## **Trustees’ Annual Report** ## **For the Year Ending 1 September 2025** ## **Reference and Administrative Details** Charity Name: City Farm Stoke Community Trust Registered Charity Number: 1195724 Principal Address: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Structure: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Trustees serving during the year: Amanda Cotterill (Chair) Olivia-Mae Cotterill Reanne Christy Joanne Smith Warren Penalver ## **Objectives and Activities** The charity exists to provide a free, educational and accessible outdoor community space for residents of Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas. The charity promotes community wellbeing through interaction with animals, nature, environmental education and outdoor activities. The trustees continue to work towards the long-term redevelopment and sustainability of the City Farm site following its closure in 2011. Activities during the year have focused on: Community engagement and volunteer development Animal welfare and environmental education Site maintenance and improvement works Fundraising and awareness campaigns Developing partnerships within the local community Creating accessible outdoor learning opportunities for families and young people The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning activities and setting objectives. ## **Achievements and Performance** 2024/2025 has been a positive year of continued growth for the charity. The charity has increased public awareness and strengthened volunteer involvement, helping to further establish City Farm Stoke as a valued community asset. Volunteer support remains essential to the running and development of the organisation. Following modest income in earlier reporting periods, the charity has demonstrated encouraging financial progress and operational development. The trustees are pleased with the increase in community support and fundraising activity over the past year. Key achievements included: Expansion of volunteer participation Increased community attendance at events and activities Improvements to outdoor facilities and site organisation Enhanced engagement with local families and supporters Continued promotion of environmental and animal education The trustees also recognise the importance of social media and local community support in helping rebuild momentum for the charity. Community interest in restoring and supporting the farm continues to grow. ## **Financial Review** The charity reported income growth during the previous reporting periods, with the latest Charity Commission filing showing income of approximately £20,132 and expenditure of approximately £19,123. The trustees are satisfied that the charity remains financially stable while continuing to reinvest available funds into operational improvements and future sustainability. Primary sources of funding during the year included: Public donations Community fundraising Local support initiatives Small grants and charitable contributions Expenditure primarily related to: Site maintenance Animal care and welfare Equipment and operational costs Insurance and compliance Volunteer support and community activities The trustees aim to maintain appropriate reserves while continuing to develop the charity’s infrastructure and long-term operational capacity. ## **Plans for Future Periods** The trustees intend to continue developing the City Farm site into a sustainable and accessible community facility for Stoke-on-Trent residents. Planned priorities for 2025/2026 include: Expanding educational and community activities Increasing volunteer recruitment and training Improving site infrastructure and accessibility - Strengthening fundraising capacity Developing partnerships with local organisations and schools ## **Proposed Vehicle Purchase** To improve operational efficiency, the trustees intend to purchase a secondhand truck or utility vehicle with a budget of up to £5,000. The vehicle will support: Collection and transportation of donated materials Animal feed and equipment transport Waste removal and site maintenance Community event logistics Reduction in external transport and hire costs The trustees believe this investment will provide long-term value to the charity by improving operational capability and supporting future growth. Any purchase will be subject to available funds, appropriate due diligence and trustee approval. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The charity is governed by its constitution and managed by its board of trustees. The charity continues to rely heavily on volunteers, whose commitment and contribution remain essential to the success of the organisation. ## **Risk Management** The trustees regularly review risks facing the charity and have identified the following key areas: - Financial sustainability - Site and public safety - Volunteer capacity - Equipment and maintenance costs - Regulatory compliance Appropriate insurance and safeguarding procedures are maintained, and the trustees continue working to strengthen operational resilience. ## **Trustee Declaration** The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report and have authorised it to be signed on behalf of the board. Signed on behalf of the trustees: Amanda Cotterill Chair of Trustees Date: __________________