REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1201895 TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD I DECEMBER 2024 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2025 FOR YORK UNLOCKED CIO YORK UNLOQKLD
YORKUNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Foreword from Chair Since 2022 York Unlocked has rapidly established itself as 8 key event in the cultur8118ndscape of York, fostering public appreci8tion of the citys architecture. In just four years. it has opened th8 doors to well over a hundred buildings of architectural and historical merit. providing free access to the public and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to discover hidden gems and viaw familiar pL8ces through fresh 8yes. 2025 was York Unlocked's most successful year on record. thr the weekend of 27th and 28t Septembor. the festival welcomed over 27.000 visits across 56 venues. a significant increase on the previous year and a remarkable achievementfor a volunteer-led charityoper8ting on a budget of less than £25.000. Beyond the festival weekend. we expanded our offer with successful one- off events, including the opening of The Retreat in Heslington in collaboration with PJ Livesey. which attracted over 800 visiiors. We also established a Landmark partnership with the National Railway Museum as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, brinwng over 3,000 visits to behind-the-scenes spacès at the museum. These achievements are made possible bythe commitment and generosity of many people.. over 80 volunteers who give thelr time and energy across the year- building owners who open thelr doors with enthusi8sm 8n(J warmth- partners across the city who share our belief in the value of publi¢ eng8gement with architecture and herftage. and of course the thous8nds ot visitors from York and f8r L)eyond who make the festNal what it is. However, bt would not be right to celebrat8 these achievements without 8180 being candlo about the financial Challenges we f8ce. As the Fin8nci81 Review sets out. 2025 was 8 difflcult year for income, and the charity ended the period with signrficantly reduced reserves. This is g position the Board takes seriously. and we have responded by developing a structured fundr8ising ond income diversification plan. Investing in new volunteer c8pacty for sponsorship and grant 8ppli¢8tions, and exploring p8rtn8rships th8t can generate income as y1( 8$ impact. Asl00kaheed.thecOMin8Ye8rSr6prosentan importantperiodoftransitionforyork Unlocked. We are d8v81opin8 a model that combines our flagship autumn festival with a programme of curated one-off events throughoLrt the year. wrking with partners and venues to establish York Unlocked as 8 ye8r-round presence in the cultural life ofthe cty. We 8foCuSed on diversifying our income. strengthening our partnerships, expanding our education offer. and continuing to develop our oper8tion81 and govemance maturity. The ambition is clear.. to build a financially sustainable organi98tion th8t can continue to delp4er inclusive and high-quality public engagement with York's extraordinary built environment. Matt Mccormack Evans Chair TRUSTEES REPORT The Trustees are pleased to present their Annual Report together with the Financial Statements of the Charity for the period from the date of registration as a Charltable Incorporated Organisation ICIO). 1 December 2024. to 30 November 2025.
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT ANDACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER2025 The Financial Statements comply with the Charf(ies Act 2011. the constitution. and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice oppiicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wtth the Financial Reporting Standard appkncable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 {effectiV8 1 January 2019}. The Charty Is a Public Benefit EntTty. Oblectlve$ and Actlvlties The charity's objectives are to advance the education of the public in the subject of architectLsf8 by organising the opening of buildings of archttectural merit in and around the city of York. Activities include showcasing buildings. open spaces. an(J monuments of merit over a weekend in autumn and via one-off events throughoutthe year. Vlsltors 8XP8Tience t8mili8r placesthrough fresh 8ye8 and uncover hid(Jen gem8. Benefl¢larle8 of ourA¢tivltles The beneficiaries of York Unlocked's activities are the peopl8 of York and visitors to York. plug local schools via a range of targeted events, activities and education81 materia18. Lo¢81 buslnesses also benefit due to the increased wsitor pr8senc8 throughout our 8vents, with visitors contributing significantly to the Ioc81 economy. Achlevements and Performance In 2025 we completed ourfourth and most successful ye8r. vitth people maklng over 27,000 visits to our September weekend 8cross 56 venues, wth an estimated 7.000 individual visitors each attending an average of four venues. Thls represented 8 significant step forward from 2024 and confirmed York Unlocked'8 growing position in the cultur81 life of the clty. We continued to offer a diverse mix of historic and contemporary buildings, from mediev81 h811s and churches to modern 8rchltectUTal projects. alongside architect-led tours and conservation crafts demonstrations. Visrtor feedb8ck w88 exceptional. with a satisfaction rating of 9.5 out of 10 and 95% of survty respondents Saying theywould recommend the event. York Unlocked continues to engage people of all ages and from 811 bacKqrounds. Around h81f of our visltors travèl from OLrtside the city. and 56% $8id York Unlocked was the main or only reason for their visit to York. Visitors reported spending an average of £45 in the city during the festival. representing 8 minimum direct economic benefrt to York of over £200.000 in 8 single weekend. A highlightottheyearwasourpartnershipwiththe NationalRailwayMuseum as partoftheir 50th anniversary and the Railway 200 celebrations. We opened up behind-the-scenas spaces including art stores. conservation studios, and the inteiiors of trains in the collection, drawing over 3.000 visits. The NRM identified York Unlocked as key to engaglng 8 local audience for their celebrations, and the partnership demonstrated the value of our model to major cultural instr(utions. Beyond the festival weekend, v4e delNered successful one-off events during the year. The most notable was the opening of The Rthreat in Heslington. in collaboration with PJ Livesey. which attracted over 800 visitors and seNed as a proof of concept for our emerging one-off events model.
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Our event app. developed in partnership wtth a local tech fimi. continued to support visitors throughout the weeken(J antl was shortlisted for an Arts Council Digital CultureAward. Our social media presencegrewsubstantially, with a combined foUowin8of nearty 20,000 across Facebook, Instagram and Linkedln. During the year, our work was recognised externally. York Unlocked was a finalist tor a Pineapple Award at the Festival of PLace, and was highlighted in the report 'Community-led Sustain8ble Tourism: A York Perspective. as an example of high-quality, community-le(J engagement. We continued to invest in our education programme. running six educational events for over 100 primary school pupils and producing informatNe educational handouts for 33 venues. We also maintained our popular event live$tre8m. vjhich reached over 500 viewers giob811y. Our volunteer programme continues to go from stfength to strength, led by our Volunteer M8n8geT. Over 80volunteers 8UPPOrted the d6llveryofthe 202Sfestlv81. with many more involved in planning and preparation throughout the year. Our Volunteer Engagement Programme. including regular venue visits, ensures strong retention and helps volunteers develop skills and experience within the heritage. architecture 8n(l events Sectors. As always, generating funds to sustain this work remains a key challenge. We were supported in 2025 by the National Railway Museum and RIBA Yoikshire. York Unlocked rem8in8 free to all visitors. Futuro Plans Our plans for the next phase of York Unlocked'$ development are shaped by the progress and learning from our first lourye8rs. Below are our key areas ot focus tor the 2026-27 period- 1. Developlng our Programme and Ofter We are developing a model that combines our flagship autumn open bulldlngs fèstlV81 with a curated programme of one-off events throughout the year. Working with partners across the city, inclu(Jing developers. conservation bodies. cultural institutions and community organisations. we aim to establish York Unlocked as a year-round presence in the cultur81 lrfe of York. We will continue to expand our education programme. with a particular locus on schools gerving disadvantaged communities, and develop creative approaches to public engagement wrth architecture and heritage. 2. Partnershlps and Stskeholder Engagement Partnership is central to York Unlocked's model. Building on the success of our 2025 coUabor8tion with the Nation81 Railw8y Museum, V will pursue further partnerships that are mutually benefici81 and aligned with our charitable objective9. We will continue to invest in ourvolunteer programme. which is fundamentalto everything we do. and develop relationships with buildin8 owners. civic bodies, and community organisations across the city. 3. Flnanclal Sustainability Securing long-term financial sustsin8biltty is the B08rd's highest priority- We are actively diversifying our income through sponsorship and advertising, indrvidual giving, and commercial partnerships, alongside a Structured approach to grant applications includingtothe National Lottery Herrtage Fund. Ouraim isto reduce reliance on any
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 single source of funding and to build reserves that provide a secure basis for planning 8nd delivery. 4. Operatlonal and Governance Development We continue to strengthen our governance and operational capability, including the development ot clearer role descriptions and delegation frameworks, investment in our digitsl infrastructure. and a focus on effective planning and reporting. We are committed to developingthe skills and capactty ofourboard and volunteerteam. and to maintaining the inclusiv6. curious. and forward-thinking culture that defines York Unlocked. Through these priorities. York Unlocked Is well posrtioned to grow and develop. ensuring w6 continue to celebrate and share the unique architectural stories of York with residents and visitors alike. Volunteer8 York Unlocked is reliant upon volunteers for the planning and delivery of its activities. In addition to a small cèntral team who are involved throughout the year. the charity also engages with a larger groupwho help on the annualyorkunlocked weekend and at one-off events. The charity is immensely grateful to thè more than 80 volunteers who contributed to the success of 2025. Flnan¢lal Rovlow 2025 proved a dlfficult year for York Unlocked to raise income being as It is entirely dependent upon voluntary income. Toi81 income was £14.35812024: £34,776). Included in donations (total £13.040; 2024: 33,867lwas agenerousgTantfrom the National Railwaymuséum with which York unlocked collaborated on the formers SO anniversary celebration8. In addrtion income from charitable activities was £1.01812024: £9091 being paymenl for postage on programmes posted out. Tight control kept expenditure was £24.74612024: £27.0101, and w8S 8ntir8ly on delivering the charitable activities. Expenditurè on fundr8ising was kept to £Nil12024: £9291 by relylng entirely on appeals lèad by volunteers. In the reporting poriod expenditure exceeded income by £10.389 {2024: surplus £7.7661. The annual York Unlocked festival weekend was made possible by utilising the reserves brought forward from the previous pèriod. This left the charitywith unrestricted reseThes 8t the end of the year 8t £1.79612024: £12.185}. Trustees malnt8in 8 policy of not committing expenditure before funds are in place. In the light of the Current reserves position plans for 2026 are being reviewed pending the rosults of reneWd efforts to raise funds. Reportlng requlrementsfor charltles that fundralse All income generation activities are undertaken in compliance with the requirements of: the Fundraising Regulator" Charities Acts- Charlty Commission regulations. HMRC regulations; the Gambling Act. local licensing laws. GDPR and Data Protection legislation. This list is not exh8UStive. We adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice.
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 York Unlocked does nottske part in face-to-face ortelephonefundrdising. During the year ending 30 November 2025. we received no complaints relating to fundraising activity12023-24: 01- Furthermore. we know of no failure bythe charity or by a person acting on its behalf. to comply with fundraising standards. Governance and Management Governin8 document York Unlocked is a registered charity governed by a constr(ution. The charty was registered 8s a Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIO} on 9 February 2023. Prior to that date it W8S constbtuted as a Communty Interestcompany. Governan¢• The Charity is managed by the Board of Trustees vthich meets at le8St six times per year. During 2024-5 the trust board comprised 9trustees. In line with its governance document all appointments are made bythe board. The appointment ot nèw trustees Is 8 tr8nsparant process which involvès advertlsing for 8n individual with P8rticul8r skill-set, the submission of 8 cv, professional discussion with the chair and nominations from the chair to the b08rd of trustees. The board has 8 dsverse range of Skills relevant to its charitable objects. The board has determined 8 scheme of delegation which includes matters reserved to the b08rd and those delegated to the ch8ir and core team of volunteers. The board has developed ond approved a range of regulatory policies. These include financial delegations. finance policy end procedure8, S8fegu8rding, dats protection, equ81rties. ethic81 fiJndr8ising. 8xpèns8s and volunteer management. The board hag agreed a strategy and monitors its progress at each meeting. The board maintains appropriate records. individu81s are required to declare pecuniery and business Interests 8t èach meeting to m8int8in tr8nsparency of perceiv8d or actual conflict of interest. The board maintains an evaluation of effectiven&ss vthich includes skills audits for the current board members. Rlsk management The Trustees have 8 duty to identrfy and review the risks to which the ¢h8rlty is exposed and to ensure 8ppropriate controls ere in piaceto provide reasonable assurance againstfraud and error. The Trustees are mindful of this and put policies and controts in place to mitigate risk5 as appropriate.
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND Accoumrs FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Referen¢a and Admin18tratlve Details Charity Name York Unlocked CIO Charlty Number 1201895 Trustees Matthew Mccormack Ev8n5 Martin Jeffery Lesley Dolben James Grierson Belle Richer Hill Anna Hughes Charlotte Harrison Danny Myers Lorraine Farrelly Chair Treasurer. R8gigtered Addr888 106 Micklegate, YORK Y01 6JX Banker8 Co-op Bank
YORKUNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Statement of Trusteos. Responslblutles The law applicable to charrties 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 at the year end and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to: Select $Ubtable accounting policies 8nd then apply them consistently. observethe methods and principles in the Charities SORP: make judgements and estimate5 that are reasonable and prudent: state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the fin8n¢i81 statements; prep8re the financlal statements on the going concern basis unless it Is in8pproprl8tè to assume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any timethe 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 constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fr8ud or other irregularities. Approved by order of the board of trustees on and signed on its behalf by: Matt Mccormack Evans Chair
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Statement of Flnanclal Actlvftles for 111 December 2024to 30th November 2025 2025 2024 Notes INCOMEfrom Donatlons 13,340 33,867 Charltable actlvltles Piogrammes 1.018 Total 14.358 34.776 EXPENDITURE on Raising lsjnds 929 Charltsble actlvftles 24.746 26.081 6.7.8 Total 24,746 27,010 NET{LOSSIIINCOME 110.3891 7,766 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Openlng reserves 12.185 4.419 16 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 12.185
YORKUNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Balance Sheet as at 30th November 2025 2025 2024 CURRENT ASSErs Cash al Barbk 12.575 CURRENT LIABILITIES Accruals 12521 13901 NET ASSETS 12,185 FUNDS Unrestrlcted Funds 12.185 TOTAL FUNDS 12,185 The financial statements were approved bythe Board ofTrustees and authorised for issue on 29"June 2026 and were sign8d on its behalf by: Matt Mccormack Ev8ns-Chair /yF/ Martin Jeffery- Treasurer
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Notes to the accounts 1. STATUTORY INFORMATION Prior to 9" February 2023 York Unlocked operated as a communty interest company. On 9 February 2023 York Unlocked became a charitable incorporated entity. registere(J in England & Wales. Details of thè charit5 operations and principal activities aregiven in theTrustees' Report. 2. ACCOUNnNG POLICIES Basis of preparlng the flnanclal statemènts The financi81 statements of th8 ch8rrt8ble incorporated organi$8tion. which is 8 public benefit entity under FRS102. have been prepared in accord8nce wtth the Charities SORP IFRS1021 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities" Statement of Recommen(Jed Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in Accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 8ppIic8ble in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS1021 lèff8Ctivè 1 January 20191,. Financial Reporting Standar(J 102 The Financial Reporting standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared undei the historic81 cost convention. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern b8SiS The trustees have considered the financi81 position and projections of the ch8rity. and have 8 re8s0n8ble expectation that it has adequate resources to support its ongoing activities for the foreseeable future. The ch8ritytherefore continuesto adopt the going concern basis in préparing the financi81 statements. Signrficant judgements and estimates The preparation ofthefinanci81 statements requires man8gementto make judgement, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements ar8 continually reviewed and are based on experience 8nd other factors, Including expectations of future event8 that are b81i8V8d to be r88sonable in the clrcumstance8. Areas in which ludgement h88 been applied in preparing these financial statements include an assessment of the appropriate expenditure to recognise against certain restricted grants, and the allocation of support costs as outts'ned below. Income All income is recognised in the Ststement of FinancialActivities oncethe charity h8s entitlement tothefunds, anyperformance conditions attached have been met, it is probablethatthe income will be received and the amount Can be measured reliably. When donors specify that donations and grants aro for particular restricted purposes, which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. 10
YORKUNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Govemment grants Income from government grants is recognised once the chanty has entrtlement to the funds. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon 8S there is a legal or constructiv8 obligation committing the charityto that expenditure. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amountof the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been ciassrfied under headings th8t 8ggreg8te all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to Particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resour¢e8. Irrecoverable VAT is ch8rged as 8 Cost againstthe activtyforvthich theexpenditure was incurrèd. Charitable 8Ctivrties Cost of charitable 8Ctivitie$ include those costs incurred by the charlty In the dellvery of lis activities and seNices lor sts benèficiaries. AIIoc8tlon and 8PPOrtlonment of support costs Support costs include centr81 functions and overheads that 8SSiSt the work of the ch8rity but which do not directly undertak8 ch8rit8ble activities. These include back-office costs. flnance, Personnel. payroll and govern8nc8 Costs. Support Costs are allocated in proportion with the expected direct project worker time involvéd In e8ch charitable 8Ctivty. This estimate is considèred to reason8bly reflect the un(Jerlying financial activities of tho charsty and provide a reliable basls for allocatlon in the context of the charity's size and resources. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful lrfe. Computer equipment- Straightline ov8r3years Tanwble fixed assets c05ting more than £750 are capitatssed and included at C08t. Taxation The charty is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 11
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 Fund accounting Unrestricted f unds 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 p8rticular restricted purposes. Further exp18n8tion of the nature and purpose of each fund18 included in the notes to the financial Statements. Financial instruments The charlty has fln8ncl818sset5 8nd liabilitles of a klnd that qualfy as basic financial instruments. B8sic financial instruments are initially recognise(J 8t transaction value and subsequently measured 8ttheirsettlementvalue withthe exception, wher8 8pplicable. of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost usingthe effective interest method. 3. DONATIONSAND LEGACIES 2025 2024 Communitylundrai8ing& donations Grants 600 1,128 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Durlng the period there vms no Investment income. 5. INCOME FROM CHAR ThABLE ACTIVITIES This income relates to postage received for programmes posted out. 6. CHARITABLE ACTtVlTIES COSTS 2025 2024 Direct costs Support costs Total 5,129 19,617 9.347 Direct costs relate to marketing and publicty. Support costs relate mainlyto administration and insurance. 12
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT ANDACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 7. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2025 2024 PR Marketing Other Total 4,895 9,031 16 8. SUPPORTCOSTS 202S 2024 Administration Insurance Other Total 18,112 1.184 -320 14.817 1,262 9. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no truste88' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 30 November 2025 10. TRUSTEES. EXPENSES No trustees expenses Wre pald In 2025 11. STAFF COSTS There were no employees duringthe period ended 30 November 2025. 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS There were no flxed assets. 13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONEYEAR There were no debtors.
YORK UNLOCKED CIO REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2025 14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUEWITHIN ONEYEAR 2025 2024 Accruals 252 390 Accrual relates to admin costs12024: fee for independent examination of the 8ccountsl. 15. LEASING AGREEMENTS The charity has no leasing8rr8ngements. 16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Th8Te are no related party disclosures. 14