ANNUAL RETURN TO CHARITY COMMISSION of ANNUAL ACCOUNTS and REPORT for year ending 30 September 2025
The objects of the CIO are:
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to promote community participation in healthy recreation by providing facilities for sailing on Hickling Broad and adjoining waters, as well as facilitating canoeing, kayaking, rowing, windsurfing and paddle-boarding; and
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to advance education and training for the public benefit in the subject of sailing and the use of power boats as safety boats.
Hickling Broad Sailing Club became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in December 2019. Following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Club continued to develop its programme of sailing, training and racing, supported by a committed team of volunteers. As the Club has grown, the Trustees have recognised the need to strengthen the governance, planning and organisational arrangements that support its charitable activities.
During the year, the Trustees therefore focused on ensuring that the Club has the foundations in place to remain a sustainable, well-managed charity for the future. Alongside supporting the Club's day-to-day activities, significant progress was made in strategic planning, governance, infrastructure planning and long-term organisational development.
Developing a Long-Term Vision
One of the most significant achievements during the year was the development of the Club's first Five Year Strategic Plan. The Plan provides a clear framework for future decision-making, bringing together priorities for governance, membership, volunteers, communications, racing, training and the maintenance of the Club's facilities.
The Trustees see the Strategic Plan as a working document that will be reviewed regularly alongside the Management Committee to ensure that priorities remain realistic and continue to reflect the needs of the Club.
Governance and Organisational Development
A major area of work during the year has been reviewing the governance arrangements that support the Club.
The Trustees began reviewing key governance documents, recognising that a number had not been updated for several years. The review has focused on ensuring that policies remain appropriate for a modern charitable organisation while maintaining the volunteer-led culture that is central to the Club.
Work also commenced to clarify the respective roles of the Trustees and the Management Committee, with greater collaboration between both groups helping to ensure that strategic decisions and operational delivery remain closely aligned.
Securing the Club's Future
The Trustees continued to make good progress in securing the Club's long-term future through negotiations regarding the Dinghy Park lease and associated access arrangements.
Obtaining a longer lease remains an important objective, providing greater security for the Club and improving opportunities to access external funding for future development. Independent legal advice has supported this work throughout the year.
Alongside the lease negotiations, the Trustees considered future opportunities for the wider site, including improvements to access and the development of Alder Carr, ensuring that any proposals support the Club's long-term charitable objectives.
Investing in the Club's Facilities
Planning for the future maintenance and development of the Club's facilities has continued throughout the year.
Work progressed on improving the Club's electrical infrastructure, while proposals were developed to improve access to Alder Carr and make better use of the surrounding land. The Trustees also began taking a more strategic approach to future asset management, recognising the importance of planning for significant infrastructure investment over the coming years rather than responding only when maintenance becomes necessary.
Supporting Delivery of the Club's Charitable Objectives
Throughout the year the Club continued to provide a varied programme of sailing, racing, training and social activities for members and the wider community.
The Trustees supported the continued development of the RYA Training Centre and welcomed operational reviews designed to ensure that training procedures remain current and fit for purpose. The Club's successful Open Day demonstrated the enthusiasm of members and volunteers and provided an excellent opportunity to introduce new participants to sailing.
Work also began to improve the Club's communications, including development of the website and greater use of digital communication to support members and volunteers.
Looking Ahead
The Trustees believe that this year has marked an important step in the Club's development. While much of the work undertaken has taken place behind the scenes, it has established stronger foundations for the future by introducing longer-term planning, strengthening governance and progressing several significant projects relating to the Club's facilities and long-term security.
The continued success of Hickling Broad Sailing Club depends on the commitment of its volunteers, whose enthusiasm and dedication enable the Club to provide opportunities for sailing, learning and community participation. The Trustees would like to thank everyone who has contributed their time and expertise during the year and look forward to building on this progress as the Five Year Strategic Plan continues to be implemented.
The Trustees, Hickling Broad Sailing Club CIO, 25[th] July 2026
Signed: Wendy Westerhoff Trustee Chairperson
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trusteesl members of Hickling Broad Sailing Club CIO On accounts for the year ended 30th September 2025 Charity no (if any) 1187111 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('the Trust") for the year ended 3010912025. Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below ") in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records Independent examiner's ststement I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: Q2/11120IS Name: Isabel Snell Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACA ~ ICAEW Address: Warren, Chequers Street East Ruston, Norfolk NR12 9JT IER October 2018
Disclosure Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). None IER October 2018