Charity Registered No: 1200571
ESTEEM FOUNDATION
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
For the Year Ended 30 June 2026
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ESTEEM FOUNDATION REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 June 2026
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 - STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ................................... 3 SECTION 2: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE ....................................................... 7 SECTION 3: FINANCIAL REVIEW, INCOME GENERATION, RESERVES POLICY AND RISK MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................... 11 SECTION 4: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ........................ 14 SECTION 5: STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................... 18 SECTION 6: INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ESTEEM FOUNDATION ................................................................................................................... 19 SECTION 7: DECLARATION AND APPROVAL ................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
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SECTION 1 - STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
It is my pleasure to present the Trustees' Annual Report for Esteem Foundation for the year ended 30 June 2026.
This has been a remarkable year of growth, resilience and impact for our charity. Despite the continuing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis and increasing demand for community support, Esteem Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving vulnerable individuals and families across Southwark and neighbouring communities.
During the year, we significantly expanded our reach through our Cultural Food Project, providing culturally appropriate food and essential household support to more than 900 individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Alongside this, we delivered Financial Resilience workshops, winter support initiatives, health and wellbeing engagement activities and practical signposting to services that help people build greater independence and resilience.
These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and compassion of our volunteers, Trustees, donors, community partners and funders. Their commitment has enabled us to respond to growing community needs with dignity, respect and cultural understanding.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our funding partners, including The National Lottery Community Fund, Community Southwark through United St Saviour's Charity, Albert Hunt Trust, Forvis Mazars UK LLP, the London Borough of Southwark and all individual donors whose generosity has enabled us to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Partnership working has continued to be central to our success. By collaborating with local voluntary organisations, health partners, community groups and public sector agencies, we have strengthened our ability to deliver holistic support that addresses not only immediate hardship but also the underlying causes of poverty, social isolation and financial exclusion.
As a Trustee Board, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability. We continue to strengthen our policies, financial management and organisational capacity to ensure that every pound entrusted to the charity delivers meaningful impact for our beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, our ambition is to build on the foundations established during this reporting period. We will continue expanding our culturally appropriate food support, strengthening financial resilience programmes, developing initiatives that improve mental health and wellbeing, supporting women, children and older people, and increasing opportunities for community empowerment through sustainable partnerships.
Although much has been achieved, we recognise that many individuals and families continue to face significant challenges. This strengthens our determination to continue serving our communities with compassion, integrity and excellence.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Esteem Foundation throughout the year.
Esther Olufunke Ephraim-Medoye
Chair of Trustees, Esteem Foundation
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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity Name
Esteem Foundation
Legal Status
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Charity Registration
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 4 October 2022.
Principal Office
London, England
Trustees Serving During the Year
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Esther Olufunke Ephraim-Medoye (Chair of Trustees)
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Omotola Tina Ogunbajo (Trustee)
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Oluyemi Akanbi (Trustee)
The Trustees served throughout the reporting period and are responsible for the strategic direction, governance and financial stewardship of the charity.
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Esteem Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its Constitution, which is based on the Charity Commission's model governing document for CIOs.
Overall responsibility for the charity rests with the Trustees, who are responsible for ensuring that the organisation fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, safeguards its assets and applies its resources exclusively in furtherance of its charitable objectives.
The Trustees meets regularly throughout the year to review organisational performance, approve policies, monitor financial performance, oversee risk management and agree strategic priorities.
No new Trustees are appointed during the year. Each Trustee receives an induction covering the charity's governance arrangements, financial management, safeguarding responsibilities and legal obligations as set out by the Charity Commission. Trustees are encouraged to undertake ongoing training to ensure they remain informed of developments affecting the voluntary and community sector.
The Trustees receive no remuneration for carrying out their duties. Where appropriate, reasonable outof-pocket expenses incurred in carrying out authorised charity business may be reimbursed in accordance with the charity's financial procedures.
The day-to-day delivery of activities is supported primarily by volunteers, working under the direction of the Trustees. This volunteer-led approach enables the charity to maximise the impact of available funding while maintaining effective governance and financial oversight.
OUR VISION
To build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities where every individual has access to the support, opportunities and resources needed to live with dignity, independence and hope.
OUR MISSION
To empower disadvantaged individuals and families by providing practical support, culturally responsive services, financial resilience education and collaborative community programmes that reduce poverty, improve wellbeing and promote lasting social inclusion.
OUR VALUES
Our work is guided by the following core values:
Compassion – We place people at the centre of everything we do, treating every individual with dignity, empathy and respect.
Integrity – We operate with honesty, transparency and accountability in all our activities and financial stewardship.
Inclusion – We celebrate diversity and are committed to ensuring our services are welcoming, equitable and accessible to all.
Collaboration – We work in partnership with communities, volunteers, public agencies and other organisations to maximise our collective impact.
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Empowerment – We equip individuals and families with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to improve their circumstances and achieve sustainable independence.
Excellence – We continually strive to deliver high-quality services that respond effectively to the changing needs of our communities.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Esteem Foundation exists to relieve poverty, improve wellbeing and strengthen community resilience by supporting disadvantaged individuals and families, particularly those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities living within the London Borough of Southwark and neighbouring boroughs.
The charity delivers practical support, education and community-based programmes designed to reduce inequality, improve health and wellbeing and empower people to achieve greater independence.
During the reporting period, the charity's principal activities included:
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Delivering culturally appropriate food support to households experiencing food insecurity.
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Supporting vulnerable women and families affected by financial hardship and the rising cost of living.
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Providing financial education, budgeting support and fraud prevention awareness through Financial Resilience programmes.
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Offering employment guidance, signposting and practical advice to individuals seeking work or training opportunities.
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Supporting children and families with essential household items and food during periods of greatest need.
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Reducing loneliness and social isolation among older residents through community engagement initiatives.
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Promoting community cohesion, equality and respect for cultural diversity.
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Working collaboratively with statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and local community groups to maximise social impact.
All activities undertaken during the year directly contributed to the charity's mission of improving lives, reducing hardship and strengthening community wellbeing.
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when planning and delivering the charity's activities.
Every programme delivered by Esteem Foundation is designed to provide clear and measurable public benefit to those experiencing poverty, food insecurity, financial hardship and social disadvantage.
During the year, the charity continued to provide culturally appropriate food support, financial resilience education, essential household items and community wellbeing initiatives to vulnerable individuals and families. These services helped alleviate immediate hardship while promoting longerterm resilience, independence and social inclusion.
The Trustees are satisfied that the charity's activities have delivered significant public benefit and remain fully aligned with its charitable purposes.
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SECTION 2: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Overview
The Trustees are pleased to report that the Financial Year 2025–2026 has been a year of significant growth, community impact and organisational development for Esteem Foundation.
Despite increasing demand for support resulting from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the charity continued to expand its services and strengthen partnerships across the voluntary, community and public sectors. Through the dedication of our Trustees, volunteers, funders and community partners, we were able to reach more individuals and families than in any previous reporting period.
Our work remained focused on tackling poverty, reducing food insecurity, improving financial wellbeing and promoting social inclusion for disadvantaged communities, particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) residents across the London Borough of Southwark and neighbouring areas.
Throughout the year, the charity delivered programmes that addressed both immediate needs and the underlying causes of financial hardship, enabling beneficiaries to build greater resilience and independence.
CULTURAL FOOD PROJECT
The Cultural Food Project remained the charity's flagship programme throughout the reporting period.
During the year, Esteem Foundation successfully secured grant funding from the Community Fund to deliver a six-month culturally appropriate food support programme between February and July 2026.
The project was established in response to the increasing number of individuals and families struggling to access affordable food that met their cultural, dietary and nutritional needs.
Working closely with community partners and volunteers, the charity distributed culturally appropriate food parcels to vulnerable households across Southwark, helping to reduce food insecurity and ease the financial pressures associated with the rising cost of living.
Demand for the service increased steadily throughout the project, demonstrating both the need for culturally responsive food support and the trust placed in the charity by local communities.
During the reporting period, Esteem Foundation supported more than 900 individuals and families , representing a substantial increase compared with the previous year. The increase in number of beneficiaries when compared to previous years was made possible through additional funding from other funders.
Food distribution sessions were delivered primarily from Cossall Tenants and Residents Association Community Hall in Nunhead, providing beneficiaries with a welcoming and accessible environment where they could also receive advice, information and referrals to additional support services.
Beyond food provision, the project created opportunities for community connection, reduced social isolation and enabled beneficiaries to access wider wellbeing and financial support.
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FINANCIAL RESILIENCE PROGRAMME
Recognising that emergency food provision alone cannot address the long-term causes of poverty, Esteem Foundation continued to deliver Financial Resilience education alongside its food distribution activities.
Interactive workshops and one-to-one guidance covered topics including:
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Budgeting and household financial planning
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Money management
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Fraud awareness and scam prevention
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Managing income and expenditure
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Building financial confidence
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Signposting to debt advice and other specialist services
These sessions equipped beneficiaries with practical knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions, fraud prevention, improve household budgeting and strengthen long-term financial wellbeing.
The Trustees remain committed to expanding this programme in recognition of its positive impact on participants.
WINTER SUPPORT INITIATIVE
During the winter months, the charity provided essential household items, including duvets, toiletries and other basic necessities, to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
This support helped vulnerable households maintain dignity, improve wellbeing and reduce the impact of seasonal challenges, particularly for older people, women and families with young children.
The Trustees remain grateful to donors and community supporters whose generosity made this initiative possible.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Partnership working continued to play a vital role in extending the reach and effectiveness of the charity's services.
During the reporting period, Esteem Foundation collaborated with a range of organisations, including:
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Community Southwark
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Southwark Health and Wellbeing Partnership
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Black Health Legacy
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Black Health Awards
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Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN)
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Passionate Care
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Local faith groups, community organisations and volunteers
These collaborations enabled the charity to deliver joint health awareness events, wellbeing activities, financial resilience sessions and community engagement initiatives that reached a broader audience while reducing duplication of services.
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Working collaboratively also strengthened referral pathways, improved community awareness and enhanced access to specialist services for beneficiaries.
SUPPORTING WOMEN, CHILDREN AND OLDER PEOPLE
Throughout the year, Esteem Foundation continued to prioritise support for women, children and older adults experiencing disadvantage.
Women facing financial hardship received practical assistance, culturally appropriate food support and information about local services available to improve their wellbeing and financial resilience.
Families with school-aged children received food and essential household items during periods of increased financial pressure, helping to reduce the impact of poverty on children's health and wellbeing.
The charity also continued to engage older residents through community activities aimed at reducing loneliness, improving wellbeing and encouraging greater social participation.
VOLUNTEERS
The Trustees acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by our volunteers throughout the year.
Their commitment, compassion and professionalism enabled the charity to deliver services efficiently while ensuring that beneficiaries were treated with dignity, respect and kindness.
Without the dedication of our volunteers, many of the charity's achievements during the year would not have been possible.
OUR IMPACT
The Trustees believe that the charity has delivered significant public benefit during the reporting period.
Key achievements include:
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Supporting more than 900 vulnerable individuals and families through culturally appropriate food provision.
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Delivering Financial Resilience education to improve money management and financial wellbeing.
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Providing essential winter support to vulnerable households.
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Strengthening partnerships with community organisations and statutory agencies.
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Increasing volunteer engagement and community participation.
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Promoting inclusion, dignity and cultural understanding through culturally responsive services.
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Supporting beneficiaries to access additional health, welfare, housing and community services through effective signposting.
IMPACT AT A GLANCE (2025–2026)
During the year ended 30 June 2026, Esteem Foundation achieved the following outcomes:
| Key Impact | 2025–2026 Results |
|---|---|
| Individuals and families supported | 900+ |
| Cultural food parcels distributed* | 900+ |
| Volunteers engaged | 25 |
| Community partnerships established and maintained | 6+ |
| Financial Resilience workshops delivered | 4 |
| Individuals engaged through Community Health and Wellbeing initiatives | 400+ |
| Winter support packs distributed | 150+ |
These achievements demonstrate the charity's continued commitment to reducing poverty, improving wellbeing and strengthening community resilience across Southwark and surrounding communities.
ALIGNMENT WITH THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UN SDGs)
During the reporting period, Esteem Foundation's activities contributed towards the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 1 – No Poverty
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SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
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SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
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SDG 5 – Gender Equality
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SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
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• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
The Trustees remain committed to developing programmes that contribute to sustainable, long-term improvements in the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities.
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SECTION 3: FINANCIAL REVIEW, INCOME GENERATION, RESERVES POLICY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Trustees are pleased to report that Esteem Foundation continued to strengthen its financial position during the year ended 30 June 2026, despite a challenging economic environment characterised by rising inflation, increased living costs and growing demand for charitable support.
During the financial year, the charity generated approximately £20,000 through grant funding, charitable donations, corporate support and community fundraising activities. These resources enabled the charity to deliver a range of charitable programmes that directly benefited vulnerable individuals and families across Southwark and neighbouring communities.
The Trustees remain committed to ensuring that all income received is applied solely in furtherance of the charity's charitable purposes. Robust financial procedures, effective budget monitoring and appropriate internal controls continue to ensure that funds are managed responsibly, transparently and in accordance with Charity Commission guidance.
The Trustees are satisfied that the charity's financial position remains stable and that appropriate arrangements are in place to support its continued operation as a going concern.
FUNDING AND INCOME
The principal source of funding during the reporting period was a grant awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund , which enabled the charity to deliver its six-month Cultural Food Project between February and July 2026.
Additional financial and in-kind support was received from:
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Community Southwark through United St Saviour's Charity
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Albert Hunt Trust
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Forvis Mazars UK LLP
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London Borough of Southwark
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Individual donors and community supporters
The Trustees are sincerely grateful to all funders and supporters whose investment has enabled the charity to increase its reach and respond effectively to growing community need.
The charity will continue to diversify its income by pursuing grant opportunities, developing corporate partnerships, encouraging individual giving and expanding community fundraising initiatives to improve long-term financial sustainability.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The Trustees carefully monitor income and expenditure throughout the year against approved budgets to ensure that charitable resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Expenditure during the reporting period primarily supported:
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Delivery of culturally appropriate food distribution.
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Purchase of food and essential household items.
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Volunteer expenses and training.
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Venue hire, marketing and community engagement activities.
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Financial Resilience workshops.
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Administration and regulatory compliance.
The Trustees are satisfied that expenditure during the year represented good value for money and directly supported the achievement of the charity's objectives.
RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees recognise the importance of maintaining adequate unrestricted reserves to safeguard the charity's long-term sustainability.
The charity aims to build unrestricted reserves equivalent to approximately three months' operating expenditure. This will enable the organisation to manage fluctuations in income, respond to unforeseen events and continue delivering essential services without interruption.
The Trustees review the reserves position regularly and will continue to strengthen unrestricted reserves as funding opportunities increase.
INVESTMENT POLICY
Due to the current level of reserves, the charity does not maintain a formal investment portfolio.
Any surplus funds are held in regulated UK banking institutions to ensure liquidity, security and availability for charitable purposes.
The Trustees will review the need for a formal investment policy as the charity grows and unrestricted reserves increase.
GOING CONCERN
After reviewing the charity's financial position, anticipated income, cash flow forecasts and future funding opportunities, the Trustees have concluded that Esteem Foundation remains a going concern.
The financial statements have therefore been prepared on the going concern basis.
The Trustees remain confident that the charity is well placed to continue delivering its charitable activities throughout the forthcoming financial year while actively pursuing additional funding to support future growth.
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
The Trustees recognise that effective risk management is essential to achieving the charity's objectives and protecting its beneficiaries, volunteers, assets and reputation.
The Trustees reviews strategic and operational risks on a regular basis and has implemented appropriate systems of internal control to minimise identified risks.
The principal risks identified during the year include:
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1. Financial Sustainability
- Demand for services continues to grow while grant funding remains highly competitive. The charity mitigates this risk by diversifying funding sources, developing strategic partnerships and maintaining prudent financial management.
2. Operational Capacity
As a volunteer-led organisation, the charity relies heavily on the commitment of volunteers. The Trustees continue to strengthen volunteer recruitment, induction, training and retention to ensure continuity of service delivery.
3. Governance and Regulatory Compliance
The Trustees regularly review governance arrangements, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidance, charity law, safeguarding requirements, health and safety legislation, equality legislation and data protection regulations.
4. Safeguarding
Protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults remains a priority. Appropriate safeguarding policies, procedures and training are maintained and reviewed regularly. Our activities are mainly held in a community hall within the borough under supervision of competent trustees and well-trained volunteers.
5. Reputation
Maintaining public confidence is fundamental to the charity's success. The Trustees seek to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and service quality in all aspects of the charity's work.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Trustees have established systems of financial management and internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance that charitable assets are properly safeguarded and that financial records are accurate and complete.
Key controls include:
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Annual budgets approved by the Trustees.
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Regular review of management accounts and financial performance.
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Segregation of financial duties where practicable.
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Dual authorisation for significant expenditure and payments.
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Maintenance of accurate accounting records.
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Regular review of financial policies and procedures.
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Independent examination of the annual financial statements.
The Trustees are satisfied that these controls operated effectively throughout the reporting period and continue to provide an appropriate framework for good financial governance.
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SECTION 4: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
Looking Ahead
The Trustees remain optimistic about the future of Esteem Foundation and are committed to building a stronger, more resilient organisation that continues to respond effectively to the evolving needs of disadvantaged communities.
Although the charity has made significant progress since its establishment, increasing levels of poverty, food insecurity, financial exclusion and poor mental wellbeing continue to affect many individuals and families across Southwark and neighbouring London boroughs.
Over the next three years, the Trustees will focus on strengthening organisational capacity, securing sustainable funding, expanding community partnerships and increasing the reach and impact of the charity's services.
THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES (2026–2029)
1. Strengthening Food Security
We will continue to expand our Cultural Food Project to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have access to culturally appropriate food that meets their dietary, nutritional and cultural needs.
Our ambition is to increase the number of households supported each year while reducing food insecurity across South London.
2. Improving Financial Wellbeing
Financial resilience will remain one of the charity's core priorities.
We aim to expand our Financial Resilience Programme by delivering additional workshops, one-toone support and community awareness campaigns covering:
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Budgeting and money management
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Fraud prevention
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Debt awareness
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Savings and financial planning
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Cost-of-living support
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Digital financial inclusion
These programmes will empower beneficiaries to build long-term financial stability and independence.
3. Supporting Women's Wellbeing
The charity will continue to develop programmes specifically designed to support women experiencing financial hardship, social isolation and other life challenges.
Future activities will include wellbeing sessions, employability support, confidence-building programmes and opportunities that improve financial independence and community participation.
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4. Expanding Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
Building on our community engagement work, the Trustees intend to develop culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing programmes that reduce loneliness, improve emotional wellbeing and encourage healthier lifestyles.
This will include activities such as wellbeing workshops, creative arts, community conversations, peer support, physical activity and partnerships with NHS and voluntary sector organisations.
5. Supporting Children, Young People and Families
The Trustees recognise the growing pressures facing families, particularly during school holiday periods.
The charity will continue providing practical support through food provision, essential household items, educational activities and family wellbeing initiatives designed to reduce hardship and improve opportunities for children and young people.
There is also planning to support young children and young adults on education into higher education, vocational careers and employment guidance.
6. Supporting Older People
Reducing loneliness and promoting healthy ageing remain important priorities.
We will continue developing befriending initiatives, community engagement activities and signposting services that enable older residents to remain active, connected and independent within their communities.
7. Employment, Skills and Community Empowerment
The charity will strengthen employability support through:
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CV writing and interview preparation
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Employment guidance
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Skills development
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Digital inclusion
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Volunteer opportunities
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• Signposting to education and training providers
These initiatives will help beneficiaries move towards greater independence and sustainable employment.
8. Intensify The Esteem Foundation Integration Project by:
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Bringing communities together – The hub will be a safe, inclusive space where migrants of all backgrounds connect, share experiences, and build support networks. It will reduce loneliness, strengthen relationships, and promote understanding between migrants and the wider Southwark community.
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Helping children and young people thrive – By supporting parents to engage with schools and youth services, we will create better opportunities for children. Many migrant families face language
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barriers, cultural differences, and uncertainty about the education system. This project will help children settle, improve attendance, and enhance long-term learning outcomes.
- Supporting better health and wellbeing – Many migrants struggle to access healthcare or understand their rights to NHS services. The project will help them register with GPs, access health information in their language, and receive referrals to mental health and wellbeing support. This will reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life.
The Difference Our Work Will Make
The Integration Project will create meaningful and measurable impact.
Migrants will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate UK systems and participate in their communities. Parents will feel more capable of supporting their children’s education, while individuals will be less vulnerable to poverty, isolation, and exploitation.
Across the community, the project will foster cohesion and inclusion, encouraging migrants to contribute as volunteers, mentors, and active residents.
By promoting understanding and shared experiences, it will strengthen Southwark’s social fabric.
9. Strengthening Partnerships
Collaboration remains central to our approach.
We will continue strengthening relationships with:
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Local authorities
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NHS organisations
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Housing associations
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Community organisations
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Faith groups
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Educational institutions
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Corporate partners
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Grant-making trusts and foundations
Working collaboratively enables the charity to maximise community impact, reduce duplication of services and improve access to specialist support.
10. Organisational Growth and Sustainability
Over the next three years, the Trustees will continue investing in the charity's long-term sustainability by strengthening governance, increasing volunteer capacity and improving operational resilience.
Priority areas include:
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Diversifying income sources
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Developing corporate partnerships
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Increasing unrestricted income
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Investing in volunteer development
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Enhancing digital systems
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Strengthening governance and compliance
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Improving monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
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These improvements will position Esteem Foundation for sustainable long-term growth.
OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR 2026–2027
During the next financial year, the Trustees have agreed the following priorities:
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Support more than 1,200 individuals and families through culturally appropriate food provision.
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Deliver at least six Financial Resilience workshops across Southwark.
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Expand community health and wellbeing engagement activities.
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Increase the number of active volunteers from 25 to at least 40.
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Strengthen safeguarding, governance and volunteer training.
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Secure multi-year grant funding to improve organisational sustainability.
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Develop new partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector organisations.
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Increase support for women, older people and families experiencing hardship.
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Enhance monitoring and evaluation systems to better measure outcomes and demonstrate impact.
OUR COMMITMENT
The Trustees remain committed to ensuring that every individual who engages with Esteem Foundation is treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
As demand for our services continues to grow, we will strive to remain a trusted community organisation that delivers high-quality, culturally responsive services while maintaining the highest standards of governance, accountability and financial stewardship.
Through collaboration, innovation and community partnership, we will continue working towards a future where every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, achieve their potential and participate fully in community life.
THANK YOU
The Trustees extend their sincere appreciation to our beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, partners, funders and supporters.
Your generosity, commitment and belief in our mission continue to make our work possible.
Together, we are reducing poverty, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for lasting positive change.
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SECTION 5: STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 its incoming resources and application of resources for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, subject to any changes in accounting policies being properly accounted for and disclosed.
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Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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State whether applicable accounting standards and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice have been followed, subject to any material departures being disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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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 operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate and proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charity.
The Trustees are also responsible for ensuring that the financial statements comply with applicable charity law and accounting requirements.
The Trustees have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity's financial and other information included on the charity's website. Legislation in England and Wales governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The Trustees confirm that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit or examination information of which the charity's independent examiner is unaware, and that they have taken all reasonable steps to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to ensure that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
The Trustees' Annual Report and financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10[th] of August 2026.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Esther Olufunke Ephraim-Medoye
Chair of Trustees
Date: 10[th] of August 2026.
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SECTION 6: INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ESTEEM FOUNDATION
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Esteem Foundation for the year ended 30 June 2026 , which are set out on pages 20 - 23 .
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.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
An independent examination does not constitute an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those accounting records.
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.
E&E Accounting & Tax Services
19 Cedar Corner Stotfold Hertfordshire England SG5 4SS
10 August 2026
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ESTEEM FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 30 June 2026
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Donations, Legacies and similar incoming resources Grants ( HMRC, Others) TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 2 RESOURCES EXPENDED Cost of generating funds: Cost of generating voluntary Income Charitable Activities: Community Projects /Other Resources Expended Governance TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 3 Net income/(expenditure) Funds brought forward Net movement in funds and funds balance carried forward as at 30 June 2026 |
Un-restricted funds 2026 £ 150 19,500 |
Restricted Funds 2026 £ - - |
Total Funds Total Funds 2026 2025 £ £ 150 200 19,500 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19,650 | - | 19,650 10,200 |
|
| - 15,544 - |
- - 15,544 10,274 - - |
||
| 15,544 | - | 15,544 10,274 |
|
| 4,105.57 (346) |
- - |
4,106 (74) (346) 272 - 3,759.37 (346) |
|
| 3,759.37 | - |
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ESTEEM FOUNDATION Balance Sheet for the year ended 30 June 2026
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and accrued income Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: amount falling due within one year 5 Net Current assets/(Liabilities) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES FINANCED BY: Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 6 |
2026 2025 Total Total £ £ 4,559 404 4,559 404 (800) (750) 3,759 (346) 3,759 (346) 3,759 (346) 3,759 (346) |
|---|---|
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ESTEEM FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the year ended 30 June 2026
Note 2. TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
| Voluntary Income Un-restricted: Donations, Legacies and similar incoming resources Grant ( Project funds, Others) Restricted: Other direct Collections Note 3. TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED Set up Admin Expenses Food Bank Admin Food Storage Project Publicity Project Volunteer Project Food Packaging Cardboard Cultural Food Stuff Rent Transport / Logistics Bank Charges Training Stationery Accountancy |
2026 2025 150 200 19,500 10,000 - - 19,650 10,347 Direct Support 2026 2025 Costs Costs Total Total £ £ £ £ - - - 1,200 1,200.00 1,250 900 900.00 900 488 488.00 255 1,600 1,600.00 830 220 219.87 107 10,018 10,018.40 5,919 420 420.00 300 430 430.16 360 18 18.00 50 50.00 - - 203 200 200.00 150 |
|---|---|
| 15,544 - 15,544 10,274 |
The trust allocates all costs as shown in the table above. Costs are allocated between direct costs and support costs based on the actual expenditure and nature of transactions.
Note 4. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION
The Trustees did not receive any emoluments and no out of pocket expenses were paid during the year
| Note 5. CREDITORS: amount falling due within one year This is made up as follows: Accruals Note 6. Total Funds Reserve brought Forward Surplus/(Defict) for the year |
2026 2025 £ £ 800 750 |
|---|---|
| 800 750 |
|
| 2026 2025 £ £ (346) (272) 4,106 (74) |
|
| 3,759 (346) |
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Note 7. TAXATION
ESTEEM FOUNDATION is a registered charity and is thus exempt from taxation of its income and gains falling within Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that they are applied to its charitable objectives. No tax charge has arisen in the year
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