Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1/10/2023 Period start date To 30/09/2024 Period end date
Charity name: The Somerscience Trust
Charity registration number: 1198113
Objectives and Activities
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SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of Para 1.17 To advance the education of the public in
the charity as set out in its Somerset in science, technology,
governing document mathematics and engineering and to
promote public engagement in all aspects of
STEM developments for the public benefit.
Summary of the main Para 1.17 and The Somerscience festival was held
1.19
activities in relation to those successfully on 6th May 2024. The work of
purposes for the public the charity in the year was focussed around
benefit, in particular, the organising the programme and content,
activities, projects or services attracting funding, developing the
identified in the accounts. promotional and communications campaign
to ensure the festival’s success, liaising with
Somerset schools to ensure the engagement
of young people, developing a safe event
management plan and handling the logistics
of mounting the festival across 6 venues
before the festival; supervising and
troubleshooting on the day of the festival;
and evaluation of the festival against our
charity objectives and the various objectives
of grant funders, preparing written reports on
such, as appropriate.
Statement confirming Para 1.18 At all times the trustees have been aware
whether the trustees have that our activities must be within the
had regard to the guidance guidance issued by the Charity Commission
issued by the Charity on public benefit.
Commission on public
benefit
All trustees, implementation team members
Para 1.38 and event assistants on the day are
Contribution made by volunteers and we could not offer this
volunteers festival as a free benefit to the public without
their generous contribution of time and
expertise.
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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 festival attracted total visitors – 5428 (600 more than 2023), 25% of which were very local (Castle Cary and Sparkford), 12.8% Yeovil – which has some of the most deprived areas of the county, 62.7% in total from the target South Somerset & rural areas. Gender breakdown 47/53% M/F. Ages: 42% under 18 (mainly 4-15); 38.7% 30-50; 17.3% 50+; 1.6% 18-30. Social media reach has increased considerably – we now have 1350 followers: Facebook post reach was 38, 938 in the run up to the festival with engagement of 6,616. 99% of visitors judged the quality of the festival to be Good or Very Good; 92% of visitors who expressed an opinion would recommend the festival to their network; 85% of visitors felt the festival gave them a better understanding of STEM and 73% a better understanding specifically of STEM careers; and 86% felt the festival had a positive impact on their belief that STEM is relevant to their daily life. A shift of 30% was reported in positivity of visitors’ attitudes towards STEM before and after the festival. At least 80% of professional contributors reported Good or Excellent the number of interactions they had with target audience, the level of engagement from the audience, the quality of interactions they had and the gender reach of the festival. We are bringing STEM to the local rural population and developing inspiration and a sense of the future possibilities for careers, learning and wellbeing. |
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | We had 5 objectives for this festival round: 1. Afford a minimum of 15,000 engagements by young people from South Somerset Fully met Registration data suggests that 42% of attendees were under 18 and approximately 45% live in South Somerset, which yield a ballpark figure of 1000 ‘young people from South Somerset’. Success criterion 1 targets 15,000 engagements from this group, which would require interaction with just 15 of the 93+ activities on offer. 2. Recruit at least 70 contributing |
| organisations and 100 discrete activities Fully met 93 planned individual activities and 70 separate organisations engaged; however, on the day, it became clear that many of the billed ‘activities’ were in fact multifaceted. 3. Achieve a quality experience for participants and attendees (measured by survey and recognising that experts/researchers, informal educators/explainers, STEM employers and public may each have different goals) Fully met 99% of attendees rated the quality of the festival as ‘Good’ – ‘Very Good’. Contributors gave the festival an average rating of 8.44 / 10 in terms of meeting expectations. 4. Improve on the baseline of visitor numbers and demographic profile achieved in the first year Fully met Approximately 600 more visitors in 2024 compared to 2023. 5. Effect positive change on attitudes towards STEM and STEM careers from visitors, leading eventually to a quantitative increase in STEM uptake at GCSE, A/T Level and STEM destinations after school. Partly met -47% of attendees said the festival made them more likely to consider studying or working in a STEM field. Post festival, ‘Very Positive’ attitudes to STEM became 63%, an increase of 21%. No work has yet been done on tracking changes to uptake of STEM qualifications or destinations, given that this is only year 2 of Somerscience, so this is one to monitor in future years. |
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|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | We aimed to raise sufficient funds to cover the cost of the festival being free to all visitors and participants. Effective financial management and negotiation, as well as our success at achieving goodwill, grants and sponsorships, has meant that we ended the year with a budget surplus which provides the basis for confidence that we can fund next year’s festival and so have a sustainable event. |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of each financial period, including 30/09/24, Somerscience conducts a thorough review of its financial position to assess its overall fiscal health and make informed decisions for the future. This review involves a comprehensive analysis of our financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, among others. The purpose of this review is to: Evaluate Financial Performance: We examine our financial performance over the period to determine how well we have utilized our resources in achieving our mission. We assess key financial indicators such as revenue, expenses, and net assets to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. This analysis helps us identify areas of strength and areas that require improvement, enabling us to make informed decisions to optimize our financial performance. Ensure Compliance: We review our financial position to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards. This includes assessing our adherence to legal and regulatory requirements related to financial reporting, tax obligations, and governance. By ensuring compliance, we maintain the trust and confidence of our stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the broader public. For 30/09/24, The trustees of The Somerscience Trust found that the financial performance and compliance were in line with expectations. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | At The Somerscience Trust we believe in transparency and accountability in our operations, including the management of reserves. We maintain reserves for the following reasons: Financial Stability: Reserves act as a financial safety net, providing a cushion to navigate unexpected challenges or economic fluctuations. They help us weather unforeseen events such as economic downturns, changes in donor funding, or emergencies that could impact our ability to carry out our programs and services. |
| Program Continuity: Reserves enable us to sustain ongoing programs and services during periods of uncertainty or when there is a delay in anticipated funding. By having reserves in place, we can ensure that critical activities, such as providing aid to beneficiaries or conducting research, can continue uninterrupted even if there are temporary fluctuations in revenue. |
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|---|---|---|
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £6,680.85 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The Charity will need to continue to raise grant income to meet the costs of running the festival. We are confident we can achieve this as we now have a one year (and successful) track record. |
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Grant income from trusts and foundations. Corporate Sponsorship of the Somerscience event. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | We have limited reserves each year and therefore we keep these in a savings account. At present there is no need to have a social investment policy. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The Principal risk is the inability to raise sufficient funds to run the Somerscience event. We also have a key person risk. Colleen Bower, who is the founder of the Somerscience festival, is integral to the success of the event. She has built up a team around her to mitigate this risk. |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
N/a | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Trust Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| 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 | Every trustee must be appointed for a term of 2 or 3 years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees, apart from the founding trustees. Trustees other than founding trustees, were selected and approved at the Trustee meeting on 19/05/22 based on their skills, knowledge and experience, and expertise in aspects of STEM and/or outreach events. One trustee stood down and a replacement was selected during the period along the same principles. |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | The Somerscience Trust |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | N/a |
| Registered charity number | 1198113 |
| Charity’s principal address | 189 Newbridge Rd Bath BA1 3HH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year 1 Teresa Colleen Bower Chair 2 Simon Patrick Connell Treasurer 3 Christopher Budd Safeguarding Lead 4 Gavin Costigan 5 Alan Champneys 6 LucySmith 7 Darren Wilson Appointed 10/09/24 8 WendyAdams 01/10/23 to 29/05/24 Names and addresses of advisers Type of adviser Name Address |
Trustee name | Trustee name | Office (if any) | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teresa Colleen Bower | Chair | |||||
| Simon Patrick Connell | Treasurer | |||||
| Christopher Budd | Safeguarding Lead |
|||||
| Gavin Costigan | ||||||
| Alan Champneys | ||||||
| LucySmith | ||||||
| Darren Wilson | Appointed 10/09/24 | |||||
| WendyAdams | 01/10/23 to 29/05/24 | |||||
| Address | ||||||
| Accountants | Linden Accountants Ltd | Scrapstore House, 21 Sevier Street, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9LB |
Names and addresses of advisers
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) Teresa Colleen Bower Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)[Chair ] Date 17/11/24
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SOMERSCIENCE TRUST I report lo the chanly's trustees on my examinats.on of the accounts ot The Somew" nco Trust fcrf the period ended 30 Septembef 2024. Respe¢llve fesponslbllltle$ ol trustees and examlner The charity's Irusiees consM1er that an drt is not requireo for Ihis year (under section 43(21 of the Charilies A¢1 1993 (the Act), as amended ty s. 145 01 tl Charits Act 20111 and that an independonl examinatson Is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is subject io audrt un¢Jer the company law and 1$ eligib for Independent examination, Il my responsibility to. Examine the xcounts lunder seclion 145 of the 2011 Act), To follow the preeedures labj down in the General DireciKns given by the Charity Commis%on (under sect 145151(bl Acll. and To slate whelher partKular matters have to my attentson. 8a$l• ol Ind•p•nd•nt •mIn•8 rnport My examinab.on was carrd in aCdanCe wth General Directsons 9Nen by the Charity Commission An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a cornparison of the accounts presented wrth Ihose red$. It also includes consideration of any unusual Items or disclosures In the aCCnIs. and seeking explanations frorn you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evKJence that wouk be required by audit. and consequently no opinion ts gryen as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair ¥1 and thè report ts limited to those matters sol out In the Stalemenl below. Ind•p•nd•nt •xamln•r'• •tst•m•nt In the course of my examinats'on. rm) matter has come to my attent.. 111 which gives me reasc4Hble cause lo beheve Ihat in any malenal respect.. Ihe a¢untIng fecord$ wefe not kept in accordance wth sectron 130 of the Charities Act." or ttte a¢uniS did not accord with the accounting records. c the accounts did not comply th the applicable requirements con¢eming the form and content of accounts sel out In the Chanties {Accounls and Rekyjtsl Regulath"ons 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair. view which Is not a matter consKlered as part of an w)dependent examinat*)n. {2) to vthth. in my opinK)n, attenlK)n should be drawn in order to enabl8 a proper understanding of Ihe accounts to be reached. Sieven Baptiste Linden Accountsnls. Scxapstore House, 21 seVr Street. St Wwtwrghs. 8nstol. BS2 9LB Dale: 24 February 2025
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The Somerscience Trust Charity No 1198113
Company No CE028489
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period 01/10/2023 30/09/2024
To
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Charitable Activities - 6,000 - 6,000 2,400
Corporate Donations - 2,200 - 2,200 500
Grants - 15,350 - 15,350 30,150
Sponsorship - 650 - 650 5,940
Other Income 150 - - 150 -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
AR) [ 150 ] 24,200 - 24,350 38,990
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 150 24,200 - 24,350 38,990
A3 Payments
Charitable Activities - 16,637 - 16,637 23,501
Separate Material Expense Items 907 11,389 - 12,295 7,742
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total [ 907 ] 28,026 - 28,933 31,244
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 907 28,026 - 28,933 31,244
Net of receipts/(payments) - 757 - 3,826 - - 4,583 7,746
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end - 1,093 10,339 - 9,246 1,500
Cash funds this year end - 1,850 6,514 - 4,664 9,246
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
06/02/2025
1
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at | the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Deferred Income Accruals Details Details Cash at bank and in hand Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Prepayments Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - 1,850 6,514 - - - - 1,850 6,514 OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 2,617 - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Restricted - Unrestricted 540 - - - Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - |
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
06/02/2025
2