Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period: 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024
Charity name: Polish Underground Movement Study Trust Charity registration number: 1197744
Objectives and Activities
| SORP REFERENCE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To promote the study of Polish history and culture, in particular the study of the Polish Underground Movement during the occupation of Poland by both its enemies during the Second World War. To preserve the primary sources held in our archive. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
2024 was dominated by work on the exhibition to commemorate the 80thanniversary of the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Intense research of our own archives was carried out by volunteers. We made contact with archives in Poland to source further and better-quality copies of photographs we needed. We decided to proceed with a professional designer and reviewed several options, companies before deciding to go with an independent designer, Guil Mesquita. Applications for grants were made to the Polish Embassy and the Polonia Aid Foundation Trust (PAFT), who both made generous donations. We were granted patronage of the exhibition by the Polish Ambassador who spoke at the opening. The CIO raised funds, and the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum. (PISM), contributed. Furthermore, we produced a special issue of our Information Bulletin. Funding for the design was provided by the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and printing costs were covered by one of our volunteers. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The said exhibition helped raise funds and served to increase public awareness of the historical significance of the charity. |
Additional information (optional)
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO INCLUDE FURTHER STATEMENTS WHERE RELEVANT ABOUT:
| SORP REFERENCE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making. | Para 1.38 | No new social investment, grant making, or volunteers involvement policies were introduced in 2024. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment. |
Para 1.38 | n/a |
| Contribution made by volunteers. | Para 1.38 | All those involved in the CIO work on a voluntary basis. Work on both the exhibition and bulletin were led by our members. |
| Other | n/a |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP REFERENCE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The exhibition was held in a prime central London location and attracted attention of a wider public. Being promoted by the prestigious King’s College London brought the story of the Uprising to a new audience. New contacts were made which continue to bear fruit. |
Additional information (optional)
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO INCLUDE FURTHER STATEMENTS WHERE RELEVANT ABOUT:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | n/a |
| Other | n/a |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | As of 31/12/2024 (end of financial year): Please see the Annual Report and Financial Statements ending 31 December 2024 |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves | Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Details of fund materially in deficit | Para 1.24 | n/a |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | No uncertainties to report for 2024. |
Additional information (optional)
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO INCLUDE FURTHER STATEMENTS WHERE RELEVANT ABOUT:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Public donations and fundraising events. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted. |
Para 1.46 | n/a |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | There were no principal risks to observe and report in 2024. |
| Other | n/a |
Structure, Governance and Management
| DESCRIPTION OF CHARITY’S TRUSTS: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed,royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation dated 25/01/2022 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Institution |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | As per clauses 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Constitution. |
Additional information (optional)
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO INCLUDE FURTHER STATEMENTS WHERE RELEVANT ABOUT:
| Para 1.51 | n/a n/a No relationship to report - |
|---|---|
| Para 1.51 | |
| Para 1.51 | |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Polish Underground Movement StudyTrust |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Studium Polski Podziemnej (in Polish) as registered with the bank |
| account. | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1197744 |
| Charity’s principal address | 11 Leopold Road |
| London W5 3PB | |
| England |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity.
| TRUSTEE NAME | OFFICE (IF ANY) | DATES ACTED IF NOT FOR WHOLE YEAR |
NAME OF PERSON (OR BODY) ENTITLED TO APPOINT TRUSTEE (IF ANY) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mike Wojcik | Chair | ||
| 2 | Eugenia Maresch | Trustee | ||
| 3 | Bartosz Karol Piasecki | Trustee | ||
| 4 | Wanda Koscia | Trustee | ||
| 5 | Magdalena Szkuta | Trustee | ||
| 6 | ||||
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| 15 |
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved.
DIRECTOR NAME n/a
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity.
| TRUSTEE NAME | DATES ACTED IF NOT FOR WHOLE YEAR | |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others.
Description of the assets held in n/a this capacity. Name and objects of the charity on n/a whose behalf the assets are held and how this fall within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe n/a custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF ADVISERS (OPTIONAL INFORMATION)
| Type of adviser | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| n/a | ||
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Krzysztof Chris Bozejewicz (CEO)
Exemptions from disclosure
REASON FOR NON-DISCLOSURE OF KEY PERSONNEL DETAILS
none
OTHER OPTIONAL INFORMATION
none
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Signature(s): Full Name(s): Mike Wojcik Position (secretary, Chair, etc): Chair, PUMST Date: 11/07/2026
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POLISH UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT STUDY TRUST
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Charity Registeration Number: 1197744
CONTENTS
Trustees' Annual Report …………………………………………………………………………………………..1 Statement of Financial Activities ……………………………………………………………………………....2 Statement of Assets and Liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………3
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POLISH UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT STUDY TRUST
Charity Registration Number: 1197744 Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024
Trustees' Annual Report
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis.
Reference and Administrative Details
-
Registered Charity Name: Polish Underground Movement Study Trust
-
Charity Registration Number: 1197744
-
Principal Office: 11 Leopold Road, London W5 3PB
The Trustees
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Mike Wojcik
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Eugenia Maresch
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Bartosz Karol Piasecki
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Wanda Koscia
-
Magdalena Szkuta
Objectives and Activities
The governing document defines the charity’s objects as being to promote the study of Polish history and culture generally, and in particular the study of the Polish Underground Movement during the Second World War, and to advance education in these areas through the preservation and development of related archival materials.
In furtherance of these objectives, the charity continues to maintain and preserve its archive collections and to support activities that promote awareness and understanding of Polish history and heritage. The charity’s activities are funded primarily through donations and voluntary contributions.
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and consider that the charity’s activities are carried out for the public benefit, in line with its stated objectives.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) under the Charities Act 2011 and is governed by its constitution. The charity was registered with the Charity Commission on 1 February 2022.
The Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and management of the charity, including setting its strategic direction and ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place. Day-to-day management is undertaken by the Trustees collectively.
Trustee appointments are made in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
Risk Management
The Trustees have considered the principal risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed systems and procedures to mitigate those risks. Given the scale and nature of the charity’s activities, the Trustees consider the overall level of risk to be low and continue to monitor financial and operational risks on an ongoing basis.
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Financial Review
Income for the year amounted to £1,401.76. Total expenditure was £2,678.09, resulting in a deficit of £1,276.33.
The opening balance has been aligned to £6,235.33 based on verified bank records. This adjustment corrects a discrepancy identified in the prior year summary and ensures consistency with the underlying cash position.
Total cash funds at the year-end were £4,959.00.
Statement of Financial Activities (Receipts and Payments)
| Receipts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | 2024(£) | 2023(£) |
| Donations and Legacies | 1,401.76 | 16,932 |
| Total Receipts | 1,401.76 | 16,932 |
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| Payments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Description | 2024(£) | 2023(£) |
| Bank Charges | 60.90 | 0 |
| Charitable Activities (Services/Admin) |
2,617.19 | 4,332 |
| Total Payments | 2,678.09 | 4,332 |
Reconciliation
| Reconciliation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Movement | 2024(£) | 2023(£) |
| Net Receipts/ (Payments) | (1,276.33) | 6,235 |
| Cash funds lastyear end | 6,235.33 | 0 |
| Cash funds thisyear end | 4,959.00 | 6,235 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As at 31 December 2024
| Asset Category | 2024(£) | 2023(£) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank and in hand | 4,959.00 | 6,235 |
| Total Cash Assets | 4,959.00 | 6,235 |
Approved by the Trustees on 11/07/2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Full Name(s): Mike Wojcik Krzysztof Bozejewicz Position (secretary, Chair, etc): Chair, PUMST CEO, PUMST Date: 11/07/2026 11/07/2026