2,473
7
Net movement in funds
2025
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
1,400
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
10,669
Total
2024
£
2,146
2024
£
998
1,148
2,146
2024
£
998
9,977

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
1 1
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 6,205 5,944
Social security costs 496 476
Other pension costs 1,179 1,129
7,880 7,549

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9 Employees

(Continued)

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

11 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024 872,254
At 31 March 2025 872,254
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024 76,470
Depreciation charged in the year 10,669
At 31 March 2025 87,139
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025 785,115
At 31 March 2024 795,784

Land and buildings are carried at valuation. The valuations were carried out in November 2016 by the Asset Partnerships Services team of Kier who are MRICS qualified.

12 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
13
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
14
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
2025
£
1,400
2025
£
1,400
2025
£
1,179
2024
£
998
2024
£
998
2024
£
1,129

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14 Retirement benefit schemes

(Continued)

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

15 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
Freehold land & buildings 795,784 - (10,669) 785,115
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
Freehold land & buildings 788,700 17,061 (9,977) 795,784

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Restricted
funds
2025
£
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets 785,115
785,115
Restricted
funds
2024
£
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 795,784
795,784

17 Ultimate Controlling Party

The ultimate controlling party is the sole trustee, Sheffield City Council.

18 Related party transactions

RICHMOND PARK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Related party transactions

(Continued)

The charity has a very close relationship with Sheffield City Council who is the sole trustee and provides the balance of funding not provided elsewhere on an annual basis, to enable the charity to carry out its charitable objectives. The amount of funding provided by Sheffield City Council during the year is £46,721 (23/24: £41,297).

At the year end, £1,400 was owed by Sheffield City Council (23/24: £998).