The Deer Shed Charity Trustee Report
Reporting Period: 2024–2025
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Prepared by the Board of Trustees
The Deer Shed CIO
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees Rebecca Dallman Josie O’Donnell Rachel Spray Richard Sowter Jeanette Spray Peter Czsmadia (Jul 2025)
Charity Registration 1196164
Principle Office Alfreton Park School Alfreton Park Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 7AL Auditor Simon Smith
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The Deer Shed CIO
Trustee’s Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Trustees
The trustees serving during the year and since year end were as follows;
Trustees Rebecca Dallman Josie O’Donnell Rachel Spray Richard Sowter Jeanette Spray Peter Czsmadia (Jul 2025) Amy Naylor (resigned Jul 2025)
Recruitment
We will recruit new trustees through targeted advertising and our social media channels (including Facebook). Applications are also welcomed at other times throughout the year.
A clear role description is provided, and all applicants will be asked to complete an application form. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the current trustees to assess their suitability for the role and alignment with our values and objectives.
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1. Introduction
The Deer Shed was established in October 2021 with the objective of advancing education through training and lifelong learning. The mission of the charity is to promote skills, build confidence, and develop independence in young adults with additional needs in Derbyshire and surrounding areas. The charity provides a safe and nurturing environment where these individuals can gain meaningful work experience and support to enable them to find sustainable employment.
The Deer Shed was established by Alfreton Park School in response to the concern about the lack of opportunities for the pupils once they had left school. They aimed to create something meaningful and impactful for these young adults —individuals the school has supported for up to 15 years—helping them build on the potential nurtured during their education. At the same time, they sought to empower them to overcome barriers and challenge stereotypes.
2. Our Aims
Advancement of Education
For the public benefit, to promote and support the education of young people aged 14–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) living in Derbyshire and surrounding counties. This includes education in academic, social, and life skills, delivered in ways the trustees deem appropriate, including but not limited to:
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Providing and facilitating accredited and non-accredited education and training tailored to the individual needs of each young person.
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Offering opportunities for supported vocational training to enhance employability and independence.
Young People
Our aim is to serve as a resource for young people aged 14–25 with learning difficulties living in Derbyshire and surrounding counties by:
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Advancing life opportunities – Supporting young people to develop their skills, capacities, and capabilities so they can actively participate in society.
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Promoting education – Providing access to learning and development opportunities tailored to individual needs.
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Reducing unemployment – Helping young people prepare for and access meaningful employment.
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Combating social isolation – Creating inclusive environments and activities that foster connection and community.
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Fostering community engagement – Encouraging participation in local initiatives and challenging stereotypes about learning disabilities.
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3. Activities 2024-25
The Deer Shack: A concession stand outside Alfreton Park School, open Mon– Fri, providing pupils with real-world work experience. During summer 2024, it operated from the future Deer Shed Café site for 5 of 6 weeks.
4. Public Benefit
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Training and work experience for young people with learning disabilities.
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Volunteering and employment opportunities.
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Promoting citizenship and community development.
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Supporting local businesses and school events.
5. Governance and Management
The Deer Shed operates as a distinct legal entity with a Board of Trustees responsible for strategic and financial decisions. Day-to-day operational decisions are delegated to the Chair of Trustees – Rebecca Dallman.
6. Financial Overview
| 2024-25 Year End | |
|---|---|
| Opening Balance | £10,347.99 |
| Income | £24,718.63 |
| Expenditure | £13,201.66 |
| Carried Forward | £21,864.96 |
| Net Movement on funds | £11,516.97 |
| Includes £9,671 UKSPF grant |
7. Financial Review
We are pleased with our financial position at year-end. Through the UKSPF, via Amber Valley Borough Council, we received a grant of £9,671 to support the project. Of this amount:
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£3,388 was allocated to conversion works on the horse box, enabling it to function as a concession stand.
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An additional £1,000 was invested in the purchase of a coffee machine.
8. The Future
Alfreton Park School has secured funding for a Post-16 hub with a café at its heart. The Deer Shed charity is assessing the viability of operating this café, which will allow us to expand opportunities for young people while mitigating financial and insurance risks for the school.
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The Deer Cycle Shed: A bicycle repair workshop to train young people as mechanics, enabling them to gain vocational qualifications and improve employment prospects.
9. Conclusion
The Deer Shed continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young people with additional needs. With strong community support and upcoming projects like the Cycle Shed and The Deer Shed Café, we are confident in our ability to expand opportunities and deliver lasting benefits.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK GAAP). The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained; and
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are also responsible for ensuring that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They must keep proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable compliance with statutory requirements. In addition, the trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 3[rd] December 2005 and signed on its behalf by
………………………………………………………………
Rebecca Dallman Trustee
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Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
(Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 2023-24 | |
| Income from | ||
| Donations & Legacies | 1,210 | 5,742 |
| Charitable Activities | 13,838 | 2,812 |
| Grants | 9,671 | |
| Total Income | 24,719 | 8,554 |
| Expenditure on: | ||
| Charitable activities | (13,202) | (10,190) |
| Net income | 11,517 | (1,636) |
| Total funds brought forward | 10,348 | 11,983 |
| Total funds carried | 21,865 | 10,348 |
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| Grants and Donations | ||
|---|---|---|
| UKSPF | 9,671 | |
| Individual donations | 1,208 | 5,742 |
| Total | 10,879 | 5,742 |
Expenditure on charitable activities
| 2024-25 | 2023-24 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Expenditure on Activities | ||
| Capital purchases | 4,808 | |
| Deer Shack/Cycle Shed alterations | 3,318 | 3,881 |
| Equipment | 1950 | 240 |
| Cleaning/hygiene | ||
| Stock | 6,838 | 593 |
| IT | 108 | |
| Insurance/licenses | 562 | |
| Non-food purchases | 268 | 307 |
| Subscriptions | 61 | 67 |
| Advertising | 186 | |
| Uniform | 205 | |
| Total expenditure | 13,202 | 10,190 |
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Tangible Fixed Assets
| Tangible Fixed Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Equipment | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | |||
| At 1 April 2024 | 4775 | 292 | 5067 |
| Additions | 1950 | 1950 | |
| At 31 March 2025 | 4,775 | 2,242 | 7,017 |
| Depreciation | |||
| At 1 April 2024 | - | - | - |
| Charge for the year | 555 | 47 | 602 |
| At March 2025 | 555 | 47 | 602 |
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| Net book value | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| At March 2025 | 4,220 | 2,195 | 6,415 |
| At March 2024 | 4,775 | 292 | 5,607 |
Cash & cash equivalents
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash on hand | - | - |
| Cash at bank | 21,865 | 10,348 |
| 21,865 | 10,348 |
Assets
| Assets | |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2025 | |
| £ | |
| Tangible Fixed Assets | 6,415 |
| Cash at hand and bank | 21,865 |
| Liabilities | - |
| Total current assets | 28,280 |
The financial statements pages 7-9 were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 3[rd] December 2025 and signed on their behalf by;
…………………………………………….
Josie O’Donnell
Trustee
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Auditing/Independent Examination
In accordance with the Charity Commission’s reporting and accounting guidance (November 2016), the charity’s income during the 2024–25 financial year was below the £25,000 threshold that requires an independent audit. Nevertheless, the accounts have been audited and approved by Chartered Accountant Simon Smith.
Trustees Renumeration and Expenses
No trustees, or anyone connected to them, received reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the financial year
Charity Status
The charity is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and does not have share capital. In the event of liquidation, each trustee undertakes to contribute a sum not exceeding £10 towards the charity’s assets.
Trustee Responsibilities
The trustees of The Deer Shed have overall responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the charity. Their key duties include:
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Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements : Ensuring that The Deer Shed operates in accordance with its charitable objectives, governing document, the Companies Act 2006, and all relevant charity and company law.
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Financial Oversight and Reporting : Approving budgets, monitoring financial performance, safeguarding the charity’s assets, and ensuring that accurate financial statements are prepared and filed in line with statutory requirements.
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Risk Management : Identifying and managing risks to protect the charity’s reputation, beneficiaries, and resources.
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Strategic Leadership : Setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and long-term goals, and ensuring activities align with these priorities.
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Accountability and Transparency : Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries, maintaining openness, and reporting accurately to stakeholders and regulators.
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Safeguarding and Inclusion : Promoting a safe, inclusive environment for young people with additional needs, and ensuring policies are in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
Trustees carry out these responsibilities collectively, exercising reasonable care, skill, and diligence in all decision-making.
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Risk Management
The trustees recognise that effective risk management is essential to safeguard the charity’s assets, reputation, and ability to deliver its objectives. A comprehensive risk management framework is in place to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across all areas of operation. The principal risks considered during the year include:
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Financial Sustainability – The risk of reduced income from grants and donations is managed through maintaining adequate reserves, diversifying income streams, and implementing robust budgeting and forecasting processes.
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Compliance and Governance – Risks relating to legal and regulatory compliance are mitigated through regular trustee training, adherence to Charity Commission guidance, and timely submission of statutory returns.
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Safeguarding and Operational Risks – The charity has policies and procedures to protect beneficiaries and staff, supported by regular reviews and training.
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Reputational Risk – Managed through transparent reporting, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to ethical standards.
The trustees review the risk register at least annually and ensure that appropriate controls and contingency plans are in place. This proactive approach supports the charity’s resilience and ability to continue delivering public benefit in line with its objectives.
Statement of Compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2026 applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), as issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2026 and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The accounts are drawn up under the historical cost convention and comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The trustees have considered the charity’s aims and activities in the context of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. In doing so, they confirm that the charity continues to operate for the public benefit by advancing education and improving outcomes for young people with additional needs, consistent with its charitable objectives.
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Cash Flow Statement
The charity has taken advantage of the exemption available to smaller entities under section 7 of FRS 102 and the Charities SORP 2026, which permits charities that qualify as small under the Companies Act 2006 to omit a cash flow statement. The trustees confirm that the charity meets the criteria for this exemption and that the omission does not affect the understanding of the financial statements.
Trustees’ Assessment of Going Concern
The trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties that cast significant doubt on its ability to continue operating for at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. This assessment has considered the charity’s current financial position and the expected level of income and expenditure in the context of its ongoing activities and commitments. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Charitable Activities
Charitable activities represent the core work undertaken by the charity to achieve its objectives and deliver public benefit. In the financial statements, expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs directly and indirectly associated with delivering these services, such as materials, and support costs. Income related to charitable activities may include grants, donations, and fees received for services provided in line with the charity’s aims. These figures demonstrate how resources are applied to fulfil the charity’s mission and are presented in accordance with the Charities SORP 2026 requirements.
Governance Costs
Governance costs represent the expenses associated with the strategic management and oversight of the charity. These include the costs of trustee meetings, statutory reporting, audit and independent examination fees, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Governance costs are not attributable to a single charitable activity but are necessary for the overall direction and control of the charity. In the financial statements, these costs are disclosed separately in accordance with the Charities SORP 2026 to ensure transparency and accountability.
Taxation
The Deer Shed CIO is a registered charity within the meaning of Paragraph 1, Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore meets the definition of a
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charitable company for UK tax purposes. As such, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation on income and capital gains within the categories covered by Chapter 3, Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, provided that such income and gains are applied solely for charitable purposes. The charity remains liable for tax on any non-charitable trading activities or income not applied for charitable purposes, and no similar general exemption applies to VAT or employment taxes.
Tangible Fixed Assets
Individual fixed assets costing £250 or are initially recorded at cost.
Depreciation and Amortisation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Vehicles are depreciated at a rate of 20% per annum on a straight-line basis. General equipment is also depreciated at a rate of 20% per annum on a straight-line basis. The trustees consider these rates to reflect the expected useful economic life of the assets.
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