## **Out Of Sight**
Trustees Report and Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025
Charity No. 1178097
## **Legal and Administrative Information**
Name: **Out of Sight**
|Reg'd Charity No:|1178097|
|---|---|
|Trustees:||
||Jane Claire Power|
||Kath Nixon|
||Anna Weatheritt|
||Gemma Chaytor|
||Lisa Taylor|
||Leanne Wallwork|
||Denise Gilbert|
||Nicola Wilson|
|Address:|The Community Hub|
||23 Weetslade Road|
||Dudley|
||Cramlington|
||NE23 7HT|
|Bankers:|HSBC|
|Independent||
|Examiner:|Mark Thompson MAAT|
||VODA|
||Spirit of North Tyneside Wing|
||2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library|
||16 The Forum|
||Wallsend|
||NE28 8JR|
**Trustees’ Annual Report For the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **Introduction**
This report is presented by the trustees of Out of Sight, in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission, and outlines the activities, achievements, governance, finances, and future plans of the charity. The trustees remain committed to ensuring that the charity operates in accordance with its objectives and continues to deliver meaningful benefit to its community.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
Out of Sight, is a registered charity governed by its constitution, which outlines the rules and procedures for the appointment of trustees and management of the charity.
Out of Sight is governed by a Board of Trustees, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and expertise. The Board operates in accordance with a formal constitution, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and procedures for decision-making. Trustees are expected to act collectively and, in the charity’s, best interests at all times, upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. The Board regularly reviews its governance arrangements to ensure compliance with best practice and evolving regulatory requirements. Policies covering conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, safeguarding, and equality and diversity underpin the charity’s approach to effective and ethical management.
The board of trustees oversees the strategic direction, ensures compliance with legal obligations, and maintains high standards of governance. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years and may be reappointed for further terms upon the board’s discretion.
The Board delegates day-to-day operational management to a working committee, The Chair/Founding Trustee and Treasurer, who is supported by a dedicated staff team and volunteers. The trustees meet quarterly to review strategy, monitor performance, and address emerging risks. The Volunteers and working committee are in contact with each other on a daily basis.
## **Risk Management**
The trustees conduct an annual review of the charity’s risk register, identifying key risks and implementing mitigation strategies. Areas of focus in 2024 included safeguarding, compliance with data protection regulations, and the financial impact of rising operational costs. We also included Food Safety Standards for Social Supermarket facilities and relevant training.
## **Objectivities and Activities**
The charity’s primary objective is to support visually impaired children and their families by offering short-break holidays and events all free of charge who are living in North Tyneside. We also offer the same support to our community to vulnerable families, and other such support as the Trustees see fit. Activities carried out during the year were focused on achieving these aims and maximising public benefit. The board reviews objectives annually, ensuring alignment with the needs of beneficiaries and regulatory requirements.
In 2024, the charity delivered the following core activities:
- Programme delivery: Running weekly crafting/knit and natter/food and refreshments/open drop in
- sessions from the community hub.
- Running weekly sessions for Dudley Youth Group set up with UKSPF Funding.
- Managing many events in the community from trips to Beamish, York, Whitby, Newcastle United
- Football Club, Northumberland Zoo, Newcastle Light Show at Christmas, Alnwick Light Show, Theatre, Bounce 360, Bowling Organising and putting on a large community event for families with entertainment/free food and refreshments and engaging with other local charities to engage and awareness.
- Fundraising.
- Volunteer mobilisation: Recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers to strengthen programme
- impact. Engaging more volunteer
- Partnership development: Collaborating with local authorities, businesses, and other nonprofits to
- expand service reach.
## **Achievements and Performances**
The trustees are proud to report significant progress across all strategic priorities:
## **Programme Impact**
We have increased our support to include : Social supermarket pantry, training volunteers, improving our Community Hub with new blinds/carpets/ setting up a specific room for the Pantry, raising awareness of the support.
Improved the disability accessibility to the Community Hub.
Increasing the traffic and users of the the Community Hub by 30 percent.
Started a Dudley Youth Group with 45 members of children living in North Tyneside aged between 10 and 18 years and engaged in many outdoor activities and events.
## **Fundraising and Resources**
Successful funding raising with GNR/Grants/Donations to the Community Hub/Food Donations. Grant Funding has been specifically from local Government UKSFP funding, who have enabled us to offer support to our community, improve the premises, and start of two new incentives (1) The Community Supermarket Pantry and (2) The Dudley Youth Group. The Ballinger Charitable Trust have continued to support us, in turn that has supported in part payment of the Events Worker, and Chloe’s Den accommodation expenses/ground rent and insurances/repairs for short-break holidays to visually impaired children.
## **Community Engagement**
Established 4 new volunteers over this year
Established on average 40 new people to the Community Shop on a Saturday, Engaged with 45 new young people over the year for Dudley Youth Group, an overall a significant increase of foot traffic to the Community Hub generally.
With regard to our annual Summer Fayre on average 400 people/children in the community attended
this bringing together community members/other charities/businesses making our community stronger.
## **Governance and Compliance**
Achieved compliance.
Conducted internal audits.
Introduced an updated Code of Conduct for trustees, staff, and volunteers. Food Hygiene Certificate Standard 4 reached (we need a sink on hand to get to 5 which is being
## organsied)
## **Financial Review**
The charity’s financial position remains stable, with total income for the year amounting to £ and total expenditure at £[expenditure amount]. The Trustees have ensured that resources are invested prudently and in line with the charity’s objectives.
## **Income**
Income was derived from a combination of grants, individual donations, fundraising events. Notable sources include:
• Grant from The Ballinger Charitable Trust: £12,500 UKSFP Funding Capital £11,000
/Community £23,500/Winter Warmer £1000/ Youth Group £11,000 National Lottery £17,750 (funded Lease costs) Fundraising £6700,
- Hub Donations £25,911.
## **Total Income : £114,514**
## **Expenditure**
Expenditure was primarily directed towards improving the Community Hub premises, setting up a Social Supermarket and stocking that, Providing weekly Youth Group sessions and providing food and activities, programme delivery/short break holidays, staff costs, and administrative expenses.
## **Total Expenses : £103,448**
## **Reserves Policy**
The Trustees reviewed the reserves policy and continue to maintain a level of unrestricted reserves sufficient to cover three months’ operational expenditure. At year-end, reserves stood at £20,000 ensuring the charity can respond to unforeseen challenges.
## **Public Benefit Statement**
In line with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission when reviewing the charity’s aims and in planning future activities. The charity’s work continues to deliver clear public benefit, reaching underserved groups and addressing urgent community needs.
## **Plans for the Future**
Looking ahead to 2025, the charity’s strategic priorities include:
- Continuing to prioritise governance, compliance, and safeguarding standards.
- Maintaining our new growth and making it sustainable for the future.
- Plan/organise and arrange new experiences/events for our community to continue to support
mental health/overcome loneliness/bring our community together and stronger/support food and hygiene poverty/be spirited and make life long memories.
The Trustees will also explore opportunities to diversify funding sources and enhance volunteer
engagement to ensure long-term sustainability.
## **Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities**
The trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity keeps proper accounting records, prepares annual financial statements, and complies with applicable laws and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Conclusion**
The Trustees would like to thank all staff, volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries for their dedication and involvement over the past year. The achievements of Out of Sight would not be possible without the collective effort and generosity of our community. The board remains committed to steering the charity towards continued growth, impact, and sustainability.
## **Approval**
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 9 7 2025:
- Lisa Taylor Chair
- Nicola Wilson Treasurer
- Kath Nixon Founding Trustee
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **Notes to the Out Of Sight accounts,**
**On accounts for 31 March 2025 Charity no 1178097 the year ended**
**Respective** The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year **responsibilities of** (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act)) and that an **trustees and** independent examination is needed. **examiner** It is my responsibility to
- examine the accounts (under section 43 of the Act),
- follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the
- Charity Commission (under section 43(7)(b) of the Act), and
- state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
**Basis of** My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions **independent** given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of **examiner’s** the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the **statement** accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
**Independent** In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention: **examiner's** 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material **statement** respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that: • proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 41 of the Act); and • accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
**Signed: Date: 30th July 2025 Name:** Mark Thompson MAAT **Address:** VODA Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR
## **Out Of Sight**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025**
|**Receipts**
Grants
**5**
Donations
Fundraising
OOS Hub
Bank Interest
Other
**Total Receipts**
**Payments**
Activities
Hub Costs
Chloe's Den
Salary
Fundraising Expenses
Office Equipment
Print, Post & Stationery
Travel
Insurance
Fees & Charges
Others
Donations
Training
Depreciation
**Total Payments**
Surplus / deficit for the year
Funds at 1 April 2024
**Funds at 31 March 2025**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2025**
**2025**
**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
77,750
77,750
30,880
1,312
1,312
6,132
6,782
6,782
11,312
25,912
25,912
24,678
2,216
2,216
1,324
542
542
342|
|---|---|
||**36,764**
**77,750**
**114,514**
**74,668**|
||4,647
30,420
35,067
11,715
11,336
21,705
33,041
16,889
7,073
7,073
6,189
3,238
10,397
13,635
12,182
3,048
3,048
5,157
862
862
359
299
299
366
2,398
2,398
1,730
543
543
568
3,805
1,684
5,489
1,528
833
833
601
0
0
550
0
0
0
1,160
1,160
0|
||**32,169**
**71,279**
**103,448**
**57,834**|
||4,595
6,471
11,066
16,834
82,625
16,080
98,705
81,871|
||**87,220**
**22,551**
**109,771**
**98,705**|
## **Out Of Sight Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025**
|**Fixed Assets**
**7**
**Current Assets**
Cash at Bank & in Hand
**Total Cash Balances**
**Current Liabilities**
**Net Current Assets**
**Net Assets at 31 March 2025**
**Represented By:**
**6**
Restricted Funds
Designated Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Signed …………….……………………… Position …………
Signed …………….……………………… Position …………
Date ……………………………………….|**2025**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
**4,640**
**5,800**
105,131
92,905
**105,131**
**92,905**
**0**
**0**
**105,131**
92,905
**109,771**
**92,905**
22,551
16,080
19,100
19,100
68,120
63,525
**109,771**
**98,705**
………………………..
………………………..|
|---|---|
**Out Of Sight**
## **Notes to the accounts, 2025**
**1. Basis of accounts**
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 1 January 2015) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006
Out Of Sight meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Fixed Assets are depreciated over a useful lifeline at the following rates:
Motor Vehicles 20% reducing balance
|**2.**|**Grants Received:**||
|---|---|---|
||Ballinger Charitable Trust|12,500|
||NT Council - UKSPF (Community Grant)|23,500|
||NT Council - Hub/Social Supermarket|11,000|
||National Lottery Fund|17,750|
||North Tyneside Council - Youth Grant|11,000|
||NT Council - Warm Welcome|1,000|
||NT Council - Northern Light|1,000|
||**Total Grants**|**77,750**|
**3. Trustees and Staff** The organisation employed 2 members of staff during the period of the accounts. No payments were made to Trustees’ . Total salary costs for the year £13,635
## **4. Costs of financial services**
The cost for the Independent Examination for the financial period will be £380
## **5. Restricted Funds balance at 31 March 2025**
|**5.**|**Restricted Funds balance at 31 March 2025**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**Balance**|**Income**|**Expend**|**Balance**|
|||**01/04/24**|||**31/03/25**|
||Health Inequalities Fund|1,310|||1,310|
||Ballinger Charitable Trust|770|12,500|10,758|2,512|
||National Lottery Fund|10,000|17,750|21,705|6,045|
||NT Council - Warm Welcome|0|1,000|1,000|0|
||North Tyneside Council - Youth Grant|4,000|11,000|8,898|6,102|
||NT Council - UKSPF (Community Grant)||23,500|18,516|4,984|
||NT Council - Hub/Social Supermarket||11,000|9,402|1,598|
||NT Council - Northern Light||1,000|1,000|0|
||**Total**|**16,080**|**77,750**|**71,279**|**22,551**|
|**6.**|**Designated Funds**|||||
||Caravan Maintenance Fund|5,000||||
||Caravan Renewal Fund|6,500||||
||Lease Commitments|7,600||||
||**Total Designated Funds**|**19,100**||||
In addition to the Designated Funds, we aim to have between three and six months running costs, as recommended by the Charity Commission.
|**Fixed Assets**|**Car**|
|---|---|
|Cost||
|As at 1 April 2024|5800|
|Additions||
|Disposals||
|As at 31 March 2025|**5,800**|
|Depreciation||
|As at 1 April 2024|0|
|Charge for the year|1,160|
|Disposals||
|As at 31 March 2025|**1,160**|
|**Net Book Value at 31 March 2025**|**4,640**|
**7. Fixed Assets**