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2026-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/04/2025 Period start date To 31/03/2026 Period end date

Charity name: Adventure Community Learning Experience (ACLE) Charity registration number: 1212825

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities
SORP
reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 Adventure Community Learning Experience
(ACLE) is established as a Charitable
Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the
purpose:
“To advance in life and help young people…
through the provision of recreational and
leisure time activities provided in the interest
of social welfare, designed to improve their
conditions of life; and by providing support
and activities which develop their skills,
capacities and capabilities to enable them to
participate in society as mature and
responsible individuals.”
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.		 Para 1.17
and 1.19		 During the reporting period, ACLE delivered
a wide-ranging programme of adventurous,
developmental and community‑based
activities designed to improve young
people’s wellbeing, confidence, resilience
and life skills. These activities directly further
the charity’s objects by providing safe,
structured opportunities for growth,
responsibility and participation.
Activities included:
● Expeditions and outdoor learning,
including the Edinburgh expedition
and kayaking at Tees Barrage.
● Seasonal residentials and overnight
experiences, such as the Halloween
residential and Christmas sleepover
at Thorp Perrow.
● Community engagement projects,
including participation in the VE Day
service and local volunteering.
● Creative workshops and
skills‑building sessions, delivered
weekly at the Community Field.
● Youth Voice sessions, enabling
young people to shape programme
content through reflection and shared
decision‑making.
● Volunteer development, including
training, mentoring and
safe‑recruitment processes.
● Fundraising events (Picture Draw,
Breakfast Morning, Bonfire Night,
Christmas Fete, Subculture live
music night) which strengthened
community cohesion and supported
programme sustainability.
These activities are clearly linked to the
charity’s objects by:
● improving young people’s conditions
of life through positive leisure‑time
activities; and
● developing their skills, capacities and
capabilities to participate confidently
and responsibly in society.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The trustees confirm that, in planning and
delivering ACLE’s activities during the year,
they have had due regard to the Charity
Commission’s guidance on public benefit,
ensuring that all programmes, decisions and
use of resources further the charity’s
purposes and provide identifiable public
benefit to young people and the wider
community.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP
reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 NA
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 NA
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 Volunteers continue to be central to the
delivery, culture, and sustainability of
Adventure Community Learning Experience
(ACLE). As highlighted in the Annual Report,
“Volunteers remain the backbone of ACLE,

providing continuity, stability, and positive role models.” During the reporting period, volunteers contributed significantly to: ● Programme delivery – supporting weekly sessions, expeditions, residentials, and creative workshops. ● Youth development – acting as mentors, role models, and facilitators of reflection and shared ‑ decision making. ● Safeguarding and welfare – completing DBS checks, following ‑ safe recruitment procedures, and upholding ACLE’s ethos of dignity, respect, and listening. ● Fundraising – organising and running community events such as the Picture Draw, Breakfast Morning, Bonfire Night, Christmas Fete, and Subculture live music night. ● Operational support – assisting with transport, equipment, administration, and the maintenance of the Community Field. ● Governance and leadership – trustees and volunteer leads strengthened policy development, risk management, and audit trails. The charity benefits from a highly committed volunteer base, whose contribution enables ACLE to deliver a wide-ranging programme at low cost while maintaining high standards of safety, inclusion, and youth empowerment. Their work materially enhances the charity’s impact and ensures that resources are directed primarily toward activities that further ACLE’s charitable purposes. In line with SORP requirements, the trustees note that the value of volunteer time is not included in the financial statements, but its contribution is essential to the charity’s operations and public benefit. NA Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference

Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 During the reporting period, Adventure
Community Learning Experience (ACLE)
delivered a wide-ranging programme of
adventurous, developmental, and
community‑focused activities that made a
measurable difference to the lives of young
people and contributed positively to the
wider community.
Impact on Young People (Beneficiaries)
ACLE’s work directly advanced its charitable
purpose of helping young people to develop
skills, confidence, resilience, and
responsibility. The Annual Report highlights
that ACLE continues to be:
“a vibrant, community-rooted
charity dedicated to empowering
young people through
adventure, learning, and
connection.”
Key achievements include:
● Improved confidence and self-esteem
through expeditions, kayaking,
residentials, and outdoor learning at
the Community Field.
● Enhanced social skills and teamwork,
with young people working together
in challenging environments and
shared decision-making sessions.
● Greater resilience and emotional
wellbeing, supported by reflective
practice embedded in weekly Youth
Voice activities.
● Development of leadership skills, with
young people increasingly taking
responsibility for planning, feedback,
and group coordination.
● Increased sense of belonging and
safety, with ACLE providing a
consistent, trusted environment
where young people feel listened to
and respected.
These outcomes align directly with the
constitution’s objects to_“advance in life and_
help young people… and develop their skills,
capacities and capabilities.”
Wider Benefits to Society
ACLE’s work also generated broader
community benefits:
● Strengthened community cohesion
through inclusive fundraising events

such as the Picture Draw, Breakfast Morning, Bonfire Night, Christmas Fete, and Subculture live music night. ● Positive intergenerational relationships, with volunteers acting as role models and mentors. ● Increased civic engagement, demonstrated by participation in the VE Day service and local community projects. ● Enhanced local wellbeing, with the Community Field serving as a safe, natural space for exploration, connection, and environmental appreciation. ● Volunteer development, improving local skills, confidence, and community capacity. Programme Highlights Demonstrating Achievement The charity delivered a rich programme across all seasons, including: ● Edinburgh expedition ● Kayaking at Tees Barrage ● Halloween residential ● Christmas sleepover at Thorp Perrow ● Weekly creative workshops ● Community Field outdoor learning ● Youth Voice reflection sessions

These activities demonstrate ACLE’s commitment to providing inclusive, safe, empowering experiences that make a tangible difference to young people’s lives and contribute positively to the wider community.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41 NA
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 NA
NA
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41
Other NA
Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 At the end of the financial year (31 March
2026), Adventure Community Learning
Experience (ACLE) remained in a stable
financial position with a total balance of
£4,132.88 across all accounts. Income for
the year totalled £10,661.23, with
expenditure of £6,660.90, resulting in a
surplus of £4,000.33.
The charity’s largest and most reliable
income stream continued to be subs and
community fundraising, supported by
donations and small activity fees.
Expenditure remained proportionate to
delivery, with costs focused on training,
activities, clothing, materials, transport,
insurance, and fuel.
The Annual Report confirms:
“ACLE is sustainable in the short
to medium term, provided
fundraising remains steady and
cost monitoring continues.”
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 ACLE’s reserves policy is to maintain a
modest unrestricted reserve to:
● ensure continuity of programme
delivery;
● provide a buffer against fluctuations
in fundraising income;
● cover essential running costs such as
insurance, training, and safeguarding
requirements;
● support emergency expenditure
relating to young people’s welfare or
safety;
● ensure responsible financial
stewardship in line with the CIO’s
constitution (Clause 5: proper
application of income and property).
The trustees review reserves annually as
part of the financial oversight cycle.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 At 31 March 2026, ACLE held £4,132.88 in
unrestricted reserves, comprising:
● Lloyds Account 1: £3,329.74
● Lloyds Account 2: £670.53
● Petty Cash: £132.61
These reserves represent the charity’s
available funds for future programme
delivery and operational stability.
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 Not applicable. ACLE holds positive
unrestricted reserves and does not operate
with zero reserves.
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 The charity had no funds in deficit during the
reporting period. All income and expenditure
were managed responsibly, and the charity
ended the year with a healthy surplus.
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 The trustees consider ACLE to be a going
concern. The charity has:
● a strong volunteer base;
● consistent community fundraising;
● stable programme delivery;
● positive unrestricted reserves;
● proportionate and well‑managed
expenditure.
The Annual Report notes that sustainability
is dependent on continued fundraising and
cost monitoring, but there are no material
uncertainties that would cast doubt on the
charity’s ability to continue operating for the
foreseeable future.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 ACLE’s principal sources of funds during the
reporting period were:
● Community fundraising events
● Subs and participant contributions
● Activity fees and training
contributions
● Donations
● Interest from savings
● Internal transfers
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 ACLE does not operate an investment
portfolio and holds no social investments. In
line with its constitution (Clause 5: proper
application of income and property), the
charity’s policy is to:
● hold funds in standard bank
accounts;
● maintain liquidity to support
programme delivery;
● avoid financial risk;
● ensure all funds are used to further
the charity’s objects.
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 The trustees maintain a risk register and
strengthened risk management processes
during the year. The principal risks identified
include:
1. Fundraising volatility
As fundraising is the charity’s largest income
stream, fluctuations could affect programme
continuity. This is mitigated through diverse
community events and careful cost
monitoring.
2. Safeguarding risks
Given ACLE’s work with young people,
safeguarding is a critical risk area. This is
mitigated through:
● a Designated Safeguarding Lead and
Deputy;
● annual safeguarding training;
● safe recruitment and DBS checks;
● clear reporting and escalation
procedures.
3. Health & Safety risks in outdoor and
adventurous activities
Activities such as expeditions, kayaking, and
residentials carry inherent risks. These are
managed through:
● updated Health & Safety policies;
● trained volunteers;
● risk assessments;
● appropriate insurance.
4. Volunteer capacity
As volunteers are essential to delivery, any
reduction in volunteer availability could
impact operations. ACLE mitigates this
through training, mentoring, and strong
community engagement.
  1. Access to the Community Field ‑ Long term access to the Field is vital for weekly delivery. The trustees have identified this as a strategic priority for 2026/27. 6. Data protection and digital risks With increased digital communication and ‑ record keeping, data protection remains a key risk. Updated policies and secure systems mitigate this. These risks are reviewed annually as part of ACLE’s governance cycle, and trustees act in accordance with their constitutional duty to manage the charity in good faith and in the best interests of beneficiaries. NA Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution

How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 ACLE is constituted as a Charitable
Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
It has:
● voting members, who are separate
from the trustees; and
● charity trustees, who manage the
affairs of the CIO.
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Trustee selection methods and constitutional
provisions
Trustees are appointed and retire in
accordance with the provisions of Clause 12
and Clause 13 of the constitution.
Key constitutional rules on trustee selection:
● Minimum number of trustees: 3
● Maximum number: No maximum
● Eligibility: Trustees must be natural
persons aged 16 or over (Clause
12(2))
● First trustees: Named in the
constitution (Margaret Lenahan,
Helen Leary, Angela Rawe)
Appointment and rotation (Clause 13):
1. At the first AGM,all trustees retire
from office.
2. At every subsequent AGM,one‑third
_of trustees retire_by rotation.
3. Trustees retiring by rotation may
stand for re‑appointment.
4. If trustees were appointed on the
same day, those retiring are
determined by length of service, or by
lot if equal.
5. Members may appoint trustees at the
AGM to fill vacancies.
6. Trustees may appoint additional
trustees between AGMs, provided
the minimum/maximum rules are
met.
7. Trustees appointed by trustees (not
members) retire at the next AGM.
Removal of trustees (Clause 14):

Trustees may be removed:

● by resignation; ● by absence from meetings for six months; ● by medical incapacity; ● by disqualification under the Charities Act; ● by a resolution of members, passed ‑ by a two thirds majority at a properly convened general meeting.

Member involvement:

Because ACLE is an Association Model CIO, members have the power to: ● elect trustees; ● remove trustees; ● call general meetings; ● vote on constitutional changes and key governance matters.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees		 Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees		 ACLE has a clear and supportive approach
to trustee induction and ongoing
development. All new trustees receive:
● A copy of the governing document,
as required by Clause 13(a) of the
constitution.
● The latest Trustees’ Annual Report
and accounts, also required under
Clause 13(b).
● An induction meeting covering
safeguarding, health & safety,
finance, risk management, and
ACLE’s values and programme.
● Access to all core policies, including
Safeguarding, Health & Safety,
Finance, Transport, EDI, and Data
Protection.
● Role‑specific guidance, particularly
for designated leads (e.g.,
Safeguarding Lead, Treasurer, Youth
Voice Lead).
● Ongoing training, including annual
safeguarding training, first aid where
relevant, and updates linked to policy
review cycles.
Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees		 Para 1.51 ACLE has a clear and supportive approach
to trustee induction and ongoing
development. All new trustees receive:
● A copy of the governing document,
as required by Clause 13(a) of the
constitution.
● The latest Trustees’ Annual Report
and accounts, also required under
Clause 13(b).
● An induction meeting covering
safeguarding, health & safety,
finance, risk management, and
ACLE’s values and programme.
● Access to all core policies, including
Safeguarding, Health & Safety,
Finance, Transport, EDI, and Data
Protection.
● Role‑specific guidance, particularly
for designated leads (e.g.,
Safeguarding Lead, Treasurer, Youth
Voice Lead).
● Ongoing training, including annual
safeguarding training, first aid where
relevant, and updates linked to policy
review cycles.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 ACLE operates as a Charitable Incorporated
Organisation (CIO) with:
● Voting members
● A board of charity trustees
● A volunteer team supporting delivery
Organisational structure
● The trustees provide strategic
leadership, governance,
safeguarding oversight, financial
management, risk management, and
policy development.
● Trustees hold designated roles
including Chair, Treasurer,
Safeguarding Lead, Health & Safety
Lead, Youth Voice, Transport,
Volunteer Support, Digital & Data,
Funding, and Communications.
● Volunteers support weekly delivery,
expeditions, residentials, fundraising,
and mentoring.
● Young people contribute through
Youth Voice, shaping programme
content and priorities.
CLE works within a community network that
includes:
● Local families and supporters
● Community venues and event
organisers
● Outdoor activity providers (e.g., Tees
Barrage)
● Local civic organisations (e.g., VE
Day service partners)
● Training providers for safeguarding
and first aid
● Local businesses supporting
fundraising and donations
Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51 ACLE has no related party transactions
during the reporting period.
Trustees and volunteers may participate in
activities or fundraising events, but no
trustee or connected person received any
remuneration, financial benefit, or
preferential treatment, in accordance with
Clauses 5 and 6 of the constitution.
Any potential conflicts of interest are
managed under Clause 7 of the constitution,
requiring trustees to declare interests and
withdraw from discussions where necessary.

NA Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Adventure Community Learning Experience
Other name the charity uses ACLE

Registered charity number		 1212825
Charity’s principal address ACLE Great Aycliffe Village Hall
North Terrace
AYCLIFFE
County Durham
DL5 6LG

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year
Name of
person (or
body)
entitled to
appoint
trustee (if
any)
Kevin Thwaites Chair
02/09/2025
Margaret Lenahan Trustee 30/06/2025
Susan Hindle Trustee 04/052025
Callum
Gibb-Lenahan		 Trustee 30/06/2025
Helen Leary Trustee 01/12/2025
Helen Lyon Trustee 30/06/2025
Angela Rawe Trustee 30/06/2025
01/10/2025
Carl Simpson Trustee
Weronika
Janczewska		 Trustee 04/07/2025
04/07/2025
Louise Porter Trustee

20

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name None

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
None

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets
held in this capacity		 ACLEdoes not hold any assets in a custodian trustee
capacity. All assets, funds, equipment, and resources are
owned directly by Adventure Community Learning
Experience and used solely to further its charitable
purposes.
Name and objects of the
charity on whose behalf the
assets are held and how this
falls within the custodian
charity’s objects		 Not applicable. ACLE doesnotact as a custodian trustee
for any other charity or organisation, and therefore holdsno
assets on behalf of another body.
Details of arrangements for
safe custody and
segregation of such assets
from the charity’s own assets		 Not applicable. As ACLE does not hold assets for any other
charity, there isno requirement for segregation or
separate custody arrangements. All assets held are the
property of ACLE and are managed in accordance with its
constitution and financial policies.

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members(Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

NA

Other optional information

NA

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Margaret Lenahan Full name(s) Kevin Thwaites Position (eg Secretary, Chairman Trustee Chair, etc) Date 01/06/2026

Adventure Community Learning Experience (ACLE)

Charity Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2026

Charity Number: 1212825

1. Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

2.

Accounting Policies

3. Summary of Receipts (Income)

The charity’s income for the year totalled £10,661.23, received from the following sources:

3.1 Donations & Legacies

● General donations: £5261.20

3.2 Charitable Activities

3.4 Investment Income

Total Income: £10,661.23

4. Summary of Payments (Expenditure)

Total expenditure for the year was £6,660.90, spent on the following categories:

4.2 Fundraising Costs

Total Expenditure: £6,601.90

5. Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA)

Category Unrestricted (£) Restricted (£) Endowment (£) Total (£) Income 10,661.23 – – 10,661.2 3

Expenditure 6,601.90 – – 6,601.90
Net Income 4,000.33 – – 4,000.33
Funds Brought Forward 0 – – 0
Funds Carried Forward 4,132.88 – – 4,132.88

6. Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2026, the charity held the following balances:

6.1 Assets

Total Assets: £4,132.88

6.2 Liabilities

6.3 Net Assets

7. Notes to the Accounts

8. Independent Verification

The accounts were independently verified and signed by:

Anji Gray

Date: 20 May 2026

  1. Trustees’ Approval

These accounts were approved by the trustees on:

3rd June 2026

Signed on behalf of the trustees:

Margaret Lenahan Trustee