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# **Trustees Annual Report** 

for 

## ASCEL 

(Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians) 

1st April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024 

Report dated 9th September 2024 

**Charity Number: 1200443** 

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## **Contents** 

|Board of Trustees|Page 3|
|---|---|
|Public benefit, vision, mission and values|Page 4|
|Objectives and activities|Page 4|
|Achievements and performance|Page 5|
|Governance and management|Page 7|
|Financial review|Page 10|
|Financial position on 1st April 2024|Page 11|
|Reserves policy and position|Page 11|
|Independent examiners’ report|Page 14|
|Statement of financial activities|Page 16|



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## **Trustees’ Annual Report for ASCEL** 

## (Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians) 

The Trustees present its report for the financial year from 1[st] April 2023 to the end of 31 March 2024. 

Charity name: Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians Also known as: ASCEL Charity registration number: 1200443 Registered Office: Wolverhampton Central Library Snow Hill Wolverhampton WV1 3AX 

## **ASCEL Board of Trustees** 

Annabel Gittins Chair Anna Simmons Treasurer Christine Myhill MBE Trustee Krystal Vittles BEM Trustee Nina Simon BEM Trustee Sue Ball MBE Trustee Sherilyn Pereira Trustee appointed 10th November 2023 Kirsty Blyth Trustee appointed 10th November 2023 Mark Freeman MBE Trustee appointed 10th November 2023 Benedict Shaw Trustee appointed 10th November 2023 Nicholas Fuller Trustee appointed 10th November 2023 Fabienne Tannoh Trustee appointed 10th November 2023 

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The Trustees are delighted to report on the progress made in the first full financial year as a registered charity. 

## **Public benefit, vision, mission and values** 

## **Vision** 

Our vision is that the imagination and aspirations of all children and young people can soar through exciting, vibrant and dynamic library services which promote inclusion and diversity, where their voices are heard, valued and reflected. 

## **Mission** 

At ASCEL we inspire all children and young people to reach their full potential by championing excellence, diversity and equality in libraries. 

## **Values** 

We have consulted with members and our committee to develop the following values and guiding principles for our work: 

- We listen to and centre the voices of children and young people in the library sector 

- We support the growth and development of members and staff at all levels via local and national networks, to ensure sector and organisational resilience 

- We develop strong, effective and trusted partnerships and collaborations with others 

- We are a kind, listening and empathetic organisation 

- We work to ensure we are a diverse and inclusive organisation 

- We are knowledgeable and draw on best practice and expertise to deliver high quality support and training 

- We ensure that the work we do is always inclusive and has the widest possible benefits to ASCEL members and library services 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's objectives and in planning its activities. In particular, the trustees consider how activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set. 

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Our charity’s purposes as set in the Constitution are: To advance education and promote literacy in young people and families primarily by assisting in the establishment, maintenance, operation and development of libraries and library services for young people and families in the United Kingdom, improving the overall standard of libraries and library services, and by providing education and development for those involved in librarianship. 

ASCEL is a membership organisation representing senior librarians and managers in public libraries and school library services. We have 155 individual members from 142 library services. 

We work with the library sector to deliver our strategic outcomes: 

## **1. Children and young people feel that libraries are welcoming places where their voices are** 

**heard and valued** , particularly the voices of those who do not currently use libraries, children and young people from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, who identify as LGBTQIA+ and disabled and D/deaf children and young people. 

## **2. The offer for children and young people is vibrant, dynamic and joined up** across public 

and school library services and through the Universal Library Offers and this in turn is integrated with other Arts Council England strategic investments in Children and Young people, especially Music Education Hubs and Local Cultural Education Partnerships 

## **3. Staff and volunteers working with children and young people in libraries have access to** 

**talent development and career pathways** and the value of specialist skills in this area is recognised and rewarded by employers 

## **4. The role of libraries in providing support and learning opportunities for children and** 

**young people is recognised and libraries are seen as first-call partners** for organisations delivering activities and interventions to support children and young people. 

**5. ASCEL is a diverse, inclusive and effective organisation** that supports libraries to provide an excellent offer for children and young people through direct engagement with their audiences, high quality training and support and access to national partnerships 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

## **Youth Engagement Network** 

Seven library services took part in the pilot phase of this programme, from urban, rural and coastal locations. The libraries co-created a range of activities with young people (11-13) from marginalised backgrounds, with a focus on non-library users. These activities will run throughout 

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Q1 and Q2 2024/25 and the pilot will be independently evaluated, with a report and case studies planned for Q3 2024/25. 

## **Children and Young People’s Promise** 

ASCEL's Children and Young People's Promise sets out the public library services offer to children and young people. The Promise covers children and young people from birth to eighteen and sets out the “library journey” that children should experience as they grow. It also highlights how the Promise links to the national Universal Library Offers in partnership with Libraries Connected. The Children's Promise self-assessment tool enables library services to measure their children’s provision against this nationally developed offer. 

## **Skills Audit** 

ASCEL’s first skills audit was completed by 89 members, with input from Heads of Library Service. The results were used to produce a comprehensive skills report, detailing levels of confidence in a range of skills relating to delivering children’s services in libraries. This skills report was part of a pack for members, which also included a skills map for staff professional development and a training round-up guide. 

## **Holiday Activities Fund** 

A survey of HAF providers in England identified how many currently worked with libraries and understood how to ‘book talk’ and promote a love of reading to children. Based on these results, plus the feedback from members and the working group (consisting of library services in three Levelling Up locations), ASCEL produced a range of resources, alongside expert partners Empathy Lab. These resources will be piloted and launched in 2024/25. 

## **Conference 2023** 

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Changing Times for Children’s and Schools Library Services. 

The 2023 conference moved to a new venue, after our regular hotel was unavailable. It was another successful conference according to delegate feedback. A total of 37 library services were represented across school library services and public libraires with 46 delegates over the two days. We were joined by representatives of the National Literacy Trust, DCMS and Libraries Connected and 15 different publishers exhibitors. Our communications consultant collected video, photo and verbal testimonies to use in promoting ASCEL and future conferences. 

What our members said they would take away from the experience: 

“The enthusiasm and commitment to champion the work of libraries (public and schools) in supporting reading for pleasure and the benefits this brings.” 

“Review policies on CYP and identifying barriers to usage” 

“Practical tips for example social media marketing, supporting accessibility for disadvantaged groups.” 

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## **Schools Library Service Research** 

A new Arts Council England funded research project was initiated to enable the sector to gain a better understanding of the number, reach and location of School Library Services (SLS) in England. 

The research will: 

- analyse the number, distribution, provision, service level, reach, quality, different business models (with associated advantages/disadvantages), operating environments and funding arrangements and success factors (which may include use, value and impact) to give a clear national picture of school library services (SLS) in England 

- provide an understanding of gaps in SLS provision 

- provide a picture of the health of School Library Services across the country 

- present a strategic evidence and knowledge base for supporting local authorities or services commissioned by local authorities to maintain and develop SLSs 

## **Member network and engagement** 

We facilitate a range of opportunities for our members to share emerging practice, collaborate and provide much needed peer support. This includes online forums, weekly sector news updates and quarterly regional meetings. 

## **Governance and Management** 

The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered as a charity on 21 September 2022, having previously been an Unincorporated Association run by the membership on a voluntary basis. 

ASCEL is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with Board of Trustee providing governance of the Charity. 

The member led National and Regional Committees provide practitioner and sector knowledge and advocacy and assist the Charity in adapting to regional needs and priorities in the furtherance of its objects as well as a framework for local partnerships and delivery networks. 

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The Executive Team provide operational delivery of the organisation’s agreed business plan, manage the day-to-day finances of the organisation and develop new areas of work in line with ASCEL’s mission and vision. 

The relationship between the Board of Trustees, Executive Team, National Committee and Regional Committees is illustrated in the organogram below. 


ASCEL Organogram 2024 

## **Organisational Development and Business Plan** 

During 2023 the Executive Team was formed including new Chief Executive and Programme Manager. The team was further supported by freelance expertise, Information Consultant, Conference Consultant and Communications professional. 

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The Business Plan 2023-2026 provided the framework for activity and development during this period. This aligned with the Activity Plan and Investment Principles Plan, which guided the work across four key areas: 

- Ambition and Quality 

- Dynamism 

- Environmental Responsibility 

- Relevance and Inclusivity 

We are grateful to our external support agencies, who supply services throughout the year and enable ASCEL to be agile and flexible: 

- HR advice and support:  Bluestone HR 

- Payroll and Accountancy: Beyond Profit 

- Legal advice: Birketts 

- IT support: Computors 

## **Volunteers** 

ASCEL is supported by volunteers from across our members, including Trustees and regional chairs who form our National Committee. They provide vital contributions, supporting our governance, financial and strategic oversight, professional and practitioner insights as well as creating a kind, generous and empathetic culture to build our new charity. 

## **Trustee appointment, induction and training** 

During this period the Board was made up of 6 Trustees who moved from the Unincorporated Association’s Management Committee into the role of Trustees and 6 Independent Trustees who were recruited in May 2023 and were appointed into role at the AGM in November 2023. 

Every trustee is appointed for a term of three years by ordinary resolution at a duly convened annual general meeting of the members of the CIO or by resolution of the charity trustees. 

All new Trustees are provided with an induction to ASCEL, which includes the Constitution, the Business Plan, annual budget and a copy of the latest financial statements. Trustees receive details of their obligations under charity law including The Essential Trustee. Following their appointment, the new Trustees are offered trustees’ induction course run by NCVO. 

The Chair of the Board is a member of ASCEL and has overseen governance, with fellow trustees, during the transition from an Unincorporated Association to a fully operational charity with staff team during this period. We are a member of the Association of Chairs as a source of advice and development for our Chair. 

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## **Risk Management** 

Trustees monitor and mitigate risk using a thorough risk register, which is reviewed at every board meeting.  The risk register sets out risks, their likelihood and impact, alongside mitigations and an owner for each identified risk. 

Systems, procedures and policies have been developed during this period as the organisation develops. 

The major risks for ASCEL include the charity’s dependency on income sources – Arts Council’s as our single funder and the potential impact of the local government financial crisis impacting on membership engagement levels and ability to pay for membership fees. 

We are addressing these risks by regular engagement and feedback loop with our current funder, and active listening and co-design with our membership to ensure the relevance of our offer. 

We also plan to build organisational resilience by developing and delivering a strategic roadmap. 

## **Financial Review** 

The accounts presented cover the period from 1[st] April 2023 to 31 March 2024. 

Due to the income for the period being over £250,000 the accounts moved from a receipts and payments accounts to accruals accounting for the first time. 

Accounts and financial monitoring transitioned from Anna Simmons (treasurer) to the newly appointed and first Chief Executive Officer of ASCEL, Adam Tulloch, who was in post from 3 April to 30 October 2023.  From November 2023, the treasurer supported the Interim-CEO, before the current CEO, Tabitha Witherick, started on 25 March 2024. 

Beyond Profit were appointed in April 2023 to act as ASCEL’s accountant, with financial systems set up and support given, for bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, payroll, quarterly management accounts and preparation of annual accounts.  From February 2024, Beyond Profit were set up to access ASCEL’s bank accounts and make payments.  Initially authorised by the treasurer, this responsibility moved to the current CEO at the year end.  Prior to this, the treasurer made payments following a checking and authorisation process by the then CEO/Interim-CEO and Chair. 

The board set a budget for 2023/24 as part of the funding application process, in line with its Business Plan and Arts Council England core funding.  Progress against that budget and bank 

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balances were monitored by the CEO/Interim-CEO and Treasurer and reported to the board at all meetings to monitor going concerns, cash flow and variances. 

Consultancy costs were higher than planned during the first full year operating as a new charity. This was due to a change in CEO midway through the year and the commissioned support of an Interim-CEO. The high level of consultancy costs were offset by an underspend in the staffing budget. 

The financial statements have been prepared Beyond Profit Ltd, in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 (SORP FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice that is SORP FRS102. 

The accounts for the previous period were prepared on a receipts and payments basis. These have not been restated. 

## **Financial position on 1[st] April 2024** 

At the end of the financial year assets stood at £110,347, which includes £94,422 cash in the bank and £2,690 of office equipment. 

ASCEL has appointed Jo Roberts, ACMA, ATT, Director of Willow Accountancy to independently examine the accounts and other pertinent information. 

## **Reserves policy and position** 

A reserves policy was adopted in February 2023 and sets out that reserves are needed to ensure the continued operation of ASCEL, specifically to protect its day-to-day operations and to safeguard the charity in periods of uncertainty. 

It is the aim of ASCEL to maintain an unrestricted reserve of two months of essential running costs. 

For the period 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2024 the reserves target was £30,000 in total, representing two months’ liabilities on operating costs and staff salaries.  Delayed by an error by the bank in closing the old HSBC saving’s account, £12,659.59 was transferred to the new savings 

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account on 30 June 2023 and, from this date, the target of unrestricted reserves was held in the savings account. 

With the increasing costs of a growing organisation, including the appointment of the Programme Manager from August, costs per month increased to £15,787.08 

The total free reserves as of 31st March 2024 were £86,508, representing 5.48 months of expenditure. 

## **Principal sources of funds** 

ASCEL is supported with core funding by Arts Council England to act as an Investment Principles Support Organisation. We have secured £200,000 per annum, payable in quarterly amounts of £50,000, between April 2023 and March 2026. 

In total against expenditure of £28,114, the ASCEL conference held in November 2023, brought income of £31,320 comprising £28,470 in delegate fees and £2,850 from publishers exhibiting. 

Membership fees totalled £18,400.   The membership model was reviewed during this period and fees were increased to £120 per annum per member from April 2024. 

## **Going concern** 

The trustees have considered going concern and have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. We have secured Arts Council England funding for our core activities up until March 2026. We have been advised that we are eligible to apply for an extension, which will provide core funding up to March 2027. It is our intention to bid for Arts Council core for a further three-year period covering core costs from April 2027. 

In addition we are strengthening our position by seeking to diversify our funding beyond this core grant.  Clear targets have been set in ASCEL’s 2024/25 budgets to increase income further and a strategic funding roadmap is being developed. 

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## **Declarations** 

**The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** 

**Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Signature(s)<br>Full name(s)  Annabel Gittins  Anna Simmons<br>    Position (eg Secretary,<br>Treasurer<br>Chair, etc)  [Chair ]<br>11/14/2024<br>Date 11/14/2024<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SENIOR CHILDREN’S AND EDUCATION LIBRARIANS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 16 - 27. This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examiner’s work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity, the charity’s members as a body and the charity’s trustees as a body for my independent examiner’s work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity’s trustees, 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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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 which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: 

1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or 

3. 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. 

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## **Mrs Jo Roberts, ACMA, ATT** 

Willow Accountancy Limited, 

Willow Cottage Valley Road Wotton Under Edge GL12 7NP 

Date: 11/13/2024 

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## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>Note<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**INCOME FROM:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>**-**<br>Charitable activities<br>3<br>**246,876**<br>Other Trading activities<br>4<br>**2,850**<br>Investments<br>5<br>**190**<br>**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**249,916**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON:**<br>Charitable activities<br>6<br>**189,445**<br>**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**189,445**<br>**NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME**<br>**60,471**<br>Transfer between funds<br>**-**<br>**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>**60,471**<br>Fund balances brought forward<br>**28,727**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>**89,198**|**Unrestricted**<br>Note<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**INCOME FROM:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>**-**<br>Charitable activities<br>3<br>**246,876**<br>Other Trading activities<br>4<br>**2,850**<br>Investments<br>5<br>**190**<br>**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**249,916**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON:**<br>Charitable activities<br>6<br>**189,445**<br>**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**189,445**<br>**NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME**<br>**60,471**<br>Transfer between funds<br>**-**<br>**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>**60,471**<br>Fund balances brought forward<br>**28,727**<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>**89,198**|**Restricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**1,095**<br>**13,500**<br>**-**<br>**-**|**TOTAL**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**1,095**<br>**260,376**<br>**2,850**<br>**190**|Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>TOTAL<br>2023<br>2023<br>2023<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>34,410<br>-<br>34,410<br>21,448<br>-<br>21,448<br>5,101<br>-<br>5,101<br>57<br>-<br>57<br>61,016<br>-<br>61,016<br>32,289<br>-<br>32,289<br>32,289<br>-<br>32,289<br>28,727<br>-<br>28,727<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>28,727<br>-<br>28,727<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>21 September 2022 to 31 March 2023<br>-<br>28,727<br>28,727|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**249,916**|**14,595**|**264,511**|61,016|
||**189,445**|**-**|**189,445**|32,289|
||**189,445**|**-**|**189,445**|32,289|
||**60,471**<br>**-**|**14,595**<br>**-**|**75,066**<br>**-**|28,727<br>-|
||**60,471**<br>**28,727**|**14,595**<br>**-**|**75,066**<br>**28,727**|28,727<br>-|
||**89,198**|**14,595**|**103,793**|28,727|



The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year. 

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 

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## **Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024** 

|Notes<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>10<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>11<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>12<br>**CREDITORS :**amounts falling due<br>within one year<br>13<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**FUNDS**<br>Unrestricted<br>14<br>Restricted<br>14<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>£<br>£<br>**2,690**<br>-<br>**15,925**<br>-<br>**94,422**<br>28,727<br>**110,347**<br>28,727<br>**(9,244)**<br>-<br>**101,103**<br>28,727<br>**103,793**<br>28,727<br>**89,198**<br>28,727<br>**14,595**<br>-<br>**103,793**<br>28,727<br>21 September 2022 to<br>31 March 2023|
|---|---|
||**110,347**<br>**(9,244)**|
|||



The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on and signed on its behalf by: 


Annabel Gittins 


Anna Simmons 

Chair 

Treasurer 

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## **Notes to the financial statements** 

## **ACCOUNTING** 

## **1. POLICIES** 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are  follows: 

## **a. Basis of Preparing Financial Statements** 

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the  Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 (SORP FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice that is SORP FRS102. 

The Association of Senior Childrens and Edication Librarians meets 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. 

The accounts for the previous period were prepared on a receipts and payments basis. These have not been restated. 

## **b. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis** 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the chartiy's ability to continue as a going concern. 

The trustees have made no key judgments which have a significant effect on the accounts. 

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. 

## **c.** 

## **Income recognition** 

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. 

Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. 

## **d. Interest receivable** 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. 

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## **e. Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. 

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. 

Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity. 

## **f. Expenditure** 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is inclusive of VAT. 

## **g. Tangible fixed assets** 

Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows: 

Office equipment 33% on a straightline basis 

## **h. Debtors** 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 

## **i. Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 

## **j. Creditors and provisions** 

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 

## **k. Financial instruments** 

The charity 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 amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

## **l. Pensions** 

Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution ‘money purchase’ scheme. The charity’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 9. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end. 

## **m.** 

## **Corporation tax** 

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity. 

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Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Donations<br>**-**<br>**-**|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Donations<br>**-**<br>**-**|**Restricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**1,095**|**TOTAL**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**1,095**|Unrestricted<br>2023<br>£<br>34,410|Restricted<br>TOTAL<br>2023<br>2023<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>34,410<br>-<br>34,410|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**-**|**1,095**|**1,095**|34,410||



## **3. CHARITABLE  ACTIVITIES** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>28,476<br>Membership<br>18,400<br>46,876<br>**246,876**<br>**Grants**<br>Arts Council<br>**Total Grants**<br>Conference<br>**Total Other Charitable Activities**<br>**Other Charitable Activities**|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>28,476<br>Membership<br>18,400<br>46,876<br>**246,876**<br>**Grants**<br>Arts Council<br>**Total Grants**<br>Conference<br>**Total Other Charitable Activities**<br>**Other Charitable Activities**|**Restricted**<br>**TOTAL**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>13,500<br>**213,500**<br>13,500<br>213,500<br>-<br>**28,476**<br>-<br>**18,400**<br>-<br>46,876<br>**13,500**<br>**260,376**|
|---|---|---|
||200,000||
||28,476<br>18,400||
||46,876||
||||
||**246,876**||
||||
|**_Previous reporting period_**<br>**Unrestricted**||**Restricted**<br>**TOTAL**|
|Membership<br>**Grants**<br>Arts Council<br>Yorkshire & Humberside Libraries<br>Conference<br>**Total Other Charitable Activities**<br>**Total Grants**<br>**Other Charitable Activities**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-|**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>**-**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**13,013**<br>-<br>**8,435**<br>-<br>21,448<br>**-**<br>**21,448**|
||-||
||13,013<br>8,435||
||21,448||
||||
||**21,448**||
||||



20 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Conference Sponsorship<br>2,850<br>**2,850**|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Conference Sponsorship<br>2,850<br>**2,850**|**Restricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>-|**TOTAL**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**2,850**|**Unrestricted**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>5,101|**Restricted**<br>**TOTAL**<br>**2023**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>**5,101**<br>-<br>**5,101**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**2,850**|**-**|**2,850**|5,101||



## **5. INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Bank interest receivable<br>190<br>**190**|**Unrestricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Bank interest receivable<br>190<br>**190**|**Restricted**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>-|**TOTAL**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**190**|**Unrestricted**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>57|**Restricted**<br>**TOTAL**<br>**2023**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>**57**<br>-<br>**57**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**190**|**-**|**190**|57||



21 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** 

|Bank Charges<br>Conference Costs<br>Consultancy Fees<br>Depreciation<br>Equipment<br>IT Subscriptions<br>Professional Fees<br>Marketing<br>Other Expenditure<br>Premises Costs<br>Programme Costs<br>Staffing Costs<br>Training<br>Travel Costs<br>Governance costs (note 7)<br>TOTAL EXPENDITURE|**Unrestricted**<br>**£**<br>90<br>28,114<br>57,300<br>898<br>1,299<br>4,426<br>1,887<br>870<br>1,343<br>4,307<br>10,350<br>58,163<br>288<br>5,793|**Restricted**<br>**Total 2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>90<br>-<br>28,114<br>-<br>57,300<br>-<br>898<br>-<br>1,299<br>-<br>4,426<br>-<br>1,887<br>-<br>870<br>-<br>1,343<br>-<br>4,307<br>-<br>10,350<br>-<br>58,163<br>-<br>288<br>-<br>5,793<br>-<br>175,128<br>-<br>14,317<br>-<br>189,445|
|---|---|---|
||175,128<br>14,317||
||189,445||



## _**Previous reporting period**_ 

|Bank Charges<br>Conference Costs<br>Consultancy Fees<br>Equipment<br>IT Subscriptions<br>Professional Fees<br>Marketing<br>Other Expenditure<br>Premises Costs<br>Programme Costs<br>Staffing Costs<br>Training<br>Travel Costs<br>Governance costs<br>TOTAL EXPENDITURE|**Unrestricted**<br>**£**<br>72<br>18,894<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>11,548<br>-<br>92<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>280<br>1,133|**Restricted**<br>**Total 2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>72<br>-<br>18,894<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>11,548<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>92<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>280<br>-<br>1,133<br>-<br>32,019<br>-<br>270<br>-<br>32,289|
|---|---|---|
||32,019<br>270||
||32,289||



22 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **7. ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS** 

|**Basis of**<br>**apportionment**<br>Governance<br>Governance<br>Legal fees<br>Governance<br>Accountancy services:<br>Day to Day including accounts<br>preparation<br>Accountancy services:<br>Independent Examination|**Governance**<br>**Total 2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>5,932<br>5,932<br>1,206<br>1,206<br>7,178<br>7,178<br>14,316<br>14,316|
|---|---|



## _**Previous reporting period**_ 

|**Basis of**<br>**apportionment**<br>Governance<br>Governance<br>Legal and professional<br>Governance<br>Accountancy services:<br>Day to Day including accounts<br>preparation<br>Accountancy services:<br>Independent Examination|**Governance**<br>**Total 2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>270<br>270<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>270<br>270|
|---|---|



## **8. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)** 

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging 

||**2024**|2023||
|---|---|---|---|
||**£**|£||
|Independent examiners fee|**570**||-|



23 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **9. STAFF COSTS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL** 

|Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Employer's pension costs<br>Staff training and other staff costs|**2024**<br>2023<br>**£**<br>£<br>**52,593**<br>-<br>**561**<br>-<br>**1,063**<br>-<br>**3,946**<br>-<br>**58,163**<br>-|
|---|---|



No employee received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000. 

The average number of staff employed during the period was 1.25 (2023: nil) 

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive was employed from April to October 2023. A new Chief Executive has since been appointed and started with the Charity in April 2024. 

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £36,381 (2023: £nil). 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. All employer contributions have been recognised in the year. 

24 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|Cost :<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>At 31 March 2024<br>Depreciation :<br>At 1 April 2023<br>Charge for the year<br>Disposals<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**NBV at 31 March 2024**<br>NBV at 31 March 2023|Office<br>Equipment<br>£<br>-<br>3,588<br>-<br>3,588|Total<br>£<br>-<br>3,588<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||3,588|
||-<br>898<br>-|-<br>898<br>-|
||898|898|
||**2,690**|**2,690**|
||-|-|



## **11. DEBTORS** 

|Trade debtors<br>Prepayments & accrued income<br>**CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND**<br>Cash at bank and in hand|**2024**<br>2023<br>**£**<br>£<br>**10,636**<br>-<br>**5,289**<br>-<br>**15,925**<br>-<br>**2024**<br>2023<br>**£**<br>£<br>**94,422**<br>28,727<br>**94,422**<br>28,727|
|---|---|



## **12. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND** 

25 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **13. CREDITORS : Amounts falling due within one year** 

|Trade creditors<br>Social security and other taxes<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals|**2024**<br>2023<br>**£**<br>£<br>**1,912**<br>-<br>**2,006**<br>-<br>**136**<br>-<br>**5,190**<br>-<br>**9,244**<br>-|
|---|---|



## **14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|**Restricted Funds**<br>Arts Council (Schools Library Service)<br>Yorkshire & Humberside Libraries<br>Unrestricted Funds<br>**Total Funds**<br>Fixed Assets<br>Net current assets/(liabilities)|**Balance at**<br>**1 Apr 23**<br>£<br>-<br>-|**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Balance at**<br>**Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**Transfers  31 Mar 2024**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>13,500<br>-<br>-<br>13,500<br>1,095<br>-<br>-<br>1,095|
|---|---|---|
||-|14,595<br>-<br>-<br>14,595|
||28,727|249,916<br>(189,445)<br>-<br>89,198|
||**28,727**|**264,511**<br>**(189,445)**<br>**-**<br>**103,793**|
||**Unrestricted **<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>2,690<br>86,508|**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>2,690<br>14,595<br>101,103<br>14,595<br>103,793|
||89,198||



26 



Docusign Envelope ID: 17659220-04ED-4DDC-B75D-3F0D364CFADE 


## **14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (CONTINUTED)** 

## _**Previous reporting period**_ 

|**_Previous reporting period_**||
|---|---|
|<br>Unrestricted Funds<br>Total Funds|**Balance at**<br>**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Balance at**<br>**21 Sept 2022 Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**Transfers  31 Mar 2023**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>61,016<br>(32,289)<br>-<br>28,727|
||-<br>61,016<br>(32,289)<br>-<br>28,727|



## _**ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS**_ 

|Net current assets/(liabilities)|**Unrestricted **<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>28,727|**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>28,727<br>-<br>28,727|
|---|---|---|
||28,727||



## _**Description of restricted funds**_ 

Arts Council (Schools Library Research) 

To research to map School's Library Services (SLS) across England and provide a report presenting a strategic evidence and knowledge base for supporting local authorities or services commissioned by local authorities to maintain and develop SLSs 

Yorkshire & Humberside Libraries 

Funds received from the Yorkshire and Humber region to be spent inline with the regional committee wishes. 

## **15. TRUSTEES'  REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES, AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** 

Neither the Trustees nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration during the year (2023: Nil). 

Five trustees received expenses totalling £2,497 for reimbursement of travel expenses. 

There are no donations from related parties which are outside the normal course of business and no restricted donations from related parties. 

No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the year (2023: nil). 

The trustees have indemnity cover. 

27