Curiosity Sussex (A registered CIO)
Report and Financial Statements Year ending 30 April 2024
Charity number 1185269
Report of the trustees for the year ending 30 April 2024
The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the consolidated financial statements of the CIO for the year ending 30 April 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Trustee’s Report and Accounts for the Charity Commission.
Chair’s Report
After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic 2023 saw the return of Curiosity Sussex organizing events. Specifically, in November 2023 the Lewes STEM Festival fair returned. As in previous years the event was a great success and we welcomed more than 30 exhibits and over 1100 visitors over a 4 hour period. From the feedback the fair was met with near universal acclaim with the only negative comments complaining about the amount of time the fair was open.
I would like to thank our supporters, volunteers, trustees and the public for their support in making our work possible.
Prof. Stephen Wilkins Chair
Our Purpose
The objects of the CIO are:
For the public benefit, promote learning for pleasure by people of all ages across Sussex in such ways as the charity trustees think fit, including but not limited to:
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a. Produce live events that enable diverse audiences across Sussex to participate in informal STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) learning;
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b. Enable and promote local STEM events, through online promotion and logistical support;
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c. Invite local people to contribute their knowledge and interests, celebrating and exploring their curiosity while fostering understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.
Our Activities & Projects
Lewes STEM Festival fair 2023
After several years of hiatus the Lewes STEM Festival fair returned to Lewes Town Hall on 11th November 2023. As in previous years the event was a great success and we welcomed more than 30 exhibits and over 1100 visitors over a 4 hour period. From the feedback the fair was met with near universal acclaim with the only negative comments complaining about the amount of time the fair was open.
Financial Review
The CIO ended its first financial period with a positive balance. No new sources of funding were required, with principle expenses being on website maintenance.
Reference and administrative details
Charity number:1185269
Principal Office: 53 Christie Avenue, Ringmer, BN8 5JT
Trustees
Dr S Wilkins (appointed 11 September 2019) (Chair)
Ms J Currie (appointed 11 September 2019)
Mr P Goodman (appointed 11 September 2019)
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Curiosity Sussex is a CIO governed by its Constitution dated 11 September 2019. It is registered with the Charity Commission.
Appointment of trustees
Katy Petherick resigned as Trustee on 7 December 2022, due to relocation outside of Sussex. We thank her for her contributions to Curiosity Sussex.
Trustee induction and training
There has not been a requirement to hold a trustee induction since the charity’s formation, as there has been no turnover of trustees.
Organisation
The board of four trustees administers the charity. The board meets at least quarterly, with sub-committees covering individual activities/events. The board has a Chair of trustees who coordinates the board and charity operations.
Related parties
None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a trustee or senior manager of the charity with a contracted company must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported.
Risk management
The trustees have a risk management strategy which is focussed on individual activity/event risks
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
By order of the trustees Prof. S Wilkins (Chair) 24th July 2024
Curiosity Sussex Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account) for year ending 30 April 2024
| Note | Total Funds, £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Funds carried forward | £2029.09 | |
| Income | ||
| Donation | £200.00 | |
| Eventbrite | £12.65 | |
| TOTAL INCOME | £212.65 | |
| Expenditure | ||
| Lewes STEM Fair 2023 - Lewes Town Hall Hire |
£774.90 | |
| Lewes STEM Fair 2023 - Publicity |
£289.29 | |
| Lewes STEM Fair 2023 - Exhibitor expenses |
Food/drink provided to exhibitors |
£89.00 |
| Lewes STEM Fair 2023 - Insurance |
Paid to intermediary Abbie Churton |
£96.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | £1249.19 | |
| TOTAL funds carried | £992.55 |
forwards
Signed S Wilkins Name STEPHEN WILKINS, Chair of trustees on behalf of the trustees Approved by the trustees on 24 July 2024