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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 208208 (England and Wales)

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Miss B Mangan
Miss N Curtin
Miss M O'Sullivan
Charity number (England and Wales) 208208
Principal address Provincial House
42 Rathfarnham Road
Terenure
Dublin
D6W NY67
Independent examiner Darren Harding ACA FCCA DChA
Richard Place Dobson Services Limited
1-7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 2
Independent examiner's report 3
Statement of financial activities 4
Balance sheet 5
Notes to the financial statements 6 - 14

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and "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)".

Objectives and activities

The objects of the charity are such charitable purposes which advance religious and other charitable work. This work is carried on under the direction of the Society as the Trustees shall from time to time think fit. There have been no changes to the objects in the year.

The charity's trustees have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission's general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, they have considered how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Prayer is a very big part of the Sister mission, particularly those confined to Nursing Homes.

Using the various forms of media to communicate their wisdom and advise when visiting is no longer possible.

Our activities have been reduced this year due to the pandemic which imposed restriction on home and hospital visiting. Our pastoral work was also limited during severe lockdown.

However, as our mission is to bear witness to God's love among the poor, the workers and their families, we continued this witness by simple acts of service.

We continued to raise awareness in injustice and racism and to promote care of the earth and ecology.

Achievements and performance

Presently we have only 2 Sisters left in the U.K.

Both continue their life of prayer and commitment to the Founders Mission of giving witness to God's love among the poor, the workers and their families and we continue this Mission by simple acts of service.

Financial review

Net incoming resources for the year totaled £193,211 (2023 - £35,925) as shown on the statement of financial activities on page 4 of the accounts.

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to approximately 3 to 6 months expenditure.

The current level of unrestricted reserves is £149,728 which is currently higher than the reservices policy. This is largely due to a legacy received during the financial year.

In accordance with the trust deed, the trustees have the power to invest in any investments for the time being authorised by law for the investment of trust funds. The trustees have engaged J.M.Finn & Co as investment managers. The trustees intend that the real value of their assets be maintained and enhanced over the long term in a portfolio comprising of equities, fixed income stocks and cash. The trustees have also requested that J.M.Finn & Co adopt an ethical policy when considering investments.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

page 1

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

The Little Sisters of the Assumption (English Province) was established by a declaration of trust on 2 December 1963 as amended by a Charity Commissioners scheme dated 5 June 1991, order dates 1st April 2003, as amended by a resolution of the trustees dated 7th April 2003 and deed of amendement dated 1st July 2003, as amended on 2nd April 2023.

On 18 November 1993, the trustees were incorporated under the name of The Incorporated Trustees of the Little Sisters of the Assumption with the approval of the Charity Commissioners. The charity is registered with the Charity Commissioners under registration number 208208. The power to appoint and remove trustees rests with the Superior. The investment powers of the charity rest with the trustees with the approval of the Superior. There has been no change in these powers in the year.

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Miss B Mangan Miss N Curtin Miss M O'Sullivan

Trustees are selected from fully professed members of the Congregation and they are introduced to the role and the responsibility of being a trustee by attendance at meetings.

The Trustees ' report was approved by the B oard of Trustees.

..............................

Miss M O'Sullivan Trustee 20/05/2025 Dated: .........................

page 2

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Little Sisters Of The Assumption Charitable Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 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 now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Darren Harding ACA FCCA DChA

Richard Place Dobson Services Limited 1-7 Station Road Crawley West Sussex RH10 1HT

Dated: 20 May 2025

page 3

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
200,750
-
Charitable activities
4
31,839
-
Investments
5
14,831
-
Total income
247,420
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
4,906
-
Charitable activities
7
66,987
893
Total expenditure
71,893
893
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
11
-
18,577
Net income/(expenditure)
175,527
17,684
Transfers between funds
(100,821)
100,821
Net movement in funds
9
74,706
118,505
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
75,022
848,715
Fund balances at 31 December
2024
149,728
967,220
Total
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
200,750
700
-
31,839
39,607
-
14,831
28,535
-
247,420
68,842
-
4,906
4,850
-
67,880
94,845
893
72,786
99,695
893
18,577
-
(4,179)
193,211
(30,853)
(5,072)
-
38,110
(38,110)
193,211
7,257
(43,182)
923,737
67,765
891,897
1,116,948
75,022
848,715
Total
2023
£
700
39,607
28,535
68,842
4,850
95,738
100,588
(4,179)
(35,925)
-
(35,925)
959,662
923,737

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

page 4

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
17
2024
£
158,758
269,819
428,577
(2,400)
£
101,801
588,970
690,771
426,177
1,116,948
149,728
967,220
1,116,948
2023
£
1,381
244,659
246,040
(2,970)
£
102,694
577,973
680,667
243,070
923,737
75,022
848,715
923,737

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20/05/2025..

.............................. Miss M O'Sullivan Trustee

page 5

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Little Sisters of the Assumption an unincorporated charity. The principal address is Provincial House, 42 Rathfarnham Road, Terenure, Dublin, D6W NY67.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's declaration of trust, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the trustees to be used for a specific purpose. The designated fund for fixed assets is that part of the unrestricted funds that represents fixed assets used in the day to day operation of the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Other incoming resources includes sisters income and is recognised in the period to which it relates which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resource.

Donations and similar incoming resources are included in the year in which they are receivable which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resource.

Income from investments is included in the SOFA in the year in which it is receivable which is when the charity becomes entitled to the resources.

page 6

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable activities

Charitable activities relate to the costs of the community and have been allocated directly to the functional headings as shown on the SOFA. Welfare costs relate to medical and education costs for the sisters.

Support costs now include governance costs which are costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include independent examination fees, accountancy fees, legal and professional fees and bank charges.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

The main activity of the charity is to provide religious services to the community so all costs related to this are classed as direct charitable costs and all other costs are allocated as support costs.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Long leasehold Straight line over 125 years Fixtures, fittings & equipment 15% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at market value at each reporting date. Changes in market value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

page 7

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are measured at transaction price including transaction costs. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors are recognised at transaction price. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

1.11 Foreign exchange

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.

1.12 Taxation

As a charity, the trust is not subject to Corporation Tax or any taxes on income and gains arising from its charitable activities.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Investment value

Valuation of investments at market value, based on calculation by the investment fund manager. The investments held are all shares listed on a recognised stock exchange and have an easily identifiable market value.

page 8

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Donations and gifts 750 700
Legacies 200,000 -
200,750 700
4 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Sisters income 31,839 39,607
5 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Income from listed investments 12,115 26,429
Interest receivable 2,716 2,106
14,831 28,535
6 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Investment management 4,906 4,850

page 9

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Depreciation and impairment
Rates and water
Health
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
Governance
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
Total
2024
£
893
2,773
60,879
64,545
80
3,255
67,880
66,987
893
67,880
Total
2023
£
893
4,488
72,901
78,282
-
17,456
95,738
94,845
893
95,738

8 Support costs allocated to activities

Subscriptions
Governance
Governance costs comprise:
Accountancy
Legal and professional
9
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
Total
2024
£
80
3,255
2024
£
1,635
1,620
3,255
2024
£
1,235
893
Total
2023
£
-
17,456
2023
£
2,370
15,086
17,456
2023
£
2,370
893

page 10

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

The trustees are also members of the community. Members of the community are maintained by the charity and the cost of premises, meals and other living expenses in respect of each sister is paid by the charity.

11 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
designated designated
2024 2023
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments 18,346 -
Sale of investments 231 (4,179)
18,577 (4,179)

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13 Tangible fixed assets

Long
Cost
At 1 January 2024
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
At 31 December 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
leasehold Fixtures, fittings
& equipment
Total
£
£
£
111,624
145,306
256,930
-
(145,306)
(145,306)
111,624
-
111,624
8,930
145,306
154,236
893
-
893
-
(145,306)
(145,306)
9,823
-
9,823
101,801
-
101,801
102,694
-
102,694

Fixtures and fittings were introduced at a trustees' estimate of original cost in January 1994.

All fixed assets are used for charitable purposes.

page 11

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024 577,973
Additions 23,091
Valuation changes 18,345
Disposals (30,440)
At 31 December 2024 588,969
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 588,969
At 31 December 2023 577,973
Historical cost
At 31 December 2024: £485,397
At 31 December 2023: £494,685

Investments that had a value of 5% or more of the market value held at year end are: Stewart Inv Asia Sustainability - £35,947 Halma Ord GBP0.10 - £29,579 Mercantile Investments - £29,750

Revaluation reserves of £103,572 (2023: £83,288) are included in the designated fund.

15 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Gross amounts owed by purchaser
Prepayments
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
Gross amounts owed by purchaser
Total debtors
2024
£
12,000
5,194
17,194
2024
£
141,564
158,758
2023
£
-
1,381
1,381
2023
£
-
1,381

page 12

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2024 2023
£ £
Accruals 2,400 2,970
Unrestricted funds - designated
These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.
At 1 January Resources Transfers Gains and
At 31 December
2024 expended losses 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Sisters Care fund 746,021 - (52,743) 18,577 711,855
Property fund 102,694 (893) - - 101,801
Loan fund - - 153,564 - 153,564
848,715 (893) 100,821 18,577 967,220
Previous year: At 1 January Resources Transfers Gains and
At 31 December
2023 expended losses 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Sisters Care fund 788,310 - (38,110) (4,179) 746,021
Property fund 103,587 (893) - - 102,694
891,897 (893) (38,110) (4,179) 848,715
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted Total
funds funds
general designated
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets - 101,801 101,801
Investments - 588,970 588,970
Current assets/(liabilities) 149,728 276,449 426,177
149,728 967,220 1,116,948

17 Unrestricted funds - designated

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

page 13

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

18 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Unrestricted Total
funds funds
general designated
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets - 102,694 102,694
Investments - 577,973 577,973
Current assets/(liabilities) 75,022 168,048 243,070
75,022 848,715 923,737

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

page 14