| Meeting: | Trustee Report | Date: 31/07/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Report Title: | Agenda Item | |
| Action: | APPROVE | |
| Contact(s): | Name: Rhianydd Lewis Tel: ext 293 Email: rlewis@aecc.ac.uk |
|
| Appendices / Detailed Reports: |
HSU SU accounts for year end 31st July 2025 | |
| Corporate Strategic Aim |
Which strategic aim does this paper address | |
| Corporate Risks Addressed |
Which corporate risks does this paper address |
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Students’ Union accounts for year ending 31[st] July 2025 show that HSU SU ran at a loss of £ 42,334.63. This was due to a concerted attempt to utilise the last of our excess reserves, in line with our reserves policy. The subvention received from the University remained low because of this, with only a £6524 increase on last year to accommodate for the London Campus.
Post merger the Students’ Union inherited a new campus with over 500 students already enrolled and 100 HBS students starting in May ‘25, which was an increase in student numbers of 46% on the previous year.
The Institutional name change and subsequent change from ASU to HSU SU meant an increased expenditure on branded goods such as promotional merchandise, sports kits and SU Officer uniforms.
The purchase of the London campus and the subsequent growth and management of student engagement activities has resulted in an exponential rise in travel expenses of 356%. The Students’ Union and Engagement Manager now works equally across both campuses in order to boost representation in London and ensure a coherent and comparable service is provided to all students. The Bournemouth team have had to make regular trips to London to support with both Students’ Union activities as well as those of the Student Engagement Strategy. The increase in travel costs however, is considerably cheaper than hiring another member of staff.
The merging of two Universities has also resulted in a 121% increase in insurance premiums, 73% in licensing costs, a marginal increase in NUS affiliation fees and two new Students’ Union Officers representing the London students.
The continued growth and diversification of course provision requires an increase in year representatives, all of whom require training and support from the wider SU Executive team. In lieu of the payment received by Student Ambassadors, the year representatives receive a branded hoody and a bonus that is the equivalent to a gym membership of £75.
It should also be noted that we now have three separate entry points for students, September, January and May each of which require the Students’ Union to put on welcome activities for the incoming students, all of which comes at a cost.
HSU SU continues to see a growth in terms of its activities with the number of clubs and societies that we financially support growing year on year. We have 8 sports teams competing at BUCS level alongside a number of individual competitors for activities such as swimming, athletics and surfing. We also have several social sports teams including badminton, BJJ and cycling to name just a few. The investment in sports teams is high due to the amount of travel, and pitch/court hire that is involved in playing matches, with weekly training costs and equipment also needing to be factored into budgets.
As a Health Sciences University we recognise the importance of sport and exercise to our students and try and support this as best we can through the income we generate from gym memberships. It is noted that in most other institutions competitive sports teams are run and funded by the University, rather than the Students’ Union.
The gym continues to be our most used facility. As previously mentioned, the revenue from the gym goes towards funding sports teams and general maintenance of the gym and its equipment.
We hosted a hugely successful Spring formal this year, with 453 tickets being sold, a slight increase from the previous year. This is one of our most popular events and the effort that goes in to organising it is much appreciated by those who attend. We are currently looking at booking the same venue for 25/26.
We provided funding for the UCO School of Osteopathy’s Summer Ball in June which was enjoyed by the 98 members of staff and students who attended. The planning and organisation was done by a group of final year students, however HSU SU will take over the running of it for 25/26. We will be making some amendments to the format to make it more accessible to all students as we felt this year the price point set for tickets was prohibitive for the majority.
As with the sports teams we have seen an increase in membership to our social societies this year. It is very gratifying to see the growth of the student led groups which contribute towards building a greater sense of community for those studying at HSU, but this comes with an increase in funding allocation.
It should be noted that all sports clubs and societies charge individual memberships fees to their members on top of the financial support that they receive from HSU SU. Highlighting how much it actually costs to facilitate these activities.
The Bournemouth bar ran at a loss this year with a number of contributing factors. We invested some of the reserves into the refurbishment of the bar area. The minimum wage and stock costs continue to increase and although we have had to put up our prices as a reflection of this it has in turn put people of coming to the bar as frequently as they have in the past.
The London bar also ran at a loss, the reasons for which are being addressed. When HSU SU took over the running of the bar we discovered a culture in which no one paid for their drinks, therefore stock was being bought and used but no revenue was coming in. We are making headway in changing this and professionalising the set-up of the bar in line with the licensing regulations.
The demographic of students coming through has also changed and we are working hard to adapt to what they want. We now stock a lot more non-alcoholic drinks and are looking at different activities that we can put on to entice people to attend events such as quizzes and
board game nights. Prices and opening hours are under constant review to ensure the sustainability of both bars.
The work being done on the Student Engagement Strategy has required financial investment from HSU SU. We have contributed towards food and prizes for many of the events that we have facilitated over the year, including for the two cross-campus exchange days, as well as the focus groups and Staff/Student quizzes. Activities such as these are essential in making students see the value of their experience at HSU over any other University and improves staff/student relationships. The Students’ Union have been cognisant of the fact that the UCO School of Osteopathy students may have felt unsettled post-merger and want to ensure that all students feel part of a cohesive wider community.
It is noted that there are a number of students who do not engage with Students’ Union activities during their time at HSU, such as distance learners, commuters or some Post Graduates but that does not mean there are not costs associated with each and every student. The SU provides a welcome pack to all students either in person or via post which includes a HSU SU tote bag, pen, lanyard and keyring and either a coloured freshers’ t-shirt or a black HSU sports t-shirt, depending on course and entry point. These bags are essential in making students feel welcomed to HSU and provide them with things that help them identify as part of a wider community. Positive feedback has been received for the bags, particularly from the distance learners who do not get to feel part of the campus but are still given the opportunity to feel like a proud member of HSU. The cost of this bag is approx. £10 per student.
There are also costs associated per student for the Students’ Union members time as they will take part in every course induction presentation as well as represent all students at committee meetings from Board level down. Individual students are represented on appeals, disciplinary or misconduct panels, regardless of whether they have engaged with the SU before, and the Officers are always available for support and guidance to anyone struggling at any point throughout their student journey.
We are very much aware of the increased costs that will be incurred as we adapt, post merger, to having two campuses alongside the growth of the HBS. As such a business case was presented to ELG in June requesting additional funding for the Students’ Union as well as an increase to the remuneration currently awarded to the SU Officers who work tirelessly for the Institution alongside their full-time studies. We were very grateful to receive a 103% increase in our annual subvention for 25/26. Such an increase shows the trust that the institution places in the Students’ Union to represent the needs of the student body in all aspects of their student journey.
We hope this report gives assurancethat we continue to operate in accordance with the regulations of the Charity Commission as overseen by our Board of Trustees. There will be no situation in which there is need to worry that we will act outside the scope of our financial parameters.
AECC Students' Union Balance Sheet Year end 31/07/2025
| Fixed Assets Gym Equipment 35,481 Gym Equipment Depreciation 33,389 Gym Equipment Net Book Value Current Assets Stock 2,028 Debtors Prepayments Accrued income Sub-total - Debtors, Prepayments & Accrued Income General Bank Account 3,329 General Petty Cash Account 0 General Float 0 Bar Bank Account 17,915 Bar Petty Cash Account 0 Gym Bank Account 11,813 Gym Petty Cash Account 0 Sub-total - Cash & Cash Equivalents Taxation Wages Accrued Income VAT Liabilities 1,327 Sub total: Taxation, Wages, VAT Liabilities Total Current Assets Current Liabilities Creditors: Short term 61 Taxation Accruals VAT Liability Total Current Liabilities Current assets less current liabilities Total assets less total liabilities Capital and Reserves Capital introduced Reserves Brought Forward (Deficit) / Surplus for the Period Total Reserves |
As at 31st July 2 | 35,481 31,297 2,092.40 763 0 0 0 33,083 97 100 22,108 100 18,856 50 0 1,497 36,414.43 61 61.60 36,352.83 38,445.23 0.00 80,779.86 -42,334.63 38,445.23 025 |
As at 31st July 2 | 4,184.76 024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .91 .51 .19 2,028.19 0.00 .85 .00 .00 .66 .00 .68 .00 33,059.19 .05 1,327.05 .60 |
.91 .15 .43 763.43 .00 .00 .00 0.00 .65 .48 .00 .13 .00 .56 .00 74,395.82 .00 .45 1,497.45 .60 4,062.01 109,639.00 -32,921.15 |
|||
| 76,656.70 | ||||
| 61.60 | ||||
| 76,595.10 | ||||
| 80,779.86 | ||||
| 80,779.86 |
AECC Students' Union Profit and Loss - Total Year end 31/07/2025
Year Ended 31/07/2025
Year Ended 31/07/2024
Income
Bar Income 38,979.79 37,543.94 General Income 65,235.74 55,686.47 Gym Income 34,229.88 36,090.14 138,445.41 129,320.55 Expenditure Bar expenditure 48,205.68 47,054.52 General expenditure 97,669.98 75,413.49 Gym expenditure 34,904.38 39,773.69 180,780.04 162,241.70 (Deficit) / Surplus for the Period -42,334.63 -32,921.15
AECC Students' Union Profit & Loss - Bar Year end 31/07/25
Year Ended 31/07/2025
Year Ended 31/07/2024
Income
| Till Take | 36,901.48 | 37,153.32 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Till Take (London) | 1,538.54 | |||
| NUSSL rebates | 539.77 | 390.62 | ||
| 38,979.79 | 37,543.94 | |||
| Expenditure | ||||
| Bar supplies | 24,608.14 | 26,545.74 | ||
| Bar Supplies (London) | 3,104.24 | |||
| Staff wages | 12,769.20 | 13,683.23 | ||
| Staff Payroll costs | 416.85 | 435.60 | ||
| NUS affilliation fee | 2,117.15 | 2,054.64 | ||
| Refurbishments | 3,760.00 | 2,734.31 | ||
| Security | 793.25 | 1,185.00 | ||
| Licenses | 609.00 | 350.00 | ||
| Bank charges | 27.85 | 66.00 | ||
| 48,205.68 | 47,054.52 | |||
| (Deficit) / Surplus for the Period | -9,225.89 | -9,510.58 |
AECC Students' Union Profit & Loss - General Year end 31/07/25
| Year Ended 31/07/2025 | Year Ended 31/07/2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ||
| Freshers' week | 4,687.25 | |
| Seasonal party | 7,559.35 | 7,136.64 |
| Seasonal Party (London) | 5,669.85 | 0.00 |
| Donation | 2,223.71 | 1,104.40 |
| Locker rental | 43.39 | 8.18 |
| Interest | 17.50 | 0.00 |
| Clothing | 447.94 | 0.00 |
| Subvention | 49,274.00 | 42,750.00 |
| 65,235.74 | 55,686.47 | |
| Expenditure | ||
| Clothing | 4,723.23 | 2,359.45 |
| Freshers week | 8,589.34 | 22,947.83 |
| Freshers week (London) | 4,544.86 | 0.00 |
| Seasonal party | 9,305.27 | 9,968.80 |
| Seasonal party (London) | 7,751.61 | 0.00 |
| Wellbeing week | 239.74 | 699.87 |
| Merchandise | 4,484.96 | 0.00 |
| Staff gratuity | 1,460.00 | 862.52 |
| Refreshments | 2,451.19 | 1,368.83 |
| Insurance | 5,987.89 | 2,710.80 |
| Licenses | 2,778.42 | 2,426.13 |
| Licenses (London) | 1,417.50 | 0.00 |
| Travel and Subsistance | 11,320.91 | 2,480.80 |
| Bank charges | 27.85 | 133.57 |
| Printing, postage, stationary | 2,252.44 | 401.05 |
| Professional fees | 967.10 | 441.65 |
| Promotions | 2,389.06 | 393.72 |
| Period Poverty | 384.97 | 300.60 |
| Gifts | 99.50 | 85.88 |
| Charity donation | 0.00 | 200.00 |
| Training costs | 20.00 | 3,836.78 |
| Subscriptions | 991.53 | 1,169.01 |
| Equipment rental | 210.00 | 0.00 |
| Clubs | 6,167.60 | 5,828.40 |
| Office supplies | 1,425.12 | 1,996.76 |
| Office supplies (London) | 706.08 | 0.00 |
| Event donation | 263.81 | 174.65 |
| Wages | 16,200.00 | 14,476.44 |
| Repairs | 510.00 | 149.95 |
| 97,669.98 | 75,413.49 | |
| (Defecit) / Surplus for the Period | -32,434.24 | -19,727.02 |
AECC Students' Union Profit & Loss - Gym Year end 31/07/25
Year Ended 31/07/2025 Year Ended 31/07/2024
| Income Student annual fees 34,229.88 Expenditure Gym purchases general 7,021.05 Insurance 0.00 Bank charges 27.85 BUCS 3,639.65 Servicing 1,635.00 Depreciation 2,092.36 Club budgets 20,488.47 Equipment rental 0.00 (Deficit) / surplus for the Period |
36,090.14 34,229.88 671.75 2,250.00 66.00 2,723.25 8,420.19 2,092.36 23,550.14 0.00 34,904.38 -674.50 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 36,090.14 | ||
| 39,773.69 | ||
| -3,683.55 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Health Sciences University Students' Union members of
On accounts for the year 31/07/2025 Charity no 1197125 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/07/2025.
- Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’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 Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 13/04/2026 Signed: Name: Adeel Sahi Relevant professional ACCA qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Bowdon Accounting Services Ltd Bartle House, Oxford Court Manchester M2 3WQ
1
October 2018
IER
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
N/A
2
October 2018
IER