REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1198650
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
FOR
SISTERWOOD
SISTERWOOD
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 3 to 8 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 to 17 |
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025. 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
SisterWood is a small charity supporting girls aged 12 - 16 through nature-based wellbeing programmes in Devon. Our work centres relational practice: calm, connection, confidence and gentle skill-building through time outdoors.
This year marked a careful relaunch after a period of reduced activity. The focus was on rebuilding the organisation, establishing safe working foundations, and delivering a small pilot programme that allowed us to understand the needs of the girls we support.
Rebuilding and Relaunch
Most of the year focused on re-establishing SisterWood’s operational foundations. Key developments included:
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Reviewing and rewriting safeguarding, health & safety and lone working policies
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Establishing clearer referral pathways and young person documentation
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Re-connecting with facilitators, volunteers and referrers
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Reviewing governance, onboarding new trustees, and initiating a board refresh
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Identifying and securing a new woodland site at Oakwood after venue changes
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Clarifying administrative, safeguarding and on-call rhythms for facilitators
The Director worked part-time (two days per week), with a planned five-week break in summer. Capacity was kept proportionate to the charity’s scale and available resources.
Programme Delivery
SisterWood delivered a gentle pilot of its core programme in summer 2025:
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7 girls enrolled; 5 completed the full programme
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Sessions ran weekly for eight weeks at Oakwood
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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Activities included tool use, fire skills, crafting, nature exploration and reflective group work
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Transport access was identified as a significant barrier for families
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Facilitators reported strong engagement, particularly during calm, steady practical tasks
The small group size allowed for depth, safety and close relational support.
Training and Development
During this period, core training needs were identified in:
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Forest school leadership
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Safeguarding and safer recruitment
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Trauma-informed practice
Some elements of training began, with further modules scheduled for the following year.
Fundraising and Development
Work began on a refreshed fundraising approach to strengthen long-term sustainability. This included the continuation of an Awards for All grant and preparing the ground for future applications to support delivery and core costs.
Achievements and Impact
Despite the small cohort, the programme created meaningful outcomes:
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Girls consistently reported feeling calmer after sessions
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One parent shared that her daughter achieved 100% school attendance for the first time, which they linked to her weekly woodland day
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Reflections collected from the girls showed increased confidence, new skills and moments of self-belief
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Facilitators observed quieter “breakthroughs” taking initiative, independence, and pride in practical tasks
The calm, relational setting enabled slow but deep impact.
Governance and Management Trustees
A board refresh was initiated late in the reporting period to strengthen governance, widen expertise and create steadier decision-making rhythms. Full recruitment and onboarding to continue through October & November 2025.
Leadership
This year involved a transition from the founding Director’s original model. The current Director focused on stabilisation and rebuilding. Trustees are exploring future leadership structures, including the potential for a shared role.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Safeguarding
A full safeguarding review took place:
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Updated policies and procedures
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Clearer induction for facilitators
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New risk assessments aligned to Oakwood
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Improved on-call, debrief and escalation processes
Safeguarding remains a central organisational priority.
Plans for the Coming Year
Plans for 2025 – 2026 are in development. Emerging priorities include:
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Delivering the next woodland programme
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Developing co-production with past participants
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Exploring an alumni strand and an “Elders Stand” involving multi-generational women
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Strengthening trustee roles (finance, safeguarding oversight, community links)
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Improving evaluation in a way that feels relational
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Developing clearer branding and communications
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Continuing to build a sustainable leadership model
These plans will be shaped collaboratively by the trustees and Director.
Freesia Bassett Director, SisterWood
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
Total incoming resources for the year to 31 August 2025 amounted to £4,053 (year ended 31 August 2024 £41,246). Unrestricted funds incoming resources amounted to £36 (year ended 31 August 2024 £4.974). Restricted funds incoming resources amounted to £4,017 (year ended 31 August 2024 £36,272).
Total expenditure for the year to 31 August 2025 amounted to £22,102 (year ended 31 August 2024 £37,473). Unrestricted funds expenditure amounted to £3,362 (year ended 31 August 2024 £9,732). Restricted funds expenditure amounted to £18,740 (year ended 31 August 2024 £27,741).
As at 31 August 2025, cash at bank and in hand held by the charity was £2,320 (year ended 31 August 2024 £19,472), with a net current assets figure of £385 (year ended 31 August 2024 £18,434).
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.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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 £(1,701) in 2025 (year ended 31 August 2024 £1,625).
The balance of the unrestricted fund reflects the activities of the last 12 months. The charity has negotiated a careful relaunch after a period of reduced activity. The focus has been on rebuilding the organisation, establishing safe working foundations, and delivering a small pilot programme that allowed us to understand the needs of the girls we support.
The restricted fund shows a total fund balance of £2,086 in 2025 (year ended 31 August 2024 £16,809).
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.
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The main risks identified were:
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capacity : the workload held by a part-time Director
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transport barriers: affecting access for families
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long-term funding: to support core costs and staffing
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site availability : resolved through securing Oakwood
These risks will continue to be monitored by the trustees.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1198650
Principal address
2nd Floor 33 Longbrook Street Exeter Devon EX4 6AW
Trustees
R Vincent T Irwin (to 31/10/2024) R Oakes (to 31/12/2024) K Salt (to 05/11/2025) B Garland Rosemary Fellows (from 17/11/2025) Niamh Milligan (from 17/11/2025) Josie Rylance (from 17/11/2025) Katherine Horsham (from 17/11/2025) Kadmiel Von Springer (from 06/01/2026)
Advisers
Bankers: Cooperative Bank, 242 High Street, Exeter, EX4 3QB
Accountants: Merlin Accountancy Services Ltd, 2nd Floor, 33 Longbrook Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6AW
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SISTERWOOD
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees 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 and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to 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.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website.
As the charities trustees, we certify that:
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So far as we are aware, there is no relevant information of which the charities Independent Examiners are unaware, and
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We have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the charity’s Independent Examiners are aware of that information.
05/05/2026
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
............................................................ Rosie Fellows - Chair
............................................................ Kadmi Springer - Treasurer
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SISTERWOOD
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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 2025.
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:
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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
02/06/2026 Date: .............................................
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SISTERWOOD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted fund fund Notes £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 36 4,017 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 3 General 3,362 - Funded Places - 18,740 Total 3,362 18,741 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (3,326) (14,723) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,625 16,809 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD (1,701) 2,086 |
2025 Total funds £ 4,053 3,362 18,740 22,102 (18,049) 18,434 385 |
2024 Total funds £ 41,246 9,732 27,741 37,473 3,773 14,661 18,434 |
|---|---|---|
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SISTERWOOD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 AUGUST 2025
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1198650
| 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total fund fund funds Notes £ £ £ CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 8 234 2,086 2,320 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (1,935) - (1,935) NET CURRENT ASSETS (1,701) 2,086 385 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES (1,701) 2,086 385 NET ASSETS (1,701) 2,086 385 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds: General fund (1,701) Restricted funds: Funded Places 2,086 TOTAL FUNDS 385 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: ............................................................ ............................................................ Rosie Fellows - Chair Kadmi Springer - Treasurer 05/05/2026 |
2024 Total funds £ 19,472 (1,038) 18,434 18,434 18,434 1,625 16,809 18,434 issue on |
|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 05/05/2026 ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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 deficit in the reporting period of £18,049, with total funds held at the end of the period of £385. Of these total funds, £(1,701) 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.
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/8/25 | 31/8/24 | |||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
Total |
|
| funds | funds | funds | funds |
|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 36 | - | 36 | 4,554 |
| Grants | - | 4,017 | 4,017 | 36,692 |
| 36 | 4,017 | 4,053 | 41,246 |
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 31/8/25 | 31/8/24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other grants | 4,017 | 36,692 |
| The following are some of the Grants received in the year: | ||
| Co-op £2,017 | The Norman Family Trust £1,000 |
3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
| Direct Support Costs (see costs (see note 4) note 5) £ £ General 1,878 1,484 Funded Places 851 17,889 2,729 19,373 |
Totals £ 3,362 18,740 22,102 |
|---|---|
4. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Year Ended | Year Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 31/8/25 | 31/8/24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Overheads | 1,406 | 530 |
| Project Costs | 1,323 | 6,897 |
| 2,729 | 7,427 |
| 5. SUPPORT COSTS General Funded Places |
£ 1,484 17,889 19,373 |
|---|---|
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
| Year Ended | Year Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/8/25 | 31/8/24 | ||||
| Funded | Total |
Total | |||
| General | Places | activities |
activities |
||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Support Costs – Management | 1,484 | - | 1,484 | 7,171 | |
| Project Costs - Management | - | 17,889 | 17,889 | 22,875 | |
| 1,484 | 17,889 | 19,373 | 30,046 | ||
| 6. | MOVEMENT IN TOTAL FUNDS FOR THE YEAR | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| This is stated after charging: | £ | £ | |||
| Independent Examiner’s/Accountancy Fee | 1,453 | 1,334 |
7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2025 nor for the period ended 31 August 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2025 nor for the period ended 31 August 2024.
8. CASH AT BANK
| General Funded fund Places £ £ Co-op Bank 234 2,086 Total 234 2,086 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 Total funds £ 2,320 2,320 2025 £ 145 1,790 1,935 |
2024 Total funds £ 19,472 19,472 2024 £ 37 1,001 1,038 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | |||
| movement | At | ||
| At 1/9/24 | in funds | 31/8/25 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 1,625 | (3,326) | (1,701) |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Funded Places | 16,809 | (14,723) | 2,086 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 18,434 | (18,049) | 385 |
| Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | |||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 36 | (3,362) | (3,326) |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Funded Places | 4,017 | (18,740) | (14,723) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 4,053 | (22,102) | (18,049) |
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SISTERWOOD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current Assets Current Liabilities |
Year Ended Year Ended 31/8/25 31/8/24 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total £ £ £ £ 234 2,086 2,320 19,472 (1,935) - (1,935 (1,038) (1,701) 2,086 385 18,434 |
|---|---|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2025.
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