REGISTERED CHARiff NUMBER: 1195127
Report of the Trustees and
Finan¢ial SL*ements for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
for
Brallle IT CIO
Bennett Kirkhope Smith
Chartered Certrfi'ed Accountants
Suites 5 & 6 The Prinlworks
Hey Road
Barrow
Clilheroe
Lancashire
B87 9WB

Brallle IT CIO
Contènts of the Financial Statèments
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
Page
Report of the Trustees
Independent Examinerfs Report
Receipts and Payments Account
statement of Assets and Liabilities
Not•s to tha Financial Statèmants
10 to 12
Detailed Receipts and Payments Account
13

Brai110 IT CIO
Report of the Twstees
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
The trustees present thèir report with the financlal statements of the charity for the year ended
30 September 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Rerxjrting by Charities..
Statement of Recommended Practice appluble lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) {effeclive 1 January
2019).
Brallle IT continues to offer htgh-quality. learner-cenlred educatlon. outreach, and Sup￿ lo blind and
visually impaired adults across East Lancashire and beyond. We are pleased to present this year's report to
all the funders whose funding has been instrumental in enabling us lo deliver our core educational
programmes. expand our community initiatives, and invest in future suslainabilily.
As in previous years, our core focus remains the delivery of acc8ssible braille education, personal
empowerment, and improving access lo wrillen information for blind and partially sighted individuals.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objo¢tiVos and aims
The objects and aims of the charty are..
To advance the education of members of the visually impaired community, their families. carer5 and others
interested in the understanding of visual impairment through_.
The provlsion of educational and training facilities for adults.
- Th& area covered by the Association shall be in East Lancashire and surrounding area.
Publlc beneflt
In setting our objectives and reviewing our activi118S to ensure they corilinue to reflect the charities aims we
have given careful considerallon to the Charlty Commission's public benefit guidance.
Our objectives and aims ben8fil the public and local comrnunity by enhancing the lives of anyone affected by
visual impairments. This is done by providing education and equipment to group attendees at four centres i
East Lancashire, wh￿h promote leaning, support and engagemenl with others to assist their general health
and mental wfjllb8ing.
Page 1

Braille IT CIO
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Edu￿tIonal Impact and Achigvgrngnt$
This year has seen the continued growth and success of our a￿redited qualrficalion programmes, which
were awarded Ofqual recognition in late 2023. We now offer..
Level 1 and Level 2 in UEB Braille
Level 3 in Supporting the Teaching of UEB 8raille
We are proud to announ￿ that Braille IT now holds AIV (Aulhorised Internal Verrfierl status with Open
Awards. allowing us lo make direct claims for learner certification-a signrficanl step forward in streamlining
delivery and recognlsing learner achievement efficiently. This milestone reflects our commitment to high
standards in assessment and teaching, and builds on the administrative and academ￿ groundwork laid last
year.
Leamer Engagement and Enrolrnent
We have successfully enrolled learnefs across all three qualrfication levels. Our learners demonstrate
enthusiasm, perseverance, and curiosity-echoing the positive emotional and cognitive engagement noted in
last year's report. In response lo course drop-outs in prior years. we have amended the enrolmenl pr(xess lo
include a non-complelion penalty clause, helping manage costs and encourage commitment.
Communlty Engagement and Outreach Llbrary & Venue Portnershlps
We began 2025 with an unexpected venue closure but were swiftly supported by Clitheroe Library, allowing
classes lo continue uninterrupted. W8 are pleased to have now secured a permanent venue al Accringlon
Library on St James's Street, without incurring venue fees. Our strong partnership with the Lancashire
Libraries continues lo be a cornerstone of our community presence. and Clilheroe Library was recently
nominated for a Connect Award, re¢ognising our collaborative events and conlribulions.
National Lottery Open W•ok
As part of National Lottery Open Week (March 2025), Braille IT ran open events across our venues. Free
Braille taster sessions, workshops, and information days were delivered in Burnley, Clitheroe, Accringlon.
Blackburn, and Mill Hill. We saw an in¢rease in enquiries and learner reglstrations as a direct result of these
aclivilies.
Literacy and Cultural Engaggment
We continue to provide free transcription services lo promote braille literacy and accessibility. Highlights from
this year include:
Production of a Braille guidebook for Gawthorpe Hall and Clitheroe Museum exhibitions.
Transcription of two local authors, works (Andrew and Shirley) into Braille, which are being archived
nationally.
Collaboration with author and actor Michael Davis. who led a creative writing session and is working with us
to make his publications accessible in Braille.
Secured permissions from JK Rowling's wblisher a￿1 author Neil Gaiman to use excerpts of their work in
braille dassroom sellings.
Medla and Publlc Prolllg
Our profile has continued to rise through-
Social media campaigns
Flyers. radio and press features
SEND magazine interviews
A visit from BBC Northwest Tontght (February 2025), which included leamer interviews and classroom
filming
Vve were also delighted lo receive a visit from Emma of the N21ional Lollery in February 2025. who visited
the Clilheroe class and reported very positively on our impa¢t.
Page 2

Braille ￿ CIO
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
Awards and Recognltlon
In May 2025, our managernent committe• Chairpgrson, Chris Tatlersall. was awarded the Clitheroe Town
Award in recognition of his outstanding voluntary service and eonlributions to the visually impaired
community. This honour highlights not only Chris's commitment, but the impact of Braille IT'S work across
East Lancashire.
Events and Activities
We've continued to offer Braille IT Extend, our extracurricular Programme to reduce social isolation and
improve wellbeing. Activities have included:
Cultural cooking sessions
Author visits
National Trust visits (e.g. Gawthorpe Hall}
Creative workshops with Cullrapedia
Educalbonal participation in Hi VIS Fortnight (June 2025)
In response to learner requests, we are currently planning future events, including ski slope snowboarding,
theatre and spa trips. These will be risk assessed and delivered based on available funding and Suff￿lent
sighted volunteer Supp(￿t.
Schools and Youth Engagemant
Braille IT has expanded engagement with schools. This year, we participated in..
Ribblesdale High School's Wellbeing Day, educating students about braille, blindness, and guide dogs
- Supporting local SEND leachars and school staff through guidance, resources, and taster session$
Wellbeing and Social Impact
Leamer wellbeing continues lo be a major focus. We providg safe spaces for connectN)n and support, and
address issues like anxiety, depression, isolation. and accessibility challenges. Braille IT is proud lo still be
recognised by the NHS as a Social Prescribing organisalion for the fourth consecutive ye?T.
Professional Development
Braille IT staff and volunteers have invested signrficanlly in their Continued ProfessDnal Developmenl
ICPD). This yearfs CPD has included-.
- AIV Training (Open Awards)
UEB Braille Literacy IRN18 & UEB Online)
Mentor and Coaching Certrficale {Level 31
Safeguarding, Assessment, InclusKin and Equality
Bullying and Harassment
Health & Safely {IOSH accrediled)
HMRC Digital Transition Workshop
CPD aligned with OFQUAL requirements
Volunteering and Skills Development
We currently have six Classroom volunteers. Sev8ral are now progressing to professional qualificatlons or
employment thanks lo experience gained with Braille IT. We believe in empowering our volunteers by
involving them in planning. delivery and seNice devalopment-making our model truly community4ed.
Page 3

Braille rr cio
Rèport of the Trustees
for tho Year Ended 30 Soptomb•r 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Sustalnablllty and Envlronment
We continue to embed stsstainable practices in fundraising, delivery, and resource use..
- Use of electric vehicles for travel
Hybrid working lo reduce travel emissions
Sustainable printing IFSC-certified materials. less packaging)
Reuse of undated promotional materials
Engaging sup￿lerS with strong environmental commitments
A Green Plan is in development lo ensure sustainability remains al the heart of our operations.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
The organisalion's main source of funding is from the application for grants from The National Lottery, local
councils and various charitable funds. In the year a lotsl of £56,028 was received, including £54,505 in
grants and £1,523 in donations from indNiduals and organisations.
In accordance whh the charitable objectives of the organisalion, £11,117 of new equipment has been
purchased for use in classes and for lending lo our learners. Costs for session workers, travel and session
exper)ses lolalled £36,486 with general govemance and support costs of £9,124.
Income and costs have led lo a deficit of £699 for the year, which a￿ held in reserves for future expenditure.
Reserves polScy
The Iruslees have reviewed the reserves of the charrty. Thelr policy is to hdd sufficient fLtnds to meet at least
twelve months operating costs, as well as to accumulate reserves for future expenditure within the aims and
objectives of the charity.
Total funds of £60,611 are held in the organisalion's bank account al the year eThJ. This is made up of
£14,181 unreslricled funds and £46.430 in restricted funds provided from grant income.
Unreslricled funds are made up of £4,961 g8neral funds and £9,220 designated funds.
FUTURE PLANS
Over the next year. 8raille IT aims lo-
Expand ils qualification offer lo new geographic areas
Increase outreach lo younger learners and parents
Further develop the Braille IT Extend programme
Concluslon
Braille IT remains deeply grateful lo all of the fvnders for Ih8ir continued 5UPPOrt. This funding has allowed
us lo break down barriers, expand access lo Braille, and transform lives through literacy. learning, and
community. As a￿aYS, we work lo ensure every penny spent brings maximum benefit lo our learners and
their futures.
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by ils governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated
charity.
Braille IT is a Charitsble Incorporated Organisalion, registered charity.. No. 1195127 (England & Wales).
The organisalion is governed by a Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with voting
members other than its charity trustees, dated 21st January 2021.
Page 4

Braille IT CIO
Report of the Trusteès
fof the Year Ended 30 September 2025
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Recruitment and appointment of new tru$to9s
There musl be al least Ihree charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining Iruslee
or Iruslees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees, or appoint a new charity trustee.
The maximum number of charity tnjstees is Iwelve. The charity Iruslees may not appoirbt any charity trustee
rf as a result the number of charity trustees would exeeed the maximum.
Appointmont of charlty tru8tee8
111 Al the first annual general meeliro of the members of the CIO all the charity tnjstees shall retire from
office.
121 Al every [subsequenll annual general meeting of the members of the CIO, one-third of the charity
trustees shall retire frorn office. If the number of charity trustees is not three or a multiple of three, then the
number nearest to one third shall retire from offlce, bul rf there is only one charity trustee, he or she shall
retire..
(31 The charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last
appointment or reappointment. If any trustees were last appointed or reappointed on the same day those lo
retire shall {unless they othemise agre8 among themselves) be determined by lot-,
14) The vacancies so arising may be filled by the decislon of the members 21 the annual general meeting,.
any vacancies not filled at the annual general meeting may ba fillèd as provided in sub-claus6 {51 of this
lause.
(5) The members or the charity trustees may at any time decide to appoint a new charity Iruslee. whether
place of a charity trustee who has retired or been removed in accordance with clause1151 (Retirement and
removal of charity tnjstees). or as an additional charity trustee, provided that the limit specified in clause
1121311 on the number of charity Iruslees would not as a result be exceeded,-
161 A person so appointed by th8 members of the CIO shall relire in accordance with the provisions of sub-
clauses (21 and {31 ol this clause. A person so appointed by the charity Iruslees shall retire al the conclusion
of the next annual general meeting after the dale of his or her appointment, and shall not b8 counted for the
purpose of determining which of the charity trustees is lo reb're by rotation al that meeting.
ReappoSntrnent of Charity trustees
Any person who retires as a charity trustee by rotation or by giving noltce lo Ihe CIO is eligible for
reappoinlm&nl. A charity trustee who has served for three consecutive terms may not be reappointed for a
fourth consecullve term but may be reappointed after an interval of al least three years.
Organisational Structure
Braille IT is led by five Iruslees. Melanie Kilmister is the Chairperson and operates under the direction of the
Chris Tattersall, and Project Manager. Alison. Our management approach remains learner-centred, flexible,
and collaborative. The Project Manager continues lo be the opèrational lead for all programmes and support
services.
This year, the Project Manager has addressed 2 wide range of learner issues. including..
- Signposlin9 to medical serviGes
IT and digital literacy support
Financial advi¢e and benefit claims
Accessible travel and lickeling
Housing. mental health, and recovery support
The trustees and team remain ¢ommilled lo adaptlng lo Igamers. evolving needs and continuing lo deliver
outstanding impact with the support of our funder5.
Page 5

Braille IT CIO
Roport of thè Trusteos
foi thè Yèar Endod 30 S•pt•mb•r 2025
STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Declslon maklng
Any ¢harity trustee may call a meeting of the charity trustees.
Subject to Ihat, the charity trustees shall de¢ide how their meetings are lo be ¢alled, and what notice Is
required.
No decision shall be taken at a meeting unless a quorum is present at the time when the decision is taken.
Questions arising at a meeting shall be decided by a majority of those eligible to vote. In the case of an
equality of voles, the chair shall have a second or casting vote.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity numbar
1195127
Principal addross
30 Cringle Way
Clitheroe
Lancashire
B87 2ES
Trustees
M J Kilmisler
D Buller
C Tattersall (resigned 1.2.251
S Kay {appoinled 1.2.251
R Thornber {appoinled 1.2.25)
S l Bam8s (appointed 1.2.251
Independent Examinor
Bennett Kirkhope Smith
Chartered Certified Accountants
Suites S & 6 The Prin￿OrkS
Hey Road
Barrow
Clilheroe
Lancashire
B87 9WB
?0
Approved by order of the board of trustees on............................................. and slgned on its behalf by.
Trustee i
Page 6

Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of
Braillo IT CIO
Independent examiner's report to Ihe trustees of Brallle IT CIO
I report lo the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Braille IT CIO {Ihe Trust) for the year
ended 30 September 2025.
R•sponsibiliti8s and basis of Teport
As the charity truslees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance
with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1 the Acl'l.
I report in rospecl of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in
carrying out my examination I have followed all appllcable Dlrections given by the Charity Commission under
Section 145(5}Ib) of the Act.
Indopendgnt examSnor's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect..
accounting records were not kepl in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act,. or
the accounts do not a¢Gord with those records-, or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirernents concerning the form and content of
accounts set oul in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any
requirement thai the accounts give a true ané 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 examinalN)n lo whlch
attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a woper understanding of the accounts lo be
reached.
Mis A M Smith
FCCA
The Association of Chartered Certrfied Accountants
Bennett Kirkhope Smith
Chartered Certrfied Accounlanls
Suites 5 & 6 The Printsvorks
Hey Road
Barrow
Clilheroe
Lanc2shire
B87 9WB
1010¥120Lts
Page 7

Braille IT CIO
Recèipts and Paymgnts A¢¢ount
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
30.9.25
Total
funds
30.9.24
Total
funds
Unrestricted Reslricled
fund
fund
Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
354
Grants
874
54,507
55,381
59,904
1,522
54,507
56,029
60,258
EXPENDITURE ON
Charltable activities
Advance the education of members of the
VISU8lly impaired community
1,771
54.957
56,728
52,106
NET INCOMEI{EXPENDtTURE)
(2491
(4501
1699)
8,152
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
14,430
46.880
61,310
53,158
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
14.181
46,430
60,611
61,310
The notes form part of these financial slatemenls
Page 8

Braille Th CIO
Statèmant of As$8t$ and Liabiliti0$
30 September 2025
2025
2024
Total
funds
Total
funds
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank
60,611
61,310
LIABILITIES
Accruals
1,200)
ASSETS
Grant income
Retained for own use - equipment
4,503
33,130
22,024
96,984
82,134
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on
30 lo.Lfr.12ol..
. and were signed on its behaff by..
S l Bames- Trustee
R Thornber- Trustee
The notes form part of these financial slalements
Page 9

Brai110 IT CIO
Notes to the Flnanclal Statements
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
asis of proparing the finanGial statements
The financial slalemenls of the charity are prepared on a re¢eipl$ and payments basis.
In accordan￿ with guidance from the Charities Commission, receipts and payments reported in this
period include all those for the period covering 1st October 2024 10 30th September 2025.
In¢om•
Income is recognised when il is received.
Expanditure
Expenditure is recognised when it is paid.
Taxation
The charity is exempl from lax on its eharilable aclivilies.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance wtth the charitable objectives al the discretion of the
trustees.
Reslricled funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity-
Reslriclions arise when specrfled by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted
purposes.
TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no Iruslees. remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 September 2025 nor for
the year ended 30 September 2024.
TrustO8S' oxpenses
The charity reimbursed Chris Tattersall a total of £180 for mobile telephone costs incurrod while
performing voluntary services on behalf of the organisation. Expenses reimbursed for the year ended
30 September 2024 were £625.20.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Unrestricted
fund
Restricted
fund
Total
funds
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
354
354
Grants
6,400
53,504
59,904
6.754
53.504
60,258
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitablg activities
Advance the education of mernbers of I
visually impaired community
52,334
NET INCOME
6.983
1,169
8.152
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
7.447
45,711
53,158
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
14,430
46,880
61,310
Page 10
continued...

Brallle IT CIO
Notgs to the Financial Statemgnt$ - ￿ntInued
for the Yaar Ended 30 Sept8rnbor 2025
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Restricted Funds
2025
2024
INCOME
Donations
Braille IT
Grants
54,505 53,505
Total restricted incomo
54,505 53.505
EXPENDITURE
AGM
Insurance
Repairs
Excursions
Printing, Postage & Stallonary
Electrical I Computer Equipment
Volunteer Travel & Expenses
Sessional Workers
Volunteer Grfls
Venue Hire
Consumablesl PPE
Refreshments
Training
Membership Fees
Mobile Phone
Marketing
Independent Examination
Bank Charges
1,150
283
1,000
416
251
1,556
3.495
1,643
11,106
3,683
550
616
32,650 32,252
179
113
449
502
386
525
3.565
1,483
540
173
1,440
64
2,933
979
585
203
1.200
Total rostrided expendlturo
54,955 36,725
TRANSFERS TO UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Total transfers to unrestrlctod funds
Rostricted funds carriod forward
46,430 46.880
Restricted funds carried forwards are split between the following funders-
Hedley Foundation
RVBC - Voluntary Organisation Grant
Albert Hunt Trust
HRVCVS
LCC Arts and Culture Fur
The National Lottery Community Fund
Fort Vale Foundation
815
3,594
3.597
3,597
2,000
2,000
3,620
3.620
4,321
4,321
33,977 29,748
1,900
Rèstrlcted funds ¢arrled forward
46,430 46,880
The negative fund for the Fort Vale Foundation is for expenditure incurred for an awarded grant which
was not received into the bank account al the year end bul was banked on 10 October 2025.
Page11
continued...

Braille IT CIO
Notes to tho Financial Statomènts - ¢ontlnuod
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS . continued
Designated Funds
Designated funds have been Glassed as Such by the charity as funds which have been received but
which have no reslricled covenants. The charity has separated them so that they can report back to
the donor as lo how and when the funds have been expended.
2025
2024
Ulverslon Trust
Garfield Weston
Co-op
LCC Disabled Champions
Tesco Groundworks
Oonalion Ribble Valley Talking Books
Lancashire & Cumbria Inlegraled Care Board
372
372
917
1.595 1,095
1,000
1,000
2,000
1,625
856
4,250 4.250
Total designated funds
9,220 3 168
RELATED PAR￿ DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Page 12

Brallle IT CIO
Dgtailed Rocgipts and Paymènt$ Ac¢ount
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
30.9.25
30.9.24
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Grants
354
59,904
55,381
56,029
60,258
Total Incomlng rgsourcgs
56,029
60,258
EXPENDITURE
Charitsblg activltlos
Electricall wmputer equip
Volunteer travel & expenses
Session Workers
Venue Hire
Excursions
Refreshments
11.106
3,086
32,650
3.683
475
32.252
502
4,060
526
364
47.592
41.498
Support costs
Management
AGM
Insurance
Printing, postage & stationary
Consumablesl PPE
Memberships
Training
Marketing
Repairs & renewables
1,150
283
416
251
1,643
17
1.483
3,565
173
1,556
449
979
2,933
203
1,001
7.882
9,104
Flnance
Bank charges
64
Govemance costs
Independent Examiners Fee
1.200
1,440
Total resources expended
56,728
52,106
Net (èxpanditurelllncomo
8,152
This page does not form part of th8 statutory financial statements
Page 13