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2025-01-31-accounts

Helen Blundell Crowe UK LLP Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury B69 2DG

Dear Madam

We confirm that the following representations are made on the basis of sufficient enquiries of trustees, executive management and staff with relevant knowledge and experience and, where appropriate, of inspection of supporting documentation and that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, we can properly make each of these representations to you for the purpose of your independent examination of the financial statements of Friends of Birmingham Children’s Trust for the year ended 31 January 2025 under the Charities Act 2011.

  1. We acknowledge that the work carried out by you is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with Auditing Standards and that you do not express an audit opinion.

  2. We acknowledge our legal responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements to show a true and fair view as required by law and therefore confirm for your particular purposes that in our view these comply with the methods and principles set out in the Charities Act 2011, the regulations made under it and the Charities SORP: “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice”.

  3. We acknowledge our management responsibility for the maintenance of adequate internal control systems and procedures designed to prevent and detect fraud and error. We have no knowledge of any fraud, suspected fraud or allegations of fraud which could affect the charity.

  4. All the financial transactions of the charity for the year as recorded in the accounting records and any other related information has been made available to you for your inspection.

  5. The financial statements are free of material misstatements, including omissions, to the best of our knowledge and belief.

  6. There are no material liabilities or contingent liabilities known to us other than those disclosed in the financial statements, including any guarantees to third parties.

  7. No claims in connection with litigation have been or are expected to be received to the best of our knowledge and belief.

  8. There have been no events to our knowledge since the balance sheet date which require disclosure or which would materially affect the amounts in the financial statements other than those already disclosed or included in the financial statements. Should any material events occur which may necessitate revision of the figures in the financial statements, or inclusion in a note thereto, we will advise you accordingly.

  9. We confirm that we are not aware of any possible or actual instance of non-compliance with those laws and regulations which provide a legal framework within which the charity conducts its activities.

  10. We confirm the completeness of the information provided regarding the identification of related parties, and the adequacy of related party disclosures in the financial statements.

  11. We confirm that, having considered our expectations and intentions for at least the next twelve months and the availability of working capital, the charity is a going concern. We are unaware of any events, conditions, or risks beyond the period of assessment that may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

  12. All grants, donations and other voluntary incoming resources, the receipt of which is subject to specific terms and conditions, have been notified to you. There have been no breaches of terms or conditions in the application of such voluntary incoming resources.

  13. We confirm that we are not aware of any breach of our charitable trusts and that we have advised you of the existence of any endowments and restricted income funds maintained by us.

Yours faithfully,

…………………. Trustee Signed on behalf of the Trustees

28/11/2025 On ………………….

Charity number: 1196813

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees report 2- 23
Independent examiner's report 24 - 25
Statement of financial activities 26
Balance sheet 27
Notes to the financial statements 28 - 38

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Trustees Lee Yale-Helms, Chair
Peter Rippon
Daniel Hickman
Jake Shaw
Abba Loughran
Claire Preston (deceased 06/11/2024)
Leigh Garbutt
Hamish Munro
Samantha Richards (resigned 20/03/2025)
Joshua Cronin
Claire Hackett
Colin Horwath (resigned 15/03/2024)
Ama Agbeze (appointed 30/10/2024)

Charity registered number 1196813 Principal office Birmingham Childrens Trust 1 Avenue Road Aston Birmingham B6 4DU Accountants Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG

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Trustees’ Report Annual Report

2025

For the period from 29 January 2024 to 29 January 2025.

BFRIENDS (FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDRENS TRUST) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1196813

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The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the financial statements of the Friends of Birmingham Children’s Trust for the period 29 January 2024 to 29 January 2025.

1. Who we are

Friends of Birmingham Children’s Trust charity was officially established through the Charity Commission on 29th November 2021 as an independent charity. It was developed by city partners and Birmingham Children’s Trust (“the Trust”) in collaboration with children in care and care leavers. The trading name of the charity is “Bfriends”.

At its core, Bfriends strives to ensure that care supported children are given the same opportunities and experiences as their peers have access to. The name Bfriends was chosen by young people and comes from the importance of everyone having the opportunity to have a positive friendship in their life.

Bfriends works closely with the Trust to gain an understanding of the needs of children under the Trust’s care, which includes sporting and wellbeing programmes, employment opportunities, and support for independent living.

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2. Priorities and Objectives

Objectives

Advance in life and relieve the needs of children and young people who are looked after in care or are care leavers through the provisions or assistance in provisions of activities and support which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals and in particular but not exclusively by providing grants, items, services facilities and support to individuals in need and/or charities or other organisations working with such children, young people and their families in the following: (A) relief or prevention of poverty or financial hardship: (B) advancement of education including training and career development and mentoring; (C) promotion and protection of good mental and physical health; (D) Advancement of the arts, culture and heritage; and (E) recreational and leisure time activities including sports and access to green spaces.

Public Benefit

The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s published general and relevant sub-sector guidance concerning the operation of the Public Benefit requirement under the Act.

2.1 Destinations

The Trustees pledged to provide our children and young adults with life opportunities across employment and digital inclusion.

Our Targets:

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In 2025 we have achieved:

2.2 Community and Inclusion

The Trustees pledged to work in partnership with the community, partners, and providers to create programmes for young people in communities across the city.

Our Targets:

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In 2025 we have achieved:

2.3 Transitions

Trustees pledged to work with our network of partners, charities and businesses and actively seek support for young people and adults known to Birmingham Children’s Trust and its partnership network that are transitioning into independent living or need additional support as they continue their journey.

Our Targets:

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In 2025 we have achieved:

2.4 Fundraising Targets

Trustees pledged to achieve the following fundraising targets.

Targets set by Board Target Amount Outcome
Community £75,000 £88,032
Corporate £100,000 £6,781
Grants £150,000 £32,355
In kind donations £175,000 £144,011
Total £500,000 £271,179

Corporate

As part of the corporate targets, the Operations and Partnership Manager worked closely in partnership with BCFC Foundation as part of the Community Hub work and securing the corporate capital to support the running costs of the facility. This work was done in partnership with AGM logistics and £100,000 was secured towards the project in 2024/2025. Although this is unable to be reflected in the accounts as the funds went to BCFC Foundation, considerable partnership work was undertaken by the

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Operations and Partnership manager to secure a solid partnership to support the project's progress.

As this cannot be recorded in the accounts, it is being asked that consideration is noted for this in the report to reflect the work that has been undertaken.

Grant Funding

In addition to this, the Operations and Partnership manager worked with Unitedby2022 and BCFC Foundation on the GEN22 program that ran throughout 2024/25. The program was successful on the back of a bid that was secured with Uniteby2022. Significant additional work was put into the running of this program by the Operations and Partnership Manager to ensure more partnerships were developed, increasing the opportunities for the young people and adults that participated. This included a range of additionally funded events from partners to enhance the offer. Although this could not be accounted for in the accounts as it was funded by other parties' consideration is being asked that the level of work undertake is noted as part of the trustee report.

3. Achievements and Performance

All activities supporting children and young adults known to Birmingham Childrens Trust Activities are in line with the priorities of Bfriends Friends of Birmingham Childrens Trust Charity.

3.1 Destinations and Transitions

Employment Pathways – Bfriends, through its Destinations Committee and in collaboration with the Trust, has developed a clear employment pathway that defines the standards for offering work placements and apprenticeships. This approach is

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closely aligned with the family business model that has been successfully developed and embedded within the Trust.

We piloted our employment pathway with Jacobs Engineering, successfully supporting a care leaver through work experience, internship, and into employment. Now that the scheme has been tested, we will be expanding, with one of our young adults, Sabina Begum, acting as champion for further opportunities.

The Destinations Committee is working with three providers to support the expansion of the scheme in 2025 (BCFC Foundation, Drayton Manor and GMI Construction). Bfriends will be undertaking a roadshow across partners and businesses from July – November to match care leavers service to employment opportunities.

The Charity will also be launching a social enterprise developed by care leavers, which will deliver a training model, qualification, and employment for 6–10 young adults, in partnership with BCFC Foundation and Bfriends Charity. The project has progressed throughout 2024/25, with the first cohort beginning training in July 2025 and starting employment in September 2025.

Website – In 2024/25, Bfriends successfully launched its official website, marking a significant step forward in increasing visibility and accessibility. Looking ahead, the charity plans to leverage this platform to attract a broader base of business and personal donors, expanding its fundraising reach across Birmingham and beyond. Additionally, Bfriends will grow its operational capacity by expanding support for the Operations and Partnership Manager role, ensuring the charity can meet increasing demand and sustain delivery of its core programmes.

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St Andrews Community Flagship – The programme was launched in 2024 to

support 125 participants through over 30 hours of structured engagement including:

(See Section 3.2. Community and Inclusion for more information).

Holiday Activity Program Events – In total, 12,220 life-enhancing opportunities were created for children, young people, and adults connected to the Trust and its wider partnership network. These opportunities were delivered through a range of initiatives, including the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programmes, a series of partnership events throughout 2024/25, and seasonal programmes delivered during spring, summer, and winter.

Spring 2024 Programme:

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Summer 2024 Club programme, facilitated by Blesst CIC in partnership with several providers, and included:

Winter 2024 events included:

3.2 Community and Inclusion

BCFC Community Hub – In September 2024, the Charity marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its first community hub in partnership with the BCFC Foundation. This initiative represents a key development in our place-based approach, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for young people, adults, and families known to the Trust. The Hub was officially opened on 1st October 2024.

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Since opening, the hub has welcomed an average of 450 visitors each day, offering a growing and diverse range of activities for young people and families. This steady increase in engagement reflects the hub’s growing role as a vital community space, with projections indicating a daily footfall of 700 by August 2025.

Over the course of the year, the charity successfully raised £80,000 to support the development and delivery of activities at the Community Hub. These funds have directly benefited young people and adults known to the Children’s Trust, enabling the expansion of services and support, including:

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alternative education pathways and wraparound mentoring during daytime hours.

Partnership Fundraising Campaigns Partnership Fundraising Campaigns Partnership Fundraising Campaigns
Birmingham
City
Foundation		 Blue Nose
Day 2024		 £81,232 Funding has enabled the provision of
11,500 gifts and supported programmes
designed to help young people
connected to the Children’s Trust as of
December 2024
ArcusFM Willows
Gardening
project 2024		 £4,300 Materials gifted from different suppliers
volunteering hours in addition
Law and
Leisure
Learning		 Willows
Painting
project 2024		 £2,500 Supply of paint for projects at the
Willows site and materials
In kind donations
Birmingham
City Football
Club		 Tickets £10,860 Tickets to different fixtures throughout
the 2023/2024 season
543 tickets equivalent market value of
£10,860
Aston Villa
Football Club		 Tickets £1,580 Tickets for young people and families to
enjoy days out at the football donated
by fans and partners of the charity.

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Warwickshire
Cricket
Club		 Tickets £3,360 Tickets for young people and families to
enjoy days out at the cricket donated
by fans and partners of the charity.
Christmas
present
campaign		 Gifts £13,945 A large campaign to secure gifts from
multiple recipients for young people and
adults known to the trust.
Easter 2024
campaign		 Gifts £3,702 A large easter campaign to secure eggs
and other easter items for young people
known to the trust.
Winter Fun
land 2024		 Tickets, Food
for children,
toys		 £84,375 825 family tickets, 2000 goodie bags
Equivalent of
£109,125 (full market value)
Birmingham
Childrens
Trust		 Staff time £26,189 Staff time from Birmingham Children’s
Trust to support Bfriends’ operations
and activities
Partnership Cash Donations
3PB
Barristers		 Chosen
Charity
Conference
2024		 £2,648 Funds raised from ticket sales for event
April 2024.
General
Donations		 Various £4,133 Unrestricted donations to BFriends
TOTAL: £238,824

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Successful bids for Projects and activity – 2024/25

Organisation Funding
Amount		 Summary Outcome
Bfriends
Summer
Activity
Programme		 £8,235 Partnership programme to
provide holiday placements
for young people known to
the children’s trust		 Programme successfully
completed in August 2024.
Bfriends Winter
Activity
Programme		 £18,000 Partnership programme to
provide holiday placements
for young people known to
the children’s trust		 Programme successfully
completed in December
2024.
Data and impact report
completed.
Bfriends Easter
Programmes		 £6,120 Partnership programme to
provide holiday placements
for young people known to
the children’s trust		 Programme successfully
completed in April 2024.
Data and impact report
completed.
Total: £32,355

In addition to the above, Bfriends collaborated with its partners to deliver the following outcomes for young people and families. Although the funding was managed externally, the Operations Manager played a key role in securing these programmes.

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4. Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

The Birmingham Children’s Trust donated staff time to Bfriends during the financial year 2024/25. This included contributions from Natalie Loon (32% of total cost, equivalent to £20,856) and Tanya Davison (12% of total cost, equivalent to £5,333), in line with the proportions agreed in the previous year’s accounts. These contributions are recognised as donations in kind from the Trust to the charity.

5. Reserve Policy

The charity’s reserves in the main are restricted where a grant or donation is received which is earmarked for a specific purpose. All other reserves are

The charity has deemed it needs to maintain a minimum cash reserve to cover the committed costs relating to governance and audit which currently sits at £2,500.

6. Governance and Management

In Memoriam

In winter 2024 we received the incredibly sad news that one of our first charity friends and Trustees, Claire Preston, had sadly passed away. Claire was a valued friend of the

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Trust for over seven years, passionately leading several initiatives to support care leavers in Birmingham As one of the first Bfriends Trustees, she was instrumental in the charity’s early years as it developed and remained a committed and passionate member of the Board.

In honour of Claires’ legacy, Bfriends and Corporate Parenting are working closely with GMI Construction on a number of initiatives including an application that can support care leavers with the transition to independent living, something Claire championed wholeheartedly.

Board membership

Bfriends is governed by a Board of Trustees who hold independent control and legal responsibility for the charity’s management. Members of the Board include a variety of skills and representation across the city. For 2025 members of the Board included:

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The Trustee Board will be undertaking a skills audit and review in 2025 to further develop the membership of the board based on needs identified in new trustee members.

Committee Structure

To support effective delivery of the 2025–2028 Business Plan, the Board has now established four fully operational subcommittees. These committees were formed following a comprehensive review of governance arrangements and are aligned to the charity’s key strategic priorities.

Each committee is chaired by a Trustee and includes representation from the Trust, partner organisations, and young adult advisors where appropriate. The committees are:

All committees operate under agreed Terms of Reference, with clearly defined quorum and decision-making protocols. Meetings are minuted, and action trackers are maintained and shared with the Board Chair in advance of each Board meeting to ensure transparency and accountability.

Destinations Committee

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Community and Inclusions Committee

Independence / Transitions Committee

Fundraising and Resources Committee

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Governance

This is overseen by the Fundraising & Resources Committee, Chaired by the Co-Chair of Bfriends Friends of Birmingham Childrens Trust.

Management and Staffing

The Trust has donated a full-time manager from the Trust to Bfriends to oversee the work of the charity. The role of the Operations and Partnership Manager is to oversee the development of the objectives.

Constitution

Friends of Birmingham Children’s Trust is a registered charity (1196813) and is constituted under a Trust deed.

Bfriends is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), established on 29 November 2021. This structure provides the charity with a clear legal identity and a strong governance framework, supporting its ability to operate effectively and sustainably.

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Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.

The recruitment of new trustees, the charity follows one of the two approaches as follows:

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Plans for future periods

This is overseen by Bfriends Friends of Birmingham Childrens Trust Board.

Actions are being taken to secure a number of new young people to join both the Board of Trustees and in addition a group of young ambassadors to join and advise the Committees who monitor the priorities throughout the year.

The charity in partnership with the Trust is looking to establish a Fundraising Manager in 2025 to increase the level of sponsorship, donations and grants.

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

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The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on ____ and signed on their behalf by:

Lee Yale-Helms

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Friends of Birmingham Children's Trust ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 January 2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of (enter body here), which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) 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 been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

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 2011 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts 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 accounts to be reached.

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Helen Blundell

Dated:

LLB FCA FCIE DChA

Crowe U.K. LLP Chartered Accountants Black Country House Rounds Green Road Oldbury West Midlands B69 2DG

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2025
£
238,209
238,209
328,184
328,184
(89,975)
144,083
(89,975)
54,108		 Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
32,970
32,970
35,777
35,777
(2,807)
9,045
(2,807)
6,238		 Total
funds
2025
£
271,179
271,179
363,961
363,961
(92,782)
153,128
(92,782)
60,346		 Total
funds
2024
£
438,570
438,570
320,276
320,276
118,294
34,834
118,294
153,128

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 28 to 38 form part of these financial statements.

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025

Note
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
11
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
12
Unrestricted funds
12
Total funds		 43,033
158,746
201,779
(141,433)		 2025
£
60,346
60,346
54,108
6,238
60,346		 160,300
83,793
244,093
(90,965)		 2024
£
153,128
153,128
144,083
9,045
153,128

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Lee Yale-Helms

Date: 28/11/2025

The notes on pages 28 to 38 form part of these financial statements.

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

1. General information

Friends of Birmingham Children's Trust is a charity registered on the 29th November 2021 as a CIOAssociation. The registered office is the Birmingham Children's Trust, 1 Lancaster Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7DJ. Its principal activities are to advance in life and relieve the needs of children and young people who are looked after, in care or are care leavers.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and 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 Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Friends of Birmingham Children's Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed. They are valued at market value.

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 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 allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.4 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.5 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.6 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.7 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

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FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.8 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

2.9 Going concern

The trustees have assessed the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and have reasonable expectations that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

In efforts to strengthen the charity’s financial sustainability, a Fundraising Manager has recently been appointed whose remit will focus on increasing income from voluntary sources, with a particular emphasis on unrestricted funding. This is vital for sustaining core operations and enabling flexibility in responding to emerging needs. The anticipated outcome is a measurable increase in unrestricted donations over the coming years, strengthening our financial resilience and capacity to deliver the charity’s aims and objectives.

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the value of donations in kind. This is based on the market value of the goods and services received which are passed on to children. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.

Page 30

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

4. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Donations
Donations in kind
Donations		 Restricted
funds
2025
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
£
32,356
6,781
205,853
26,189
238,209
32,970
238,209
32,970
Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
396,910
41,660		 Total
funds
2025
£
39,137
232,042
271,179
271,179
Total
funds
2024
£
438,570

5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Restricted Unrestricted
funds funds Total
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
Charitable activities 328,184 35,777 363,961

Page 31

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Charitable activities
Charitable activities		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2025
£
354,373
Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
314,907		 Support
costs
2025
£
9,588
Support
costs
2024
£
5,369		 Total
funds
2025
£
363,961
Total
funds
2024
£
320,276

Analysis of support costs

Bank charges
Accountancy
Legal fees
Website expenese		 Total
funds
2025
£
10
7,200
-
2,378
9,588		 Total
funds
2024
£
9
4,860
500
-
5,369

7. Independent examiner's remuneration

The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £7,200 ( 2024 - £3,900 ).

Page 32

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries (Recharged) 2025
£
26,189
26,189		 2024
£
45,567
45,567

The average number of employees employed by the charity during the year was NIL (2024: NIL)

2 staff, per headcount, are recharged from Birmingham Children's Trust.

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 January 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .

Page 33

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

10. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
42,800
233
43,033		 2024
£
160,300
-
160,300

11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Amounts owed to Birmingham Children's Trust
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
124,173
4,000
13,260
141,433		 2024
£
84,905
-
6,060
90,965

Page 34

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

12. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds - all funds
Restricted funds
Christmas day dinner
Holiday activity and food fund
Coats for young people
Winter fun land
Blue nose day
Aston villa tickets
Tickets donated by BCFC
Christmas present campaign
Willows Gardening project 2024
Willows Painting project 2024
Tickets to Cricket
Easter 2024 campaign
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
February
2024
£
9,045
2,608
140,975
500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
144,083
153,128		 Income
£
32,970
-
32,355
-
84,375
81,232
1,580
10,860
13,945
4,300
2,500
3,360
3,702
238,209
271,179		 Expenditure
£
(35,777)
-
(122,330)
-
(84,375)
(81,232)
(1,580)
(10,860)
(13,945)
(4,300)
(2,500)
(3,360)
(3,702)
(328,184)
(363,961)		 Balance at
31 January
2025
£
6,238
2,608
51,000
500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
54,108
60,346

Page 35

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

12. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds - all funds
Restricted funds
Christmas day dinner
Holiday activity and food fund
Coats for young people
Winter fun land
Blue nose day
Aston villa tickets
Tickets donated by BCFC
Staff celebration event
sponsorship
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 February
2023
£
2,894
2,608
28,832
500
-
-
-
-
-
31,940
34,834		 Income
£
41,660
-
181,608
-
105,000
76,222
11,240
18,040
4,800
396,910
438,570		 Expenditure
£
(25,369)
-
(69,465)
-
(105,000)
(76,222)
(11,240)
(18,040)
(14,940)
(294,907)
(320,276)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(10,140)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10,140
10,140
-		 Balance at
31 January
2024
£
9,045
2,608
140,975
500
-
-
-
-
-
144,083
153,128

Page 36

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

12. Statement of funds (continued)

The transfer is the amount of expenditure over the amount specifically received for the Staff Celebration event sponsorship. The balance has been re-allocated to Unrestricted general funds.

Christmas day A fund used to support Birmingham Community Chrismas Day Dinner dinner for Care leavers. Holiday activity A fund used to provide winter programmes and activities to young and food fund people in Birmingham. Coats for young A fund used to provide coats for young people. people Winter fun land A fund used to provide winter fun to young people in Birmingham. Blue nose day Funding to provide gifts and programmes to support young people known to the trust Aston villa tickets Tickets for young people and families to enjoy days out at the football donated by fans and partners of the charity. Tickets donated by Tickets to different fixtures throughout the 2023/2024 season BCFC Christmas presents A fund used to provide christmas presents for young people. campaign Willows gardening Materials gifted from different suppliers volunteering hours in addition. projects 2024 Willows painting A fund for supply of paint for projects at the Willows site and materials. projects 2024 Tickets to cricket Tickets for young people and families to enjoy days out at the cricket donated by fans and partners of the charity. Easter 2024 campaign A fund used to secure eggs and other easter items for young people known to the trust.

Page 37

FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

13. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at
1 February
2023
£
2,894
31,940
34,834		 Balance at 1
February
2024
£
9,045
144,083
153,128
Income
£
41,660
396,910
438,570		 Income
£
32,970
238,209
271,179
Expenditure
£
(25,369)
(294,907)
(320,276)		 Expenditure
£
(35,777)
(328,184)
(363,961)
Transfers
in/out
£
(10,140)
10,140
-		 Balance at
31 January
2025
£
6,238
54,108
60,346
Balance at
31 January
2024
£
9,045
144,083
Summary of funds - prior year
General funds
Restricted funds
153,128

14. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2025
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
£
180,170
21,609
(126,062)
(15,371)
54,108
6,238		 Total
funds
2025
£
201,779
(141,433)
60,346

15. Related party transactions

There is a balance due to Birmingham Children's Trust of £124,173 (2024: £84,905), relating to staff recharges and other charges.

Page 38

Bfriends 20250131 Accounts and LOR

Final Audit Report

2025-11-28

Created: 2025-11-28 By: Jane Twine (jane.twine@crowe.co.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAYrIqihceCxv5qpH5JGW8-B9CU6rDis_a

"Bfriends 20250131 Accounts and LOR" History

Document created by Jane Twine (jane.twine@crowe.co.uk)

2025-11-28 - 10:07:45 GMT

Document emailed to Lee Yale-Helms (lee.yale-helms@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk) for signature 2025-11-28 - 10:09:17 GMT

Email viewed by Lee Yale-Helms (lee.yale-helms@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk) 2025-11-28 - 13:36:47 GMT

Document e-signed by Lee Yale-Helms (lee.yale-helms@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk) Signature Date: 2025-11-28 - 13:38:30 GMT - Time Source: server

Agreement completed.

2025-11-28 - 13:38:30 GMT