Charity registration number 1205439 (England and Wales)
THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 26 OCTOBER 2023 TO 31 MARCH 2025
THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees C J Bacon (Appointed 26 October 2023) M J Mathew (Appointed 26 October 2023) G C De Villiers (Appointed 26 October 2023) Charity number (England and Wales) 1205439 Principal address The Literacy Initiative Ty Merlin Caerphilly Business Park Van Road Caerphilly CF83 3GS Independent examiner John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF Bankers CAF Bank Ltd Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Statement of financial position | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 10 |
THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the CIO's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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 (FRS 102)".
Objectives and activities
The objects of the CIO are for the benefit of the public to advance education.
In particular, not exclusively, by:
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Identifying people groups whose first language exists only in spoken form.
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Developing a written form of that language.
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Teaching the written form of that language to members of the people group.
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Teaching the written and spoken forms of any languages of wider communication used in that region to members of the people group, whether directly or in partnership with others and in each case with a view to improving the standards of literacy among the people using that language.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
During its first financial year, the Charity has focused on developing minority language literacy projects in Nepal. Following appropriate due diligence, a partner has been identified, a planning visit was undertaken in December 2024, and detailed project proposal documents have been prepared using professional advice.
The charity has also implemented the necessary foundational steps for its future growth including opening a bank account; registering with HMRC; developing suitable policies for its work in line with Charity Commission and other relevant guidance; and securing £84,518 in grant funding to support its growth and initial projects. In addition, during the year, the Charity undertook a detailed scoping exercise to identify potential additional trust & foundation funding partners.
It is anticipated that the first project will begin in Nepal in Q3 of the 2024 – 2025 financial year, following the completion of suitable literacy textbooks. The Charity will monitor the delivery – and impact – of all projects closely, in dialogue with the partner. In addition, the Charity continues to seek to identify additional opportunities for joint working on minority language literacy projects in other countries. The trustees have identified digital means of supporting literacy (developing literacy ‘apps’ for phones/tablets) as a primary way to maximise literacy growth and reach. The Charity will consider how it can develop and promote such apps via partners over the next financial year, with a potential focus on minority languages in Southern Africa.
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The trustees consider safeguarding a governance priority and we require the same of our partners. As such, we require all partners to identify the steps they are taking to protect from harm all people with whom they come into contact, and we have clear requirements in our written partnership arrangements around properly reporting – and acting on – any incidents or allegations of harm.
The literacy projects in Nepal and other countries will have significant and sustained public benefit. They are being developed with language growth in mind and will enable local communities who (due to the previous lack of a suitable orthography in their mother tongue) have no means of becoming literate in those languages. Through such learning, they will also be enabled to ‘bridge’ to the language of wider communication, giving the communities access to government forms; health messaging; and other written materials which will improve social outcomes. We believe nobody should be left behind because of the language community that they were born into and we look forward to providing an update about the positive impacts of our work throughout the year, including via our website (www.theliteracyinitiative.org).
Financial review
During the period, the charity had a surplus on unrestricted funds of £70,069, arising from grants received for anticipated future expenditure.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the CIO that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the CIO’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the period.
Risk management
The Board of Trustees has conducted its own review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It was registered with the Charity Commission on 26th October 2023 (no. 1205439).
The trustees who served during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: C J Bacon (Appointed 26 October 2023) M J Mathew (Appointed 26 October 2023) G C De Villiers (Appointed 26 October 2023)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Trustees with relevant knowledge and experience with a heart for achieving the objects of the charity are recruited from time to time as needed by recommendation of the existing Trustees.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
C J Bacon
Trustee
Date: .............................................
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Literacy Initiative (the CIO) for the period ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
John Caladine FCCA CTA FCIE
Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF Date: ............................
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| 2025 | ||
| Notes | £ | |
| Income from: | ||
| Grants and donations | 3 | 84,518 |
| Investments | 4 | 263 |
| Total income | 84,781 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 14,712 |
| Total expenditure | 14,712 | |
| Net income and movement in funds | 70,069 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||
| Fund balances at 26 October 2023 | - | |
| Fund balances at 31 March 2025 | 70,069 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 Notes £ Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 84,715 Current liabilities 10 (14,646) Net current assets The funds of the CIO Unrestricted funds 11 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... .............................. C J Bacon Trustee |
£ 70,069 |
|---|---|
| 70,069 | |
| 70,069 | |
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Literacy Initiative is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (no. 1205439). It is governed in accordance with its Constitution dated 26 October 2023.
1.1 Reporting period
The accounting period for this set of financial statements is 26th October 2023 to 31 March 2025. This is the first period of reporting the activities of the CIO Charity.
1.2 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the CIO's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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 (FRS 102)". The CIO is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The CIO has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the CIO. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.3 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the CIO has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.4 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the CIO.
1.5 Income
Income is recognised when the CIO is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the CIO has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the CIO has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies (Continued)
1.6 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the CIO’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the CIO’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 3 | Income from grants and donations | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | ||
| funds | ||
| 2025 | ||
| £ | ||
| Grants and donations | 84,518 | |
| 4 | Income from investments | |
| Unrestricted | ||
| funds | ||
| 2025 | ||
| £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 263 | |
| 5 | Expenditure on charitable activities | |
| Charitable | ||
| activities | ||
| 2025 | ||
| £ | ||
| Direct costs | ||
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 6) | ||
| Support | 13,506 | |
| Governance | 1,206 | |
| 14,712 | ||
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 14,712 |
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6 Support costs allocated to activities
| Consultancy Travelling expenses Governance costs Analysed between: Charitable activities Governance costs comprise: Independent examination fees Accountancy Bank fees |
2025 £ 12,500 1,006 1,206 |
|---|---|
| 14,712 | |
| 14,712 | |
| 2025 £ 240 900 66 |
|
| 1,206 |
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the CIO during the period.
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the period was:
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Number | |
| Total | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
9 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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THE LITERACY INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10 Current liabilities
| Current liabilities | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 14,646 |
11 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At | 26 | October | Incoming | Resources | At | 31 | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | resources | expended | 2025 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| General funds | - | 84,781 | (14,712) | 70,069 |
12 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the period.
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