REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1198650
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
FOR
SISTERWOOD
SISTERWOOD
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 to 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 to 16 |
SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with current statutory requirements, the charity's governing documents, and the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (SORP 2005) and complies with applicable law. We have also referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives for the year.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
SisterWood supports young women aged 12 - 16 years with their mental wellbeing through a woodland-based programme, blending practical skills and mindfulness-based practices. Our vision is to create a foundation of mental wellbeing for young women that provides a toolkit for confidence and resilience, so they can handle whatever life brings.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Introduction
This year has been one of transition for SisterWood. Our founder and previous Director, Fran, stepped down due to health reasons, leading to leadership and governance changes. We extend our deep gratitude to Fran for her dedication, vision, and the impact she has made in shaping SisterWood.
In May, Fran was also featured on Countryfile, bringing valuable recognition to the work she has led and the impact of our nature-based approach. This was a proud moment for SisterWood and a testament to everything she built.
Alongside these leadership changes, we’ve also seen shifts within the trustee board and the challenge of securing a new venue for programme delivery. While this period has brought uncertainty, it has also provided space for reflection, learning, and strengthening our foundations for the future.
While I was not in post during the reporting period (August 2023 - August 2024), I was brought in later in the year to assess SisterWood’s viability and long-term potential. Following this consultancy project, I stepped into the role of Director in December 2024. Since then, my focus has been on stabilising operations, securing long-term sustainability, and preparing SisterWood for the next phase of its work.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Leadership & Governance
-
Director Transition: Fran stepped down as Director, and SisterWood entered an interim period before my appointment in December 2024.
-
Trustee Board Changes: The trustee board saw changes, with Beverley Garland and Karen Salt stepping into roles. We still need to recruit a treasurer, but our immediate focus has been on stabilising operations before expanding the board further.
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Operational Pause & Reflection: Programme delivery was paused in summer 2024 while trustees assessed the organisation’s future. I was brought in as a consultant to review SisterWood’s financial position and overall viability, in November 2024 which led to my appointment as Director.
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Clarifying Roles & Decision-Making: To improve operational efficiency, we are refining role descriptions and decision-making structures to ensure clarity between staff, trustees, and volunteers as we rebuild.
- Programme Impact (Aug 2023 Aug 2024)
Despite the challenges this year, SisterWood continued to run impactful programmes during the spring and summer. Activities included:
-
Landing and Settling In - Icebreaker games, nature-based check-ins, and discussions on emotional and physical safety.
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Heartspace & Emotional Well-being - Breathwork, guided meditation, and emotional regulation using the RAIN framework.
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Fire-Making & Outdoor Skills - Practical fire-making, team challenges, and learning about fire structures.
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Stress Management & Resilience - Recognising stress, grounding techniques, and self-care strategies.
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Boundaries & Communication - Storytelling, personal boundaries, and active listening.
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Ikigai & Visioning for the Future - Exploring purpose, goal setting, and vision board creation.
Key Impact & Participant Reflections:
Connection with Nature: “thrive being outdoors” shared one participant, highlighting the restorative power of time in nature.
Personal Growth: “I can be me, without caring what others think” reflected another young woman, showing increased confidence and self-acceptance.
Community Building: 100% of participants surveyed identified "making friends" as the best part of the programme, underscoring the importance of peer connection.
Flexibility & Sensitivity: SisterWood’s adaptive approach allowed for deeper engagement, ensuring inclusivity and meaningful participation.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Challenges & Organisational Learning
Challenges Faced:
-
Leadership Transition & Programme Disruption: Shifts in leadership and venue uncertainty led to a temporary pause in programme delivery.
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Funding Uncertainty: While core programme costs were covered, a long-term funding strategy is needed to ensure stability.
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Venue & Logistics: Securing a stable, long-term venue remains a key priority.
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Expectation Balancing: As a grassroots charity, balancing ambition and capacity is an ongoing challenge. Sustainable growth needs to align with available resources while maintaining a strong vision for impact.
Key Learnings:
Leadership transition planning is critical: Ensuring continuity and stability during changes is vital. Strengthening governance & operations will support long-term sustainability. A flexible, participant-centered approach remains key to meaningful engagement.
Trustee & operational alignment: Clear expectations between trustees and staff will improve decision-making and effectiveness.
To support these efforts, I have developed a Theory of Change, outlining SisterWood’s core aims, impact, and strategic direction. I have also restructured staff roles to create a more sustainable workload, ensuring facilitators focus on programme delivery, while I manage the operational and strategic side of SisterWood.
Theory of Change & Strategic Direction
Over the past few months, I have focused on strengthening SisterWood’s long-term impact. A major step in this has been developing a Theory of Change (ToC), which defines how our activities lead to meaningful change for young girls.
The ToC outlines:
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The challenges our participants face (e.g., low confidence, mental health struggles, lack of access to safe spaces).
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The interventions we provide (e.g., nature-based learning, mentorship, community-building).
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The outcomes we expect to see (e.g., increased confidence, resilience, deeper community connection).
This framework will shape programme design, governance decisions, funding applications, and impact measurement. It is currently under trustee review and will be a key tool for guiding SisterWood’s future growth.
Safeguarding at Sisterwood
SisterWood is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants. As a small grassroots charity, we are mindful of the need to balance best practice with what is realistic for our capacity and resources.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Over the next year, we will:
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Review and update our safeguarding policies to ensure they are clear, practical, and aligned with best practice in a way that works for SisterWood’s size and structure.
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Provide safeguarding training for facilitators and key staff, ensuring they feel confident in identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns.
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Develop clear safeguarding roles and responsibilities, making sure that everyone involved staff, trustees, and volunteers, understands their part in keeping young people safe.
As SisterWood grows, we will continue to review and improve safeguarding structures in a way that is both effective and achievable for a small organisation. Safeguarding is not just about policies, it is about creating a culture where young people feel safe, respected, and supported in everything we do.
- Looking Ahead (Post Aug 2024 Plans)
Since stepping into the role in November 2024, my focus has been on:
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Finalising a long-term venue partnership to provide a space where young girls can shape and take ownership.
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Developing a long-term funding strategy to sustain operations, with a focus on finding skilled support in this area.
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Reviewing policies, plans, and procedures to ensure alignment with SisterWood’s mission.
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Updating the website to reflect SisterWood’s vision and programme offerings.
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Strengthening governance through deeper trustee engagement.
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Recruiting & onboarding staff: A Lead Facilitator is in place, and recruitment for a Co-Facilitator is underway.
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Refining SisterWood’s aims and embedding impact measurement through our Theory of Change.
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Increasing youth involvement: Looking at ways girls have more say in the referral process and creating pathways for future leadership & mentorship.
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Developing Impact Reports: Introducing a structured approach to tracking and communicating SisterWood’s impact, ensuring that we can measure and demonstrate our effectiveness to funders, trustees, and the wider community
To guide SisterWood’s next phase, I am also developing a Strategic Plan that aligns our operational priorities, funding sustainability, and long-term growth with our Theory of Change.
Conclusion
Building and sustaining a grassroots charity takes time, care, and persistence. This year has been one of transition and stabilisation, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. From securing a venue and planning for funding to refining governance and structuring the team, every step has required commitment, patience, and strategy.
This work wouldn’t be possible without those who believe in SisterWood’s vision - especially Fran, whose dedication to young women’s well-being shaped everything we do. I’m also grateful to the trustees, facilitators, and wider community for their support as we move into this next phase.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
SisterWood remains rooted in its mission and is now well-positioned for the next chapter. I look forward to working alongside our trustees, facilitators, and partners to ensure SisterWood not only continues but thrives, providing a space where young women can build confidence, connections, and agency in a way that is truly transformative.
A huge thank you to all trustees, supporters, and partners for your ongoing commitment.
Freesia Bassett Director, SisterWood
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Total incoming resources for the year to 31 August 2024 amounted to £41,246 (year ended 31 August 2023 £32,806). Unrestricted funds incoming resources amounted to £4,974 (year ended 31 August 2023 £12,832). Restricted funds incoming resources amounted to £36,272 (year ended 31 August 2023 £19,974).
Total expenditure for the year to 31 August 2024 amounted to £37,473 (year ended 31 August 2023 £18,145). Unrestricted funds expenditure amounted to £9,732 (year ended 31 August 2023 £6,449). Restricted funds expenditure amounted to £27,741 (year ended 31 August 2023 £11,696).
As at 31 August 2024, cash at bank and in handheld by the charity was £19,472 (year ended 31 August 2023 £16,579), with a healthy net current assets figure of £18,434 (year ended 31 August 2023 £14,661).
The purposes of the different types of funds are explained in the accounting policies as shown in the financial statements.
Notes 10 and 11 to the financial statements provide further explanation.
Reserves policy
SisterWood is building up a reserve over the next 3 years of a minimum of 3 months expenditure. This will cover our regular outgoings and staff fees, ensuring that we can deliver a term-long programme regardless of the success/failure of fundraising activities.
The total funds, detailed in note 10 and 11, held by SisterWood are broken down as follows:
The unrestricted fund shows a total fund balance of £1,625 in 2024 (year ended 31 August 2023 £6,383).
The restricted fund shows a total fund balance of £16,809 in 2024 (year ended 31 August 2023 £8,278).
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Structure, Governance and Management
SisterWood is Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity Commission on 19th April 2022. The registered charity number can be found in the Reference and Administration section below.
Our current management committee consists of a Director and four Trustees.
All relevant training by our governing body is stored on a register that is regularly updated, whenever new training or experience is gained.
Trustees are found through connections within the local community, with a maximum number of 12 on the board.
For new Trustees, training is offered through an informal meeting with the Director before the first meeting with the Trustee team, and through provision of our Volunteer Handbook and Trustee Induction Guide. Prior to commencing the post officially through the Charity Commission, the new Trustee is invited to attend a meeting with the board for everyone to meet and for questions to be asked about the role. This also offers everyone a good opportunity to assess whether the post is the right fit, and lays the groundwork for open, inclusive communication.
Risk management
The Trustees have considered all potential risks posed to the charity and have undertaken the necessary measures to mitigate these. A risk register is in place and reviewed annually, or when new risks are identified within the organisation.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1198650
Principal address
2nd Floor 33 Longbrook Street Exeter Devon EX4 6AW
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Trustees
R Vincent T Irwin (to 31/10/2024) R Oakes (to 31/12/2024) M Cadby (to 13/05/2024) S J Holloway (from 11/12/2023) K Salt (from 4/12/2024) B Garland (from 4/12/2024)
Advisers
Bankers: Cooperative Bank, 242 High Street, Exeter, EX4 3QB
Accountants: Merlin Accountancy Services Ltd, 2nd Floor, 33 Longbrook Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6AW
21/05/2025 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
............................................................ R Vincent - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SISTERWOOD
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sisterwood
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Sisterwood (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
G M Corby BSc FCA
Merlin Accountancy Services Ltd 2nd Floor 33 Longbrook Street Exeter Devon EX4 6AW
23/05/2025 Date: .............................................
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SISTERWOOD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted fund fund Notes £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 4,974 36,272 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 3 General 9,732 - Funded Places - 27,741 Total 9,732 27,741 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (4,758) 8,531 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 6,383 8,278 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,625 16,809 |
2024 Total funds £ 41,246 9,732 27,741 37,473 3,773 14,661 18,434 |
2023 Total funds £ 32,806 6,449 11,696 18,145 14,661 - 14,661 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SISTERWOOD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 AUGUST 2024
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1198650
| Unrestricted Restricted fund fund Notes £ £ CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 8 2,663 16,809 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (1,038) - NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,625 16,809 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,625 16,809 NET ASSETS 1,625 16,809 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds: General fund Restricted funds: Funded Places TOTAL FUNDS |
2024 Total funds £ 19,472 (1,038) 18,434 18,434 18,434 1,625 16,809 18,434 |
2023 Total funds £ 16,579 (1,918) 14,661 14,661 14,661 6,383 8,278 14,661 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21/05/2025 ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. R Vincent - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
In drafting these financial statements, the charity has also takes advantage of the exemptions for smaller charities contained in Charity Commission publication CC17.
SisterWood meet 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 note(s).
The financial statements are presented in pound sterling (£) which is the charity's functional and presentation currency.
Preparation of the financial statements on a going concern basis SisterWood reported a net surplus in the reporting period of £3,773, with total funds held at the end of the period of £18,434. Of these total funds, £1,625 was held in the Unrestricted Fund.
The trustees are of the view that, on the above basis, the charity is a going concern.
Income
Incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income, it is more likely than not that it will be received by the trustees and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Grants and donations are included when the charity becomes entitled to the income.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis when a liability in incurred.
Charitable activities include all expenditure associated with the delivery of projects including both direct and support costs.
Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
continued...
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Financial instruments
SisterWood 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 with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Financial assets, includes trade receivables, cash and balances and investments are recognised at transaction value.
Financial liabilities, includes trade parables and recognised at transaction value. Trade parables are obligations to pay for goods and services required from suppliers in the course of business activities.
Debtors and creditors
These are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/8/24 | 31/8/23 | |||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
Total |
|
| funds | funds | funds | funds |
|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 4,054 | 500 | 4,554 | 809 |
| Grants | 920 | 35,772 | 36,692 | 31,997 |
| 4,974 | 36,272 | 41,246 | 32,806 |
continued...
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 31/8/24 | 31/8/23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other grants | 36,692 | 31,997 |
| The following are some of the Grants received in the year: | ||
| The Atch Lench Grant - £2,948 | National Lotter - £18,301 | |
| Albert Hunt - £2,000 | Co-op - £1,255 | |
| Devon Community Foundation - | The Gibbons Family Trust - | |
| £9,444 | £1,000 |
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
| Direct Support Costs (see costs (see note 5) note 6) £ £ General 2,561 7,171 Funded Places 4,866 22,875 7,427 30,046 |
Totals £ 9,732 27,741 37,473 |
|---|---|
4. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 31/8/24 | 31/8/23 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Overheads | 530 | 824 |
| Project Costs | 6,897 | 2,203 |
| 7,427 | 3,027 |
5. SUPPORT COSTS
| General Funded Places |
£ 7,171 22,875 30,046 |
|---|---|
continued...
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/8/24 | 31/8/23 | |||
| Funded | Total |
Total | ||
| General | Places | activities |
activities |
|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Support Costs – Management | 7,171 | 7,171 | ||
| Project Costs - Management | 22,875 | 22,875 | ||
| 7,171 | 22,875 | 30,046 | 15,116 | |
| MOVEMENT IN TOTAL FUNDS FOR THE YEAR | ||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| This is stated after charging: | £ | £ | ||
| Independent Examiner’s/Accountancy Fee | 1,334 | 1,312 |
6. MOVEMENT IN TOTAL FUNDS FOR THE YEAR
7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the period ended 31 August 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the period ended 31 August 2023.
8. CASH AT BANK
| Co-op Bank Total |
General fund £ 2,663 2,663 |
Funded Places £ 16,809 16,809 |
2024 Total funds £ 19,472 19,472 |
2023 Total funds £ 16,579 16,579 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 37 1,001 1,038 |
2023 £ 934 984 1,918 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Net | ||
| movement | At | |
| At 1/9/23 | in funds | 31/8/24 |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 6,383 |
(4,758) | 1,625 |
| Restricted funds | ||
| Funded Places 8,278 |
8,531 | 16,809 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 14,661 |
3,773 | 18,434 |
| Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement |
| resources | expended | in funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 4,974 |
(9,732) | (4,758) |
| Restricted funds | ||
| Funded Places 36,272 |
(27,741) | 8,531 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 41,246 |
(37,473) | 3,773 |
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continued...
SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current Assets Current Liabilities |
Year Ended Year Ended 31/8/24 31/8/23 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ 2,663 16,809 19,472 16,579 (1,038) - (1,038) (1,918) 1,625 16,809 18,434 14,661 |
|---|---|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2024.
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