## **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**
- Professor Briony Thomas (Chair)
- Elvie Thompson (Safeguarding Lead)
- Angus Smith
- Selina McGonagle
- Matt McCallum
- Wendy Harris
## **Staff**
- Cultural Education Partnership (CEP) Manager – 0.6 FTE
- Communications Coordinator – 0.4 FTE
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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:
- the Leeds33 Constitution;
- Charity Commission guidance on trustee duties (CC3 and CC8); and
- summaries of the charity’s safeguarding and financial control arrangements.
## **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** :
- _Youth Voice_
- _Creative Health_
- _Creative Skills_
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:
- **Safeguarding Policy** – approved April 2024 and reviewed annually.
- Policies covering **data protection, equality, environmental responsibility, and financial management** are **in development** and scheduled for Board approval in 2025–26.
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:
- Increasing access to creative learning for children and young people in Leeds, particularly in areas of limited provision.
- Supporting teachers and creative practitioners through free or subsidised training and shared resources.
- Strengthening collaboration between schools, artists and cultural institutions.
- Contributing evidence and data that inform equitable cultural-education planning across the city.
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**
- **CIO registration** completed – 19 July 2024.
- **Recruitment of Trustees and Advisory Board members** completed September 2024, broadening experience across education, youth and cultural sectors.
- **Bank account opened** December 2024, enabling independent financial operation.
- **Safeguarding Policy** approved April 2024; policies on data protection, equality and financial management began development for approval in 2025–26.
- **Communications Coordinator** appointed June 2025 to build capacity for outreach and reporting.
## **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**
- Independent charitable and financial infrastructure established following Leeds33’s registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in July 2024.
- First local authority grant secured from Leeds City Council (£13,500 – as part of a sustained investment of £15,000, with the remaining £1,500 awarded in October 2025).
- Major national funding award from Arts Council England (£49,999 for 2025–26) enabling the first full delivery year of cultural education activity.
- Publication and citywide distribution of _Culture on the Doorstep: A Toolkit for Educators_ , supporting teachers to explore local culture within the curriculum. `o` The publication was downloaded **819** times across multiple platforms.
- Re-establishment of the Leeds33 Pods – collaborative consultation networks engaging over 60 participants from schools, arts organisations and community partners.
- Expansion of communications capacity through the addition of a dedicated Communications Coordinator role, strengthening stakeholder engagement and visibility.
## `o` **Digital reach established and growing:**
- _Instagram_ : 272 reach, 20 link clicks, 124 visits, 24 follows.
- _LinkedIn_ : 11,514 reach, 1,187 interactions, 360 visits, 78 follows.
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:
- a £13,500 Organisational Sustainability Grant from Leeds City Council;
- a £25,000 first instalment of the Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant (restricted to 2025–26 programme delivery); and
- £12,214.51 of expenditure administered by the University of Leeds before the opening of the charity’s bank account, representing support in kind
**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:
- Three **CPD workshops** for teachers and cultural practitioners, themed around _Youth Voice_ , _Creative Health_ , and _Creative Skills_ ;
- Three **networking and knowledge-exchange events** connecting schools, artists, and cultural organisations;
- A **Youth Leadership Lab** for young people aged 18–24 exploring creative pathways and civic participation; and
- Continued partnership with the **University of Leeds** on the _Mapping Cultural Education: Access, Inclusion and Progression in Leeds_ research project, contributing to data on inclusion and progression in arts education.
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:
- **Culture on Your Doorstep – Phase Two** – a wider roll-out of the educator toolkit, supporting more schools to embed place-based cultural learning and local heritage within the curriculum.
- **Ward Representative Youth Body** – the development of a youth-led structure, representing wards across Leeds. This group will be upskilled and supported to contribute to strategic planning and advocacy, ensuring that young people play a fundamental role in the partnership’s future direction.
- **Network Connectivity and Sector Mapping** – work to understand how Leeds33 can best serve the existing “network silos” within Leeds’ culture and education sectors. The charity is exploring how it might act as a **cross-pollinator** between active but distinct networks, fostering collaboration and information-sharing.
- **Expanding the Board of Trustees with emphasis on Young Trustees –** we are in the process of bringing a broader range of experiences to the board, with a focus on young people. We are about to announce our first Young Trustee and a rolling call-out now sits on our website.
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:
- Finalise and adopt policies on **data protection** , **equality** , **financial management** , and new **environmental and volunteer policies** ;
- Review the charity’s **risk** and **reserves policies** in line with the independent examiner’s recommendations;
- Maintain quarterly **Board** and **Advisory Group** meetings to oversee programme delivery, finance and compliance; and
- Monitor the effectiveness of the new **task-group structure** , ensuring clear purpose, accountability, and visible outcomes for participants.
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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:
- Ensure that proper accounting records are maintained, which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity at any time and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
- Prepare statements of account for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s receipts and payments and of its assets and liabilities.
- Safeguard the charity’s assets and ensure that they are used only for its charitable purposes.
- Take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
- Comply with the requirements of the Charity Commission as to the form and content of the Annual Report and Accounts and the preparation of a Trustee Annual Return.
- Act at all times in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees as set out in Charity Commission guidance (CC3 and CC8).
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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