The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
THE WOODBRIDGE FOUNDATION
Charity Number: 1205843
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
For the period 22 November 2023 to 3 April 2025
Presented to the Charity Commission for England and Wales CIO Foundation – Registered 22 November 2023
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
1. Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Details
| Charity Details | |
|---|---|
| Charity name | The Woodbridge Foundation |
| Charity number | 1205843 |
| Legal form | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO Foundation) |
| Registered address | 11 Wild Deer Court, Northampton, NN5 4XY |
| Date of registration | 22 November 2023 |
| Accounting period | 22 November 2023 to 3 April 2025 |
| Contact email | lchondoka@yahoo.co.uk |
| Contact telephone | 01604 266621 |
| Operating area | Northamptonshire |
Trustees
The following trustees served throughout the period:
| Lucy Mwape | Chair |
|---|---|
| Jennifer Carby-Tailor | Trustee |
| Kennedy Mwanza Member | Trustee |
Key Staff and Volunteers
The charity is supported by a team of volunteers who assist with programme delivery and outreach. Five volunteers were actively engaged during the period.
2. Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Woodbridge Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO Foundation), registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 22 November 2023 under charity number 1205843. The charity is governed by its Constitution, which sets out its objects, powers and the rules by which it operates.
Charitable Objects
The charitable objects of The Woodbridge Foundation are:
“To advance the education and training for the public benefit among people who are refugees and asylum seekers in need thereof so as to advance them in life and assist them to adapt within a new community.”
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the CIO Constitution. New trustees are identified through the charity’s networks, assessed against the skills and experience needed to govern the charity effectively, and inducted into their responsibilities. The board currently comprises three trustees, providing professional experience in social work, finance and community leadership.
Organisational Structure
The charity is governed by its board of trustees, who meet regularly to set strategic direction, approve expenditure and ensure compliance with legal obligations. Day-to-day activities are led by the Chair, Lucy Mwape, in her capacity as Service Director. The charity works in partnership with The Woodbridge Family Centre, which shares expertise and resources to support programme delivery.
Risk Management
The trustees have identified the principal risks to the charity and have taken steps to mitigate them, including maintaining adequate financial controls, ensuring restricted grant funds are ring-fenced and only applied to approved purposes, and retaining supporting documentation for all expenditure. The trustees review risks on an ongoing basis.
3. Objectives and Activities
Public Benefit
The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning and reviewing the charity’s activities. The Woodbridge Foundation’s work directly benefits refugees, asylum seekers and people of a particular ethnic or racial origin who are in need of education, training and support to adapt to life in the United Kingdom. All activities are delivered free of charge to beneficiaries.
Aims for the Period
During the period under review, the trustees set the following aims:
-
To deliver a programme of financial literacy workshops to support beneficiaries in managing their finances and understanding the cost of living in the UK
-
To provide safeguarding training to ensure the safety and wellbeing of new arrivals
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To produce and distribute a cost-of-living help guide to assist beneficiaries in navigating everyday life in the UK
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To build organisational capacity through the purchase of equipment and engagement of a project officer
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To recruit and support volunteers to assist with programme delivery
4. Achievements and Performance
Financial Literacy Workshops
The charity successfully delivered a programme of nine financial literacy workshops during the period, supported by an Awards for All grant of £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund (Project ID: 20254641). Sessions were attended by an average of 35 beneficiaries each, reaching an estimated 315 individuals across the programme. Topics covered included budgeting, understanding the UK banking system, managing household bills and navigating the cost of living.
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
Each session was facilitated by specialist speakers and included the provision of catering and refreshments to encourage attendance and participation. A full-day event was held on 11 May 2024 at The Willow House, Milton Keynes, bringing together beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
Safeguarding Training
A safeguarding course was delivered for 10 people, specifically targeting new arrivals to the country. The training, provided by Harithell limited, equipped participants with knowledge of safeguarding procedures, rights and responsibilities in the UK. Comprehensive training materials, guides and online resources were provided to all participants.
Cost-of-Living Help Guide
The charity produced and distributed a cost-of-living help guide booklet to beneficiaries. The guide provided practical information on managing finances, accessing services and adapting to life in the UK, directly supporting the charity’s object of helping refugees and asylum seekers settle within their new community.
Equipment and Organisational Capacity
To support programme delivery, the charity purchased two laptops, a printer and Microsoft 365, enabling staff and volunteers to manage administrative tasks, prepare workshop materials and maintain records. An engagement officer was employed for 28 weeks to coordinate activities and support beneficiary engagement.
Volunteers
Five volunteers were actively engaged during the period, supporting workshop delivery, outreach and administration. Volunteer travel and fuel costs were reimbursed in recognition of their contribution. The trustees are grateful for the dedication of all volunteers who gave their time to support the charity’s beneficiaries.
Summary of Reach
| Activity | Output |
|---|---|
| Financial literacy workshops delivered | 9 sessions |
| Estimated beneficiaries reached (workshops) | ~315 (avg. 35 per session) |
| Safeguarding course participants | 10 people |
| Cost-of-living booklets distributed | 35+ beneficiaries |
| Volunteers supported | 5 active volunteers |
| National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All grant | £10,000 |
| Arnold Clark Community Fund grant | £2,500 |
| Total income for the period | £12,500 |
Fundraising
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
During the period the charity successfully secured two grants. In addition to the Awards for All grant, the Arnold Clark Community Fund awarded £2,500 to the charity in October 2024 in recognition of its community work. The trustees are grateful to both funders for their support and confidence in the charity’s mission.
5. Future Plans
The trustees have identified the following priorities for the coming year:
Continue Beneficiary Support
The charity will continue to provide direct support to refugees, asylum seekers and people of a particular ethnic or racial origin in Northamptonshire, including ongoing welfare assistance, advocacy and signposting to services.
Further Workshops
Building on the success of the financial literacy programme, the trustees plan to deliver further workshops in the coming year. These will build on the topics covered to date and will be adapted to the evolving needs of new arrivals and settled beneficiaries.
New Grant Application
The trustees are actively pursuing further grant funding to sustain and grow the charity’s activities. A new grant application is in preparation, seeking funding for an expanded programme of education and training activities aligned with the charity’s objects.
Organisational Development
The trustees will continue to strengthen governance arrangements, develop a formal reserves policy and maintain robust financial controls to ensure the charity’s activities remain focused on its charitable objects and the needs of its beneficiaries.
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
6. Financial Review
Overview
The financial statements cover the period from the charity’s registration on 22 November 2023 to 3 April 2025, being the charity’s first reporting period. The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis, as the charity’s gross income did not exceed £250,000 in the period.
Income
Total income for the period was £12,500, comprising two restricted grants in support of the charity’s financial literacy and community support programme. The principal grant of £10,000 was received from the National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All, Project ID: 20254641). A further grant of £2,500 was received from the Arnold Clark Community Fund in October 2024, in recognition of the charity’s work supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Northamptonshire.
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the period was £9,544.18. Principal items were:
-
Workshop delivery (venue, catering, transport and facilitators): £2,688.95
-
Engagement officer: £2,000.00
-
Equipment (laptops, printer, Microsoft 365): £2,411.98 (net book value £2,356.34 after depreciation)
-
Staff training: £888.80
-
General expenses: £3,454.68
-
Advertising and marketing: £411.99
-
Travel – national: £58.88
Reserves
At the period end, the charity held net assets of £2,955.82, comprising fixed assets of £2,356.34 and cash at bank of £599.48. The trustees will develop a formal reserves policy during the coming year.
Restricted Funds
The trustees confirm that all restricted funds have been, or are being, applied in accordance with the purposes for which they were granted. The Awards for All grant of £10,000 was applied to the financial literacy workshop programme as approved.
Going Concern
The trustees are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and are actively pursuing further grant funding.
7. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to do so
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
8. Approval and Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements set out on the following pages.
Signed (Chair) Lucy Mwape Date 19[TH] April 2026 On behalf of trustees The Woodbridge Foundation
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
9. Statement of Financial Activities
For the period 22 November 2023 to 3 April 2025
| Period 22 Nov 2023–3 Apr 2025 (£) |
|
|---|---|
| INCOME | |
| Restricted funds – grants received | £12,500.00 |
| Total Income | £12,500.00 |
| EXPENDITURE | |
| Charitable activities: | |
| Workshop delivery, catering, venue and transport | £2,688.95 |
| Direct wages (engagement officer) | £2,000.00 |
| Total Charitable Activities Expenditure | £4,688.95 |
| Support costs: | |
| Advertising and marketing | £411.99 |
| Bank fees / cashback (net credit) | (£14.76) |
| Depreciation | £55.64 |
| General expenses | £3,454.68 |
| Staff training | £888.80 |
| Travel – national | £58.88 |
| Total Support Costs | £4,855.23 |
| Total Expenditure | £9,544.18 |
| NET INCOME FOR THE PERIOD | £2,955.82 |
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
| Fund balances brought forward | £0.00 |
| Fund balances carried forward | £2,955.82 |
All income and expenditure arises from continuing activities. The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those included above.
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
10. Balance Sheet
As at 3 April 2025
| 3 April 2025 (£) | ||
|---|---|---|
| FIXED ASSETS | ||
| Tangible assets – computer equipment at cost | £2,411.98 | |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (£55.64) | |
| Total Fixed Assets | £2,356.34 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | £599.48 | |
| Total Current Assets | £599.48 | |
| NET ASSETS | £2,955.82 | |
| FUNDS | ||
| Restricted funds | £0.00 | |
| Unrestricted funds – retained earnings | £2,955.82 | |
| Total Funds | £2,955.82 | |
| The financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on __ | ||
| Signed (Chair) | Lucy Mwape | |
| Date | 19thApril 2026 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on ____.
Prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102) on a receipts and payments basis.
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
11. Notes to the Accounts
Note 1 – Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation: The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). The accounts cover the period from incorporation on 22 November 2023 to 3 April 2025.
Income recognition: Grant income is recognised when conditions of entitlement are met. Restricted income is applied only to the purposes for which it was given.
Fixed assets and depreciation: Computer equipment is capitalised at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over 3 years.
Note 2 – Restricted Funds
| Fund / Funder | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All (Project 20254641) |
£10,000.00 |
| Arnold Clark Community Fund (received October 2024) | £2,500.00 |
| Total Restricted Income | £12,500.00 |
Both grants were applied to the charity’s financial literacy and community support programme in accordance with the terms of each grant. The Awards for All grant conditions required expenditure to be ring-fenced to the approved project budget.
Note 2a – Trustee Terms of Appointment
The constitution provides that the first charity trustees were appointed for an initial term of one year from the date of adoption (06 June 2023). The trustees confirm that all three trustees – Lucy Mwape, Jennifer CarbyTailor and Kennedy Mwanza – have continued to serve and act on behalf of the charity beyond their initial terms. The trustees will formalise their reappointment in accordance with clause 10 of the constitution at the earliest opportunity.
Note 3 – Fixed Assets
| (£) | |
|---|---|
| Computer equipment – 2 HP laptops and printer | £2,411.98 |
| Less: depreciation to 3 April 2025 | (£55.64) |
| Net Book Value | £2,356.34 |
Equipment was purchased in February and July 2024 to support programme delivery.
Note 4 – Trustee Remuneration and Expenses
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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The Woodbridge Foundation • Charity No. 1205843 • Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts
No trustee received any remuneration or had any expenses reimbursed during the period.
Note 5 – Related Party Transactions
The charity works in close collaboration with The Woodbridge Family Centre, with which trustees share professional connections. All transactions between the two organisations are conducted at arm’s length and are properly authorised by the trustees.
Note 6 – Post Balance Sheet Events
The trustees are aware that the charity’s annual return to the Charity Commission was overdue at the date of preparation of these accounts. Steps have been taken to complete and submit the return. There are no other material post balance sheet events to disclose.
CIO Foundation registered in England & Wales
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