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:** 

- Develop a clear pathway model around employability and begin working with three new employers, including the Combined Authority, to roll out by Summer 2025. 

- Create an interactive website. 

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In 2025 we have achieved: 

- Piloted a programme with Jacobs Engineering to successfully support a care leaver from work experience through to employment, ready to roll out for our summer 2025 deadline. 

- Launched the official Bfriends website in 2024 to boost visibility and accessibility. 

## **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:** 

- Launch a community hub by October 2024 

- Launch a care leavers drop-in and mentoring facility with 40 weekly places by November 2024. 

- Create 10,000 life opportunities for Children, Young People and Adults known to the Trust and its partnership network. 

- Support 20,000 families and children with donated items and gifts. 

- Fundraise £80,000 towards the Community Hub project by 31 January 2025. 

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In 2025 we have achieved: 

- Opening our first community hub in October 2024. 

- Fundraising £80,000 toward Community Hub activity and development. 

- Supporting 21,000 families and children with donated items. 

- Creating 12,220 life opportunities through various programmes. 

- Launching a care leavers drop-in facility with BCT. 

- Delivering the St Andrews Community Flagship programme, supporting a total of 1,079 young people. 

## **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:** 

- Launch a mentoring scheme by January 2025, including: 

   - Decorating, gardening, DIY 

   - Furnishings and domestic items 

   - Support with Wi-Fi, heating, and data 

   - Cooking and budgeting workshops 

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In 2025 we have achieved: 

- Piloting 74 life skills initiatives in collaboration with partners, with plans to launch in 2025 a tailored support system that helps individuals transition into the home. This includes providing essential items and access to a pool of volunteers who can assist during the process. 

- Distributed 487 domestic items in partnership with the care leavers service. 

## **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: 

- First aid training 

- Planning skills 

- Sports leadership training and coaching 

- Public Speaking 

- Residentials 

- CV and interview workshops 

(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: 

- 4 Community Youth Listening Events for 80 young people 

- Drop-in and Life skills sessions for 40 young people (weekly throughout March) 

- · Away Day Thorpe Park for 300 young people 

- And SEND and Sensory sessions in residential homes for 120 young people, in 4 homes 

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

- Studio Session Recording and Lyric Writing 

- Creative Art Sessions 

- Cooking Classes and Heathy Eating 

- Sports – Football, Netball, Dance, Basketball. 

- Trip out to Bear Grills and end of programme celebration for young people in attendance at Teamwork’s Karting. 

Winter 2024 events included: 

- Winter Funland, for 825 families known to the Trust. 

- Blue Nose Day. 

- Women’s Game 

- Participation Group Christmas Party 

- Christmas gifts and items including food parcels, toys, toiletries, and other personal essentials to over 21,000 families and young people 

## **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: 

- **St Andrews Community Flagship programme:** Launched in March 2024, this initiative delivered 125 educational and wellbeing placements (each totaling 30 hours) through twelve grassroots delivery partners, supporting young people across the city. 

- **Care leavers drop-in facility** : Working closely with the Trust, we introduced a new initiative in 2024 that offers dedicated support to care leavers every Friday afternoon. This space provides a consistent and welcoming environment for young people to connect, access guidance, and build confidence. Plans are underway to expand the offer in 2025 to include structured life skills sessions, cooking classes, and other tailored activities designed to promote independence and personal development. 

- **Life Skills Sessions:** Introduced in May 2024, these sessions were co-designed and delivered in partnership with local businesses, equipping participants with practical skills to support personal development and employability. 

- **Daytime Provision for Older Young People:** A new strand of provision was developed to support older young people known to the Trust. This included 

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alternative education pathways and wraparound mentoring during daytime hours. 

- **Targeted Placement Support:** Working closely with the Birmingham City Foundation, the Charity prioritised access to educational placements for young people and adults engaged with the Trust. 

- **Apprenticeship Opportunities:** In collaboration with the Birmingham City Foundation, an apprenticeship scheme was established, offering six placements with the Football Club and one with the Foundation at the Community Hub. 

- **3.3 Fundraising highlights meeting the outcomes linked to our priorities:** 

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



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|Warwickshire<br>Cricket<br>Club|Tickets|£3,360|Tickets for young people and families to<br>enjoy days out at the cricket donated<br>by fans and partners of the charity.|
|---|---|---|---|
|Christmas<br>present<br>campaign|Gifts|£13,945|A large campaign to secure gifts from<br>multiple recipients for young people and<br>adults known to the trust.|
|Easter 2024<br>campaign|Gifts|£3,702|A large easter campaign to secure eggs<br>and other easter items for young people<br>known to the trust.|
|Winter Fun<br>land 2024|Tickets, Food<br>for children,<br>toys|£84,375|825 family tickets, 2000 goodie bags<br>Equivalent of<br>£109,125 (full market value)|
|Birmingham<br>Childrens<br>Trust|Staff time|£26,189|Staff time from Birmingham Children’s<br>Trust to support Bfriends’ operations<br>and activities|
|**Partnership Cash Donations**||||
|3PB<br>Barristers|Chosen<br>Charity<br>Conference<br>2024|£2,648|Funds raised from ticket sales for event<br>April 2024.|
|General<br>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**<br>**Amount**|**Summary**|**Outcome**|
|---|---|---|---|
|Bfriends<br>Summer<br>Activity<br>Programme|£8,235|Partnership programme to<br>provide holiday placements<br>for young people known to<br>the children’s trust|Programme successfully<br>completed in August 2024.|
|Bfriends Winter<br>Activity<br>Programme|£18,000|Partnership programme to<br>provide holiday placements<br>for young people known to<br>the children’s trust|Programme successfully<br>completed in December<br>2024.<br>Data and impact report<br>completed.|
|Bfriends Easter<br>Programmes|£6,120|Partnership programme to<br>provide holiday placements<br>for young people known to<br>the children’s trust|Programme successfully<br>completed in April 2024.<br>Data and impact report<br>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. 

- Supporting BCFC in raising £100k via AMG Logistics for staffing and operations of the community hub. 

- Launched a Premier League-funded ESOL program with £10,000 for May– December 2024. 

- Secured £125,000 from UnitedBy2022 to fund 125 placements at the Hub (March 2024–March 2025). And worked with a range of other partners to secure further activity, events and experiences for those who participated. BCFC was financial lead and accounted for funding within their accounts. 

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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: 

- Abba Loughran (Co-Chair and Young Ambassador) 

- Lee Yale-Helms (Co-Chair) 

- Guy Ripon (Trustee) 

- Joshua Cronin (Trustee) 

- Samantha Richards (Trustee) removed 20/03/2025 

- Claire Preston (Trustee) death in service 06/11/2024 

- Colin Horwath (Trustee) resigned 15/05/2024 

- Hamish Munro (Trustee) 

- Daniel Hickman (Trustee) 

- Leigh Garbutt (Trustee) 

- Ama Agbeze (Trustee) appointed 30/10/2024 

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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: 

- Destinations 

- Community and Inclusions 

- Independence / Transitions 

- Fundraising and Resources 

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** 

- Chair - Daniel Hickman (Trustee) 

- Hamish Munro (Trustee) 

- Vacancy (Young Person Ambassador Trustee) 

- Jake Shaw – Corporate Parenting Coordinator, BCT (Adviser) 

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- Dawn Crooks – Apprentice Coordinator, BCT (Adviser) 

## **Community and Inclusions Committee** 

- Chair - Leigh Garbutt (Trustee) 

- Hamish Munro (Trustee) 

- Vacancy (Young Person Ambassador Trustee) 

- Richard Campbell – CEO, Blesst (Adviser) 

## **Independence / Transitions Committee** 

- Chair - Abba Loughran (Current Co-Chair, soon to be moving on) 

- Vacancy (Trustee) 

- Vacancy (Trustee) 

- Jake Shaw – Corporate Parenting Coordinator, BCT (Adviser) 

- Andy Crotty – Managing Director, OTD Training (Adviser) 

- Natalie Loon – Operations and Partnership Manager, Bfriends (Adviser) 

## **Fundraising and Resources Committee** 

- Chair - Lee Yale-Helms (Chair and Trustee) 

- Joshua Cronin (Trustee) 

- Abba / New Co-chair (Trustee) 

- Vacancy (Trustee) 

- Vacancy – External Funding Manager (Adviser) 

- Natalie Loon – Operations and Partnership Manager, Bfriends (Adviser) 

- Jake Shaw – Corporate Parenting Coordinator, BCT (Adviser) 

- Laura Hendry – Head of Business Development and Partnerships, BCT (Adviser) 

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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: 

- (1) We have two trustee positions which are for young people, who represent the voice of children and young people on the Board.  The process for this is that we engage with a wider group of care experienced young people through our Rights and Participation Service who met regularly with young people.  We promote the work of the charity to them and seek volunteers to come forward.  We then interview those young people who have expressed in interest and make a selection. Those selected are then proposed to the Board for approval to be appointed. 

- (2) Other trustee positions are recruited through an open process where we advertise the vacancies, through social media, to attract candidates from across the city who are representative of the communities and businesses and to encourage diversity. This is supported by a skills audit to identify where there are gaps on the current Board. Again, successful candidates are then proposed to the Board for approval. 

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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: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); 

- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. 

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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. 

Page 24 



## **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 

Page 25 



## **FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025** 

|**Note**<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>4<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Charitable activities<br>5<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Total funds carried forward**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**238,209**<br>**238,209**<br>**328,184**<br>**328,184**<br>**(89,975)**<br>**144,083**<br>**(89,975)**<br>**54,108**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**32,970**<br>**32,970**<br>**35,777**<br>**35,777**<br>**(2,807)**<br>**9,045**<br>**(2,807)**<br>**6,238**|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**271,179**<br>**271,179**<br>**363,961**<br>**363,961**<br>**(92,782)**<br>**153,128**<br>**(92,782)**<br>**60,346**|_Total_<br>_funds_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_438,570_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_438,570_|
|||||_320,276_|
|||||_320,276_|
|||||_118,294_|
|||||_34,834_<br>_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. 

Page 26 



## **FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025** 

|**Note**<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>10<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Current liabilities**<br>Creditors: amounts falling due within one<br>year<br>11<br>**Net current assets**<br>**Total net assets**<br>**Charity funds**<br>Restricted funds<br>12<br>Unrestricted funds<br>12<br>**Total funds**|**43,033**<br>**158,746**<br>**201,779**<br>**(141,433)**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**60,346**<br>**60,346**<br>**54,108**<br>**6,238**<br>**60,346**|_160,300_<br>_83,793_<br>_244,093_<br>_(90,965)_|_2024_<br>_£_<br>_153,128_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||||_153,128_|
|||||_144,083_<br>_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. 

Page 27 



## **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. 

Page 28 



**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. 

Page 29 



## **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**<br>Donations<br>Donations in kind<br>Donations|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>32,356<br>6,781<br>205,853<br>26,189<br>238,209<br>32,970<br>238,209<br>32,970<br>_Restricted_<br>_funds_<br>_2024_<br>_Unrestricted_<br>_funds_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_£_<br>_396,910_<br>_41,660_|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**39,137**<br>**232,042**|
|---|---|---|
|||**271,179**|
||||
|||**271,179**|
|||_Total_<br>_funds_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_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<br>Charitable activities|**Activities**<br>**undertaken**<br>**directly**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>354,373<br>_Activities_<br>_undertaken_<br>_directly_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_314,907_|**Support**<br>**costs**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>9,588<br>_Support_<br>_costs_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_5,369_|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**363,961**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_Total_<br>_funds_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_320,276_|



## **Analysis of support costs** 

|Bank charges<br>Accountancy<br>Legal fees<br>Website expenese|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**10**<br>**7,200**<br>**-**<br>**2,378**<br>**9,588**|_Total_<br>_funds_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_9_<br>_4,860_<br>_500_<br>_-_|
|---|---|---|
|||_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**<br>**£**<br>**26,189**<br>**26,189**|_2024_<br>_£_<br>_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**<br>Trade debtors<br>Prepayments and accrued income|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**42,800**<br>**233**<br>**43,033**|_2024_<br>_£_<br>_160,300_<br>_-_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_160,300_|



## **11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year** 

|Amounts owed to Birmingham Children's Trust<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**124,173**<br>**4,000**<br>**13,260**<br>**141,433**|_2024_<br>_£_<br>_84,905_<br>_-_<br>_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**<br>General Funds - all funds<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Christmas day dinner<br>Holiday activity and food fund<br>Coats for young people<br>Winter fun land<br>Blue nose day<br>Aston villa tickets<br>Tickets donated by BCFC<br>Christmas present campaign<br>Willows Gardening project 2024<br>Willows Painting project 2024<br>Tickets to Cricket<br>Easter 2024 campaign<br>**Total of funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**February**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**9,045**<br>**2,608**<br>**140,975**<br>**500**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**144,083**<br>**153,128**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**32,970**<br>**-**<br>**32,355**<br>**-**<br>**84,375**<br>**81,232**<br>**1,580**<br>**10,860**<br>**13,945**<br>**4,300**<br>**2,500**<br>**3,360**<br>**3,702**<br>**238,209**<br>**271,179**|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**(35,777)**<br>**-**<br>**(122,330)**<br>**-**<br>**(84,375)**<br>**(81,232)**<br>**(1,580)**<br>**(10,860)**<br>**(13,945)**<br>**(4,300)**<br>**(2,500)**<br>**(3,360)**<br>**(3,702)**<br>**(328,184)**<br>**(363,961)**|**Balance at**<br>**31 January**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**6,238**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**2,608**<br>**51,000**<br>**500**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**|
|||||**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**<br>General Funds - all funds<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Christmas day dinner<br>Holiday activity and food fund<br>Coats for young people<br>Winter fun land<br>Blue nose day<br>Aston villa tickets<br>Tickets donated by BCFC<br>Staff celebration event<br>sponsorship<br>**Total of funds**|_Balance at_<br>_1 February_<br>_2023_<br>_£_<br>_2,894_<br>_2,608_<br>_28,832_<br>_500_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_31,940_<br>_34,834_|_Income_<br>_£_<br>_41,660_<br>_-_<br>_181,608_<br>_-_<br>_105,000_<br>_76,222_<br>_11,240_<br>_18,040_<br>_4,800_<br>_396,910_<br>_438,570_|_Expenditure_<br>_£_<br>_(25,369)_<br>_-_<br>_(69,465)_<br>_-_<br>_(105,000)_<br>_(76,222)_<br>_(11,240)_<br>_(18,040)_<br>_(14,940)_<br>_(294,907)_<br>_(320,276)_|_Transfers_<br>_in/out_<br>_£_<br>_(10,140)_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_10,140_<br>_10,140_<br>_-_|_Balance at_<br>_31 January_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_9,045_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||_2,608_<br>_140,975_<br>_500_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_-_|
||||||_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<br>Restricted funds|_Balance at_<br>_1 February_<br>_2023_<br>_£_<br>_2,894_<br>_31,940_<br>_34,834_|**Balance at 1**<br>**February**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**9,045**<br>**144,083**<br>**153,128**<br>_Income_<br>_£_<br>_41,660_<br>_396,910_<br>_438,570_|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**32,970**<br>**238,209**<br>**271,179**<br>_Expenditure_<br>_£_<br>_(25,369)_<br>_(294,907)_<br>_(320,276)_|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**(35,777)**<br>**(328,184)**<br>**(363,961)**<br>_Transfers_<br>_in/out_<br>_£_<br>_(10,140)_<br>_10,140_<br>_-_|**Balance at**<br>**31 January**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**6,238**<br>**54,108**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**60,346**|
||||||_Balance at_<br>_31 January_<br>_2024_<br>_£_<br>_9,045_<br>_144,083_|
|**Summary of funds - prior year**||||||
|General funds<br>Restricted funds||||||
||||||_153,128_|



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

|Current assets<br>Creditors due within one year<br>**Total**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>180,170<br>21,609<br>(126,062)<br>(15,371)<br>54,108<br>6,238|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**201,779**<br>**(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