**Body Politic Annual Report 24/25 Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, OX4 1RE. Charity Number:1207375.**
## **Contents**
|**Contents**||
|---|---|
|1/Reference and Administration information|3|
|2/Executive Summary|4 - 6|
|3/Artistic Director review|8|
|4/Vision mission and values|10 -12|
|5/Achievements & Performance 24/25|14 - 19|
|6/Financial Review|21|
|7/Governance, management and staffing|22 - 23|
|8/Risk Management|25 - 26|
|9/Independent Examiner’s Report|29|
**Josh Tomalin**
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**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
**Josh Tomalin**
## **1/Reference & Administration Information:**
**Chair:** Lauren Kendall
## **Trustees:**
Trustees: Natasha Anderson Lucy Bellingham Rohini Jhally Gemma Cannon Shannelle Fergus Lucia Prentice Laura Ayoade Hanna Smyth
Rajpal Pardesi resigned 9/9/2024 Lee Griffiths resigned 13/03/2025
**Registered Office:** Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, OX4 1RE
**Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer:** Emma-Jane Morbey
## **Independent Examiner:**
Andrew Churchill Stone, Mercer Lewin Ltd, Chartered Accountants, 6-7 Citibase, New Barclay House, 234 Botley Rd, Oxford OX2 0HP
**Charity Number:** 1207375
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**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
## **2/Executive Summary**
The first year has been a fantastic start for Body Politic (“the charity”) as a newly established CIO. Prior to this, the organisation operated for 11 years under a limited by guarantee governance structure.
Body Politic delivers innovative Hip Hop dance performances, productions, and participatory arts that foster social inclusion. We focus on engaging children and young people from disadvantaged communities, offering cultural activities year-round, particularly in dance and theatre.
In June 2024, Body Politic launched its flagship training and development programme for young artists aged 16-25yrs. This is a year long-programme, addressing the lack of support for progression routes for new and emerging artists in non-traditional dance styles. We support young artists from the global majority and disadvantaged communities through paid training and development to equip them with the skills, confidence and leadership qualities to shape their future success and influence meaningful change in the industry.
**During 2024/2025, Body Politic has worked with 1674 children**
**and young people aged 5-25yrs and delivered 5097 young person attended hours across the year.**
Investment in 8 artists also meant that Body Politic were able to grow its services for children and young people in the city by 51%. We delivered 8 sessions a week, and built two new partnership initiatives with Barton Neighbourhood Centre and City of Oxford College.
**Josh Tomalin**
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**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
**During 24/25 we offered 187 free and subsidised places to children and young people.**
Our weekly classes and projects offer young people the opportunity to develop creative thinking, build confidence, foster new social connections and friendships as well as boost physical and mental wellbeing.
This year Body Politic has cemented partnerships both regionally and nationally through the development of its Future Leaders Programme. These have included Parasol, Youth Ambition (Oxford City Council), Pegasus, The North Wall Arts Centre as well as, Boy Blue, Far From the Norm and Zoonation. We have also collaborated with researchers at University of Oxford to develop organisational impact tools piloting survey methods and questions on participants so we are better equipped to measure our impact.
Body Politic has displayed its continued commitment to accessibility through maintaining affordable prices across our provision, and ensuring that we provide supported places for participants who face multiple barriers to engaging with the arts.
It is important that we deliver work, and work with individuals who reflect the rich diversity of the Oxfordshire community. We have built long-term and sustainable relationships with our local communities that are least represented across the national arts landscape and are dealing with significant social and socio-economic deprivation. We have continued to uphold our commitment to working in the Barton and Cowley estates - focusing on young people and families from lower socio-economic backgrounds and marginalised communities.
**Josh Tomalin**
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**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
**Hayley Hawn**
Underpinning our programme and achievements this year has been a focus on the impact of our work and the development of how we create a framework for evaluating that impact. These core pillars of change will enable us to ensure that our work supports the delivery and vision. They are:
- **Talent Development** - investing in young people, artists and producers to develop creative leaders
- **Education and Employment** - building skills, confidence and paid work opportunities to promote sustainable arts careers
- **Mental health and well-being** - using dance as a vehicle to promote better health outcomes for members of our community
The charity’s activities were previously carried out by Body Politic Dance Limited a, company limited by guarantee. On 1 April 2024, Body Politic Dance Limited donated all its assets amount of £35,116 to Body Politic Dance (Charity).
During 24/25 our income was £150,352 and expenditure amount of £118,005. This made a surplus of £32,347 for the year.
The Charity’s total reserves at March 31 2025, were £32,347. Of this amount £1,804 equates to the charities designated or fixed assets, £12,000 is held as operational reserves and remaining are available to be used to support any aspect of the Charity’s total expenditure. It is vital that we continue to identify further funding for the ongoing financial health of the Charity over the next year.
Full statement of financial activities can be found on pg 21.
**Lauren Kendall -** _Chair of Body Politic_
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**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
**Josh Tomalin**
**“** My daughters are more confident and active. They look forward to the classes have found something they are both passionate about. Since starting Body Politic, their siblings bond has gotten stronger, they are more active at home, share their experiences with both parents with joy. It has given our family a boost in so many ways. It’s given them a chance to do something they wouldn’t otherwise have done: something physical that isn’t a traditional sport. **“** The dance classes have made a significantly positive impact on my daughter. The classes have allowed her to express herself, build confidence, and feel proud of her achievements as they progressed with preparations for the show. Also very impressed with how well they performed in front of a sell-out theatre! The group has provided her with opportunities to make new friends and develop social skills. She’s learned teamwork, cooperation, and how to interact with peers, which has helped her build lasting friendships. Dance has always been a positive outlet for my daughter’s emotions. It’s a creative way for her to express feelings and manage stress, which is just great. Overall, the dance classes have been a really positive influence and we are grateful for the opportunities provided by your charity. Thank you for everything!
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## **3/Artistic Director Summary**
I am immensely proud of the work that Body Politic has achieved this year and have witnessed transformation both organisationally in its re-framed focus and future direction of Body Politic’s work, but also professionally and personally in our young leaders.
Whilst the cultural sector continues to face challenges in various forms, the impact of Body Politic’s work has never been needed more. Our work is helping children and young people living in Oxford access art in new and exciting ways: young people are continuing to take part in weekly dance classes and workshops, and we have piloted a brand new paid artist development programme (Future Leaders) with huge success.
We are committed to providing much-needed infrastructure and training to artists in the South-East interested in pursuing careers in nontraditional dance styles, and remain one of the only provisions in the South East providing talent development in Hip Hop.
In March 2025, we welcomed a new Producer as we look to elevate our artist development programme further and build our national reputation for Hip Hop Dance Theatre.
This is just a snapshot of our annual highlights, but maybe the overlying theme here is our continued commitment to our communities within the city, diversifying who can work within the arts and committing to making that work as well-supported and sustainable as possible.
As always, we extend our gratitude and kindness towards our funders, whose support has unlocked new and exciting partnerships across the city. We are excited for the years ahead and what we can continue to achieve and develop in Oxford.
**Emma-Jane Morbey** _Artistic Director_
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Josh Tomalin
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Rocio Chacon
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The Trustees now present their report with the financial statements of Body Politic (“the charity”) for the year ending 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 October 2019).
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## **4/Vision mission & values**
## **Vision**
## **Mission**
To transform the landscape of Hip Hop dance and dance theatre by creating opportunities and platforms for new voices in the cultural sector. We are dedicated to widening access pathways for individuals from marginalised backgrounds, including those under-represented due to gender, socio-economic status, or ethnicity, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future for the arts.
Through fostering cross-sector partnerships, producing boundary-pushing hip hop dance theatre, National Touring, delivery of our flagship Future Leader Programme, and impactful creative learning opportunities, we aim to inspire meaningful change and create lasting impact at local, regional, and national levels.
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Hayley Hawn
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## **Beliefs**
Body Politic believes that...
- everyone has the right to experience art and culture, and campaigns to ensure that our work is accessed by those who are often excluded due to inaccessibility or cost.
- in the power of working collaboratively to continuously challenge, reinvent and elevate new diverse voices within the cultural sector.
- providing infrastructure, training and support to promote and elevate the young artists of the future, builds a stronger and more representative cultural sector.
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## **VALUES**
**1- Community 2- Leadership**
**3- Growth**
**5- Innovation**
**6- Kindness**
## **Community**
Being involved in creative activities within communities is transformative in reducing loneliness, supporting physical and mental health, and fostering a profound sense of belonging. Body Politic, prioritises the importance of community—not just in a geographical sense, but as an expansive network of audiences, artists, and collaborators who are united by a shared passion for the arts. Through our touring and established networks, we have cultivated a wider community that embodies a sense of family, mutual respect, and collective value.
By placing audiences and communities at the heart of what we do, Body Politic nurtures relationships that not only enrich individual lives but also empower collective growth, ensuring that the impact of our work extends far beyond the stage.
## **Leadership**
Driven by a commitment to fostering equal representation, we actively invest in the development of our artistic workforce, delivering transformative career pathways for young artists. Our mission is to equip emerging talent with the skills, confidence, and leadership qualities necessary to shape their future success and influence meaningful change in the industry.
Body Politic is dedicated to shifting the cultural landscape toward greater diversity and inclusion, ensuring our work leaves a lasting legacy of equity, empowerment, and opportunity.
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## **Growth**
Over the next five years, we aim to manage and sustain our growth as an organisation and charity. This includes strengthening our operational framework, expanding core staff roles to better support our mission, and diversifying income streams to ensure longterm sustainability. By doing so, we will amplify our impact, reach more communities, and continue driving meaningful change in the arts and beyond.
## **Innovation**
Body Politic will continue to create innovative digital and live work that is bold, ambitious, and risk-taking, setting new standards for creativity and impact in the cultural sector. Recognising the need for transformative change, we prioritise innovative collaborations that challenge traditional norms and inspire systemic shifts. By leveraging partnerships across disciplines and sectors, we seek to lead the cultural sector toward greater inclusivity and representation.
Our work goes beyond performance; it actively influences the wider dance ecology through the ongoing investment in our flagship training programs. These programs nurture emerging talent while deliberately shifting power to a new generation of hip-hop voices - voices that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of their communities. Through this commitment, we not only elevate individual artists but also cultivate a cultural landscape where equity, innovation, and collaboration are at the forefront, ensuring lasting impact for the future of dance and beyond.
## **Kindness**
Body Politic is built on the foundation of kindness as a transformative force, recognising its power to foster equity, inclusion, and shared humanity. Through an anti-racism lens, we actively challenge systems of oppression and prioritise amplifying marginalised voices.
By centering the lived experiences of those historically excluded from power, we aim to create spaces where compassion intersects with justice, enabling meaningful collaboration and sustainable impact.
Our approach reframes kindness from a passive act to a bold commitment, driving systemic change while nurturing communities that thrive on respect, dignity, and mutual empowerment.
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**“** Our family life has improved with our child singing, dancing and rehearsing everyday. It gives a joyful vibe to our world. My daughter is currently under assessment for ADHD and has a fantastic time at body politic, starting in the summer for their workshop and now attending weekly lessons. She has made new friends, has become extremely confident and is proud of herself. It brings me so much joy as a parent to see my daughter thrive and i am extremely grateful for body politic for offering us this space with no fee and supporting my daughter not only physically but socially **[“]** and emotionally.
My child is more open with others, less shy, more confident about herself, especially when she is on stage during a performance in front of an audience.
##
**Josh Tomalin**
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## **5/Achievements & Performance 24/25**
As set out in the charity’s constitution, Body Politic’s objectives are to advance education in and increase appreciation and understanding of all forms of the arts including but not limited to, theatre and dance.
In planning the work of the Charity, the Trustees take due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on Public Benefit, including the guidance “Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)”. The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity meets that guidance in that it offers its activities to any child or young person and indeed makes every effort to reach out to those families who for economic and/or social reasons find it challenging to provide appropriate activities for their children and young people.
The Trustees are happy that participants in the charity’s activities are from a very wide spectrum of social and economic backgrounds, particularly those from marginalised communities, and this is fundamental to improving their wellbeing, skill and aspirations by making them feel valued and included.
**Oxford Atelier**
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**“**
Our Creative Learning Programme includes:
“Being a Future Leader has proven to be a far more multifaceted journey than I initially imagined. Over the past few months, I have grown immensely, developing as a dancer, artist, teacher, and member of the Oxford community...
## **1. Future Leaders**
A year-long paid artist development programme, addressing the lack of support for progression routes for new and emerging artists in non-traditional dance styles. Future Leaders provides new, exciting and sustainable talent pathways for Hip Hop dance in the South East.
I learned from cooperating with other community-based organisations such as Parasol project and Youth Ambition Northway about how to work with people with special needs and have also really started to appreciate how we could use dance as a way to engage people no matter their background and capability;... this has encouraged me tremendously in my own pursuit of artistic practice and pushed myself to think about dance and art from different perspectives.
Over the course of 12 months, we have worked with 8 artists who have each delivered over 150 hours of dance provision across the city. Training has also included Trauma informed coaching, safeguarding, choreographic development as well as a wide range of practical work placements crosssector.
I joined the programme expecting to develop my dancing skills, but I gained so much more. I believe the programme truly celebrates the diversity, innovativeness, and inclusiveness of dance as an art form - regardless of age, gender, physical or mental ability, ethnicity or nationality, we all unite and convey our messages through movements, where language is superfluous, and art is promoted and communicated in a way that surpasses the constraints of all boundaries.” **Mingyu Zhu, Future Leader Oxford Atelier**
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## **2. Weekly Classes**
Body Politic offers 8 weekly classes for C&YP aged 5-25 years across 36 sessions. Crucially, we provide 15 free places each term for C&YP in receipt of free school meals. Many of these participants are identified by Barton Park Primary School and are referred to us for attendance.
## **3. Schools & Workshops**
Over the past year, Body Politic has strengthened relationships with local primary and secondary schools. We’ve partnered with 15 schools, reaching 784 C&YP by offering free or discounted dance sessions for KS3 and KS4 students.
Additionally, we’ve delivered a number of CPD sessions for teachers at The Oxford Academy and 3rd-year Sports Pedagogy and Coaching students at Oxford Brookes University. These sessions have been tailored to the KS3 PE curriculum and have equipped educators with the tools and confidence to incorporate dance into their teaching.
Throughout this period, we’ve worked with 76 young people, delivering a total of 2,714 hours attended. incorporate dance into their teaching. **“** Body Politic delivered a Key Stage 3 Dance Workshop for our third year students on the BSc (Hons) Sport, Coaching and Physical Education programme at Oxford Brookes University in February 2025. Em-J and Immanuel put the students at ease straight away to help and support them to reconceptualise their perspectives of dance. This was a personable, informal, relaxed and supportive session which engaged the entire group with paired and group-based activities to evoke their imagination and creativity regarding how dance can be delivered to suit individual needs. A highly engaging, eye opening and motivating session!
Polly Lasota,
**Senior Lecturer in Coaching and Pedagogy, Oxford Brookes University**
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**Rocio Chacon**
## **4. Family Dance Parties**
Our recently established partnership with The Northwall Arts Centre has been a tremendous success. Together, we have delivered Family Dance Parties in Cutteslowe, Barton, and Kidlington. Over the course of the year, 699 people participated in workshops and discos, highlighting the growing demand for affordable, community-based activities for families.
## **5. Partnership Initiatives**
A key aspect of our work includes collaboration with our partners: Pegasus Theatre, Barton Neighbourhood Centre, and City of Oxford College. Together, we’ve expanded our impact and supported more young people across the community. **“** Working in partnership with Body Politic to deliver Family Dance Parties in community venues has been key in enabling us to reach new audiences, specifically family audiences. The majority of bookers to the dance parties have not been to The North Wall before and as a result of attending and having a positive and enriching experience, are confident to come to The North Wall and watch a family show. We have seen this pattern after each Family Dance Party. Body Politic delivers accessible, fun and high-quality structured sessions for adults and children to play, build connections and be creative which aligns perfectly with our values. We value our partnership with Body Politic and look forward to collaborating together on future projects. **Abie Walton, Participation Manager, The North Wall Arts Centre**
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## **The Year in Numbers “**
|Activity
No. individual
attending
Total no.
sessions
delivered
Total yp.
hours
delivered/
attended
WeeklyClasses
76
36
2714
Partner Initiatives
44
36
1567
HolidayProvision
63
15
90
Schools & Workshops
784
46
46
FamilyDance Parties
699
6
36
Future Leaders
8
68
644
**TOTAL**
**1674**
**207**
**5097**
By fostering creativity in all its students through an accessible
teaching style, BP offers opportunities for people to be creative in
whatever way feels comfortable for them. It also has a rigorous
approach to production – helping to develop this creativity into
an awareness of professional standards. This combination of
inclusiveness and creative excellence makes BP able to address
subjects that have a profound impact on the lives of its students
and their communities”.
**Arts at The Old Fire Station**
**“**|Activity
No. individual
attending
Total no.
sessions
delivered
Total yp.
hours
delivered/
attended
WeeklyClasses
76
36
2714
Partner Initiatives
44
36
1567
HolidayProvision
63
15
90
Schools & Workshops
784
46
46
FamilyDance Parties
699
6
36
Future Leaders
8
68
644
**TOTAL**
**1674**
**207**
**5097**
By fostering creativity in all its students through an accessible
teaching style, BP offers opportunities for people to be creative in
whatever way feels comfortable for them. It also has a rigorous
approach to production – helping to develop this creativity into
an awareness of professional standards. This combination of
inclusiveness and creative excellence makes BP able to address
subjects that have a profound impact on the lives of its students
and their communities”.
**Arts at The Old Fire Station**
**“**|Activity
No. individual
attending
Total no.
sessions
delivered
Total yp.
hours
delivered/
attended
WeeklyClasses
76
36
2714
Partner Initiatives
44
36
1567
HolidayProvision
63
15
90
Schools & Workshops
784
46
46
FamilyDance Parties
699
6
36
Future Leaders
8
68
644
**TOTAL**
**1674**
**207**
**5097**
By fostering creativity in all its students through an accessible
teaching style, BP offers opportunities for people to be creative in
whatever way feels comfortable for them. It also has a rigorous
approach to production – helping to develop this creativity into
an awareness of professional standards. This combination of
inclusiveness and creative excellence makes BP able to address
subjects that have a profound impact on the lives of its students
and their communities”.
**Arts at The Old Fire Station**
**“**|Activity
No. individual
attending
Total no.
sessions
delivered
Total yp.
hours
delivered/
attended
WeeklyClasses
76
36
2714
Partner Initiatives
44
36
1567
HolidayProvision
63
15
90
Schools & Workshops
784
46
46
FamilyDance Parties
699
6
36
Future Leaders
8
68
644
**TOTAL**
**1674**
**207**
**5097**
By fostering creativity in all its students through an accessible
teaching style, BP offers opportunities for people to be creative in
whatever way feels comfortable for them. It also has a rigorous
approach to production – helping to develop this creativity into
an awareness of professional standards. This combination of
inclusiveness and creative excellence makes BP able to address
subjects that have a profound impact on the lives of its students
and their communities”.
**Arts at The Old Fire Station**
**“**|
|---|---|---|---|
|Activity|No. individual
attending|Total no.
sessions
delivered|Total yp.
hours
delivered/
attended|
|WeeklyClasses|76|36|2714|
|Partner Initiatives|44|36|1567|
|HolidayProvision|63|15|90|
|Schools & Workshops|784|46|46|
|FamilyDance Parties|699|6|36|
|Future Leaders|8|68|644|
|**TOTAL**|**1674**|**207**|**5097**|
**Josh Tomalin**
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**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
## **Evaluation Feedback**
In a recent survey, responses from 24 parent/carers stated that their children felt Very Happy (67%) and Happy (33%) after attending Body Politic Dance sessions. Parent/Carers also stated that attending weekly sessions with Body Politic Dance has helped their child develop more self-confidence and feelings of positivity about themselves (86% Strongly Agree, 9.5% Somewhat Agree).
91% of parents Strongly Agreed that their child feels at home and comfortable taking part in Body Politic dance sessions. Parent/ Carers also stated that there has been noticeable improvements in their child’s physical health and fitness since attending Body Politic Dance sessions (52.8% Strongly Agree, 38% Somewhat Agree and 4.76% Don’t know).
This year, Body Politic has worked with University of Oxford to develop and pilot organisation impact tools which can be used across our Creative Learning Programmes to measure impact. A full report will be published in June 2026.
**Christian Villaflor** 19
**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
**Josh Tomalin**
**“ “** For most young girls ballet, tap and modern are readily available My daughter took part in other dance companies’ sessions and dance disciplines. Hip hop dancing for children is a much needed couldn’t make friends, felt very insecure. Here at Body Politic she option in Oxford, it targets a type of child who loves to dance but came home excited and happy after the first session and now feels like their interest is not mainstream enough for coaching and dancing is an important part of her week. instruction. This is a great way to do something you love, exercise, build confidence and learning about discipline while having fun. **“**
My daughter struggles with anxiety which has been having a significant impact on her school attendance, however Body Politic remains a constant for her. Regardless of what is happening elsewhere she always attends dance, every week. The sessions are supportive, encouraging and fun. She has made new friends and her confidence and self esteem have really grown. She gets a huge boost from performing in The Platform each year and we are so grateful she is part of Body Politic.
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**Josh Tomalin**
## **6/Financial Review**
## **Financial position**
During 24/25 our income was £150,352 and expenditure amount of £118,005. This made a surplus of £32,347 for the year.
and reflects three months operating costs. The Trustees feel, because of the uncertain nature of other individual and grant revenues, that maintaining a target of £12,000 of unrestricted reserves is reasonable.
## **Principal funding sources**
The charity’s activities were previously carried out by Body Politic Dance Limited a, company limited by guarantee. On 1 April 2024, Body Politic Dance Limited donated all its assets amount of £35,116 to Body Politic Dance (Charity).
## **Reserves**
The Charity’s total reserves at March 31 2025, were £32,347. Of this amount £1,804 equates to the charities designated or fixed assets, £12,000 is held as operational reserves and remaining are available to be used to support any aspect of the Charity’s total expenditure. It is vital that we continue to identify further funding for the ongoing financial health of the Charity over the next year.
The operational reserve figure was taken from the charities previous year operational costs
The Trustees will continue to monitor the financial reports produced by the Artistic Director during the year ahead. We will continue to look for more sources of longer term funding to ensure that the Charity can boost its core funding and that the level of the reserves can be rebuilt to one that provides the Artistic Director and her staff team with security in making day to day financial decisions.
## **Future Plans**
As a small project-funded charity, Body Politic depends on raising funds on a year on year basis to deliver its programme of activity throughout the year. As we move into 2025/2026, Body Politic is keen to provide financial stability for the charity through receipt of core funding.
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## **7/Governance, management & staffing**
## **Governing Documents**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
## **Appointment of Trustees**
Body Politic as a registered charity is governed by a board of trustees. Details of the trustees are given on page 3. Each trustee is expected to remain in office for four years and may be re-elected for one further three-year term but may not be re-elected for a further term in office unless exceptional circumstances apply. Recruitment takes place as required and is also informed by a regular skills audit to ensure the changing needs of the organisation can be supported.
All trustees have a discussion with the chair, other members of the board and executive team prior to appointment which provides a summary of the charity’s development to date and its current position. The new trustees have an opportunity to discuss the issues that
arise and ask any questions. New trustees also receive a written role description, details of principal responsibilities and duties, recent minutes, some historical information and the current business plan, as well as the memorandum and articles of association and most recent accounts. All trustees receive an induction, in-house mentoring and training where necessary. Any trustee who will be in unsupervised contact with young people is required to be checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Rajpal Pardesi stepped down as Chair in September 2024. Lee Griffiths was appointed as interim Chair for the organisation between September 2024-March 2025, and Lauren Kendall officially took up the position of Chair in March 2025.
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Josh Tomalin
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## **Organisation**
The Board of Trustees administer the charity. The board meets four times a year. The Artistic Director as Chief Executive Officer directs the strategic development and day-to-day operations of the charity.
## **Key Management Personnel Remuneration**
The trustees consider the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer/ Artistic Director as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. All trustees give of their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year.
Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and in accordance with the Trust’s policy withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises. The pay of the key management personnel is reviewed annually by the trustees to ensure that it is fair and not out of line with similar roles.
**Hayley Hawn**
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**“** Coming out of Covid and lockdown it was really difficult to find an activity outside of the home that my son was prepared to attend. We tried a couple of things but didn’t get past one session. But Body Politic was different. There is something about the combination of positivity, inclusiveness, Fun atmosphere, engaging and enthusiastic leaders, mix of age and gender, and just the fact that it’s pretty damn cool that gave my son the motivation to stick it out beyond one session. Five years on, he’s still enjoying it way beyond any other Club or activity he’s tried before. That has to be a magic formula. **“** Body Politic continues to have a great impact on my son’s life. The community is welcoming and a model of diversity and inclusion. It is an example of the talent and community at the heart of Oxford. **“** My daughter has really benefitted from the classes, there is a lovely, inclusive, nurturing feel, she has gained confidence, and become more physically active - thank you!
**Josh Tomalin**
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## **8/Risk Management**
The trustees are responsible for the management of risks faced by the organisation. The board carries out a formal review of the charity’s risk management processes on an annual basis and the charity maintains a risk register which is regularly monitored and reviewed by the board.
The key areas of risk where management failure would carry a potential threat to the organisation have been identified as follows: failures in statutory and regulatory compliance regarding the safeguarding of young people, reductions in income generated and failing to respond to changing funding environments, exceeding organisational capacity.
The management of risk and the effectiveness of all material internal controls, including operational, financial and compliance controls is ongoing and reviewed and assessed by the senior management team, and is regularly reviewed by the board.
**Oxford Atelier** 25
**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
## **Statement of Trustees Responsibility**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report (incorporating the strategic report and directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law 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 charitable company and of the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by the Board of Directors and Trustees on 30th March 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
## _**Lauren Kendall**_ **Chair of Body Politic**
## Signed: L.Kendall
Date: 31st March 2025
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
26
**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
**“** “Body Politic continues to have a great impact on my son’s life. The community is welcoming and a model of diversity and inclusion. It is an example of the talent and community at the heart of Oxford.” **Parent of participant “** My son and I were having a conversation about it the other day. And he was just saying to me “oh, mum you know, it’s amazing. The role models that I’ve had.” He said that it was really great working with Body Politic’s male dance teachers. He said, “because they showed me different ways to be a man and different kinds of masculinity, because they were dancing, and it was really beautiful how they were dancing, and I suddenly realised that to be masculine, you don’t have to be like the stereotypical blokey sort of thing, you can be someone completely different. It really changed my ideas about how I could be **“** as a boy and a man” **Parent of participant “** It’s incredibly high-quality dance…There’s a massive positive energy, huge inclusivity and encouragement. And also, it’s really fun. Anyone who’s producing, they want to have those two qualities, they want to have that kind of fresh joy in it, but also, they want to have it rooted in proper values and, you know, rigorous ideas.
But It’s more than just dance. There’s a sense of feeling valued, of making friends, of meeting new people and being offered different activities. And opening up new opportunities. The older girls she’s met, going into college to do dancing, they’ve shared experiences with her, planning A Levels or joining uni. That is good for any teenager, you know, wondering what to do next with their life. Watching the difference in him at this years show, compared to last year! It’s testament to everything you do. **Josh Tomalin** 27
**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
Body Politic Dance, Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, OX4 1RE T: 07791905851 E: info@bodypoliticdance.com www.bodypoliticdance.com
28
**ANNUAL REPORT 24/25 © BODY POLITIC 2025**
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 120737S
BODY POLITIC DANCE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEME14TS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Mercer Lewtn Ltd
Charteretj A¢¢ountants
7 Citibase
New Barclay Hous8
234 Bolley Road
Oxford
OX2 OHP
BOOY POLITIC DANCE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATENEFs
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
PA
Report 01 the Trustees
Indep¢ndent Examinorfs Report
Slatem•nl of Flnanclal Actlvftles
Balance Sheet
Notgs to Ihe Flnancial Statemgnts
6 to 8
Dotsll•d Statement of Finan¢i•l A¢tivities
BODY POLITIC DANCE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S
The tnjstees present their rep¢yt wrfh the finanrjal statements of the charty for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charitiès." Statement of Rècommended
Practice applicable to ChareS preparing Ih*r accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard
apiCablè in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1O2}18ffècVè 1 January 20191.
08JECTIVES ANO ACTIVITIES
ObloCtIv and aims
The object of the CIO is to advance the arts for thè public benefit by the promotion in particular but not exdusively
of the art of dance.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
During 24125 our income was £150,352 and expendriure amount of £118,OOS. Thi3 made a surplus of £32,347 for
the year.
Principal funding sources
The charitys a¢tiwlie$ were previousty carried out by Body Politic Dance Lirnited a, compary limited by
guarantee. On 1 April 2024, Body Politic Dance Limited donated ajl it$ as$ets amount of £35,116 to Body Polrfic
Dance (Charity).
FUTURE PLANS
As a small project-ftjnded charity. Politic depends on raising funds on a year on year basis to deliver it$
programme of actiwty throughout the year. As we move into 2025r2026, Body Politic is keen to prowde financial
Sta'litY for the charity through rec&pt of cor& funding.
Reserves
The Charitls total reserves at March 31 2025, were £32,347. Of this amount £1,804 equates lo the charities
designated or fixed assets, £12.000 1$ held as operational reserves and rernaining are available to be used to
support any aspect of the CharrtY5 total expendrture. It is vit81 that we continue to idenb'fy further funding for the
ongoing finanaal health of the Charity ovèr the next year.
Th? operalional reserve figure was taken from the ¢haritias prewous year operational costs and rellects three
months operating costs. The Trustees feel, because of the uncertain nature of other Indlvldu¥l and grant
revenues. that mntsIn1ng a target of £12.000 of unrestricted reserves is reasonable.
The Trustees wll continue to monitor the finanrjal reports produced by the Artistic Director during the year ahead.
We wll continue to look for more sources of longer tem funding to ensure that the Chaiity can boost it5 core
funding and that the level of the reserves can be rebui lo one that provides the Artistic DI¢t¢¥ and her staff
team with securty in making day to day financial decisions.
STRUCTUR4 GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The ¢harity is controlled by its goveming dcKum8nL a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated d)arty.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
R•gistÈred Charity number
1207375
Prlncipal address
Magdalen Road, Oxford
OX41RE
BODY POLITIC DANCE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S
Trustses
Lauren Kendal Chair
Shannelle Fergus
Lucia Prentice
Laura Ayoade
Hanna Smyth
Gemma Cannon
Lucy Bellingham
RLthini Jhally
Natasha Anderson
Indendant Examiner
Andrew Churchill Stone
Mercer L1n Ltd
Chartered Accountants
6-7 Citibase
New Barclay HOle
234 Botley Road
Oxford
OX2 OHP
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ....2Ql.1.Q125........................ and signed Dn ils behalf by..
L Kendall- Trustee
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
BODY POUTIC OANCE
Independent •xaminerfs report to th? trustees of Body Polltlc Dance
I report to the charty trustee$ on my examination of the accounts of Body Pc4itic Dance (the Trust) for tha year
ended 31 March 2025.
Responsiblloties and basis of report
A5 the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsit4e for the preparats'on of the accounts in accordance wth the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe ACV).
I report in respect of my examinab'on of the Trusvs accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in
carying out my examlnalion I have f(Alowed all applicable Directions gwen by the Charfty Commlssion under
Section 14515llbl of the Act.
Independent OYAmrnee8 Statement
I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in conneth'c
WTth the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material re$pect'.
accounting records were not kept in re8pect of the Trust as required by Secioon 130 of the Act,. or
e accounts do not accord with those record$', or
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements conceming the form and conlenl of accounts
sel out in the Charities (Aecounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the
accounts give a truè and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independènt axamination.
I have no ¢on¢ems and have Come across no olher matters in c¢nnection WTth the examination to which attènb"c
should be drawn in this report in order to énable a proper understanding of the a¢wunls lo be reached.
Andrew Churchill Stone
Mercer L•win Ltd
Chartered Accountants
6-7 Citihase
New Barclay House
234 Botley Road
Oxford
OX2 OHP
BODY POLITIC DANCE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTP4llTIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Unrestri¢teiJ
fund
Reslrkted
funds
Total
funds
Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donation5 and legacies
59,226
91,126
150,352
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activitios
Charitsble Expenses
26,879
91.126
118,005
NET INCOME
32,347
32,347
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
32,347
32.347
The notes form part of these financial ststements
BODY POLITIC DANCE
BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2025
Unrestricted
fund
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
1.804
1,804
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank
23,984
15.672
23,984
15.672
39,656
39,656
CREDITORS
ounls falling due vhihin one year
19,113)
19.1131
NET CURRENT Assgrs
30,543
30,543
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
UABILITIES
32,347
32.347
NET ASSETS
32,347
32.347
FUNDS
Unrestn"¢ted fijnds
32,347
TOTAL FUNDS
32,347
The financial ststemeffls were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on
.2Ql.1Q12S........................... and were signed on tis beh¥lf by..
L Kendal- Tnjstee
The notes fomi part of these financial statements
BOOY POUTIC DANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ACCOUNTING POUCIES
BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The finanual statements of the ¢harty. which 13 a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been
prepared in a¢cordan¢e wrth the Charibes SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounting and Reports"ng by Ch4rthe5'.
ststemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to tharitie5 preparing their account5 in accordance with
the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1
January 20191., Finanaal Repc*ting Stsndard 102 'The Financial Reporb"ng Stsndard applicablè in the UK
and Republic of Irèland, and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under
the historical cost convention.
INCOME
All income Is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity ha5 enliuement to the
funds. it is probat4e that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
EXPENDITURE
abilities are recognised as expendfjture as soon as there is a legal or construth.ve obligation commitbng
the charty to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits wll be required in
settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an
accruals basis and has been classrfied under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category.
Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been alocated to activf(ies on a
basis consistent wth the use of rè50urces.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs
Depreuation is prodert at the following annual rates in ordèr to write off each asset 0r its @slimated
useful life.
TAXATION
The charty exempt from tax on its ch8ritablè a(*Nitiè8.
FUND ACCOUNTING
Unrestricted fund5 can be used in accordance wth the charitable oty'e¢tives at the disuetion of the
truste85.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes wthin the objects of the charity.
Restriclions arise when specffied by the donor or when fund¥ are rdi5ed for partiryjlar restricted purposes.
Further expl¥n8tion of the nature and pUose of ead) fvnd is included in the notes to the financA81
Statements.
PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST41ETIREMENT BENEFITS
The charity operates a defined conth"bution pension scheme. Contribulions payable to the charitys
pension scheme are charged to the Staternent of Finanaal Athvities in the Ffriod to whith they r¢late.
coth'nued...
BODY POLITIC DANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - contlnu•d
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S
TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees. remuneration or other benefits for thè year ended 31 Marth 2025.
TRUSTEES. EXPENSES
There re no trustaes, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Computer
equipment
COST
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
3,007
DEPRECIATION
Al 1 April 2024
Charge for year
602
601
At 31 March 2025
1,203
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 Mard) 2025
1.804
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE MTHIN OME YEAR
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
3.570
17,314
3.100
23,984
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WVITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade Cd(OrS
Other ¢xed((ors
2,403
6.710
9.113
continued...
BODY POLITIC DANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
in funds
At
3113125
Unr•strlcted funds
General fund
32,347
32,347
TOTAL FUNDS
32,347
32.347
Net movement in funds, induded in the above are as follows:
InrnIng
resources
Resources
Xnded
Movement
in funds
Unrestrt¢tsd funds
General fund
59.226
126.8791
32.347
Restrlcted fvnds
Arts Council- Future Leaders 24125
Oxfordshire County Council- FLrture
Leaders 24125
81,126
181,1261
10,000
110.0001
91.126
191.1261
TOTAL FUNDS
150,352
1118,0051
32.347
RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions fthe year ended 31 March 2025.
BODY POUTIC DANCE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
INCOPAE AND ENDOWMEMTS
Donallons and legacles
Gifts
150.352
Total In¢omlng resour¢o$
150,352
EXPENDITURE
Charftable activlttes
Wages
So¢ial securTty
Pensions
Insurance
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Sundries
Direct costs
Audit & Accountancy fee
Bank Charges
Consultancy & Professional
Legal Expenses
Computer & IT costs
Membership costs
25,912
2,320
296
1.399
189
114
2,071
1,795
89.969
4.289
387
3,801
1.469
3,132
259
117,404
Support costs
Flnan¢•
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
601
Totsl resources expended
118.005
N¢t Income
32.347
This page does not fomi part of the statutory Itnanclal statements