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2025-04-05-accounts

Leeds33 Cultural Education Partnership

Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the period: 19 July 2024 – 5 April 2025

Charity number: 1209217

Legal form: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model)

Registered office: International House, 14 King Street, Leeds LS1 2HL

Website: www.leeds33.com

Email: hello@leeds33.com

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Chair’s Reflection

It’s hard to believe it’s been less than a year since Leeds33 officially became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. That moment in July 2024 felt like the culmination of so much belief, energy, and collaboration — and also the beginning of something bigger. It wasn’t just a legal milestone; it was a statement of intent. We’re here to stay, and we’re here to make a difference .

Looking back, I’m filled with pride at what we’ve achieved in such a short time. From welcoming new Trustees and Advisory Board members to launching our first educator resource, every step has felt purposeful and energising. The success of our Arts Council England funding bid was a huge moment — not just for us as an organisation, but for the wider cultural education landscape in Leeds. It gave us the confidence and capacity to dream bigger.

None of this would have been possible without the people who’ve walked alongside us. I want to thank our partners, educators, artists, and young people, whose insight and lived experience continue to shape our work. I’m also deeply grateful to Leeds City Council for their early support, and to the University of Leeds for supporting the ‘Mapping Cultural Education in Leeds’ project, which we’re proud to contribute to.

One of my personal highlights was our January welcome event at Cockburn School. Seeing students perform, surrounded by our new team members and supporters, was a powerful reminder of why we do this. Cultural education isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a vital part of how young people understand themselves and the world around them.

As we look ahead, I’m excited by the momentum we’re building. The decision to recruit a CoChair model signals our commitment to shared leadership and sustainable growth. Our first Creative Health Networking Event showed the appetite for cross-sector collaboration, and I’m hopeful about what that could unlock.

We’ve planted a lot of seeds this year — ideas, relationships, resources — and now we get to nurture them. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how our Arts Council-funded programme evolves with input from our members.

Leeds33 is still young, but it’s growing with purpose. This year has shown me that when we centre young people, listen deeply, and work collaboratively, powerful things happen. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey so far. Here’s to the next chapter.

Professor Briony Thomas, Chair of Trustees

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Reference and Administrative Details

Item Detail
Charity name Leeds33 Cultural Education Partnership
Charity number 1209217
Registered address International House, 14 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL
Legal status Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model)
Date of registration 19 July 2024
Reporting period covered 19 July 2024 – 5 April 2025
Governing document Leeds33 Constitution (Foundation Model) approved by the
Charity Commission, 2024
Banker The Co-operative Bank plc
Independent examiner Chris Newham,Solutions Accountancy and Bookkeeping Ltd
Insurance provider Hiscox Ltd
Website www.leeds33.com
Email hello@leeds33.com

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Trustees serving during the reporting period

Staff

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Structure, Governance and Management

Constitution and legal form

Leeds33 is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 19 July 2024 under charity number 1209217 .

It operates under a Foundation Model Constitution , which sets out the charity’s purposes, powers, and the responsibilities of its trustees.

The charity was created to provide a sustainable governance and financial structure for the existing Leeds Cultural Education Partnership. Its purpose is to strengthen coordination across schools, cultural organisations, artists, and communities in Leeds.

Trustee governance

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the charity. Trustees met quarterly during this first reporting period, with additional meetings held to establish core policies and oversee registration as a CIO.

During the year, two new trustees were appointed following a recruitment campaign to broaden the Board’s expertise in education, culture, and governance.

All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed where incurred in the course of duties.

A trustee induction process was introduced to provide new members with:

Operational management

Day-to-day operations are delegated to the Cultural Education Partnership (CEP) Manager , who reports to the Chair of Trustees between meetings.

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The Communications Coordinator role, previously delivered through University of Leeds undergraduate placements, was formalised within Leeds33 in June 2025 to build internal capacity for engagement and partnership communication. Earlier placements were University-funded.

Decision-making and advisory structures

Leeds33’s work is supported by an Advisory Board representing education, culture, and health sectors, and by three specialist Priority Pods :

The Pods meet termly to inform programme design and professional-development planning.

Feedback from each Pod and from the Advisory Board is summarised by the CEP Manager for Trustee consideration.

Policies and compliance

The following policies were in place during the reporting period:

The charity holds insurance with Hiscox Ltd , providing public-liability and professionalindemnity cover.

In line with the Safeguarding Policy, any persons working directly with children and young people are required to hold current DBS checks .

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Objectives and Activities / Public Benefit

Charitable objects

Leeds33’s objects, as stated in its Constitution and Charity Commission registration, are:

To advance education by promoting the understanding and enjoyment of arts and culture among children and young people in Leeds; and to promote the creative and cultural development of communities within the 33 wards of the city.

Purpose and intended activities

Leeds33 exists to connect schools, artists, cultural organisations and communities so that every child and young person in Leeds can experience high-quality arts and cultural learning.

Its charitable work is organised around four complementary areas:

  1. Access and Equity – increasing opportunities for children and young people across all 33 wards to take part in creative learning.

  2. Collaboration and Capacity Building – helping teachers and cultural practitioners share practice and develop new skills.

  3. Research and Evidence – supporting sector understanding of cultural education through partnership with higher-education and local-authority partners.

  4. Youth Voice – ensuring young people’s perspectives influence the design of arts and education activity in the city.

Activities delivered under these headings include professional-development opportunities, resources for educators, partnership events, and research collaborations that strengthen the cultural-education ecosystem in Leeds.

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Public benefit

In line with section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, the Trustees confirm they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning the charity’s work.

Public benefit is achieved by:

All activity during the period was designed and delivered within Leeds33’s charitable objects and available resources.

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Achievements and Performance (2024 – 25)

Overview

The 2024–25 reporting period marked Leeds33’s first year as an independent charity. Work focused on establishing strong governance, securing sustainable funding, and maintaining the collaborative programmes that underpin the city’s Cultural Education Partnership.

Governance and organisational milestones

Programme and partnership activity

Culture on Your Doorstep – Toolkit for Educators

Originally published in December 2023 in partnership with the University of Leeds, the Culture on Your Doorstep toolkit was made available through the Leeds33 website in February 2025. It helps primary teachers explore local culture within the curriculum and provides practical guidance on place-based learning.

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Mapping Cultural Education: Access, Inclusion and Progression in Leeds (Phase 3)

Leeds33 contributed to this University of Leeds research project, which continues to gather data on access, inclusion and progression within arts education across the city.

[https://leeds33.com/leeds33-mapping-creative-arts-education/]

Priority Pods (Youth Voice / Creative Health / Creative Skills)

Re-convened May 2025 after CIO registration. More than 60 teachers, artists and cultural-sector partners participated, shaping plans for the forthcoming Arts Council England-funded CPD programme.

Trustees and Advisory Board Welcome Event – Cockburn School

Held January 2025 to introduce new governance members and reaffirm partnership with local schools. The event included a student performance and discussion on creative-curriculum practice.

Partnerships

Leeds City Council – strategic and financial partner supporting city-wide culturaleducation coordination.

The Council has been a firm supporter of Leeds33’s mission and vision throughout this crucial foundational period, providing both financial backing and ongoing force support as the partnership enters its second year of activity.

University of Leeds – research and delivery partner providing collaborative insight and sector expertise.

Under the leadership of Leeds33’s Chair, Professor Briony Thomas , the University has coordinated in-depth research and strategy collaborations across multiple departments. All Leeds33’s activity contributes to ongoing research into culture and

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education across the city, strengthening the evidence base for inclusive cultural learning.

Key Results During the Period

o Digital reach established and growing:

Together, these achievements have provided the foundation for Leeds33’s first full delivery year (2025–26) and demonstrate measurable progress against the charity’s founding objectives of coordination, access and capacity-building in cultural education across the city.

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Financial Review and Compliance

Period covered

This report covers Leeds33’s first accounting period, 19 July 2024 to 5 April 2025.

Figures below reflect only cash income and expenditure recorded through the Leeds33 Co-operative Bank account.

Activity and expenditure administered by the University of Leeds before December 2024 are described separately below.

Income and expenditure overview

During this initial period, Leeds33 received income from three primary sources:

Total expenditure through the Leeds33 account was £6,263.00 , covering management

fees, insurance, accounting software, and operational costs.

All spending directly supported the establishment and governance of the CIO.

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University of Leeds administered support (July – November 2024)

Prior to the opening of the Leeds33 bank account, the University of Leeds administered £12,214.51 of expenditure on the charity’s behalf.

This funding supported joint research and project activity, including Culture on the Doorstep and Mapping Cultural Education: Access, Inclusion and Progression in Leeds.

It covered staffing for a part-time cross-sector secondment and a short-term student intern.

These funds were drawn from University budgets and legacy Leeds Culture Trust funds; no monies were held by or owed to Leeds33 after December 2024.

This arrangement enabled continuity of operations during the charity’s transitional phase.

Restricted and unrestricted funds

At 5 April 2025, Leeds33 held restricted funds of £25,000 (the unspent first instalment of the Arts Council England Project Grant) and unrestricted funds of £8,464.49 from the remaining Leeds City Council grant and University of Leeds support.

These totals correspond with the independent Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Appendices 1–3).

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Accounting and independent examination

Accounts are prepared on a receipts-and-payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity Commission’s Directions for Independent Examiners (CC32).

As total income for the period exceeded £25,000, the Trustees have appointed an Independent Examiner in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

The Examiner’s report will accompany these accounts upon submission to the Charity Commission.

Summary statement

A full Receipts and Payments Account, Statement of Assets and Liabilities, and supporting Notes to the Accounts are included in Appendices 1–3.

These show total income of £50,714.51 (including £12,214.51 administered by the University of Leeds), total payments of £17,250.02 , and a closing cash balance of £33,464.49 as at 5 April 2025.

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Future and Strategic Priorities (2025 – 26)

Overview

The period April 2025 – March 2026 marks Leeds33’s first full delivery year under its Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant .

Work during this time will build on the structures established in the founding year, extending access to cultural-education opportunities and embedding a culture of reflection and collaboration across the city’s 33 wards.

Programme delivery

Arts Council-supported programme

Through the Arts Council-supported programme, Leeds33 will coordinate a sequence of professional-development and engagement opportunities designed to strengthen creative learning in schools and communities.

Planned activity includes:

All activities are delivered within Leeds33’s charitable purposes and offered free or subsidised wherever possible.

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Programmes in development

In addition to its Arts Council-funded delivery, Leeds33 is developing several new programme proposals designed to extend impact and strengthen representation across the city:

This work represents an evolution of Leeds33’s strategic position, building on the original Pod structure and the role of the Advisory Board , and reframing how the organisation supports connectivity across the wider cultural-education landscape.

These initiatives are currently in proposal and development stages, with outcomes to be shared in the next reporting period.

Organisational development and collaboration

Leeds33’s approach to partnership working continues to evolve.

The three core Pods established in the founding year ( Youth Voice , Creative Health , Creative Skills ) are transitioning into a series of project-specific task groups , designed to allow for more flexible collaboration and targeted delivery within future projects and programmes .

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This structure ensures that contributors see tangible results from their involvement and that collaborative work remains purposeful and responsive to city priorities.

Ongoing organisational development, including the 2025 Away Day facilitated by Arts and Culture consultant Mark Hollander , forms part of this programme.

That session helped refine Leeds33’s mission, values, and planning framework, establishing collaboration, civic purpose, inclusivity, and transparency as guiding values for future activity.

Strategic development and sustainability

Leeds33 is working with Mark Hollander , in his capacity as an Arts and Culture consultant, to develop a multi-year, high-value grant-funding strategy .

This work is being undertaken in dialogue with Leeds City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to ensure alignment with local priorities and to secure the continuation of operations and the creation of new projects that build on the legacy of the founding year.

Trustees remain committed to growing a diversified grant portfolio , pursuing multiyear support and new partnerships that reinforce Leeds33’s role within the city’s education and culture ecosystem.

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Governance priorities for 2025–26

During 2025–26, the Board will:

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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities and Sign-Off

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for the overall direction and management of Leeds33 and for ensuring that the charity operates in accordance with its Constitution, the Charities Act 2011, and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The Trustees are required to:

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with these requirements during the period covered by this report.

Independent examination

The Trustees have appointed an Independent Examiner in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 .

The Examiner’s report will accompany these accounts when submitted to the Charity Commission.

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Approval and signature

This report and the accompanying financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on ________ and signed on their behalf by:

Signed: ___________

Name: Professor Briony Thomas

Position: Chair of Trustees

Nov 25, 2025 Date: ___________

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Appendix 1 – Receipts and Payments Account

For the period 19 July 2024 – 5 April 2025

Receipts (income)

Receipt £
Leeds City Council – Organisational Sustainability Grant 13,500.00
Arts Council England – National Lottery Project Grant (first
instalment)		 25,000.00
University of Leeds – administered support (in kind) 12,214.51
Total receipts 50,714.51

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Payments (expenditure)

(as recorded through the Leeds33 Co-operative Bank account, plus Universityadministered expenditure)

Payment £
Contracted management and administration 5,355.00
Software subscriptions (Intuit, Xero) 127.00
Insurance (Hiscox) 116.00
Office / Registered Address (Marsden Cloud Services) 312.00
Trustee and staff expenses 353.00
University of Leeds – administered expenditure (pre–Dec 2024) 12,214.51
Total payments 17,250.02

Net movement in funds

Total receipts £50,714.51 – Total payments £17,250.02 = £33,464.49 Closing balance at 5 April 2025

£33,464.49

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Appendix 2 – Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As at 5 April 2025

Assets

Asset £
Cash at bank – Co-operative Bank (current account) 33,464.49
Total assets 33,464.49
iabilities
Liability £
None outstanding at 5 April 2025 —
Total liabilities —

Liabilities

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Funds of the charity

Fund type

£

Restricted funds (Arts Council England – unspent first instalment) 25,000.00

Unrestricted funds (remaining Leeds City Council grant and University of Leeds support)

8,464.49

Total funds

33,464.49

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Appendix 3 – Notes to the Accounts

For the period 19 July 2024 – 5 April 2025

1. Accounting policies

These accounts have been prepared on a receipts-and-payments basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity Commission’s Directions for Independent Examiners (CC32). All transactions are recorded at the point when money was received or paid.

Restricted funds represent income received for a specific purpose, as defined by the donor or funder. Unrestricted funds are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the charity’s general objectives.

No accruals or prepayments have been recognised. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities therefore reflects only the year-end bank balance and confirms that Leeds33 held no other assets or liabilities at 5 April 2025.

2. Receipts (income)

Restricted Unrestricted
Receipt (£) (£) Total (£)
Arts Council England – National Lottery
Project Grant (first instalment)		 25,000.00 — 25,000.00
Leeds City Council – Organisational
Sustainability Grant		 — 13,500.00 13,500.00
University of Leeds – administered support
(in kind)		 — 12,214.51 12,214.51
Total receipts 25,000.00 25,714.51 50,714.51

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The University of Leeds administered expenditure relates to staffing, research support, administrative activity and project costs incurred before the opening of the Leeds33 bank account. These funds were never held by Leeds33 and were treated as support in kind.

3. Payments (expenditure)

Restricted Unrestricted
Payment category (£) (£) Total (£)
Contracted management and
administration		 — 5,355.00 5,355.00
Software subscriptions — 127.00 127.00
Insurance — 116.00 116.00
Registered office / address services — 312.00 312.00
Trustee and staff expenses — 353.00 353.00
University of Leeds – administered
expenditure (pre–December 2024)		 — 12,214.51 12,214.51
Total payments 0.00 17,250.02 17,250.02

All expenditure relates directly to the establishment, operation and governance of the CIO and early programme development.

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4. Fund reconciliation

Restricted (£) Unrestricted (£) Total (£) Opening balances — — — Add: Total receipts 25,000.00 25,714.51 50,714.51 Less: Total payments — 17,250.02 17,250.02 Closing balances (5 April 25,000.00 8,464.49 33,464.49 2025)

5. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses

No Trustee received any remuneration for their services during the period.

Reimbursed expenses (£353.00) relate solely to travel and meeting costs.

No other related-party transactions occurred.

6. Independent examination

As income exceeded £25,000, an independent examination has been commissioned in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 . The examiner’s signed report will accompany these accounts upon submission.

7. Subsequent events

After the period end, Leeds33 began delivery of its Arts Council England-funded

programme (2025–26). This activity relates to the next financial year and is therefore not included in these accounts.

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Appendix 4 – University of Leeds Letter of Administrative Support

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Appendix 5 - Independent Examiner’s Report

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