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2024-08-31-accounts

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Level Trust registered charity 1178223

September 2023 to August 2024

Contents

Charity Information 3
Chair’s Foreword 4
Trustees’ Report 6
Partners & Funders 15
Accounts 16
Notes to the Accounts 22
Independent Examiner’s Report 27

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Charity Information

As of 31st August 2024

Charity name: Level Trust
Charity number: 1178223 (formally 1153936)
Principal address: Level Trust
The Uniform Exchange
2G Luton Point
Luton
LU1 2TW
Trustees: Ms Anisah Akthar
Mr Wasim Akhtar
Mrs Bina Briggs
Mr Christopher Curtis
Mr Altaf Hussain (Chair)
Mr Mostaque Koyes
Mr Sufan Sadiq
Ms Rachel Warwick
Bankers: Metro Bank
10–20 Castle Street
Luton
LU1 3AJ

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Chair’s Foreword

As I reflect on the past year, I am immensely proud of how Level Trust has continued to rise to the growing challenges faced by families across Luton. In a time marked by deepening inequality and hardship, our charity has remained a constant source of hope, dignity, and opportunity for children living in poverty.

The numbers speak volumes – over 12,000 children supported, thousands of items of school uniform and educational resources provided, and digital barriers broken down with the help of our partners. But behind each number is a child who can now go to school feeling confident, a parent whose burden has been lightened, and a family that feels seen and supported.

This work has only been possible because of the extraordinary commitment of our staff, volunteers, partners, and donors. I want to offer my deepest thanks to each of you. Your belief in our mission has helped transform lives and shown the true spirit of community.

We have also strengthened our governance and welcomed new trustees and team members who bring with them fresh ideas and invaluable expertise. Together, we are laying strong foundations for the future – from boosting our fundraising capabilities to increasing our visibility so every family knows they can turn to Level Trust.

As we look ahead, I am excited about what we can achieve together. The road is not easy, but we remain driven by the conviction that every child deserves the tools to thrive in their learning and to look to the future with confidence.

Thank you for your continued support.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Altaf Hussain Chair of Trustees

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Trustees’ Report

1. Background

This year’s Trustees’ Report fell within the period when the UK had a general election. Sadly, we entered the election year (2024) with unacceptably high levels of overall poverty, including appalling levels for many groups. Since our last Trustees’ Report was published a year ago, we have seen more and more evidence of the desperate measures that households struggling to make ends meet are having to take. At the same time, families report that they are feeling increasingly financially insecure.

More than one in five people in the UK (24%) were living in poverty in 2023/24 – around 16.6 million people. Rates of poverty in Luton are significantly higher than the UK average with almost 50% of children in some wards growing up poor. During this period, Luton was named among the top 10 most destitute areas in the UK in statistics published by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation revealed that more than a million children are living in “horrifying levels of destitution” across the country. The charity stated that the number of children and young people in extreme poverty had almost tripled in five years with many struggling to get the food they need.

We know that children have higher risks of poverty overall, but larger families with three or more children have consistently faced a higher rate of poverty. This is because a number of benefit policies have a disproportionate impact on larger families. These include the two-child limit, which restricts eligibility for many child related benefits to the first two children in a household, and the benefit cap, which limits the total income a household can receive in out-of-work benefits. Families with children also face additional challenges if childcare responsibilities limit their ability to undertake well-paid and high-quality work, which is often the case for lone-parent families and families with younger children. The End Child Poverty Coalition also points out that the two-child cap on Universal Credit payments is a key driver of poverty. A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that the cap impacts over 1,700 families within Luton, including more than 6,000 children.

From the data we collected from families using the Uniform Exchange, told us that they were finding making ends meet increasingly challenging:

----- Start of picture text -----
68%
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were going without essentials

----- Start of picture text -----
52% 55%
reported not having enough were in arrears with their
money for food household bills or behind on
scheduled lending repayments
----- End of picture text -----

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Partnership. Dignity. Fun. Generous. Luton

2. Our aims

3. Values

The aims of Level Trust are to:

Our values are incredibly important to us. They underpin everything we do. At Level Trust, we:

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

4. The team

Level Trust is run day to day by a skilled and compassionate team of staff and volunteers, without whom we would not be able to fulfil our important aims. The increased demand for our services driven by the enduring cost of living crisis has brought challenges to us in terms of capacity but, throughout, the team have been highly resilient, flexible and committed and have made sure that every family who told us that they needed our help has been supported.

Kerri Porthouse joined us as Deputy CEO following the retirement of Tina Edwards. Tina was first a trustee and then a member of staff at Level Trust; we would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment to the families of Luton. Kerri brings with her a wealth of experience – particularly in safeguarding – and has been a wonderful addition to the team.

Boteko Litombe joined us as our Schools & Community Engagement Manager. His position has been funded by the very generous grant award from the National Lottery who have been a steadfast support of the charity’s work. Boteko brings an energy and enthusiasm to the role and has significant experience of working with children and young people in a variety of settings.

Jade Halsey joined us as a shop assistant in the Uniform Exchange and has provided additional capacity as demand for this aspect of our provision continues to increase. Anyone who meets Jade knows what a sunny personality she has. Her warmth and kindness shines through when working with the families and young people who access our services.

Leeann Clark, a shop assistant, left us and we wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

5. Governance

We are pleased to have welcomed Wasim Akhtar to the Trustee board. Wasim is a senior partner at Hannah Solicitors and his legal expertise has strengthened the skillset of trustees. His warmth and ability to explain complex legal matters in an accessible way has been most welcome and we look forward to his continued involvement with Level Trust during his term of office. We also said a fond farewell to Fowzia Ahmed who left to spend more time with her family. We are extremely grateful to her for her support, kindness and good humour during her time serving as a trustee.

6. What We Did

Over the year, we gave Luton children:

8,565 items of school uniform

321 pairs of school shoes

323 winter coats

100% of schools surveyed said our work met children’s basic needs for warm and waterproof clothing and were positive about the support that Level Trust had been able to provide children to remove the barriers and prevent them from fulfilling their academic potential.

“Level Trust has been a tremendous support to our school community by providing uniforms, shoes and coats to families in need. This has made a big difference, helping children come to school feeling ready and confident. Level Trust has relieved financial pressure from families who are struggling. We are very grateful to Level Trust for their ongoing, invaluable support.”

– Family Support Worker, a Luton Primary School

101 out of 101 parents who answered our survey question told us they would use the money they saved through using Level Trust to help them pay for more essential items for their children and families. This included food, school trips, clothing, household bills and paying off debts.

1,235 sets of learning resources

58 digital devices

“If I don’t have to find the money for uniform and shoes, I can put money on the electricity key. It’s helped me a lot.”

– Parent of four children

“At first, I was too embarrassed to ask for help. The Family Support Worker at school told me about Level Trust and sent them an email asking if they could help. When I went in, the staff were so nice. One of them told me she used to go in to get uniform for her children before she started working there. I knew that she understood what it was like for me, and it made me feel better.”

– Parent of three children

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Families also told us that using the Uniform Exchange stopped them from going into debt, stopped them struggling to afford the basics and meant they had more resources to support their children.

something for our dinner so I knew she wouldn’t be able to pay. When I chose my options, I just pretended that I had gone off the idea of doing it, so she didn’t feel bad.”

– Year 10 young person, a Luton Secondary School

89 out of 101 (88%) children and families surveyed said that using the Uniform Exchange reduced the risk of them missing school. Children told us that they now could take part in P.E. and go to school. Schools told us that through the provision of digital devices, their young people were more engaged in their home learning and removed one of the barriers to them attaining in line with their non-disadvantaged peers.

26 out of 101 parents surveyed said that their child had missed out on lessons because they couldn’t afford to purchase the school uniform or P.E. kit required.

“School, uniform is too expensive for me to be able to buy it new. I look on Facebook to try and find it second hand, but I can’t always find things in the right sizes. I know that, if I’m in a position where my kids don’t have what they need, I can go to the Uniform Exchange, and they will help me. They never make me feel bad or embarrassed. They’re just there to help.”

– Uniform Exchange Customer

Frontline workers report regularly seeing (i.e. at least once a week) parents who are struggling to afford the costs associated with school many times leading to not being unable to afford school uniform or the correct equipment which often results in children being unable to take certain subjects, or even attend some schools at all.

“I really wanted to do Product Design for one of my GCSE subjects, but the teacher started telling us that we would need to get our parents to pay for some of the materials every term. Sometimes my mum has to go to the Food Bank to get us

Partnership working with schools is essential to ensure that we are reaching the most vulnerable children in our town. This is what schools have told us about the support Level Trust has provided.

“Level Trust provided bedding for some of our most disadvantaged families. This thoughtful initiative went beyond academic support, addressing a fundamental need for comfort and stability at home. Families who received bedding reported improvements in their children’s sleep quality, which in turn positively impacted their focus, attendance, and engagement in school. This assistance has helped to create a sense of security and well-being for these families, ensuring their children come to school ready to learn.”

– Senior Leader, a Luton Secondary School

“One of the most significant contributions [from Level Trust] has been the provision of Chromebooks to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In a world where digital access is essential for learning, this support has been transformative. It has allowed our students to access online resources, complete independent learning, and develop vital digital literacy skills. For families facing financial challenges, this has been life-changing, breaking down barriers to learning and ensuring that no child is left behind in today’s technology-driven education system.”

– Assistant Headteacher, a Luton Secondary School

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

“By supplying free school uniforms across all year groups, Level Trust has ensured that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, can attend school dressed appropriately and confidently. This has significantly reduced the financial burden on many of our families and eliminated the stigma that can arise when students are unable to afford the correct attire. The sense of equality and pride this has fostered among students has contributed to a positive school culture where students feel they belong.”

– Senior Leader, a Luton Secondary School

“This is SO much fun! I got to do clay modelling and try rugby for the first time ever. I want to come every day.”

– Key Stage 2 child who attended Summer SMASH

“SMASH is the best. Virginia is always smiling and telling me to believe in myself when I am feeling anxious.”

– Katy, age 11

Schools also remarked on children’s improved confidence when they had access to appropriate footwear.

Children Grew In Confidence & Had Fun.

18 out of 21 children surveyed said they worried about not having the right things for school and 98 out of 101 parents said they worried about it too. Young people told us that they felt anxious about getting in trouble with teachers or being bullied for looking different.

“Sometimes I get bullied because I don’t have the right shoes. My mum goes to ASDA to get my trainers because she hasn’t got the money to get Nike. It shouldn’t matter but it does. I try and ignore it when some of the others are making fun of my trainers but other times, I can’t deal with it and then I pretend to be sick when it’s P.E. so I don’t have to listen to it. One time she didn’t even have any money to get the cheap trainers, so I had to do PE in my normal shoes before I had to go and find some trainers in lost property.”

“In addition to uniforms, Level Trust has provided free shoe vouchers for students in need. Proper footwear is often an overlooked necessity, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring students feel comfortable, safe, and ready to participate fully in school activities. This support has not only removed financial strain from families but has also helped students feel more confident, which translates to improved participation in both classroom and extracurricular activities.”

– Assistant Headteacher, a Luton Secondary School

Children and parents felt less worried and had a sense of pride.

Schools told us that our work helped to lift the financial burden off their families and parents told us that because of this they felt less worried.

– Year 8 child

100% of children who took part in SMASH (532) showed an improvement in their confidence and 18 out of 21 children surveyed said that getting school uniform from the Uniform Exchange made them feel more confident.

“Level Trust plays a huge part in our school. We have been able to signpost parents to get support from the Trust as well as give our students access to education through the amazing support offered by the organisation. Parents truly appreciate the uniform support as well as the stepping stones to access education. We send our girls every year to do work experience with you and they always come back really proud of the work you do.”

– Senior Leader, a Luton Secondary School

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

It was notable in the feedback that children and parents had a sense of pride in using the Uniform Exchange because they could donate school uniform to help other children and support the environment at the same time. Parents also felt less worried knowing that Level Trust would be there to support them.

buying presents and prevented many families from going into debt. Father Christmas was able to visit hundreds of children on Christmas Eve and via events held in Luton providing gifts for children who otherwise would have been without presents at this special time for many members of our community.

“I feel like I am helping as well as getting help. I like to play my part and not just get given stuff for free. I feel like we are all in it together.”

– Father of one, Uniform Exchange customer

“Level Trust helped me and listened to me when I was at my lowest point. I really needed the hug that the lady who helped me in the shop gave me. I thought she would think that I couldn’t look after my kids properly, but she just told me that she had been poor when she was a little girl, and it was not my fault. She told me that I was a good mum, and I just really needed to hear that.”

– Mother accessing the Learning Locker & Uniform Exchange services

Children were able to enjoy their childhood

Thanks to the very generous donations from partners at Christmas, we were able to provide 1,230 children with gifts at Christmas time. This meant that families did not need to worry about the additional cost of

“At Christmas time Level Trust donate toys/gifts to my service. I can share these toys/gifts with this community bringing much needed joy to the lives of these children and their parents. What an amazing organisation the Level Trust are! They offer so much to some of the most vulnerable people/ communities in Luton their commitment to this work is truly outstanding. Sharing is truly caring, and they do.”

– Refugee Support Worker, Luton Borough Council

“I can’t afford treats for my children at any time of the year and so Christmas is a time where I just pretend it is like any other day. It’s not special – it’s stressful. When I went into the Uniform Exchange to get some school shirts and they asked me if I needed any support with Christmas presents for my children, I couldn’t believe it. It was the first time in four years that my children had presents to open on Christmas morning. The woman at the Uniform Exchange was like my own Christmas angel.”

– Mother of two, Uniform Exchange customer

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

7. Fundraising and marketing

We are incredibly grateful to all our donors, funders and partners, without whom we would have been unable to support all our children and families this year. Their commitment to us, responsiveness and flexibility has helped get us through this difficult year. We raise funding through applications to grant making bodies, building relationships with individual donors, working with corporate partners and through community campaigns. We are regularly featured in good news stories in the local and national press and this year took part in several TV pieces for local news and interviews for radio channels.

8. Financial review

The financial statements show a net deficit for the year of 59,020. The previous year we had a deficit of 15,200. The principal reason for an overall deficit for the year 2024 was Level Trust spending restricted funds on projects such as the Uniform Exchange and SMASH.

9. Reserves policy

The charity had unrestricted reserves at 31st August 2024 of £71,196. The reserves represent 3.0 months expenditure on charitable activities. It is the policy of the charity to hold no less than three months reserves, although our aim is to hold at least four. Restricted funds are held by the charity for only as long as is necessary to organise the relevant programmes. Normally these funds are spent within twelve months of receipt.

10. Post balance sheet events

No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial period which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the charity, the results of these operations or the state of affairs of the Charity in the financial year subsequent to the financial period ended 31st August 2024.

During the year, the charity generated income of £307,386. Of this income, £242,489 was raised for specific programmes. Expenditure totalled £366,406 for the year, of which 366,406 was spent on specific programmes. Our income this year was £10,892 less than the year before.

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

11. Future plans

Despite the challenges the enduring cost of living crisis, increased inflation rates and charity fundraising brought last year, the Level Trust team has worked cohesively, both internally and with our partners across the town and beyond, to meet the increased demand for all of our services.

We worked with over one thousand more children this year than in the same period of 2022.23.

Our continued partnership work with Laptops4Learning has enabled us to give hundreds of digital devices to Luton schoolchildren to support them with their studies and to help to level the educational playing field.

We have a dedicated and talented staff body, and this will enable us to adapt to the ever-increasing demand for our services.

Our plans for the following year include:

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

12. Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare the financial statements for each financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

13. Independent examiner

We are very grateful to Jason Foxwell FCCA FCIE who has undertaken our Independent Examination this year.

14. Trustees’ report signed on behalf of the trustees:

Mr Altaf Hussain, Chair

Date: 31st May, 2025

Mr Christopher Curtis,

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2006. 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.

Trustee

Date: 31st May, 2025

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Partners & Funders

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our project partners, schools and funders, without whom, our work would not be possible. We are very grateful for your time, money, venues, skills and expertise.

16. Partners

Partnership is key to how Level Trust works. Our partners refer children to our work, and share their skills, experience and resources. The expertise that they share makes our work possible. This year we worked with children from every local authority or academy school in Luton and with one independent school. Thank you to our delivery partners for your advice, support and generosity:

15. Main funders

Adventures Into

Thank you to all those who make our work possible. Our main funders and supporters for 2023–24 were:

The Amateurs Trust

BLCF Community Investment Fund

Brown Dog Trust The Connolly Foundation

EasyJet

Energise Luton Garfield Weston Foundation John Apthorp Charity Mrs B L Robinson Charitable Trust National Lottery Community Fund Postcode Places Trust The Steel Charitable Trust Swire Charitable Trust Wixamtree Trust The generous donors of Luton and Bedfordshire and beyond.

Caritas-Diocese of Northampton Citizens Advice Bureau

Boxing Saves Lives Dan The Skipping Man Discover Islam

NGYT NOAH Enterprise Hygiene Bank KidsOut

Luton Foodbank

Luton Council Education Service Luton Council Refugee Service Salvation Army Stepping Stones University of Bedfordshire Access Partnership Team Wholehearted Childhood Charity Youthscape

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Financial Report Level TrustTrusteÈs' Report and Aceounts 16

Accounts

  1. Management accounts

Level Trust Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024

17

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Level Trust – Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024

Fund Name
Unrestricted funds
£
Restricted funds
£
2024
Total funds
£		 Fund Name
Unrestricted funds
£
Restricted funds
£
2024
Total funds
£		 2023
Prior year funds
£
Incoming Resources
Unrestricted Income
Grants and Trusts
Fundraising Events
Other Fundraising
Regular Donors
Gif Aid
Bank Interest
Corporate Partners
Resources expended
Rent
Rates and Utilities
Conference Costs
School Uniform
Project Costs
Shoes
Wages and salaries
Employer’s NI
Pensions
Advertising & Marketing
Accountancy fees
Networking
Bank Fees
Cleaning
Recruitment costs
Premises Maintenance
Postage, Freight & Courier
Ofce Refreshments
General Expenses
Volunteer Expenses
Insurance
Consultancy
Printing & Stationery
IT Sofware and Consumables
Website Design
Amortisation of Intangibles
Depreciation
Staf Training
Subscriptions
Telephone & Internet
Staf Travel
Fundraising Expenses
Surplus/(Defcit) of Income over Expenditure
Fund balance b/f
Balance before transfer
Transfer from Unrestricted
Balance afer transfer		 14,553
7,977
22,530
40,400
216,297
256,697
-
15,351
15,351
1,332
1,976
3,308
5,770
-
5,770
1,162
888
2,050
1,680
-
1,680
-
-
-
64,897
242,489
307,386
-
37,234
37,234
-
11,247
11,247
-
5,795
5,795
-
11,751
11,751
-
27,829
27,829
-
17,268
17,268
-
168,133
168,133
-
5,811
5,811
-
2,870
2,870
-
15,680
15,680
-
10,729
10,729
-
70
70
-
300
300
-
871
871
-
299
299
-
4,115
4,115
-
-
-
-
285
285
-
112
112
-
613
613
-
1,597
1,597
-
9,163
9,163
-
868
868
-
1,579
1,579
-
1,770
1,770
-
4,579
4,579
-
889
889
-
1,769
1,769
-
2,714
2,714
-
1,679
1,679
-
643
643
-
18,144
18,144
-
366,406
366,406
64,897
(123,917)
(59,020)
131,299
75,571
206,870
196,196
(48,346)
147,850
(125,000)
125,000
-
71,196
76,654
147,850		 27,644
261,111
-
12,969
6,160
4,859
686
4,849
318,278
12,233
7,624
-
12,920
53,364
18,018
146,923
5,077
1,811
8,554
10,214
34
529
809
5
3,099
20
301
608
474
1,582
11,318
688
2,747
791
4,860
389
1,884
2,125
1,427
1,160
21,890
333,478
(15,200)
222,070
206,870
-
206,870

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Accounts

  1. Statement of financial activities

Level Trust Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024

19

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Level Trust – Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2024

Fund Name Beds
Learning
Fund
Over-
heads
Shops
SMASH
Building
Fund
Un-
restricted
2024
£		 2023
£
Incoming Resources
Unrestricted Income
Grants and Trusts
Fundraising Events
Other Fundraising
Regular Donors
Gif Aid
Bank Interest
Corporate Partners
Resources expended
Rent
Rates and Utilities
Conference Costs
School Uniform
Project Costs
Shoes
Wages and salaries
Employer’s NI
Pensions
Advertising & Marketing
Accountancy fees
Networking
Bank Fees
Cleaning
Recruitment costs
Premises Maintenance
Postage, Freight & Courier
Ofce Refreshments
General Expenses
Volunteer Expenses
Insurance
Consultancy
Printing & Stationery
IT Sofware and Consumables
Website Design
Amortisation of Intangibles
Depreciation
Staf Training
Subscriptions
Telephone & Internet
Staf Travel
Fundraising Expenses
Surplus/(Defcit) of Income
over Expenditure
Fund balance b/f
Balance before transfer
Transfer from Unassigned
Balance afer transfer		 -
6,697
1,280
-
-
14,553
22,530
8,000
40,000
111,203
57,094
-
40,400
256,697
-
15,351
-
-
-
-
15,351
-
1,976
-
-
-
1,332
3,308
-
-
-
-
-
5,770
5,770
-
888
-
-
-
1,162
2,050
-
-
-
-
-
1,680
1,680
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8,000
64,912
112,483
57,094
-
64,897
307,386
-
17,242
19,992
-
-
-
37,234
-
2,268
8,979
-
-
-
11,247
-
5,795
-
-
-
-
5,795
-
198
11,553
-
-
-
11,751
7,980
679
2,279
16,891
-
-
27,829
-
-
17,268
-
-
-
17,268
-
34,682
84,135
49,316
-
-
168,133
-
1,525
2,134
2,152
-
-
5,811
-
899
1,444
527
-
-
2,870
-
15,680
-
-
-
-
15,680
-
10,729
-
-
-
-
10,729
-
70
-
-
-
-
70
-
300
-
-
-
-
300
-
-
871
-
-
-
871
-
299
-
-
-
-
299
-
505
3,610
-
-
-
4,115
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
279
6
-
-
-
285
-
110
2
-
-
-
112
-
-
613
-
-
-
613
-
532
532
533
-
-
1,597
-
9,163
-
-
-
-
9,163
-
844
24
-
-
-
868
-
1,579
-
-
-
-
1,579
-
330
1,440
-
-
-
1,770
-
950
3,629
-
-
-
4,579
-
500
389
-
-
-
889
-
-
1,769
-
-
-
1,769
-
2,714
-
-
-
-
2,714
-
733
591
355
-
-
1,679
-
615
-
28
-
-
643
-
18,144
-
-
-
-
18,144
7,980
127,364
161,260
69,802
-
-
366,406
20
(62,452)
(48,777)
(12,708)
-
64,897
(59,020)
7,596
6,018
4,221
7,736
50,000
131,299
206,870
7,616
(56,434)
(44,556)
(4,972)
50,000
196,196
147,850
-
68,000
46,000
11,000
-
(125,000)
-		 27,644
261,111
-
12,969
6,160
4,859
686
4,849
318,278
12,233
7,624
-
12,920
53,364
18,018
146,923
5,077
1,811
8,554
10,214
34
529
809
5
3,099
20
301
608
474
1,582
11,318
688
2,747
791
4,860
389
1,884
2,125
1,427
1,160
21,890
333,478
(15,200)
222,070
206,870
-
7,616
11,566
1,444
6,028
50,000
71,196
147,850		 206,870

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Accounts

Level Trust Registered number: 1178223 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024

19. Balance sheet

19. Balance sheet
Notes Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2024
Total
£		 2023
Total
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
3
Tangible assets
4		 17,500
2,129		 -
-		 17,500
2,129		 11,579
625
Current assets
Debtors
5
Cash at bank and in hand		 19,629
9,169
55,591		 -
-
76,654		 19,629
9,169
132,245		 12,204
31,677
177,369
Creditors: amounts
falling due within one year
6
Net current assets		 64,760
(13,193)
51,567		 76,654
-
76,654		 141,414
(13,193)
128,221		 209,046
(14,380)
194,666
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Net assets		 -
71,196
71,196		 76,654
-
76,654		 76,654
71,196
147,850		 206,870
75,571
131,299
Total Funds 71,196 76,654 147,850 206,870

20. Signed on behalf of the trustees

Signature: Print Name: Date of approval: Mr Altaf Hussain 31st May, 2025 Signature: Print Name: Date of approval: Mr Christopher Curtis 31st May, 2025

21

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Notes to the Accounts

Level Trust

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31 August 2024

21. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011. There have been no changes of accounting policy, changes to accounting estimates or material prior year errors.

Recognition of income

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met. In the case of performance related grants, income must only be recognised to the extent that the charity has provided the specified goods or services as entitlement to the grant only occurs when the performance related conditions are met (5.16 FRS 102 SORP).

Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

Support costs

The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.

Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

Interest income

This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

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Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

  1. Employee costs

Governance and support costs

Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

2024 2023
Salaries and wages
168,133		 119,696
Social security costs
5,811		 3,799
Pension costs
(defned contribution
scheme)
2,870		 1,623
176,814 125,118

No employees received employee benefits for the reporting period of more than £60,000.

Intangible fixed assets

Intangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulative amortisation and any accumulative impairment losses.

Pension contributions are allocated to activities or

overheads, on the basis of which activity the employee works on.

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000.

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than
works on.
one year, and cost at least £1,000.
Website development
over 3 years
Debtors
Charitable activities
Average number of
persons employed by
the charity
8
10
Number		 Number
8
10

Debtors (including trade debtors, prepayments and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Pensions

Contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed in the period to which they relate.

23

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

  1. Intangible fixed assets

Website development costs £

Cost
At 1 September 2023
Disposals
At 31 August 2024		 25,080
10,500
-
35,580
Amortisation
At 1 September 2023
Provided during the year
On disposals
At 31 August 2024		 13,501
4,579
-
18,080
Net book value
At 31 August 2024
At 31 August 2023
17,500
11,579

Website development costs are being written off in equal annual instalments over its estimated economic life of 3 years.

24

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

  1. Tangible fixed assets

Office Equipment £

Cost
At 1 September 2023
Additions
At 31 August 2024		 1,167
2,393
3,560
Depreciation
At 1 September 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2024		 542
889
1,431
Net book value
At 31 August 2024
At 31 August 2023
25. Debtors		 2024
£
2,129
625
2023
£
26. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors		 7,495
1,674
9,169
2024
£		 -
31,677
31,677
2023
£
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security costs		 7,795
5,398
13,193		 10,451
3,929
14,380

25

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

27. Charity funds

b/f c/f
01/09/2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/08/2024
Fund Name £ £ £ £ £
Beds Learning Fund 7,596 8,000 (7,980) - 7,616
Overheads 6,018 64,912 (127,364) 68,000 11,566
Shops 4,221 112,483 (161,260) 46,000 1,444
SMASH 7,736 57,094 (69,802) 11,000 6,028
Building Fund 50,000 - - - 50,000
Unrestricted 131,299 64,897 - (125,000) 71,196
206,870 307,386 (366,406) - 147,850
b/f c/f
01/09/2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/08/2023
Fund Name £ £ £ £ £
Beds Learning Fund 11,228 19,270 (22,902) - 7,596
Level Up 4,833 - (4,833) - -
Overheads 13,669 64,470 (107,121) 35,000 6,018
Shops 20,124 37,500 (98,403) 45,000 4,221
SMASH 46,017 60,214 (98,495) - 7,736
Unrestricted - - - 50,000 50,000
126,199 136,824 (1,724) (130,000) 131,299
222,070 318,278 (333,478) - 206,870
Fund Name Type Purpose
Beds Learning fund Restricted Learning resources, equipment, clothing and opportunities
Level Up Restricted Learn at Home Packs, Coats and Shoes
Overheads Restricted Overheads
Shops Restricted Providing Uniforms and Resources
SMASH Restricted School Holiday Learning Programmes
Building Fund Designated Funds to identify, refurbish and move into charity premises
Unrestricted Unrestricted No Restrictions

Transfers from unrestricted funds to restricted funds are made to fund specific projects where restricted funds raised are not sufficient to cover the project costs.

26

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

Independent Examiner’s Report

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Level Trust

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Level Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31st August 2024.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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.

  1. 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.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ACCA and ACIE, both of which are listed bodies.

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.

Mr J P Foxwell FCCA FCIE

independent-examiner.net

12 Hillbourne Road, Poole, BH17 7JB

Date:

27

Level Trust Trustees’ Report and Accounts

leveltrust.org

Level Trust registered charity 1178223