City of Sanctuary UK
Charity number 1184613
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2024
City of Sanctuary UK
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 to 8 |
| Examiner's report | 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 10 |
| Balance sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the accounts | 12 to 16 |
Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
1
City of Sanctuary UK Trustees. report for the year ended 31 December 2024 Reference and administrative details of the charity. its trustees and advisors The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the dale the report was approved were.. me Position Dates Co-chair Co-chair Treasurer Resigned 1 January 2025 Appointed 19 September 2024 Appointed 19 September 2024 Appointed 4 February 2025 Charity number 1184613 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal addrèss PO Box 384 Leeds LS26 1 GJ Bankers Co-operative Bank plc POBox250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT Cambridge and Counties Charnwood Court 58 New Walk Leicester LE16TE The Charity Bank Ltd Fosse House 182 High Street Tonbridge TN9 1 BE Redwood Bank Limited Suite 101, The Nexus Building Broadway, Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 3TA Unity Trust Bank plc Four Brindleyplace Bim)ingham B12JB Independent examlner Simon Boslrom FCIE West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO Stringer House 34 Luplon Street Leeds LS10 2QW Structure. governance and management The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation {CIOI association formed on 26 July 2019 and is governed by a constitution. Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees The Iruslees of the charity are appointed by the members al the AGM. Trustees may also be co-opted by the members or by the other trustees in the course of the year.
City of Sanctuary UK
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
Introduction
City by city, community by community, City of Sanctuary UK is building welcome for all, but particularly for people seeking sanctuary. From community groups and refugee sector networks to schools and universities, local councils to libraries and theatres, we work with individuals, groups and organisations in every area and sector. Through community groups, organisations, networks and streams of sanctuary programmes and awards we enable opportunities for everyone to play their part in building a more welcoming, inclusive and compassionate society.
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects
-
To advance the education of the public in general and in particular the City of Sanctuary network in subjects relating to refugees and those seeking asylum in such ways as the trustees shall think fit in particular but not exclusively by:
-
a Supporting, promoting and organising the City of Sanctuary network, including identifying the needs of the network and establishing projects or resources to address them;
-
b Raising awareness of the work of the City of Sanctuary network to the public and media;
-
c Encouraging cities, towns, villages, regions, areas, places, organisations and institutions to become welcome and safe, through the provision of information, advice and support;
-
d Advancing the education and training of people who are refugees or asylum seekers;
-
e Liaising with other private, voluntary and statutory organisations on relevant issues.
-
The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by: promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds including promoting activities to foster understanding between the general public, refugees and asylum seekers.
What do we do?
We are working to embed welcome and compassion, so that wherever people seeking sanctuary go - schools, services, businesses, faith and community groups, their own neighbourhoods and streets – they will find people who welcome them and understand why they are here. Through building a movement of welcome we are improving inclusion and community cohesion for the benefit of everyone. Movement building is at the core of everything we do, the City of Sanctuary movement is guided by a Charter which outlines who and what we are.
There are four main interconnected and mutually reinforcing pillars of work:
1. Promoting the leadership of people seeking sanctuary
Increasing the engagement and leadership of people with lived experience is fundamental across all our work. The Sanctuary Ambassador Network empowers people with lived experience to become leaders, within our organisation, our networks and the wider movement. It provides opportunities for people to work within mainstream sectors to tackle inequity and to raise their voices through media and campaigns work. Sanctuary Ambassadors receive one to one support, training, mentoring and facilitated opportunities to take up leadership and engagement opportunities throughout our networks.
We deliver Sanctuary in Politics courses which build confidence, knowledge and skills, enabling Ambassadors to take up leadership opportunities across the networks. The course is delivered by expert trainers, and covers topics such as the UK political system and political engagement; public speaking/storytelling skills, advocacy techniques, community organising and working with the media.
3
City of Sanctuary UK
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
2. Supporting our network of affiliated groups and other voluntary and community sector organisations working towards our vision of welcome.
City of Sanctuary UK provides coordination and direct capacity building support to 100+ affiliated refugee supporting groups working across cities, towns and villages across the whole of the UK. A ‘City of Sanctuary Group’ is a wide-ranging term used to describe any group of people that are formally affiliated with City of Sanctuary and who work collaboratively towards our vision of welcome. These local City of Sanctuary groups have the flexibility to work towards our vision of welcome in a way which aligns with their context in recognition that local circumstances vary. Activities include arranging distributions of vital supplies, supporting those housed in hotels, promoting welcome and inclusion, campaigning and advocacy efforts, generally raising awareness in communities and bringing people seeking sanctuary together with people from local communities to build cohesive communities.
City of Sanctuary UK provides centralised activities for these groups including one to one advice, training, and resources, to develop and improve activities and services that meet the needs of people seeking sanctuary. We aim to train and strengthen more local groups to tackle systemic injustice and meet the direct needs of people seeking sanctuary in their area. We also work directly in partnership with the voluntary and community sector to build welcome within their local communities and institutions.
3. Embedding welcome within mainstream sector institutions
We call each mainstream sector that we work within a ‘stream’. City of Sanctuary UK leads each stream and the activities within each stream are varied. All streams aim to bring professionals together with people with lived experience and the wider refugee sector, to collectively advocate for change, promote best practice to influence policy and practice change, provide resources, advice and training. Streams include schools, universities, councils, colleges, arts, libraries, faiths and maternity. Individual institutions can also apply for an award which is a strategic tool to embed welcome, influence policies and bring about system and attitudinal change.
4. Countering negative narrative and building solidarity through mobilising behind sector wide campaigns
Central to our work is countering the negative narrative towards people seeking sanctuary at a local and national level. We designed the Speak Up for Sanctuary programme to support people from across our networks who may have little or no previous campaigning experience, to recognise their power in making change, to speak up for refugee rights, and to boost efforts to build welcoming and compassionate communities. Speak up for Sanctuary is also about building bridges within our communities. We support and encourage people from across our networks to counter negative narratives, improve public understanding, foster solidarity and effectively mobilise behind sector wider coalition campaigns.
Our approach
We aim to influence policy/practice and counter the negative narrative towards people seeking sanctuary at local, country and UK level (see our “theory of change”). At a micro level we believe that an effective way to motivate people to get involved is by providing opportunities for the receiving community members to meet with people from a sanctuary seeking background. The City of Sanctuary networks are uniquely positioned to facilitate social connections that can turn people’s compassion into action. By bringing people together, celebrating our shared humanity and encouraging people to put their compassion into action, we can build strong, welcoming, cohesive communities. Our approach and ways of working enable us to reach into communities and mainstream organisations that many in the refugee sector cannot. For example, the Streams and Awards programmes are strategic tools that facilitate the embedding of welcome, inclusion and compassion and influences both policy and attitudinal change within mainstream institutions.
We are confident that a culmination of building a strong and widespread movement for change, as well as our mobilisation efforts to encourage everyone within our movement to ‘Speak up for Sanctuary’, will translate into public support for changes in policy and practice.
4
City of Sanctuary UK
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
Our approach continued
We apply our values and network principles to all aspects of our work, one of the most important principles being to ensure people with lived experience are engaged at all levels, including in decision making and leadership roles (50/50 trustee board; an Experts by Experience Advisory Group; the Sanctuary Ambassadors Network).
Achievements and performance
1. Promoting the leadership of people seeking sanctuary
In 2024, we delivered three Sanctuary in Politics courses across Wales and London. With our new Sanctuary Ambassador Coordinator position, we've grown to 100 Ambassadors. They've made significant impacts by serving on Sanctuary Award panels, shaping organisational strategy, co hosting workshops and training, delivering speeches to the Senedd, and leading peer support programmes. All Ambassadors have reported improvements in their confidence, skills, and connections, empowering them to take on leadership roles within the City of Sanctuary movement.
2. Supporting our network of affiliated groups and other voluntary and community sector organisations working towards our vision of welcome.
There are 100+ local groups across the UK, from cities like Manchester to rural locations like East Hoathly Village of Sanctuary. 9 new groups started in 2024, Diss, Taunton, Worcester City, Evesham, Bromsgrove & Redditch, Richmond, Barnet, Wyre Forest and Stockport. This year we held 78 1:1 sessions, 23 regional meetings and 17 training sessions covering co-production to climate and migrant justice, ensuring groups are connected, supported and well-informed. Of the 50 groups who responded to the annual survey, 84% are now constituted, formalising their commitment to the movement; 73% now have people with lived experience in roles with decision making power, including vice chair, stream lead and engagement coordinators; and 96% have partnered with their local authority. We are very proud of all these groups who do everything possible to stand in solidarity with people rebuilding their lives in the UK.
3. Embedding welcome within mainstream sector institutions
- Local Authority Network
2024 once again saw unprecedented growth and interest in our Local Authority Network. 73 local councils are now formally within the Local Authority network, and via 120+ 1:1 sessions we are engaged with 168 in total. 79 councils have now passed motions committing themselves to work with us to build inclusion and welcome within their policy and practice - 12 of these motions were passed in 2024.There are now 24 awarded Local Authorities, including 10 out of 32 London Boroughs: Bradford, Lambeth, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Salford, Sevenoaks TC, Greenwich, Sandwell, Islington, Waltham Forest, Lewisham, Barnet, Bristol, Wandsworth, Camden, Richmond, Southwark, Perth and Kinross, Deal, Manchester, Newham, Chester West and Chester and Shrewsbury. 13 of these were awarded in 2024 - a 100% increase on last year.
- Schools of Sanctuary
Schools of Sanctuary continues to expand rapidly, now encompassing 915 schools with 383 holding active awards and 532 pursuing accreditation, supported by Local Leads in 50+ regions. 2024 saw exceptional growth with 264 new schools joining and 113 awards presented, reflecting a quadrupling of engagement over 4 years. The network's influence was highlighted through high level advocacy, including a meeting with the Under Secretary for Education and BBC News coverage of a school’s successful refugee resettlement initiative. Not only has UNICEF showcased member schools as best practice examples, but Schools of Sanctuary has been recognised as 1 of 29 global ‘promising practices in refugee education’. Our annual survey shows strong positive impact on improving school provision and practice, boosting understanding and empathy, and building solidarity with the wider local community.
5
City of Sanctuary UK
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance continued
- University of Sanctuary
The Universities of Sanctuary programme continues to grow despite financial challenges across the university sector. We have expanded to 39 awarded universities, up from 34 in 2023. Well over a third of all UK universities either have the award or are working towards it and 88 universities now offer Sanctuary Scholarships. This year we have welcomed 5 new steering group members and our partnerships have flourished through collaborations with STAR, REUK, The Brilliant Club, Counterpoints Art, SCAPP, and the Scottish Refugee Council. In December we held our annual conference at the University of York kindly supported by Duolingo.
- College of Sanctuary
This network unites Further Education college staff, teachers, and students in a shared mission to transform education into an inclusive and empowering experience for all. Since establishing the FE College of Sanctuary award in 2021, we've witnessed remarkable growth, with over 25 colleges earning recognition and an additional 20 institutions actively working toward certification. The momentum continues to build, with 8 colleges receiving their awards in 2024 alone. A particular milestone was reached when Dundee & Angus College became Scotland's first College of Sanctuary, marking an important step in expanding our impact across the United Kingdom.
- Health and Maternity Streams
Health and wellbeing initiatives within the sanctuary movement continue to have great impact, as Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, SHIFA Mental Health Clinic, and St Barnabas Counselling Centre all achieved Sanctuary recognition in 2024. The Maternity Stream of Sanctuary marked a milestone when Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Health Inclusion Midwifery Service became the first NHS trust to receive the Maternity Service of Sanctuary Award. There are now 4 awarded maternity projects across the UK, each working to ensure better support throughout the journey from pregnancy to parenthood. In November we held the first Migrants’ Maternal Health Conference, bringing together 80 experts by experience, academics, students, midwives, NHS England staff and voluntary sector workers. The conference provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices to improve the health outcomes of migrant mothers and infants.
- Arts Network
This year we celebrated 4 more arts awards, spanning art galleries, a museum and a theatre. This brings the total number of arts awards to 43. This year, newly awarded Manchester Museum won the Museums Association, 'Museums Change Lives' award for their work with people seeking sanctuary. A highlight of the year was our Sanctuary in the Arts Away Day, organised with Counterpoints. The event brought together representatives from 30+ arts institutions. The network also demonstrated influence through successful policy engagement, coordinating a joint letter to the new Culture Minister. This led to a productive meeting with a senior policy advisor, creating an important channel for dialogue between cultural institutions and government decision-makers about sanctuary in the arts - a step forward in advocating for inclusive arts policy.
- Libraries of Sanctuary
The Libraries of Sanctuary programme marked significant growth in 2024, with 7 libraries and library services achieving awards or reaccreditation. Bradford, Brighton & Hove, Swansea, Southampton, Southwark, Kirklees, and Wakefield all demonstrated their commitment to creating welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary. This expansion brings the total number of Libraries of Sanctuary to 26 across the UK, that’s 454 individual libraries, each one serving as a vital community hub where people seeking sanctuary can find resources, support, and connection. The programme's reach and impact were further evidenced by a successful Libraries of Sanctuary London meeting, which brought together representatives from twelve different London library services. This gathering facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration, strengthening the network of libraries, working to ensures their services are accessible and responsive to the needs of people seeking sanctuary in the capital.
6
City of Sanctuary UK
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance continued
4. Countering negative narrative and building solidarity through mobilising behind sector wide campaigns
Last year we launched Speak Up for Sanctuary, a programme designed to support people in our networks to recognise their power in making change and to speak up for refugee rights. This course has been vital in strengthening our efforts to build welcoming and compassionate communities, especially pertinent in light of the riots of July 2024. The impact throughout 2024 has been significant, through in-person and online formats we’ve received exceptional feedback, with all participants committing to follow-up activities. The train-the-trainer course successfully built participant confidence, leading to several implementations in Norwich, Swansea, the Church of Scotland, and Sunderland's College of Sanctuary. Our "Start Having Courageous Conversations" guide has become a key resource, reaching over 10,000 monthly website visitors and being utilized effectively by organisations across the country.
Wales update
The Nation of Sanctuary vision was first initiated by City of Sanctuary, but it is now a movement in its own right and brings together the voluntary, community and statutory sector together across Wales to use their collective power to work towards this vision. This year we ran 5 Wales network meetings and are delighted that there are now 51 awarded institutions across Wales, including 40 schools and 3 universities. 11 of these awards were given in 2024. A further 92 organisations are working towards the award, 23 of them pledging their commitment in 2024. In July we ran Sanctuary in Politics course with the University of South Wales with 15 participants graduating - they went on to take part in Sanctuary in Senedd where they delivered impactful speeches.
Scotland update
This year Perth & Kinross became the first awarded Local Authority in Scotland – with other Councils predicted to join the network in 2025. Similarly, Dundee & Angus College became the first College of Sanctuary. We are delighted that 4 Scottish Universities appointed Sanctuary focused staff this year. We continue to have a very fruitful partnership with Shared Futures in Aberdeen; as well as holding regular stakeholder meetings across the city, they are a great contributor to Sanctuary Streams across Scotland.
Northern Ireland update
The Annual Refugee Week Picnic organised by Belfast City of Sanctuary this year was the best yet, with around 1450 people attending. Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Jubilee Maternity Unit were awarded Health Stream awards this year, the first of their kind in Northern Ireland. Belfast Met College is in the process of applying for reaccreditation as a College of Sanctuary and Queens University Belfast has submitted a draft Universities of Sanctuary application, aiming to become the first awarded University in Northern Ireland in 2025.
Reflecting on 2024
As we look back on a year marked by both unprecedented challenges and remarkable moments of unity, our vision of building a welcome movement has proven more vital than ever. The shifting political landscape and the Far- Right rise has meant that more people have gravitated towards our movement of welcome. The unprecedented growth in our profile presents significant strategic advantages. Our streams of sanctuary programmes and awards provide proven frameworks for collaboration and system change. Our demonstrated success opens doors to new communities and mainstream organisations, allowing us to scale our impact. However, the growth has brought operational pressures - we receive daily partnership requests we often cannot accommodate. All programmes operate at capacity, forcing us to cap awards, prioritise certain streams, and make the really difficult decision not to take on any new Schools of Sanctuary local leads. These limitations create potential reputational risks and risks impact on staff wellbeing.
7
City of Sanctuary UK Trustees. report (continued) for the year ended 31 December 2024 Reflecting on 2024 continued In the aflemiath of the far-righl riots in July, City of Sanctuary groups across the country played a crucial role in Safeguarding communities affected and work to rebuild trust and understanding. Our networks have continued to grow, driven by individuals and organisations who refuse lo accept the politics of division. In schools, universities, councils and much MO we've seen an inspiring surge in people stepping forward lo make concrete policy and culture changes, as well as volunteer, speak up, and lake action for refugee rights. This grassroots momentum has been particularly heartening given the challenges we face and we've drawn strength from the countless acts of kindness and solidarity we witness daily. From emergency response inilialives to long term community building projects, our networks have demonstrated remarkable adaptsbility and commitment lo our shared values. This report tells the story of a year when, despite significant obstscles, we've moved closer to our vision of a more welcoming. just, and inclusive society. It's a testament to the power of community action and the enduring spirit of welcom8 that defines City of Sanctuary. Public benefit statement In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidan on public benefit. Financial review Income for the year was £453,551. Expenditure was £501.293. The nel expenditure for the year was £47,742, including nel income of £30,106 on unrestricted funds and net expenditure of £77,848 on restricted funds. Details of grant and donation income are sel out in note 2 to the Financial Statements. We are very grateful lo the trusts who awarded grants to us and the increasing number of organisalions and individuals who support us with donations. Reserves pollcy The Iruslees have decided that the minimum level of unreslricled reserves should be beeen £125,000 and £250,000, representing approximately 3 - 6 month5 of annual expenditure. The purpose of retaining the resetves is lo enable the smooth running of the charity and to enable an orderly winding up should the charity need to close. The charity's free reserves, excluding fixed assets, al the year end were £235,459. Approved by the board of trustees on 1 May 2025 (Trustee)
City of Sanctuary UK
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of City of Sanctuary UK
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the CIO for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 10 to 16.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the CIO's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the CIO's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a fellow 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 fellow of ACIE which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act; 2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
3 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: …………………………………… Name: Simon Bostrom FCIE
16 May 2025
West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO
Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW
9
City of Sanctuary UK
Statement of Financial Activities
(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Notes 2024 Unrestricted funds £ Income from: Grants and donations (2) 222,879 Other income 39,667 Bank interest 10,916 Total income 273,462 Expenditure on: Salaries, NIC and pensions (3) 180,175 Recruitment, training and wellbeing 1,672 Payroll and pension administration 2,360 Travel expenses 4,964 Volunteer expenses 1,577 Rent and room hire 1,028 Telephone and internet 943 Postage and stationery 701 Website, web development and I.T. 9,708 Insurance 803 Independent examination 1,386 Meeting and event costs 7,381 Equipment and materials 1,002 Other administrative costs 2,589 Direct project delivery costs - Trustee travel 824 Consultancy 23,243 Grants payable 3,000 Total expenditure 243,356 Net income / (expenditure) 30,106 Fund balances brought forward 205,353 Fund balances carried forward (4) 235,459 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 180,089 - - 180,089 206,679 2,931 146 7,836 9,553 - 471 443 1,560 - - 18,369 638 472 5,000 - 3,839 - 257,937 (77,848) 130,865 53,017 |
2024 Total funds £ 402,968 39,667 10,916 453,551 386,854 4,603 2,506 12,800 11,130 1,028 1,414 1,144 11,268 803 1,386 25,750 1,640 3,061 5,000 824 27,082 3,000 501,293 (47,742) 336,218 288,476 |
2023 Total funds £ 439,405 30,780 6,970 477,155 335,201 2,629 2,263 6,785 5,513 811 1,153 1,199 8,956 764 1,386 20,436 1,785 4,882 15,000 1,442 12,399 3,000 425,604 51,551 284,667 336,218 |
|---|---|---|---|
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
10
City of Sanctuary UK Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024 2024 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricled Restricted Total Total Current assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets 8,567 298,425 306,992 1.000 52,267 53,267 9,567 350,692 360,259 1,824 376,070 377,894 Current liabilities- amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals Total current liabilities 41.216 41,216 250 250 41,466 41,466 23,541 23,541 Net current assets l {Ilabllltles) 265,776 53,017 318,793 354,353 Total assets less current Ilabllltles 265,776 53,017 318,793 354,353 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year 181 30,317 30,317 18,135 Net assets 235,459 53,017 288,476 336,218 Funds Unrestricted funds Reslricled funds Total funds 235,459 235,459 53,017 288,476 205,353 130,865 336,218 53,017 53,017 235,459 The lin8ncial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 1 May 2025 (Trusteel
City of Sanctuary UK
Notes to the accounts
for the year ended 31 December 2024
1 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared 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) (effective 1 January 2019) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year. No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
Going concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1000 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic lives as follows: Project and office equipment: over 3 years
Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
12
City of Sanctuary UK
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 2 Grants and donations Grants AB Charitable Trust Church in Wales City Bridge Trust Gale Charitable Trust Lloyds Bank Foundation Paul Hamlyn Foundation Rayne Foundation Sisters of St Joseph The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation The City Bridge Foundation This Day Foundation Eleanor Rathbone Trust Ernst Maas Foundation Mental Health Foundation Network for Social Change Postcode Community Trust The Tudor Trust Unbound Philanthropy Donations Novuna Finance J Leon Philanthropy Council Plymouth City Council Other donations 3 Staff costs and numbers Gross salaries Social security costs Employment allowance Pensions Homeworking allowances |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ 30,000 - - 2,000 2,500 - - - 62,000 - 50,000 - - - - - - - - 10,000 15,000 7,000 44,379 222,879 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 4,000 7,000 45,285 - 45,800 55,000 10,000 5,000 - 7,854 - - - - - - - - - - - 150 180,089 |
2024 Total funds £ 34,000 7,000 45,285 2,000 48,300 55,000 10,000 5,000 62,000 7,854 50,000 - - - - - - - 10,000 15,000 7,000 44,529 402,968 2024 £ 342,541 31,890 (5,000) 17,423 - 386,854 |
2023 Total funds £ 20,000 7,000 - - - 55,000 20,000 - 8,000 64,675 50,000 3,000 2,000 31,415 8,064 25,000 25,000 50,000 10,000 21,453 - 38,798 439,405 2023 £ 295,189 26,568 (5,000) 15,024 3,420 335,201 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The average number of employees during the year was 12.2, being an average of 9.7 full time equivalent (2023: 11.6, 8.6 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.
| Defined contribution pension scheme | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year | 17,423 | 15,024 |
| Amount of any contributions outstanding at the year end | - | - |
| Amount of any contributions prepaid at the year end | - | - |
13
City of Sanctuary UK
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 4 Restricted funds AB Charitable Trust Community Foundation Wales Church of Sanctuary City Bridge Trust Church in Wales Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Lloyds Bank Foundation Mental Health Foundation Network for Social Change Paul Hamlyn Foundation Postcode Lottery Trust Rayne Foundation Sisters of St Joseph Maternity Stream |
Balance b/f £ - 6,046 1,040 33,478 6,474 1,700 - 6,347 8,064 21,664 25,000 20,000 - 1,052 130,865 |
Incoming £ 4,000 - - 45,285 7,000 - 45,800 7,854 - 55,000 - 10,000 5,000 150 180,089 |
Outgoing £ 4,000 6,046 661 71,356 2,894 1,700 45,321 14,201 7,556 53,000 25,000 20,000 5,000 1,202 257,937 |
Transfers £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Balance c/f £ - - 379 7,407 10,580 - 479 - 508 23,664 - 10,000 - - 53,017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fund name
AB Charitable Trust Community Foundation Wales Church of Sanctuary City Bridge Trust Church in Wales Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Lloyds Bank Foundation
Mental Health Foundation
Network for Social Change
Paul Hamlyn Foundation Postcode Lottery Trust Rayne Foundation Sisters of St Joseph Maternity Stream
Purpose of restriction
Grant to fund staff wellbeing activity. Funding for a regional co-ordinator for Wales. To support work with Churches of Sanctuary. Funding for a regional co-ordinator for the London area. To be used for work with schools in Wales.
Grants for consultancy advice.
Funding to expand and develop the Council of Sanctuary award programme and CoS Local Authority Network. The funding will be used towards the costs of the Local Authority programme manager and England network coordinator.
The funding is to support the development of the health, mental health and wellbeing stream across the UK and to deliver peer support to community projects in Wales.
Funding to build capacity to develop and promote Streams of Sanctuary and awards work.
Grants towards core salary costs and evaluation of the Charity's work. Grant towards the cost of the Wales regional coordinator. Grant towards the cost of the Sanctuary Ambassador co-ordinator. Grant towards funding the co-ordination of the SoS stream and awards. Grants from Women's World Day of Prayer and others.
14
City of Sanctuary UK
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 December 2024
| **5 ** | Debtors and prepayments | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Debtors | 2,200 | 1,500 | ||
| Prepayments | 4,600 | 324 | ||
| Accrued income | 2,767 | - | ||
| 9,567 | 1,824 | |||
| **6 ** | Cash at bank and in hand | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Cash at bank | £ 350,388 |
£ 376,070 |
||
| 350,692 | 376,070 | |||
| **7 ** | Creditors and accruals | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Creditors | £ 7,453 |
£ 2,510 |
||
| Accruals | 1,386 | 1,386 | ||
| Deferred income (see note below for analysis) | 32,627 | 19,645 | ||
| 41,466 | 23,541 | |||
| **8 ** | Creditors: amounts falling | due after one year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Deferred income (see note below for analysis) | £ 18,135 |
£ 18,135 |
||
| 18,135 | 18,135 | |||
| Deferred income | Deferred to | Released | ||
| Income from Universities | next year £ 31,041 |
from last year £ 24,811 |
||
| Colleges fees | 6,005 | 4,309 | ||
| Local Authority fees | 25,898 | 8,660 | ||
| 62,944 | 37,780 | |||
| Item name | Reason for deferral | |||
| Income from Universities | Fees charged to universities for accreditation for a period of 3 years. | |||
| Colleges fees | Fees charged to colleges for accreditation for a period of 3 years. | |||
| Local Authority fees | Fees charged to local authorities for accreditation for a period of 3 | years. |
9 Related party transactions
Trustee expenses
During the year 8 trustees were paid a total of £824 in respect of travel (previous year: 5 trustees and £613).
Trustee remuneration and benefits
No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this or the previous year.
Remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel
The total employee benefits received by key management personnel were £47,175 (previous year: £43,268).
15
City of Sanctuary UK
Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds (including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| 2024 2023 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds £ £ Income Grants and donations 222,879 213,336 Other income 39,667 30,780 Bank interest 10,916 6,970 Total income 273,462 251,086 Expenditure Salaries, NIC and pensions 180,175 166,729 Recruitment, training and wellbeing 1,672 2,296 Payroll and pension administration 2,360 2,063 Travel expenses 4,964 4,181 Volunteer expenses 1,577 3,730 Rent and room hire 1,028 661 Telephone and internet 943 1,025 Postage and stationery 701 1,042 Website, web development and I.T. 9,708 8,956 Insurance 803 764 Independent examination 1,386 1,386 Meeting and event costs 7,381 11,277 Equipment and materials 1,002 1,281 Other administrative costs 2,589 4,172 Direct project delivery costs - - Trustee travel 824 1,313 Consultancy 23,243 1,214 Grants payable 3,000 3,000 Total expenditure 243,356 215,090 Net income / (expenditure) 30,106 35,996 Fund balances brought forward 205,353 169,357 Fund balances carried forward 235,459 205,353 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 180,089 - - 180,089 206,679 2,931 146 7,836 9,553 - 471 443 1,560 - - 18,369 638 472 5,000 - 3,839 - 257,937 (77,848) 130,865 53,017 |
2023 Restricted funds £ 226,069 - - 226,069 168,472 333 200 2,604 1,783 150 128 157 - - - 9,159 504 710 15,000 129 11,185 - 210,514 15,555 115,310 130,865 |
2024 Total funds £ 402,968 39,667 10,916 453,551 386,854 4,603 2,506 12,800 11,130 1,028 1,414 1,144 11,268 803 1,386 25,750 1,640 3,061 5,000 824 27,082 3,000 501,293 (47,742) 336,218 288,476 |
2023 Total funds £ 439,405 30,780 6,970 477,155 335,201 2,629 2,263 6,785 5,513 811 1,153 1,199 8,956 764 1,386 20,436 1,785 4,882 15,000 1,442 12,399 3,000 425,604 51,551 284,667 336,218 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16