Charity registration number 1188919 (England and Wales)
VISIBLE WOMEN UK
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
VISIBLE WOMEN UK
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
A J Pearson N Brugger T Schofield
(Appointed 3 November 2024) (Appointed 13 June 2024)
Charity number (England and Wales) 1188919
Principal address
Independent examiner
1 Spadger Lane West Stafford Dorchester DT2 8UB CB Reid Limited Wadebridge House 16 Wadebridge Square Poundbury Dorchester Dorset DT1 3AQ
VISIBLE WOMEN UK
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Chair's statement | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 11 |
VISIBLE WOMEN UK
CHAIR'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Note from the Chair
This has been a transformative year for our charity, a time of redefinition and renewed focus. As we embark on our second major statue campaign, we’ve taken bold steps: evolving our name, expanding our purpose, and committing to amplifying even more unheard women's voices from Dorset’s past.
Our new project, honouring the extraordinary Sylvia Townsend Warner, represents not only the next chapter in our journey but a deepening of our values. We’re proud to once again collaborate with the brilliant sculptor Denise Dutton, whose work gave such power and presence to our Mary Anning statue.
At the core of everything we do is a belief in visibility, not just for history’s sake, but for the future. Because visibility matters. It shapes possibility. As the saying goes, “You can't be what you can't see.” Let’s ensure that the next generation, especially young girls, grow up in a world where women’s stories stand tall, cast in bronze, carved into memory, and impossible to ignore.
.............................. A J Pearson Chair 22 Jul 2025
Date: .........................
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Foundation Document dated 6 April 2020 (as amended on 20 August 2024), the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to 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).
Objectives and activities
Visible Women UK is a grassroots charitable organisation committed to honouring the lives and legacies of overlooked and underrepresented historical women from Dorset. Through the commissioning and installation of permanent public monuments, we seek to celebrate these women’s contributions and ensure their stories are made visible in the landscape, both literally and symbolically. By creating enduring works of art in prominent locations, we aim to provide focal points for remembrance, education, and collective pride, so that these women are never forgotten again.
In May 2022, we successfully funded and unveiled a bronze statue of pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning in Lyme Regis. In August 2024, following a period of strategic reflection, the trustees formally amended the charity’s objectives and adopted a new name: Visible Women UK — a title that more clearly reflects our expanding scope and ambitions.
Our current focus is the celebration of iconic poet, writer, and LGBTQ+ pioneer Sylvia Townsend Warner . In December 2025, we will proudly unveil a permanent statue of Warner, the first of its kind, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ and literary heritage in the UK.
Public benefit
The trustees have carefully considered the guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit and remain confident that our work aligns with these principles.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
This year has seen continued momentum following the successful installation of the Mary Anning statue in Lyme Regis. As part of our commitment to enhancing public engagement with Mary’s legacy, we:
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Installed a new interpretive information board near the statue.
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Funded and installed fingerpost signage to help visitors locate the statue.
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Commissioned a refresh of our website to improve accessibility and user engagement.
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Developed educational resources , including Mary’s Map and Mary’s Timeline , which are now freely available to download from our website.
These initiatives have strengthened our educational mission and helped embed Mary Anning’s story more deeply into the public consciousness.
Building on this success, we initiated crowdfunding plans for our next major commission: a statue of Sylvia Townsend Warner . The campaign has been met with enthusiasm from a wide cross-section of the public, particularly LGBTQ+ and literary communities. We are currently working with the local council, community stakeholders, and heritage organisations to bring this project to life.
Financial review
During the year we raised £1,321. After operational expenses, the charity had cash available of £42,120 at the year end.
Reserves policy
The reserves are held to fund the continued aims of the charity, and the trustees give due consideration to the level of reserves to meet its ongoing commitment.
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation).
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: A J Pearson
B Lennon (Resigned 14 June 2024) E D Yarnold (Resigned 13 June 2024) N Brugger (Appointed 3 November 2024) T Schofield (Appointed 13 June 2024)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Trustees are appointed by a resolution passed following a properly convened meeting of the Trustees to ensure suitability of candidates.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
A J Pearson Trustee 22 Jul 2025
Date: .............................................
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF VISIBLE WOMEN UK
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Visible Women UK (the charity) for the year ended 30 September 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
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I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Matthew Haines FCA
Wadebridge House 16 Wadebridge Square Poundbury Dorchester Dorset DT1 3AQ 22 Jul 2025
Dated: .........................
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 966 | 145 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 355 | 503 |
| Total income | 1,321 | 648 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Raising funds | 5 | - | 763 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 6,231 | 4,323 |
| Other expenditure | 9 | 500 | - |
| Total expenditure | 6,731 | 5,086 | |
| Net expenditure and movement in funds | (5,410) | (4,438) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 October 2023 | 47,530 | 51,968 | |
| Fund balances at 30 September 2024 | 42,120 | 47,530 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| 2024 Notes £ Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 42,120 Net current assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... .............................. A J Pearson Trustee 22 Jul 2025 |
£ 42,120 42,120 42,120 |
2023 £ 47,530 |
£ 47,530 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47,530 | |||
| 47,530 | |||
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Mary Anning Rocks is a CIO, registration number 1188919. The charity's address is 1 Spadger Lane, West Stafford, Dorchester, DT2 8UB.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's CIO Foundation Document dated 6 April 2020, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to 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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 966 | 145 |
| Donations and gifts | ||
| Other | 966 | 145 |
| 966 | 145 |
4 Income from charitable activities
| T-shirt sales T-shirt sales | T-shirt sales T-shirt sales | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Sale of goods | 355 | 503 |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 355 | 503 |
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
5 Raising funds
| Fundraising and publicity Other fundraising costs |
Total Unrestricted funds 2024 2023 £ £ - 763 - 763 |
Total Unrestricted funds 2024 2023 £ £ - 763 - 763 |
|---|---|---|
| 763 |
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Charitable | Charitable | |
|---|---|---|
| expenditure | expenditure | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Direct costs | ||
| Internet / web costs | 362 | 1,815 |
| Launch / Maquette Day costs | - | 113 |
| Statue expenses | 4,811 | 600 |
| Postage costs | 23 | - |
| Travel expenses | - | 79 |
| Legal, professional and insurance costs | 889 | 1,716 |
| T-Shirts for events | 146 | - |
| 6,231 | 4,323 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 6,231 | 4,323 |
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
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VISIBLE WOMEN UK
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
9 Other expenditure
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations made | 500 | - |
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
11 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).
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