THE SUNGLOW TRUST
Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts For the financial year ending 31 July 2025
| Charity name | The Sunglow Trust |
|---|---|
| Charity number | 1182796 |
| Legal form | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) - Foundation Model |
| Financial year | 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025 |
| Approval date | 20 May 2026 |
Prepared for Charity Commission filing. A CC16a receipts and payments accounts form will also be completed separately for the accounts.
The Sunglow Trust | Charity no. 1182796 | Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
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1. Reference and Administrative Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Charity name | The Sunglow Trust |
| Charity number | 1182796 |
| Legal structure | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) - Foundation Model |
| Registered charity status | Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales |
| Financial year | 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025 |
| Registered address | 35 The Street, Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire, SN9 5LQ |
| Area of operation | Overseas, with a focus on Iraq, Syria and related displaced and returning communities |
Trustees
| Name | Role | Date of appointment | Other trusteeships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Des Brisay | Chair | 1 April 2019 | None on record |
| Dr Zeravan Muhsin | Trustee | 5 July 2024 | None on record |
| Khoshnow Agha | Trustee | 25 May 2023 | None on record |
There were no trustee changes during the reporting period. No trustees received remuneration, payments, benefits or reimbursed expenses from the charity during the year.
Independent examination
The charity's income for the year was below the threshold requiring independent examination. No independent examination was therefore undertaken, unless separately required by the charity's governing document or by a funder.
2. Structure, Governance and Management
The Sunglow Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its constitution. The charity operates under the Foundation Model CIO structure.
The trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, financial management and compliance of the charity. Trustees make decisions collectively and ensure that the charity's activities are carried out in line with its charitable objects, public benefit duties and regulatory responsibilities.
During the year, the trustees oversaw the charity's research activity, programme development, stakeholder preparation, financial management and strategic direction. The charity remained focused on building the evidence base, programme design and communication materials required to support future delivery.
The charity's work during the reporting period was led by its trustees, with additional support from external consultants and partner organisations where required. The trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity's funds are applied only in furtherance of its charitable purposes. The charity remained small during the reporting period and operated with proportionate governance arrangements appropriate to its size, income and stage of development.
No serious incidents, safeguarding concerns, trustee changes, related party transactions or governance issues were reported during the year.
3. Charitable Objects
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The Sunglow Trust exists to relieve the needs of families and individuals affected by war, conflict and displacement in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria, and to support sustainable recovery, reintegration and development in post-conflict settings.
The charity's purposes include supporting displaced people and returnees through practical assistance, education, employment, training, sustainable livelihoods, economic regeneration and environmental rehabilitation. The charity seeks to help people rebuild their lives, re-establish households and access pathways towards self-sufficiency, dignity and long-term stability.
4. Objectives and Activities
During the year ending 31 July 2025, The Sunglow Trust focused on developing the foundations for its flagship voluntary returns and reintegration programme.
The charity's work during the year centred on three core areas:
Research and evidence-gathering
A youth assessment was conducted in the northern region of Iraq. This assessment engaged over 5,000 research participants and was designed to strengthen Sunglow's understanding of the needs, aspirations, risks and opportunities facing young people and communities in the region.
The assessment was conducted by DAD NGO in Iraq and funded by Sunglow. This research forms an important evidence base for future programme design and stakeholder engagement.
Programme design
Sunglow developed the full design of its proposed voluntary returns programme, which is intended to become the charity's flagship project. This included the development of programme documents, concept materials and strategic content to support future pitching, stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
The proposed programme is focused on supporting viable, fair and dignified voluntary return and reintegration pathways, with an emphasis on long-term outcomes, sustainable livelihoods and community stability.
Preparation for stakeholder engagement
The charity invested in graphic design, printing and presentation materials so that its programme could be clearly communicated to potential partners, institutional stakeholders and funders in the next financial year.
Although the charity did not provide direct beneficiary support during this reporting period, its work built the evidence base, programme structure and materials needed to pursue future delivery. The assessment involving over 5,000 participants represents an important foundation for ensuring that future programming is informed by community perspectives and local realities.
5. Public Benefit Statement
The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when planning and reviewing the charity's activities.
The Sunglow Trust provides public benefit by working to support individuals, families and communities affected by war, conflict, displacement and return in the Middle East. The charity's work is designed to relieve need, support recovery, promote sustainable livelihoods and help people rebuild stable and dignified lives in post-conflict settings.
During the year, the charity's activities supported its public benefit purpose by developing an evidence-informed voluntary returns and reintegration programme. The youth assessment conducted in northern Iraq, together with the full design of the proposed programme, helped the charity to develop a model intended to support safe, viable and dignified reintegration pathways in future years.
The trustees consider that this preparatory work is directly connected to the charity's purposes, as it enables the charity to design future support that is responsive to community needs, grounded in local evidence and focused on
The Sunglow Trust | Charity no. 1182796 | Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
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long-term outcomes.
6. Achievements and Performance
During the financial year, Sunglow made significant progress in consolidating its strategic direction and preparing its flagship programme for future partnership and funding discussions.
Youth assessment in northern Iraq
The charity funded and supported a youth assessment in the northern region of Iraq. This work was conducted by DAD NGO, with £4,597 transferred to Iraq for this purpose.
The assessment engaged over 5,000 research participants and provided Sunglow with important insight into the experiences, needs and perspectives of young people in the region. The findings are intended to inform Sunglow's approach to reintegration, livelihoods, youth opportunity and community resilience.
Development of flagship voluntary returns programme
During the year, Sunglow developed the full design of its proposed voluntary returns programme. This programme is intended to support viable, fair and dignified voluntary return and reintegration pathways, with a focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term return alone.
The programme design included the development of core documents and materials needed to explain the model, engage stakeholders and pursue support from institutional partners and funders.
Programme materials and communications
The charity invested in graphic design and printing to prepare high-quality materials for future pitching and stakeholder engagement. These materials will support Sunglow's work in the next financial year as it approaches key stakeholders, including representatives of the Kurdistan Region, UK Government departments and relevant delivery partners.
Organisational development
The year was primarily a development and preparation year for the charity. Sunglow focused on building a credible evidence base, designing a coherent programme model and preparing the materials required to move into stakeholder engagement and fundraising in 2025-26.
No direct beneficiaries were supported during this period. However, the work completed during the year created the foundation for future programme delivery.
7. Financial Review
For the year ending 31 July 2025, The Sunglow Trust had total income of £13,000.00 .
Total expenditure for the year was £12,355.50 .
All income received during the year was unrestricted and available for use in furtherance of the charity's general charitable purposes.
The charity's expenditure was focused on preparatory work for its flagship voluntary returns and reintegration programme. The main expenditure categories were:
| Expenditure category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Research / youth assessment with DAD NGO | £4,597.00 |
| Programme design consulting fees | £4,105.92 |
| Travel | £2,588.62 |
The Sunglow Trust | Charity no. 1182796 | Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
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| Expenditure category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Graphic design | £980.96 |
| Printing | £83.00 |
| Total expenditure | £12,355.50 |
A total of £4,597.00 was transferred to Iraq to DAD NGO for the purpose of conducting a youth assessment in the northern region of Iraq.
The trustees are satisfied that expenditure during the year was consistent with the charity's objects and charitable purposes. The expenditure enabled Sunglow to build its evidence base, develop its flagship programme, and prepare the materials required for future stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
Restricted and unrestricted funds
All funds received during the year were unrestricted. The charity did not hold restricted funds during the reporting period.
At the year end, the charity held total funds of £644.50 , all of which were unrestricted.
8. Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to maintain an appropriate level of unrestricted reserves to ensure that the charity can meet its obligations and continue essential governance, compliance and operational activity.
Given the charity's current size and programme development stage, the trustees review reserves regularly and aim to retain sufficient unrestricted funds to cover essential running costs, administration, compliance, professional support and a prudent contingency.
At the year end, unrestricted reserves were £644.50 . The trustees consider this level of reserves to be appropriate at this development stage, while recognising that additional funding will be required to launch and deliver the charity's proposed voluntary returns and reintegration programme in future years.
9. Risk Management
The trustees have considered the main risks facing the charity and have taken steps to manage them proportionately to the charity's size, income and activities.
Key risks include:
-
G operational risks linked to working in post-conflict and overseas contexts;
-
G safeguarding and protection risks associated with future work involving vulnerable people, displaced communities and returnees;
-
G financial risks linked to a small income base and reliance on future project funding;
-
G delivery risks linked to future dependence on partners and external stakeholders;
-
G reputational risks linked to politically sensitive contexts, migration, return and reintegration;
-
G compliance risks connected to charity regulation, overseas transfers and due diligence.
During the reporting period, the charity's work was primarily research, programme design and preparation for future engagement. No safeguarding incidents, serious incidents or governance issues were reported during the year.
The trustees manage risk through collective oversight, careful review of expenditure, partner engagement, and ensuring that activities remain aligned with the charity's objects and public benefit duties.
10. Safeguarding and Protection
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The charity recognises the importance of safeguarding, particularly where its work relates to displaced people, returnees, young people, vulnerable communities or people affected by conflict and trauma.
The Sunglow Trust has a safeguarding policy which is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that the charity's approach remains appropriate to its activities, beneficiaries, partnerships and operating contexts.
During the reporting period, Sunglow did not provide direct services to beneficiaries. The charity's work focused on research, programme design and preparation for future delivery. No safeguarding concerns or incidents were reported during the year.
As the charity moves towards future programme delivery, trustees will continue to ensure that safeguarding, protection and ethical engagement are built into programme design, partner selection and implementation planning.
11. Overseas Work and Partner Due Diligence
Sunglow's charitable purposes relate to communities affected by conflict and displacement in Iraq, Syria and related contexts. During the year, the charity transferred £4,597.00 to DAD NGO in Iraq to conduct a youth assessment in the northern region of Iraq.
The trustees recognise the additional responsibilities associated with overseas work, including appropriate due diligence, financial oversight and awareness of local risks. The charity's overseas activity during the year was limited to research and assessment work, intended to inform future programme design.
The youth assessment formed an important part of Sunglow's evidence base and will be used to shape future reintegration, livelihoods and community resilience programming.
12. Future Plans
In the financial year 2025-26, The Sunglow Trust intends to move from programme development into active stakeholder engagement, partnership-building and fundraising.
The charity's core priority will be to pitch and seek support for its flagship voluntary returns and reintegration programme. Sunglow intends to engage with:
-
G High Representatives for Kurdistan in London;
-
G the UK Home Office;
-
G the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office;
-
G IRARA, as the current forced returns contract provider;
-
G other relevant institutional, delivery and funding partners.
The aim is to secure the partnerships, funding and institutional support required to launch the voluntary returns programme and begin practical delivery.
The charity will continue to focus on dignified, viable and sustainable reintegration, with a particular emphasis on long-term outcomes, local livelihoods, community stability and the needs of Kurdish and displaced populations affected by conflict and return.
13. Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the charity's accounts in accordance with applicable law and Charity Commission requirements.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, safeguarding the charity's assets, ensuring that funds are applied in accordance with the charity's objects, and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud or other irregularities.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance when exercising their powers and duties during the year.
The Sunglow Trust | Charity no. 1182796 | Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
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- Approval This Tnsstees. Annual Repcffi was appWDl by the Imslees of The Sunglow Tw5t on.. Dat•- 20 May 2026 Nam*: Nicholas Des Role.. Chair Slgnatur8'.
Accounts Summary
A CC16a receipts and payments accounts form will also be completed separately for the accounts. The summary below is included in this report for transparency and consistency with the Trustees' Annual Report.
Receipts and Payments Account
For the year ending 31 July 2025
| Category | Restricted funds | Unrestricted funds |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening balance at 1 August 2024 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Income received | £0.00 | £13,000.00 | £13,000.00 |
| Total receipts | £0.00 | £13,000.00 | £13,000.00 |
| Research / youth assessment with DAD NGO | £0.00 | £4,597.00 | £4,597.00 |
| Programme design consulting fees | £0.00 | £4,105.92 | £4,105.92 |
| Travel | £0.00 | £2,588.62 | £2,588.62 |
| Graphic design | £0.00 | £980.96 | £980.96 |
| Printing | £0.00 | £83.00 | £83.00 |
| Total payments | £0.00 | £12,355.50 | £12,355.50 |
| Net receipts for the year | £0.00 | £644.50 | £644.50 |
| Closing balance at 31 July 2025 | £0.00 | £644.50 | £644.50 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
At 31 July 2025
| Assets | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cash at bank | £644.50 |
| Cash in hand | £0.00 |
| Other monetary assets | £0.00 |
| Equipment or other assets | £0.00 |
| Total assets | £644.50 |
| Liabilities | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unpaid invoices | £0.00 |
| Grants committed but not yet paid | £0.00 |
| Other liabilities | £0.00 |
| Total liabilities | £0.00 |
Notes to the Accounts
-
1 The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
-
2 The charity's opening balance at 1 August 2024 was £0.00.
The Sunglow Trust | Charity no. 1182796 | Trustees Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
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3 The tharltys Irmme for the year was £13.0.. All Ineomè I81Ved during thè year was unrostrid8d. 5 Total exp8nditure forth8 year was £12,355.. Tha dosing b8[* al 31 Jlty 2025 wa5 £644.$0. 7 A totsl of £4,597.00 was transferrad ¢0 DAD NGO In Ir#q for thg wrFose 0dcting a ywth as88S5ment In the rtham region of Iraq. 8 No t recelved remun•rakn. pay1men b8rth or relmbursed expenses duriThJ the year. 9 Thè charity h8hJ n¢ 8qulpmonl or other ntyKash assèts at year ènd. 10 Th9 tharlty had no unp3id debts or 0r ItieS at yoar end. 11 No serious inad8nts. sal•JuardirvJ issues or Injstse changes were rewtgd dwirwj lh8 year. 12 There were no related party transoclkns dLrrirg the year. Declaration The trust88s dedare that they ha¥e 8FfKowJ the Tnjstees. AJ)nu81 Rewt and ACcnts 81%)ve. Slgnature: Nam•: Nic1138 Des 8ris8y Role: Chair Date: 20 May 2026
The Sunglow Trust
CC16a Receipts and Payments Accounts
For the financial year ending 31 July 2025
| Charity name | The Sunglow Trust |
|---|---|
| Charity number | 1182796 |
| Accounting period | 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025 |
| Basis of preparation | Receipts and payments |
| Fund position | All funds unrestricted |
| Approval / signature | Signed by Nicholas Des Brisay, Chair |
Section A - Receipts and Payments
| Category | Unrestricted funds | Restricted funds | Endowment funds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening cash funds at 1 August 2024 | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Income received | £13,000 | £0 | £0 | £13,000 |
| Total receipts | £13,000 | £0 | £0 | £13,000 |
| Research / youth assessment with DAD NGO | £4,597 | £0 | £0 | £4,597 |
| Programme design consulting fees | £4,106 | £0 | £0 | £4,106 |
| Travel | £2,589 | £0 | £0 | £2,589 |
| Graphic design | £981 | £0 | £0 | £981 |
| Printing | £83 | £0 | £0 | £83 |
| Total payments | £12,356 | £0 | £0 | £12,356 |
| Net receipts for the year | £645 | £0 | £0 | £645 |
| Closing cash funds at 31 July 2025 | £645 | £0 | £0 | £645 |
Section B - Statement of Assets and Liabilities
| Category | Details | Unrestricted funds | Restricted funds | Endowment fun | ds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 Cash funds | Cash at bank | £645 | £0 | £0 | |
| B2 Other monetary assets | None | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| B3 Investment assets | None | £0 | £0 | £0 | |
| B4 Assets retained for charity | use None |
£0 | £0 | £0 | |
| B5 Liabilities | None | £0 | £0 | £0 |
Figures are shown to the nearest pound in line with the CC16a form. The signed Section B page follows as evidence of trustee approval.
The Sunglow Trust | Charity no. 1182796 | CC16a Receipts and Payments Accounts 2024-25
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period UnrestrKted funds RestrKted funds Endowment funds Categorles Details Tot81 cash funds Unrestrthd funds Endovnnent funds to nearet£ fuThJs l)etails b)n&veslE Fund kn thich assetbdvn cwtl0pticrfj Curreiltvalve lopiionall Dètails FuTrJ to wich CurTent value loptionall Detai15 84 Assets retained forthe charity's own use Details FuTrS to thith Ilthllty Tetst Amaunt d loption*) BS Llabilities S¥Jrnd by one ortsm gr1• ( b8haKof all th8 trustees Signature Print Ng Date of approval