Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
Charity number: 207173
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 7 |
| Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements | 8 - 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
| Balance Sheet | 13 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 - 24 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Trustees | P R Denman, Chief Executive |
|---|---|
| Dr F M-C Denman | |
| N J W Caine | |
| Charity registered number 207173 Principal office Lower Ground Floor 354 Kennington Road London SE11 4LD Independent auditors Peters Elworthy & Moore Chartered Accountants Salisbury House Station Road Cambridge CB1 2LA Bankers NatWest 23 Market Street Cambridge CB2 3PU Solicitors Withers 16 Old Bailey London EC4M 7EG Investment Managers Quilter Cheviot Limited 1 Undershaft London EC3A 8BB |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of The Talisman Charitable Trust for the year ended 5 April 2025. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the Charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (second edition of the Charities SORP (FRS102) October 2019, effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The Trustees have regard to the terms of the Trust Deed and the wishes of the Settlor, and the amending scheme made in August 2000. Accordingly the objects of the Charity are to assist:
a) Individuals of small means whom they consider to be deserving and may be described as "going short"; b) Other charities with similar objects.
In general, the Trustees have set the main aims of the Charity as assisting individuals of small means and charitable organisations with the needs of or in the relief of poverty, education, health, housing, and disablement or disability.
The objectives for the year are shaped by these aims with a view to distributing the Charity's income in full after expenses (taking one year with another). The Trustees may, in certain circumstances, consider it prudent to distribute the income received over a longer period. Such circumstances might include the receipt of an exceptionally large company dividend, which the Trustees may prefer to distribute over a number of years in order to manage better the distribution of income to their beneficiaries.
b. Public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the Charity's aims and objectives, in planning future activities and setting the grant making policy for the year.
c. Grant making policy
Applications for grants are considered from both individuals and organisations whether made directly or supported in writing by an organisation or a social worker. The Trustees may make grants to organisations with similar aims.
Details of how to apply for grants and the information required are available from the Chief Executive.
d. Investment policy
The Trustees make all investment decisions after full consultation with, and approval from, their investment advisers who are instructed to invest in a portfolio to obtain an income sufficient to meet the Charity's grant making objectives whilst ensuring the Charity's long term security (taken in its widest sense and including, for example, protection against inflation).
The Trustees may purchase any investments and/or property as they, in their absolute discretion, think fit.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
a. Grant making performance
In the year to 5 April 2025, the Trustees received 1,243 (2024: 1,179) applications for assistance and made grants totalling £278,146 (2024: £286,423) to 339 individuals and 11 charitable organisations (2024: 220 individuals and 14 charitable organisations).
Total grants, made during the year, represent 97% (2024: 104%) of incoming resources less administration costs.
At the year end no contingent grants were outstanding (2024: nil).
Over the past five years, total grants amounted to £1,078,750, and over the past ten years, £2,059,190, representing 95% and 97% respectively of incoming resources after deducting administration costs.
b. Investment performance
When setting investment performance objectives in relation to quoted investments, the Trustees use total return as the basis of investment performance and compare actual performance with the MSCI PIMFA Private Investor Growth index as a benchmark. Following consultation with their investment advisers, the Trustees set a target rate of return for the year of 5%. The total investment return for 2025 was a decrease of 1.5% (2024: increase of 18.7%) and compares with a decrease in the benchmark of 2.7% (2024: decrease of 14.6%).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
a. Review
Total income during the year was £330,461 (2024: £317,625) and after taking into account payment of net grants to beneficiaries of £261,655 (2024: £273,826), investment management costs of £29,888 (2024: £25,676), support costs of £17,085 (2024: £16,747), governance costs of £25,058 (2024: £26,060), net losses on investments of £702,430 (2024: net gains of £3,466,665), there was net expenditure of £705,654 (2024: net income of £3,441,980).
No revaluation change of freehold property was made in the year under review or the previous year. The last external revaluation was undertaken in 2023, and the next will be in 2028.
The market value of quoted investments at the year end was £22,630,748 (2024: £23,264,118).
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
b. Reserves policy
The Charity is reliant on income from its investments.
Taking one year with another, the Trustees’ intention is to distribute the Charity’s income in full after expenses. The Trustees consider it prudent to maintain a target level of free reserves in unrestricted funds, which is no lower than 10% and no greater than 80% of the total net income, prior to deducting costs relating to charitable activities, as shown in the Statement of Financial Activities of the preceding year's annual accounts. The Trustees consider that this level will provide sufficient funds to respond to applications for grants and to cover the Charity's expenses.
The Trustees may, in certain circumstances, consider it prudent to distribute the income received over a longer period. Such circumstances might include the receipt of an exceptionally large company dividend, which the Trustees may prefer to distribute over a number of years in order to manage better the distribution of income to their beneficiaries.
The actual level of free reserves (excluding investments) on 5 April 2025 was £184,030 (2024: £160,586) which falls within the Trustees’ specified parameters for 2024/2025 of £27,482 and £219,584.
The Reserves Policy is consistent with the Trustees' "long term security" approach to investing, its grant making policy, and with the duty to apply the income of the charity within a reasonable time. In addition, it allows for any variation in dividend receipts over the year.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
a. Constitution
The Charity is an unincorporated trust, constituted under a trust deed dated 4 August 1936 and a scheme made by the Charity Commissioner dated 22 August 2000 and is a registered charity, number 207173. The Charity was established by an initial gift from Baron Frederic Alfred d'Erlanger in 1936. The Charity does not actively fundraise and seeks to continue its work through the careful stewardship of its existing resources.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
There is an annual re-evaluation of Trustees who serve until such time as they resign. The Board of Trustees appoints new Trustees and the induction process for any newly appointed Trustee comprises meeting with the Board and Chief Executive who explain the Charity’s policies concerning investments, grant making and the powers and responsibilities of the Trustees.
The Trust Deed does not provide for the appointment of a minimum or maximum number of Trustees. However, the present Trustees' policy is that there should never be less than two or more than five Trustees.
All Trustees are regularly provided with relevant newsletters and technical subscriptions and are notified of changes in governance etc. published on the Charity Commission's website which they are encouraged to visit.
The Trustees meet quarterly and agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the Charity, including consideration consideration and performance of all policies e.g. grant making, investment, reserves, risk management, etc..
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Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)
c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies
The day to day administration of grants and the processing and handling of applications prior to consideration by the Trustees is delegated to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive provides his time and expertise on a voluntary basis and deals with all day to day matters, except for investment management advice and professional fees which are outsourced. The Chief Executive monitors information relating to grants and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees who make all decisions.
The Trustees operate a Privacy Policy, the full details of which can be accessed at www.talismancharity.org.
There were no employees in the current or preceding year.
d. Freehold property
The freehold property, 354 Kennington Road, London, SE11 4LD, is held on behalf of the Charity by the Trustees, P R Denman, Dr F M-C Denman and N J W Caine. The Trustees' policy is for the property to be externally revalued every fifth year. The next revaluation will be in 2028.
e. Risk Management
The Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Charity and have in place a risk management process designed to identify the major risks that could impact on the Charity's objectives. This process identifies the major risks the Charity faces, the likelihood of occurrence, the significance of the risk, and the mitigating controls that are in place. It also seeks to identify any future actions and resources required to improve the management of these risks.
The Chief Executive Officer has overall responsibility for the management of the risk assessment process and ensures the risks are reviewed regularly to identify the steps required to mitigate these risks. All recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer are reported quarterly to the Trustees for consideration and approval.
Effective risk management is fundamental to the long-term success and sustainability of the Charity and the Trustees are committed to fostering a culture of risk-awareness and continuous improvement.
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS AND COVID-19
The Trustees consider that whilst the immediate concerns regarding the Covid-19 pandemic appear to have eased, the economic shockwaves resulting from it were so substantial that they still affect the global economy and levels of poverty.
They are also aware of increasing geopolitical instability causing the Charity to see ever increasing numbers of applications for refugees. The wars between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas are causing worldwide uncertainty about many things including ongoing problems concerning the availability of gas and electricity supplies which in turn affects economic production. Additionally, the UK is facing increasing costs across a wide spectrum of goods, caused mainly by the huge rise in the cost of energy and recent high inflation.
Further compounding these difficulties are growing trade disruptions, as escalating tariffs and protectionist policies - particularly those led by the current US administration - undermine free trade and depress international commerce. The unpredictability of recent financial decisions also heightens the risk of a major global recession and continues to weigh on stock market valuations, potentially impacting investment returns.
The Trustees consider that the above problems continue to weigh heavily on the UK economy resulting in a sustained and substantial increase in Government debt. The consequential shortage of funds for social care and health will significantly augment hardship and need, leading to increased numbers of applications for assistance.
The Trustees are aware that, for a period, these factors may affect the level of dividends that companies pay, and in turn, this may impact on the dividend income receivable by the Charity. Based on the estimated dividend yield of the Charity's investment portfolio, the income for the year ended 5 April 2026, available for distribution to the Charity's beneficiaries, is anticipated to be in the region of £298,000.
Thus, for the year to 5 April 2026, whilst maintaining the above stated policies and objectives, the Trustees expect to have approximately £330,000 available for grant making. This represents 91% of available reserves and anticipated net income receipts for the year to 5 April 2026.
The Trustees will closely monitor the receipt of dividend income during the year under review and may increase or decrease the level of grant making accordingly.
GOING CONCERN
The Trustees have reviewed the financial position of the Charity and have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements continue to be prepared on the going concern basis.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO THE AUDITORS
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' Report is approved has confirmed that:
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so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
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that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
AUDITORS
The auditors, Peters Elworthy & Moore, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
P R Denman Secretary and Chief Executive
Date: 24 July 2025
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
OPINION
We have audited the financial statements of The Talisman Charitable Trust (the 'charity') for the year ended 5 April 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 5 April 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
BASIS FOR OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST (CONTINUED)
OTHER INFORMATION
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the Trustees' Report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
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sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES
As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST (CONTINUED)
AUDITORS' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
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the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence,
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capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non compliance with applicable laws and regulations; • we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with trustees and other management, and from our knowledge of charity law and experience;
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we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including the Charities Act 2011 and taxation legislation;
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in addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations which do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charity's ability to operate
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or to avoid material penalties;
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we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence;
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identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non compliance throughout the audit; and
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we reviewed the minutes of Trustees' meetings to identify any references to non compliance with laws and regulations.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
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making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
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considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we;
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performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
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we evaluated the assumptions and judgements used by management within significant accounting estimates and assessed whether these indicated evidence of management bias; and
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performed audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST (CONTINUED)
In response to the risk of irregularities and non compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
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agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
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reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
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enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; and
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reviewing any correspondence with relevant regulators such as the Charity Commission.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.
USE OF OUR REPORT
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Peters Elworthy & Moore Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Salisbury House Station Road Cambridge CB1 2LA
Date: 24 July 2025
Peters Elworthy & Moore are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Note INCOME FROM: Investments 4 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET EXPENDITURE BEFORE NET (LOSSES)/GAINS ON INVESTMENTS Net (losses)/gains on investments NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 330,461 330,461 29,888 303,798 333,686 (3,225) (702,429) (705,654) 24,430,027 (705,654) 23,724,373 |
Total funds 2025 £ 330,461 330,461 29,888 303,798 333,686 (3,225) (702,429) (705,654) 24,430,027 (705,654) 23,724,373 |
Total funds 2024 £ 317,625 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 317,625 25,676 316,634 |
|||
| 342,310 (24,685) 3,466,665 |
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| 3,441,980 20,988,047 3,441,980 |
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| 24,430,027 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
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BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2025
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 9 | 744,000 | 744,000 | |||
| Investments | 10 | 22,796,343 | 23,525,441 | |||
| 23,540,343 | 24,269,441 | |||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Debtors | 11 | 69,607 | 66,653 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 147,127 | 124,249 | ||||
| 216,734 | 190,902 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | ||||||
| year | 12 | (32,704) | (30,316) | |||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 184,030 | 160,586 | ||||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 23,724,373 | 24,430,027 | ||||
| CHARITY FUNDS | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 23,724,373 | 24,430,027 | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 23,724,373 | 24,430,027 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
P R Denman Trustee and Chief Executive
Date: 24 July 2025
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
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THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Charity is an unincorporated trust, constituted under a trust deed dated 4 August 1936 and a scheme made by the Charity Commissioner dated 22 August 2000 and is a registered charity, number 207173. Its registered office is shown on page 1.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 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 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Talisman Charitable Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 GOING CONCERN
The Trustees have reviewed the financial position of the Charity, and have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements continue to be prepared on the going concern basis.
No material uncertainties exist.
2.3 FUND ACCOUNTING
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.4 INCOME
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Income from funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
The payment of Reportable Overseas Income can be subject to delays of up to 12 months and therefore the Charity may not have been advised about this income before the signing of the accounts. For this reason, Reportable Overseas Income is recognised when received.
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due. Ex dividends that have been notified to the charity but not yet received by 5 April are included as debtors.
2.5 EXPENDITURE
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.
Costs of raising funds consist of management fees charged by Quilter Cheviot Limited.
Charitable activities include grants payable and support costs including governance costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
Support costs have been allocated between governance and other support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs relating to the Independent Examination and legal fees.
Additions to office equipment are accounted for and written off in the year of purchase.
All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.6 GAINS AND LOSSES
All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their opening carrying value or purchase date if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.7 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION
Freehold property is stated at revaluation on 5 April 2023. No depreciation has been charged because the Trustees estimate that the residual value of the property is at least equal to the value included within these financial statements.
Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting date.
Fair values are determined from market-based evidence by appraisal that is normally undertaken by professionally qualified valuers.
Gains and losses on revaluation are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Part of the property is let on a long and short term lease, however the costs attributable to this portion cannot be accurately determined and so all of the value is included as a tangible fixed asset.
2.8 INVESTMENTS
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless fair value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment.
2.9 DEBTORS
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.10 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.11 CREDITORS AND PROVISIONS
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 366BC222-D206-44BB-BF10-C76980DDBFDE
THE TALISMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.12 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:
The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
Critical areas of judgement:
Valuation of freehold property
The valuation of freehold property is affected by many factors, such as the condition of the property, its location and the discount rate used to value future rental income. Small changes in assumptions can cause significant changes in the valuation. At the year end, the value of the freehold property affected was £744,000.
4. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Income from property 750 UK investment funds 274,786 Overseas sources 46,062 Interest on cash deposits 8,863 330,461 TOTAL 2024 317,625 |
Total funds 2025 £ 750 274,786 46,062 8,863 330,461 317,625 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,130 271,766 21,385 23,344 |
|---|---|---|
| 317,625 | ||
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
5. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COSTS
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Investment management costs 29,888 TOTAL 2024 25,676 |
Total funds 2025 £ 29,888 25,676 |
Total funds 2024 £ 25,676 |
|---|---|---|
6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES
| Charitable activities TOTAL 2024 |
Grant funding of activities 2025 £ 261,655 273,826 |
Support costs 2025 £ 42,143 42,808 |
Total funds 2025 £ 303,798 316,634 |
Total funds 2024 £ 316,634 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS
| Accountancy fees (governance) Data Protection - annual fee (governance) Auditors' fees (governance) Legal fees (governance) Computer software Office equipment Office equipment - maintenance Office expenses Postage & Courier Property insurance Office visitor parking permits Property maintenance and repairs Property utility expenses Stationery Telephone Travel and parking TOTAL 2024 |
Charitable activities 2025 £ 10,500 35 14,523 - 556 - - 5,402 287 395 184 3,943 3,268 797 779 1,474 42,143 42,808 |
Total funds 2025 £ 10,500 35 14,523 - 556 - - 5,402 287 395 184 3,943 3,268 797 779 1,474 42,143 42,808 |
Total funds 2024 £ 9,700 35 14,507 1,818 413 302 906 1,376 399 376 315 6,994 2,843 582 1,190 1,052 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42,808 | |||
Governance costs as shown above totalled £25,058 (2024: £26,060).
7. ANALYSIS OF GRANTS
| Grants TOTAL 2024 |
Grants to Institutions 2025 £ 35,321 82,164 |
Grants to Individuals 2025 £ 226,334 191,662 |
Total funds 2025 £ 261,655 273,826 |
Total funds 2024 £ 273,826 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
7. ANALYSIS OF GRANTS (CONTINUED)
GRANTS TO INSTITUTIONS
The Charity has made the following material grants to institutions during the year:
| Glass Door Homeless Charity Cambridge Cyrenians Eastside Community Trust Snowflake School for Children The Brigstowe Project The Respite Association TIKVA Loughborough Junction Action Group Clothing Solutions Kids Space Wintercomfort for the Homeless Caudwell Children Sunny Days Children's Fund Surviving Christmas Break the Mould Wiltshire Mind Tools 4 Teens Shelter Crisis Refuge Centrepoint The Bike Project Dentaid Ltd |
2025 £ 3,000 3,000 3,000 4,321 5,000 5,000 5,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 2,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - 35,321 |
2024 £ 10,000 2,000 - - - - - - - - - 3,364 2,800 3,000 2,000 4,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 82,164 |
All grant payments were made from unrestricted funds in 2025 and 2024.
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS
| Number of Grants |
2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Child poverty | 17 | 8,049 |
| Educational | 17 | 11,043 |
| Health needs | 8 | 5,371 |
| Housing needs | 178 | 142,346 |
| Disablement or disability | 32 | 28,186 |
| Small means | 87 | 47,830 |
| 339 | 242,825 |
The grants to individuals figure presented in the financial statements (£226,334) is net of £16,492 grant writebacks.
| GRANT COMMITTMENTS Grant committments b/f Grants awarded Grants written back Grants paid |
2025 £ - 278,146 (16,491) (261,655) - |
2024 £ - 286,423 (12,597) (273,826) - |
|---|---|---|
8. AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
The auditors' remuneration (inclusive of VAT) amounts to an audit fee of £12,639 (2024: £12,623) and accountancy fees of £1,884 (2024: £1,884).
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| VALUATION At 6 April 2024 At 5 April 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 5 April 2025 At 5 April 2024 |
Freehold property £ 744,000 |
|---|---|
| 744,000 | |
| 744,000 | |
| 744,000 |
The freehold property has been valued by Mr Darryl Henson MRICS, who is a registered valuer working for Henson Associates.
The valuation has been performed on an Open Market Basis in accordance with the current RICS Valuation - Global Standards (which incorporate the International Valuation Standards) and the UK National Supplement, commonly referred to as the RICS 'Red Book'.
The effective date of the valuation is 5 April 2023.
The valuation is subject to several significant assumptions, including future rental income, condition and discount rates used to derive a present value.
The Charity has adopted a policy of revaluation for tangible fixed assets. Had these assets been measured at historic cost, the carrying values would have been as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Freehold property | 415,095 | 415,095 |
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| COST OR VALUATION At 6 April 2024 Additions Disposals (proceeds £3,609,074) Revaluations Cash movement AT 5 APRIL 2025 |
Listed investments £ 23,264,118 3,678,133 (3,472,076) (839,427) - 22,630,748 |
Cash at broker £ 261,323 - - - (95,728) 165,595 |
Total £ 23,525,441 3,678,133 (3,472,076) (839,427) (95,728) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22,796,343 |
All investments are carried at their fair value. Investment in equities and fixed interest securities are all traded in quoted public markets, primarily the London Stock Exchange. Holdings in common investment funds, unit trusts and open ended investment companies are at the bid price. The basis of fair value for quoted investments is equivalent to the market value, using the bid price. Asset sales and purchases are recognised at the date of trade at cost (that is their transaction value).
When considering the Charity’s investment policy, the Trustees take the advice of Quilter Cheviot Limited. The Charity operates an investment policy that includes provision for a degree of diversification of holdings within different investment trusts and unit trust investments. The Charity has invested in a number of these investments in order to better protect the Charity’s exposure to volatility in the market and seek low risk investments wherever possible.
The Charity does not make use of derivatives and similar complex financial instruments as it takes the view that investments are held for their longer term growth and annual income.
The Charity has no material investment holdings in markets subject to exchange controls or trading restrictions.
11. DEBTORS
| DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors Prepayments |
2025 £ 66,539 3,068 69,607 |
2024 £ 63,471 3,182 |
|---|---|---|
| 66,653 |
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals | 32,704 | 30,316 |
13. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
The Charity considers its key management personnel to be the Trustees. The Trustees all give their time and expertise without any form of remuneration or other benefit in kind (2024: £nil).
During the year ended 5 April 2025, £6,886 was reimbursed to one trustee (2024: one Trustee £2,342). These reimbursements related to travel, meeting expenses and other costs associated with running the Charity. There were no Trustees' expenses settled directly to a third party.
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions during the current or prior year.
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