## **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT** 

**Bridges of Excellence Foundation Charity Number: 1205692 For the period 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2025** 

## **1. Structure, Governance and Management** 

Bridges of Excellence Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales. The charity is governed by its constitution, which outlines its charitable purposes and the duties of the trustees. 

The charity is led by a Board of Trustees who oversee strategy, governance, risk, finances, and programme delivery. There were no paid staff during the reporting period; all activities were delivered by trustees and volunteers. 

## **Trustees who served during the year:** 

- **Mr Berhan Kaleb** 

- **Mr Nakuja K. Guyan** 

- **Mr O’Neil Palmer** 

- **Dr Julian E. Vives** 

- **Mr Jarrett Burks** 

## **2. Objectives and Activities** 

## **Charitable Objects (Summary)** 

To advance education and social mobility for children and young people from marginalised communities, particularly through STEM-based programmes and scholarships. Also, addressing health related issues from those marginalised communities 



## **Public Benefit Statement** 

Bridges of Excellence advances education and social mobility by providing STEM-focused opportunities, workshops and scholarships for young people from marginalised communities. Our programmes support academic development, inspire confidence, and expand access to high-quality learning experiences that empower young people to reach their full potential. 

The trustees confirm they have complied with Charity Commission public benefit guidance. 

## **3. Achievements and Performance** 

The charity focused on delivering programmes and strengthening organisational capacity during the period. 

## **Programme Delivery** 

## ● **STEM Workshop (General Cohort):** 

Delivered an interactive STEM workshop in partnership with RoboThink, offering hands-on technology learning. 

## ● **STEM Workshop (Neurodiverse Cohort):** 

Delivered a tailored STEM session supporting neurodiverse children and young people, ensuring inclusive and accessible engagement. 

## ● **Community Health Fair at Whitgift Centre:** 

Participated in a community health event providing families with accessible wellbeing resources and support connections. 

## ● **Scholarship Gala Planning:** 

Established the framework for the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Gala, designed to raise funds for educational awards. 

## **Organisational Development** 

- Adopted key governance, safeguarding, and financial control policies. 

- Developed and implemented a risk register with quarterly trustee review. 

- Strengthened community networks and partnership relationships. 



## **4. Financial Review** 

## **Summary for 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2025** 

- **Total receipts:** £1,531.30 

   - Primarily from **Wix ticket sales** and online donations. 

- **Total payments:** £770.41 

- **Net surplus:** £760.89 

- **Closing cash balance:** £760.89 

A temporary advance of £2,000 from a partner organisation occurred **after** the year end and was fully repaid in November 2025. It is therefore **not included** in this year’s accounts. 

## **5. Reserves Policy** 

The trustees intend to build unrestricted reserves equal to one year of operating costs to safeguard programme continuity. As at 31 October 2025, unrestricted reserves stood at **£760.89** , a suitable position for a developing charity. 

## **6. Principal Risks and Uncertainties** 

Key risks identified include: 

- **Income generation risk** 

- **Dependence on volunteers and limited operational capacity** 

- **Safeguarding and GDPR-related risks due to youth engagement** 

Controls and mitigations include: 

- A suite of governance and safeguarding policies 

- A live risk register 

- Efforts to diversify income streams (events, donors, grants) 



## **7. Plans for the Future** 

Next year, the charity plans to: 

- Deliver additional **STEM workshops** and expand outreach 

- Host the **Scholarship Gala** to begin awarding scholarships 

- Seek **corporate partnerships** and grant funding 

- Develop monitoring and evaluation processes to measure impact 

## **8. Trustee Responsibilities** 

Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, preparing compliant accounts, and safeguarding the charity’s assets. 

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 6th December 2025 

Signed on behalf of the trustees: 

**Name:** Berhan Kaleb **Position:** Chair of Trustees **Date:** 6th December 2025 



## **RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS** 

**Bridges of Excellence Foundation For the year ended 31 October 2025** 

_All funds are unrestricted._ 

## **Receipts** 

**Category Amount** Wix ticket sales and online **£1,531.30** donations **Total Receipts: £1,531.30** 

## **Payments** 

## **Charitable Activities** 

**Description Amount** STEM Workshop Delivery (RoboThink) **£638.40** 

## **Fundraising & Publicity** 

**Description Amount** Creative Services (Fiverr) **£59.77** 

## **Governance & Support Costs** 

**Description Amount** Insurance (Hiscox) **£72.24** 

**Total Payments: £770.41** 



## **Net Movement in Funds** 

**Net Surplus:** £760.89 

## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES** 

**As at 31 October 2025** 

## **Cash at Bank** 

- Bank account balance: **£760.89** 

## **Other Assets** 

- The charity held no other material assets. 

## **Liabilities** 

- None as at year end. 

- A temporary £2,000 advance was made after the reporting period and repaid before the next year end; it is not included in these accounts. 

Signed on behalf of the trustees: 

**Name:** Berhan Kaleb **Position:** Chair of Trustees **Date:** 6th December 2025