2025-03-31-accounts - Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

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Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period end date 01 04 2024 31 03 2025

From

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any)

MBAF

Charity's principal address	2 Japan Crescent,	2 Japan Crescent,
	London

	Postcode	N4 4BB

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Professor Sarah Maitlis	Chair
	Mr Benjamin Mellefont
	Dr Stewart Moshe Halperin

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Matthew Barley, Foundation’s Director

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution)

How the charity is constituted

Constitution

CIO

(eg. trust, association, company)

Trustees were selected for their acumen in the areas of music, mental Trustee selection methods health and business/organisation by Matthew Barley, the Foundation’s (eg. appointed by, elected by) Director.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)	The objects of the CIO are: 1) For the public beneft, to advance the musical education of students in higher and tertiary education by enhancing the knowledge, experience, enjoyment, understanding and performance of classical and contemporary music, dance, choreography and the visual arts, including through tuition, master-classes, events and performance opportunities. 2) The advancement of the arts for the public benefit through the provision of performances of artistic merit in classical and contemporary music, dance, choreography and the visual arts. 3) The preservation and protection of good mental health and wellbeing among students in higher education and tertiary education who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing mental health conditions, through participation in creative music and arts projects and workshops designed to improve the lives of participants.
	During the charity’s second year we have carried out the following activities: Workshops _Sounds Together_has been developed by cellist Matthew Barley and is delivered with actor and singer, Emma Bonnici. It responds to the deteriorating mental health of students. Barley’s new performance-based workshops and sharings, take students on a personal journey to explore their own mental health challenges and build greater personal resilience. Following on from our first pilot workshop, our second pilot took place in October 2024 in York St John University, where we delivered 2 days of music and movement workshops to co-curate a new piece of work, together with the students. Through the creative process we addressed feelings such as anxiety, competitive feelings, lack of self-worth and overwhelm. We nurtured thinking and skills, such as empathy, listening and trust, to cultivate empowerment, self-worth, and resilience. We also explored ideas about how music and movement can have a positive effect of on mental health, motivation and lifestyle habits. Nicola Forshaw, our project evaluator, based in York St John, did a full evaluation of the workshop to feed into a formal report about the project as a whole. Our final pilot was carried out in 2025 to complete our pilot phase and our project evaluator Nicola Forshaw will complete her evaluation report in December 2025.

Summary of the objects of the
charity set out in its
governing document
Summary of the main
activities undertaken for the
public benefit in relation to
these objects (include within
this section the statutory
declaration that trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit)

The objects of the CIO are:
1) For the public beneft, to advance the musical education of students in
higher and tertiary education by enhancing the knowledge, experience,
enjoyment, understanding and performance of classical and
contemporary music, dance, choreography and the visual arts, including
through tuition, master-classes, events and performance opportunities.
2) The advancement of the arts for the public benefit through the
provision of performances of artistic merit in classical and contemporary
music, dance, choreography and the visual arts.
3) The preservation and protection of good mental health and wellbeing
among students in higher education and tertiary education who are
experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing mental health conditions,
through participation in creative music and arts projects and workshops
designed to improve the lives of participants.

During the charity’s second year we have carried out the following
activities:
Workshops
_Sounds Together_has been developed by cellist Matthew Barley and is
delivered with actor and singer, Emma Bonnici. It responds to the
deteriorating mental health of students. Barley’s new performance-based
workshops and sharings, take students on a personal journey to explore
their own mental health challenges and build greater personal resilience.
Following on from our first pilot workshop, our second pilot took place in
October 2024 in York St John University, where we delivered 2 days of
music and movement workshops to co-curate a new piece of work,
together with the students.
Through the creative process we addressed feelings such as anxiety,
competitive feelings, lack of self-worth and overwhelm. We nurtured
thinking and skills, such as empathy, listening and trust, to cultivate
empowerment, self-worth, and resilience. We also explored ideas about
how music and movement can have a positive effect of on mental health,
motivation and lifestyle habits.
Nicola Forshaw, our project evaluator, based in York St John, did a full
evaluation of the workshop to feed into a formal report about the project
as a whole.
Our final pilot was carried out in 2025 to complete our pilot phase and our
project evaluator Nicola Forshaw will complete her evaluation report in
December 2025.

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
contribution made by volunteers.

Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main Our second pilot in York was hugely inspirational and extremely achievements of the charity informative. 23 students took part in the project. The feedback we during the year received from the students was positive and extremely useful. Some reflections and quotes below: The sessions provided safe spaces for catharsis, joy, and reflection: “I was saying to Matthew how much I loved performing that song because it allowed me to use the power that I’ve found today and it has somehow managed to help me feel 2 emotions at the same time … you’re singing a sad song but you feel happy.” Participants described rediscovering their bodies through movement, resonators, and vocal work: “The voice exercises… it felt a lot clearer especially when we were all doing it together.” Trust and social connection were core outcomes. For many, the workshops countered everyday isolation and supported collaboration. “…the feeling of community came right at the end.” Tutor involvement and facilitation style shaped trust, energy, and productivity. “It was cool and nice to have the tutors involved and it wasn’t just us doing it.” Students articulated significant learning about themselves, their resilience, and their social and creative identities: “Silence after a song… you just take time to let the feeling sink in.” A full evaluation report will be completed at the end of 2025 with key outcomes from all three pilots workshops. MBAF has ongoing relationships with several other universities, who we will send our evaluation report to once finalised, with the aim of carrying out more workshops after the pilot phase.

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

We do not currently have any reserves, but will look to grow these in future years.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

The accounts show a small deficit in funds, but there are no restricted funds in deficit. The deficit relates to start up costs being covered by a loan, which was paid for by the charity’s founder. The loan is interest free and has no repayment date.

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:

the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);

MBAF has worked with a professional fundraiser to gain funding for projects in future years. We have mostly received grants from trusts and foundations.

After our evaluation report is published we will use this to gain further funds to take the project further and work with more universities.

how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.

Section F Other optional information

Section G Declaration

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) S L Maitlis Position (eg Secretary, Chair, Chair etc) Date 8 January 2026

REGSTERED CHARITY NUMBER:1202012

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the

Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Contents of Financial Statements

	Page
Independent Examiner’s Report	2
Report of the Trustees	3
Statement of Financial Activities	4
Balance Sheet	5
Notes to the Financial Statements	6 to 7
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities	8

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Matthew Barley Arts Foundation for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 2 to 8.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:-

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosure in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to the matters set out in the next statement.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Richard T Brooks Leonis Accountants Limited Independent Examiner

Page 2

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in March 2005.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity Number

1202012

Trustees

Prof S Maitlis B Mellefont Dr S Moshe Halperin

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Risk Management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity if exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on………………………………… and signed on its behalf by:

Prof S Maitlis Trustee

Page 3

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from generated funds Donations from individuals Trusts and foundations RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities Production and artist fees Governance costs Other resources expended Total resources expended NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	Unrestricted Funds £ 1,000 - 1,000 - 200 - 200 800 (3,715) (2,915)	Restricted Funds £ - 6,300 6,300 5,479 - - 5,479 821 - 821	31.03.2025 Total Funds £ 1,000 6,300 7,300 5,479 200 - 5,679 1,621 (3,715) (2,094)	31.03.2024 Total Funds £ 7,588 22,260
				29,848 33,328 200 35
				33,563
				(3,715) -
				(3,715)

Page 4

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Balance Sheet

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Debtors and prepayments 3 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year 4 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted funds 5 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD	Unrestricted Funds £ 3,285 - 3,285 (6,200) (2,915) (2,915) (2,915)	Restricted Funds £ 821 - 821 - - 821 821	31.03.2025 Total Funds £ 4,106 - 4,106 (6,200) (3,715) (2,094) (2,094) (2,094) (2,094)	31.03.2024 Total Funds £ 2,485 -
				2,485 (6,200)
				(3,715)
				(3,715)
				(3,715)
				(3,715)
				(3,715)

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on………………………… and were signed on its behalf by:

……………………………………

Prof S Maitlis Trustee

Page 5

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting Charities.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under the headings that aggregate all the cost relating 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 resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees’ remuneration of other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Trustees expenses

There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025.

3. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors Prepayments	2025 £ - - -	2024 £ - -
		-

Page 6

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

4. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors Other loans Accruals and deferred income 5. STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS	As at 01.04.2024 £ (3,715) (3,715) as follows: Incoming Resources £ 1,000 6,300 7,300		2025 £ - 6,000 200 6,200 Net movement in funds £ 1,621 1,621 Resources expended £ (200) (5,479) (5,679)		2024 £ - 6,000 200
					6,200
					At 31.03.2025 £ (2,094)
					(2,094)
					Movement in funds £ 800 821
					1,621

Page 7

Matthew Barley Arts Foundation

Registered Number:- 1202012

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Donations from individuals Trusts and foundations Total incoming resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable activities Production and artist fees Governance costs Accountancy Other resources expended Bank charges Total resources expended Net Income/(expenditure)	2025 £ £ 1,000 6,300 7,300 5,479 5,479 200 - - 5,679 £1,621	2024 £ £ 7,588 22,260 29,848 33,328 33,328 200 35 35 33,563 (£3,715)	2024 £ £ 7,588 22,260 29,848 33,328 33,328 200 35 35 33,563 (£3,715)
			29,848 33,328 200 35
			33,563

			(£3,715)

Page 8