2025-12-31-accounts

Annual Report 2025

HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

www.qmcg.org.uk Charity Registration No. 211764

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HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy

Patron:

Mary Guppy - Chairman of Trustees Sharon Stewart - Hon. Treasurer Ruth Briant - Executive Chair – until May 2025 Diana Dix Sallie Hawkins Julia Knight Louise Myers - from May 2025 Helen Whitbread - until Dec 2025 Matilda Woodford

Trustees:

Victoria Spendlove – Executive Officer - from May 2025

Secretary to the Trustees: Executive Committee:

Susan Wallace

Ruth Briant - Executive Chair - until May 2025 Victoria Spendlove - Vice Executive Chair Sharon Stewart - Hon. Treasurer Julia Buckmaster

Donna Hart Mary Mackaness – from May 2025 Vicki Meakin - until May 2025 Andrea Peel - from May 2025 Rachel Neale - from May 2025

Secretary:

Heather Mears

Charity Number: Registered Address: Independent Examiner: Investment Advisers:

211764

22 Stamford Brook Road London W6 0XH

Catrin Thornton, BSc ACA

Rathbones: Incorporating Investec Wealth and Investment (UK) 30 Gresham Street London EC2V 7QN

HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy, Patron

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Trustees’ Report For the year ended 31 December 2025

The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the Trust Deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, as applicable.

Where we work

QMCG works with charities across the UK, with the majority of supported partners currently based in England and Scotland. We remain open to requests from charities anywhere in the UK, provided they meet our criteria and operate in line with our charitable purposes.

Public Benefit

Purpose of the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild (QMCG)

The aim of the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild is to make, buy and source new clothing, sleeping bags and linen and to distribute these items once a year to British charities, operating only in the United Kingdom, to help the vulnerable, the homeless and those in need.

The Guild’s charitable objects are advanced by:

• Providing new clothing and linen to UK charities that support people in crisis or hardship.

• Responding to specific requests from charities where the items are difficult to source or fund.

• Mobilising volunteers and supporters who knit, sew and fundraise to enable this work.

Why our work is important

QMCG is one of the oldest charities in the United Kingdom and, since its inception in 1882, its purpose has been to support those in need. Today, with demand for support services remaining high across the UK, the provision of brandnew clothing and linen continues to be both practical and dignified. We know that:

• New clothing, bedding and other essentials provide warmth and comfort.

• Receiving new items – rather than second-hand – helps restore dignity, self-respect and a sense of being valued.

• Many of our partner charities operate on tight budgets and struggle to fund or store bulk quantities of new clothing and linen themselves; QMCG’s support enables them to direct more of their resources to frontline services.

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing QMCG’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

QMCG’s activities deliver public benefit in several ways: • Direct benefit

• By providing practical help to the charities we support, responding to specific requests for new clothing, linen and other essential items.

• By ensuring that these items reach people who are vulnerable, homeless or otherwise in need, offering warmth, comfort and improved living conditions.

• Indirect benefit

• Through the positive effect on those who receive these new items, helping to restore their sense of self-worth, dignity and inclusion – particularly important for individuals and families facing hardship, trauma or social isolation.

• By relieving some financial and logistical pressure on partner charities, enabling them to focus resources on frontline care and support services.

• Benefit to volunteers and supporters

• The network of Guild Friends, supporters and volunteer makers derives friendship, purpose and a sense of belonging from knitting, stitching, fundraising and helping to coordinate the annual distribution.

• This community activity promotes social connection and wellbeing, especially for supporters who may otherwise be isolated.

How we work

During the year ended 31 December 2025, QMCG supported 49 UK charities. These include:

• Refuges for women and children escaping violence and abuse.

• Homeless shelters and outreach units.

• Neonatal units and hospital wards.

• Hospices providing respite and end-of-life care for children and adults.

• Other charities supporting people facing poverty, displacement and social exclusion.

Each year, we invite the charities we support to submit a detailed list of the new items they most need, and that will make a meaningful difference to the people they help. Using these requests, the Trustees and Executive Committee plan our programme of purchasing and sourcing.

For over 140 years, QMCG supporters across the country have been knitting and stitching, and they continue to make beautiful handmade items for QMCG to donate to charities. These handmade items, together with purchased goods, are checked, sorted and packed centrally before distribution.

Our main annual distribution takes place in the autumn, which works particularly well for charities supporting the homeless, as their need for warm clothing and bedding is greatest during the winter months.

The Trustees are satisfied that the benefits provided by QMCG are available to a wide section of the public, and that any private benefit to individuals or organisations is incidental and necessary in furthering the charity’s purposes.

Fundraising

QMCG’s fundraising activities in the year were modest and proportionate to its size. The charity:

• Relies primarily on donations, legacy gifts and fundraising events organised by supporters.

• Does not use professional commercial fundraisers or carry out public street or door-to-door collections.

• Seeks to ensure that all fundraising communications are clear, respectful and compliant with relevant guidance.

Under the Charities Act 2016, charities in England and Wales that spend more than £100,000 a year on fundraising are expected to make a voluntary contribution to the Fundraising Regulator’s running costs. As QMCG spends considerably less than £100,000 a year on fundraising, it is not required to register with the Fundraising Regulator or to pay the voluntary levy.

Nonetheless, the Trustees are committed to high standards in fundraising and aim to follow the principles of the Code of Fundraising Practice as good practice, ensuring that:

• Supporters are treated fairly and with respect.

• No fundraising practices are undertaken that could be considered unduly intrusive or pressurising.

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Risk Assessment

The Trustees regularly review the major risks to which the charity is exposed and ensure that appropriate systems and controls are in place to mitigate those risks.

In making decisions during the year, the Trustees have again had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and to their duties under the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees ensure that the Governance document is kept up to date and is used as a framework for both the Executive Committee (EC) and the Board of Trustees. Key elements of our risk management approach include:

• Charity visits and oversight

• All supported charities, existing and proposed, are regularly visited (either in person, by telephone or via online meetings) by members of the Executive Committee, and a written record is kept of each visit.

• Guild Friends and Trustees are encouraged to participate in these visits, which provide valuable insight into each charity’s current work, needs and governance.

• These visits help QMCG to:

  • Understand how our donations are used.

  • Ensure that our support remains relevant and appropriate.

  • Guard against any inappropriate use of QMCG donations.

• Events and operational risk

• The main operational risks identified by the Trustees relate to QMCG’s two principal annual events: Packing Week and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

• Public liability insurance continues in place to cover these and other relevant activities.

• Health and safety considerations are reviewed in advance of each major event, and appropriate procedures are in place to safeguard volunteers, staff and visitors.

• Financial and compliance risks

• The Trustees monitor income, expenditure, reserves and cash flow throughout the year to ensure the charity remains financially sound.

• Segregation of duties and appropriate authorisation levels are maintained over financial transactions.

• Policies covering safeguarding, data protection, conflicts of interest and whistleblowing are reviewed periodically, with updates made as required.

The Trustees are satisfied that the systems and procedures in place are appropriate for the size and complexity of QMCG and that they have mitigated the major risks to an acceptable level during the year.

The Guild in Scotland

In 2025, QMCG donated a total of 2146 items to charities across Scotland. From Stornoway to Glasgow, we have supported charities that help veterans, the homeless, women’s refuges, children and families and those being cared for in hospices.

Longstanding Ambassador Shona Doherty again worked tirelessly to gather 1400 handknitted items from volunteers' knitters, organising a View Day event in the village of Tain before items were distributed to 17 charities. We are so grateful for the continuing hard work and support Shona, and her team gives to QMCG.

Our Treasurer and Secretary arranged donations of new bedding and towels from our supplier, who, this year delivered 746 items directly to 7 charities in Scotland, just before Christmas.

Chairman of the Trustees’ Report

I hardly know where to begin – it has been the most amazing year! My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has helped make it so.

At last year’s AGM, it was agreed that the Trustees and the Executive Committee would adopt a more collaborative approach, sharing the responsibilities that in recent years had placed an increasingly heavy workload on the Chair of the Executive Committee. This new management structure has proved to be a huge success – far beyond our expectations! Everyone involved has brought their own strengths and experience to the table, creating a truly united and effective team.

Last year’s AGM began on a high note with a fascinating talk from Richard Francis, House Manager at Ronald McDonald House, Lambeth, who shared valuable insights into how our donations are used and appreciated.

Over the course of the year, we have enjoyed a series of wonderful fundraising events organised by our Friends, and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved. Several Guild members were honoured to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May, while QMCG was also represented at the Summer Garden Party at Holyrood in Scotland.

Packing Week in October, now streamlined into just one and a half days, was another tremendous success. The atmosphere on View Day was buzzing, with representatives from charities, members of the Royal Household, and other supporters all in attendance. It was deeply moving to hear first-hand some of the stories shared by the charities we support. In total, last year, we distributed 39,736 items to 49 charities across UK – a remarkable achievement by all involved.

In November, our hardworking Treasurer, Sharon Stewart, was deservedly recognised as Lloyd’s of London Fundraiser of the Year – a truly well-earned honour that also brought a fantastic donation to the Guild.

The Carol Service at the Savoy Chapel in early December was another highlight of the year – well attended and much enjoyed, with readings given by individuals closely connected to the charity. This wonderful event has now become a treasured fixture in our annual calendar.

I was also privileged to speak about the history and work of the Guild at John Studzinski’s prestigious Christmas Lunch at Spencer House in December. It was a fascinating occasion and an excellent opportunity to meet people from a range of organisations, some of whom have already become valuable contacts for future collaboration.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to HRH Princess Alexandra for her continuing and unwavering support, for which we are deeply grateful. Our thanks go to all our wonderful donors throughout the year, and we would also like to thank Catrin Thornton for her work inspecting our accounts. We look ahead to the coming year with great enthusiasm – and a definite spring in our step!

Mary Guppy Chairman of the Trustees

Fundraising Report

This has been a wonderful year for fundraising, and we are so grateful to everyone who has supported us. Whether you made a donation, joined our Friends scheme, organised an event, took part in a challenge, or encouraged others to support us, you have all played a part in what we have achieved together. Our fundraising was also recognised externally during the year, leading to an additional major contribution to our work. We see this not just as an award for one individual, but as a reflection of the dedication of all our supporters and fundraisers.

We do not list individual names in this report, but we hope every supporter will recognise themselves in these thanks. Our Friends, regular givers, livery companies, trusts and foundations, corporate partners (including those providing matched funding), and all those who gave their time, energy and creativity – your generosity has made a real difference, and we are deeply appreciative.

Accounts For year ending 31[st] December 2025

Summary of income and expenditure account for the financial year ended 31[st] December 2025. Please refer to the separate signed Accounts 2025 document for more details.

The 2025 accounts show a steady financial performance for the charity. Total income increased to £97,642 from £94,748 in the previous year, while total payments were £88,451, compared with £94,171 in 2024.

Donations rose significantly to £52,760 (2024: £36,259), reflecting a renewed uplift in donor support. Fundraising income amounted to £10,349, lower than the exceptionally strong £24,288 achieved in 2024, when several successful new fundraising events were launched. Income from the sale of merchandise and our knitted items remained consistent at £7,628 (2024: £7,671). Investment income contributed £21,324, compared with £24,110 in 2024.

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We were delighted to allocate £58,870 towards the purchase of clothing and linen for the charities we supported in 2025. Running costs reduced to £26,454 from £28,198 in 2024, reflecting lower expenditure on fundraising events, as well as the completion of the archive related work undertaken in the previous year.

Overall, the charity achieved a modest operational surplus. Our financial position remains stable, enabling us to plan and deliver our work with confidence. We extend our sincere thanks to all those individuals and organisations whose ongoing support and generosity continue to strengthen our mission.

Sharon Stewart Hon. Treasurer

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act

• To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) b of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

• accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the Act or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

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

Signed by

CATRIN THORNTON BSc ACA

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BENEFICIARIES 2025

( *Newly supported in 2025)

(*Newly supp	orted in 2025)
Charities supported in England:	Neo Natal Units supported:
Age UK, Wiltshire	Evelina, St Thomas's Hospital, London
Barons Court Project, London	Northwick Park Hospital, London
Berkshire Women's Aid
Changing Pathways, Essex	Charities supported in Scotland:
CHESS, Chelmsford	AberNecessities, Aberdeen
Companions of the Order of Malta, London	Bethesda Care Home & Hospice, Stornoway
Crawley Open House, West Sussex	Cardinal Winning Pro-life Initiative, Glasgow
Crisis, London*	Erskine Veteran's Activity Centre North, Moray*
Croydon Refugee Day Centre	Erskine Home, Renfrewshire
Emmaus, Greenwich	Gateway (HHT), Inverness*
Emmaus, Hastings & Rother	HALO, Inverness
Guy's & St Thomas' Charity Samaritan Fund, London	Highland Hospice, Inverness
Home of Comfort, Southsea	Kindness Street Team, Glasgow
Kairos, South East London	Robin House (CHAS), Balloch
Little Village, London	Seaforth House Care Home, Golspie
London City Mission, Central London	Simon Community Govanhill, Glasgow
Manna Society, London	St Vincent's Hospice, Johnstone
Medaille Trust, London	Women's Aid, Dundee
Nelson Trust South West (supporting refuges in Bridgwater, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester, Swansea & Swindon)	Women's Aid, Glasgow
Olallo House, London	Women's Aid, Inverness
Pram Depot, London
Project Linus, UK
Ronald McDonald House Charities, London
Salvation Army, Hoxton
Seaview, East Sussex
Stonepillow, West Sussex
The Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets
Upper Room, Central London
Warming up the Homeless, Bexhill-on-Sea
Your Place, East London

THANK YOU LETTERS

Crisis, London

‘We are so grateful for the incredible donations we received. These items will make a huge difference to our guests this Christmas, especially as these are exactly the kinds of items we often struggle to source. The beautifully knitted pieces, in particular, will be cherished and bring real comfort and joy to those who receive them.’

London City Mission

‘I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for the kind invitation to attend Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild viewing day yesterday at St James’ Palace, on behalf of London City Mission. It was deeply moving to see the many donated and handcrafted items prepared for distribution to such worthy causes across the country. The dedication and care that goes into each item was truly touching. As one of the speakers so rightly said, there has never been a greater need for the Guild’s support in providing ‘comfort and warmth’ than in these current times.’

Warming Up the Homeless, Sussex

‘The donations received were absolutely perfect and exactly what we needed. We have recently opened up a night shelter in Hastings giving respite to those living on the streets, whatever the weather. We offer three hot meals a day, showering facilities and a change of clean, dry clothes. The men’s items in our donation were used for this purpose and were very gratefully received by participants. Thank you.

The children’s items went to the children in emergency hostels. So many were thrilled that they had new clothing. Something that is often on the bottom of the list when experiencing homelessness and/ or poverty.

All items have been used and distributed for which we owe you and your wonderful volunteers a huge round of applause and appreciation. Thank you very much.’

Bethesda Hospice, Stornoway

We are extremely pleased that the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild continue to support the Bethesda Hospice. It is only with the continued support from our community and from the like of yourselves that we are able to continue to offer our high standard of care to those in our community who require specialist palliative care.

With our kindest regards to you and the Friends of the Guild for all their hard work.

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Charities supported by QMCG in 202 5

----- Start of picture text -----
Homeless charities
23 charities who support those who
are homeless. Veterans
4.1%
Children & Families
18.4%
Hospices and the Elderly
6 hospices, care homes and
day centres
Homeles s
Women's charities 46.9%
9 women's refuges and support groups
Women
18.4%
Children and Families
9 charities supporting children and
families including Neo-Natal units Hospices & the Elderly
12.2%
Veterans
2 charities supporting veterans
----- End of picture text -----

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QM CG QUEEN MOTHER'S CLOTHING GUILD FOUNDED 1882