ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
TREND IN
AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1186066
Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices
53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CONTENTS
| Page 3 | Legal & Administrative Information |
|---|---|
| Pages 4 to 6 | Trustees' Report |
| Page 7 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| Page 8 | Balance Sheet |
| Pages 9 to 14 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
| Page 15 | Independent Examiner's Report |
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER 1186066 DATE OF REGISTRATION 31st October 2019 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st April 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st March 2025 TRUSTEES AT 31ST MARCH 2025 Prof. Thomas Baden Dr. Laura Prieto Godina Dr. Pauline Essah Dr. Jelena Aleksic LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation GOVERNING INSTRUMENT CIO - Foundation Registered 31st October 2019
OBJECTS
The advancement of education in the field of Natural Science, in particular on the African Continent by: 1 . Facilitating in the conduction of research in Natural Sciences. 2 . Organising and running training courses and seminars in Natural Sciences for African based researchers and University students. 3 . Organising and running science outreach events on the African Continents for all members of the public, including School and University students, teachers, parents, professionals and decision makers. 4 . Organising the collection, shipments and distribution of donated laboratory equipment and reagents for African based researchers.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS 15A Sussex Heights St. Margaret's Place Brighton BN1 2FR PRIMARY BANKERS Lloyds Bank Plc 25 Gresham Street London EC2V 7HN
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS
Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
During the reporting period, the Trustees oversaw organisational governance and supported a restructuring intended to refine strategy, clarify roles, and strengthen delivery capacity.
Trusteeship changes and recruitment:
· Dr Jelena Aleksic stepped down as Trustee at the end of 2022.
· Pauline Essah stepped down as Trustee at the end of 2023.
· Sheila Crespo has been invited to serve as a Trustee and indicated willingness to serve, subject to completion of any required formalities.
· Trustees noted the requirement for trustees to be UK-based and agreed that recruitment of an additional UK-based trustee remains a priority.
Leadership and operational structure:
· In 2024, TReND faced strong pushback and founders Lucia and Tom decided to restructure the charity.
· A revised line of hierarchy was created to refine strategies and actions for the year ahead.
· The Director team during the period comprised: Dr Mahmoud Maina, Dr Artemis Koumoundourou, Dr Andre Maia Chagas, and Dr Thomas Auer.
· Dr Lucia Prieto-Godino continued as active Founder/Director.
· Prof Tom Baden stepped down as Director but continued contributing as a Founder, focusing on strategic support to the charity.
Objectives and Activities
During the reporting period, Directors held regular online meetings to develop the charity’s aims for the next five years and to identify the practical steps required to achieve them.
· Regular (monthly) online director meetings (approximately one hour) were held to progress strategic planning.
· In the first part of the year, Directors interviewed all coordinators (approximately 10 people) to clarify current tasks and confirm willingness to continue volunteering for TReND.
· Work continued to strengthen grant readiness by clarifying programme concepts, identifying potential funders and partners, and defining meaningful metrics for impact.
Achievements and Performance
Camina course delivery and growth:
· The primary on-site course organised by TReND and funded by grants during the reporting period was the Camina course held in Ghana.
· The course was delivered successfully and demand increased significantly, with the number of applicants increasing by 157%.
· The Camina course is confirmed to take place again in 2025 in Kenya.
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Communications and visibility:
· A TReND-Camina alumnus joined to support communications by sharing posts and writing updates about TReND’s activities.
· Website coordination continued via Samyra, including work with a freelancer based in Brazil to support planned improvements.
Equipment donations and partnerships:
· The equipment programme remained paused while implementation capacity, logistics and partner readiness were reviewed.
· The charity began updating internal documentation of partners that could receive equipment donations, including those linked to FENS.
Plans for future periods
The Trustees and Directors identified the following priorities for the coming year (2025):
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Complete the medium-term plan and the steps required to implement the five-year strategy by the end of 2025.
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Strengthen funding strategy, including development of fundable programme concepts, grant applications and clearer impact metrics.
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Deliver the 2025 Camina course in Kenya.
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Recruit at least one additional UK-based trustee to strengthen governance and ensure ongoing compliance.
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Improve operational capacity through administrative support (including exploring remote assistant support).
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Continue communications and website improvements to increase visibility and stakeholder engagement.
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Progress planning for equipment donations in a structured and sustainable manner, including partner mapping and documentation.
Financial Management, Compliance and Administrative Systems
Trustees reviewed recurring legal and administrative requirements, including annual tax and accountancy obligations. The charity identified a need to strengthen financial record-keeping through an electronic accounting system (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, or equivalent).
· Founder support was noted: Prof Tom Baden donated time from Maddie to assist with assessing accounting system options.
· Trustees discussed overhead levels and the importance of ensuring overheads are appropriate and transparently linked to value and support provided to partners.
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TREND IN AFRICA (Charitse IncortKJrated Organisation} TRUSTEES, REPORT IContSnuad} FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31ST MARCH 2025 Trustees. Respon$lblll¢les The Charities Act 2011 qUireS trustees to epa ststettnts for each fin¢1 year gwe a true and fair vlew of the state of affairs of the CIO aryj of the surK4us of the CIO fc Itot yj. In tepariro those financial statement$ the trustees are requi to.. . Se1 suitabb accounts rAe$ aTh1 ath th8m ¢on$i$tently . Make 1MentS and eslimales that are reana prudent ppare financu41 ststements on the gtyng cortem basis un$ it is inapproprote to presume that the CIO will continu& In existence. Thtr Iru51ees are $nSIb for keepiry Wokw accwnliNJ record& whth disckjse wilh reasOnae accuracy al any lime the flnancial po$rtion of the CIO. They a also tyS[s1t9P lor safeguarding Ihe assats of the CIO and hpnce for tang reasonaUe steps for the prevent1 ancl deiectth of fraud arKI otFr irreguLarii** 2610112026 Approved by th& Trustees on..............................................................................................................................., Sned on thglr behalf by Tru8199 Prlnte(J Name.. Prof. Dr. Thomas 8ad6n
TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations, Grants & Legacies 3a Other Incoming Resources 3b TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of Generating Funds Cost of Charitable Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Funds Brought Forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ 33,506 - 33,506 98,126 - - - - 33,506 - 33,506 98,126 39,869 - 39,869 37,407 1,380 - 1,380 990 41,249 - 41,249 38,397 (7,743) - (7,743) 59,729 97,802 - 97,802 38,073 90,059 - 90,059 97,802 |
|---|---|
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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TREND IN AFRICA (Charitse IncortKJrated Organisabon} BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025 UnrestriLle¢J Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL 31.Mar-25 TOTAL 31-Mar.24 Flxed As50t5 Tangib Assets Investment5 Totsl Flxed Assots Current Assets Debtor5 & PrepayntS Cash al Bank and in Hand Total Curront Assets 91.439 91,439 91.439 91,439 99.752 99,752 Cr•dltors.' Amounts falliNJ t1ue wNhh) one year 1.380 1,950 NET CURRENT ASSETS 9),059 1.059 97,802 TOTAL ASSETS less current liabilities 90.059 90,059 97,802 Credltorn.. Arnoun15 falllrrfJ dL* In morn Ihan one year 10 NET ASSETS 90,059 90,059 97,802 Fund•ofthoChaty Gerra1 Funds Re$tri¢te¢ Fun¢$ .059 90.059 97,802 Totsl Fund• 90.059 90.0$9 97.802 2610112026 Ap[Ve0 by the Trustees on.............. SKJre(J on t1r behalf by Trustee Prlnte(l Name.. Prof. Dr. Thomas Baden
TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction The financial statements 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 (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Investments
Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.
Unrestricted Funds
These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees report. The movements of the unrestricted funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Restricted Funds
These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. These restrictions often arise as a result of appeals for special offerings for specific purposes.
Designated Funds
These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for particular purposes or projects.
Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied are as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
25% - Straight Line Basis
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
The CIO held no fixed assets during this or the previous financial year.
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st March 2025: None 31st March 2024: None
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| a) Donations, Grants & Legacies Gifts & Donations Grants Received b) Other Incoming Resources Sundry Income |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ 2,325 - 2,325 212 31,181 - 31,181 97,914 33,506 - 33,506 98,126 - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| a) Cost of Charitable Activities Administrative Expenses Bank Charges Gifts & Donations Insurance Costs Projects Costs Sundry Expenses Training Costs Travel & Subsistence Website Costs ` b) Governance Costs Independent Examiners Fees 9 Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ 1,383 - 1,383 1,291 195 - 195 81 - - - 16,984 119 - 119 112 4,094 - 4,094 1,579 507 - 507 255 21,122 - 21,122 16,016 12,448 - 12,448 427 - - - 662 39,869 - 39,869 37,407 1,020 - 1,020 990 360 - 360 - 1,380 - 1,380 990 |
|---|---|
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
5. RESTRICTED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL PERIOD
| Wellcome Trust - ASNL Project Fund PREVIOUS FINANCIAL PERIOD Wellcome Trust - ASNL Project Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-24 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-25 £ £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - - - Balance Balance 01-Apr-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ 2,472 - 2,472 - - 2,472 - 2,472 - - |
|---|---|
The restricted funds held are wholly represented by the CIO's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
6. INVESTMENTS
The CIO held no fixed assets investments during this or the previous financial year.
7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Cash at Bank & in Hand 8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS Sundry Debtors |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ 91,439 - 91,439 99,752 91,439 - 91,439 99,752 Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Independent Examiners Fees Sundry Creditors |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ 1,020 - 1,020 990 360 - 360 960 1,380 - 1,380 1,950 |
|---|---|
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR
The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial year.
11. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Asset Investments Net Current Assets Long Term Liabilities |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ - - - - 90,059 - 90,059 97,802 - - - - 90,059 - 90,059 97,802 |
|---|---|
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
The CIO employed no members of staff during this or the previous financial year.
13. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
14. RISK ASSESSMENT
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
15. RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
16. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.
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TREND IN AFRICA
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of Trend in Africa on the accounts for year ended 31st March 2025 set out on pages 6 to 14.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K. Collaku MAAT Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
Date: 29th January 2026
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