**Charity number: 212450**
## **THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **CONTENTS**
||Page|
|---|---|
|**Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers**|1 - 2|
|**Trustees' Report**|3 -9|
|**Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements**|10- 13|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|14|
|**Balance Sheet**|15|
|**Statement of Cash Flows**|16|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|17-34|
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**Trustees**|Richard Bromilow|
|---|---|
||John Churchill|
||Geoffrey Clements|
||Victoria Daniell|
||James Golob, Chairman|
||Claire Maxwell|
||Grahame Nicholson|
||Nishil Patel (appointed 10 December 2024)|
||Hazel Sewell|
|**Charity registered**
**number**
212450
**Principal office**
Chargrove House
Shurdington Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 4GA
**Chief executive officer**
Ali Russell
**Independent auditors**
Randall & Payne LLP
Statutory Auditors
Shurdington Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 4GA
**Bankers**
HSBC Bank plc
The Cross
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 2AP
**Solicitors**
Stone King LLP
13 Queen Square
13 Queen Square
BA1 2HJ||
Page 1
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Investment Managers**
Veritas Investment Partners (UK) Limited Riverside House Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 9HA
M&G Investments 10 Fenchurch Avenue EC3M 5AG Brown Advisory 18 Hanover Square London W1S 1JY
Page 2
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Strategic Overview and Impact in 2024**
Against a backdrop of ongoing increases in the cost of living and an ever-growing number of people in the UK living in poverty (14.3 million cited by Joseph Rowntree Foundation) the Trustees implemented two major strategic changes aimed at increasing the charity's resources and capacity to provide grants both now and in the future.
## **Strategic Changes: Property Sale and Investment Restructure**
The first key change was the sale of Peter Herve House and Lenox House. In 2023, Trustees had agreed to sell the charity's offices and associated flats. An offer was accepted in late 2023 and the property sold for £1.58 million in March 2024.A portion of the sale proceeds was reinvested, while the remainder was retained for use during 2024.
Simultaneously, the charity transitioned to new investment managers. After a thorough shortlisting process, five firms were interviewed in January. Following detailed deliberation, Brown Advisory and Meridiem were jointly appointed to manage the portfolio. New investment accounts were established, and deposits—including part of the property sale proceeds—were made. By December 2024, the combined portfolios had yielded a 10% return, increasing their value by £1.8 million.
These strategic moves ensured the charity was well positioned to expand its charitable activities in 2025.
## **Main Individual Grants Programme**
Applications to the Individual Grants Programme continued to rise steadily throughout the year and for the second consecutive year, the programme was temporarily closed each month to manage demand and ensure adequate funds for applicants. By the end of 2024, the charity had distributed £246,000 in individual grants benefiting 715 people.
## **Improving Lives Fund: Organisational Grants**
Applications to the Improving Lives Fund remained consistent with 2023 levels, though almost all applicants sought core cost funding (e.g. salaries and running costs). This reflected the immense pressures faced by organisations amid increasing demand, reduced funding, and escalating costs. Forty-three grants were awarded to organisations, totalling £424,713.
## **Trustee Engagement and Site Visits**
In May, Trustees visited Gloucestershire Nightstop and gained insight into their emergency accommodation services for young people. In September, they visited Nelson Trust's Bristol Women's Centre, where survivors of domestic abuse receive tailored support. Both visits deepened Trustees' understanding of grantee organisations and their beneficiaries.
## **Campaigns and Collaborative Initiatives**
In collaboration with partners, Crowdfunder, Lightning Reach and Cash Perks we launched a Home is Where the Harm Is campaign in June with British Airways as a key sponsor. The campaign raised £28,933, enabling 136 grants of £200 to be made to people who had experienced domestic abuse.
Additionally, the charity received a grant from the Albert Hunt Trust to match our support for the RISE programme, helping survivors of domestic abuse re-enter the workforce, pursue training, or start businesses. Launched in September 2024, the first grants were issued in early 2025.
The Barzilia Foundation also began supporting our individual grants programme with grant funding which will continue into 2025.
Page 3
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Financial Performance and Future Planning**
The charity's investments rose from £23,998,715 in January 2024 to £26,293,534 by year-end, reflecting both new management and asset sales. Accordingly, Trustees were able to increase the 2025 total grant-making budget to £860,000, a £60,000 rise from the previous year, split between individual and organisational grants.
## **Governance and Staffing Updates**
A campaign to recruit a new Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee launched in summer 2024, supported by consultants Peridot and Partners. Trustees were pleased to appoint Nishil Patel, who was coopted onto the Board in December.
In March, Office Manager, Dawn Swirczek retired. From April, Lyn Niblett Bookkeeping Services began managing the charity's bookkeeping and payroll, with Alison Merrett as the main contact. In November 2024, following extensive interviews, Ele Weeks-Bell was recruited as the new part-time Team Administrator and joined the charity in January 2025.
## **Acknowledgements**
Our thanks go to our incredible small but mighty staff team for navigating a year of growth, increased grantmaking, the successful sale, and transition from our offices to working remotely and for raising the profile of the charity at networks and events both online and in person. Special thanks to Alison, at Lyn Niblett, for seamlessly stepping in to manage our finances.
We thank our Welfare Committee Trustees for their tireless efforts: reviewing over 40 organisational and 50 exceptional individual applications, participating in three grants panels, four Welfare Committee meetings, and five Board meetings. And we are grateful to our Finance & Investment Committee Trustees who oversaw the selection of new investment managers, held four committee meetings (including one with our auditor), two meetings with our new investment managers, led the Chair recruitment process, and attended five Board meetings.
Finally, trustees gratefully acknowledge the support of HM the King during his time as patron.
## **Structure, governance, and management**
## **a. Constitution**
Founded in 1812, The National Benevolent Charity is governed by a Royal Charter (RC000364) and its Bye Laws. The most recent amendments to modernise the Royal Charter and remove the upper age qualification and to allow for general meetings via electronic means were approved on 16th February 2022.
## **b. Method of appointment or election of Trustees**
Trustees are elected at General Meetings for three-year terms, with up to two re-elections permitted. The Board comprises 4-12 qualified members.
## **c. Organisational structure and decision making**
The Board met five times in 2024. It is supported by the Finance and Investment Committee and the Welfare Committee. The Welfare Committee met four times, reviewed monthly reports, and held three grant panels. The Finance and Investment Committee also met five times.
The charity employed four staff: Ali Russell (Chief Executive), Dawn Swirczek (Office Manager, retired March), Jane Weaver (Individual Grants Manager), and Vicky Oram-Ohern (Organisation Grants Manager).
## **d. Related party relationships**
There have been no transactions with related parties during the year.
Page 4
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **e. Risk management**
The main risk is reduced investment income, which could affect grant-making. Trustees monitor this and have mitigation strategies in place.
## **f. Subsidiary Charities**
The charity has no subsidiaries.
## **g. Restricted funds**
The Henderson Bequest, a restricted fund, supports former nurses or care workers and is managed by M&G Investments.
## **h. Land and Property**
The charity does not own property.
## **Objectives and Activities**
## **a. Policies and objectives**
The objects of the Charity are for the relief of qualifying people who need assistance by reason of old age, infirmity, sickness, or economic circumstances.
## **b. Strategies for achieving objectives and performance**
Support was provided through individual grants and organisational grants. All grants adhere to Board-approved policy and guidelines
## **Main Individual Grants Programme**
## Types of Grants
The Charity awarded individual welfare grants to meet essential costs, including food and clothing, furniture, white goods, minor repairs, utility bills and training or work tools. In exceptional circumstances grants were also awarded for bankruptcy and debt relief orders, flooring, disability aids, minor home, or garden improvements, rent arrears or debts. Up to £1,000 per person was available. Eligibility required UK residency for 12 months and either citizenship or leave to remain.
## **Application Process**
Applicants apply online explaining what the grant will be used for and why it is needed. They are also asked to provide details of their financial situation, disabilities or health issues or other exceptional circumstances and are requested to provide bank statements, medical reports, and details of a professional referrer. Most applications are assessed by the Grant Manager, applications for exceptional items are assessed by the Welfare Committee.
## **Grants Made**
In 2024 the Charity received 1203 applications for individual grants and made 715 awards (2023: 729 awards). Of those which were unsuccessful 189 were ineligible, 283 were archived, because they did not respond to further requests for information. Sixteen were duplicates. The average value of the award was £379, (£337 in 2023) an increase of £38.00 which reflects the increase in the cost of essential appliances.
## **2024 Grants Data**
- 219 appliance grants, 190 furniture grants, 109 for food/clothing grants, 92 flooring grants
- • 367 families and 342 individuals supported
- 68% of recipients were female; 51% under 40 years old
- 28% had experienced domestic violence
Page 5
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Diversity and Inclusion**
- 741 applicants completed the optional DEI form. Of these:
- 47% identified as British or English
- 76% were in paid work
- 57% had a disability or health condition
- 75% had caring responsibilities (mostly for children)
## **Expenditure**
Total spent: £246,000.
## **Home is Where the Harm Is Grants Campaign**
Recognising the significant role domestic abuse plays in individual grant applications, the charity partnered with Lightning Reach, Crowdfunder, and Cash Perks to lead a campaign offering cash grants via cash machines to victims of domestic abuse. The campaign, Home is Where the Harm Is, launched during the Euros in June with British Airways as a key sponsor.
## **2024 Grants Data**
- The campaign raised £28,933
- Supported by over 600 people,
- 143 grant applications approved
- 136 grants of £200 made.
- The majority of the applicants were women in receipt of benefits living in social housing with children.
- Two thirds lived in a house with a disabled person.
The campaign will be running for a second year in 2025.
## **Improving Lives Fund - Grants to Organisations**
## **Types of Grants**
Grants are made to organisations which support beneficiaries experiencing poverty or hardship. The grants are aimed at organisations operating in Bristol, Gloucestershire, or Wiltshire & Swindon.
## **Application Process**
The new Bristol Fund, launched in June, is aimed at larger infrastructure organisations and applicants may apply for grants of up to £40,000 over two years. Grants of up to £20,000 over two years are available to organisations in Wiltshire and Swindon and Gloucestershire.
Applicants submit an expression of interest online. If their application fits the criteria, they will then be invited to a virtual meeting with the Organisation Grants Manager to make a fuller application which it then taken to the Grants Panel for consideration.
## **Grants Awarded**
We declined 13 applications during the year, most were declined due to strength of alignment with our charitable objects, one due to already having a current grant with us, and two due to being national organisations with small impact locally and having more access to other funding, including one with very significant reserves.
## **2024 Grants Data**
- 43 grants awarded ( new and year 2)
- 11 in Bristol: £157,000
- 19 in Gloucestershire: £153,213
- 13 in Wiltshire/Swindon: £114,500
Page 6
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## Grants addressed:
- Destitution (e.g., housing, food): 17 organisations (£180,000)
- Education/employment/training: 6 (£60,000)
- Strengthening families/communities: 13 (£110,000)
- Financial resilience: 4 (£60,000)
Expenditure: Total Spent £424,713
## **Regular payments**
Only one regular beneficiary remains. Others may now apply for individual grants.
## **Housing**
After the sale of charity-owned housing in Tetbury in March , the two remaining charity residents were assisted with relocation and tenancy arrangements.
## **Collaborations**
Charity staff are active members of the Association of Charitable Organisations and regularly attend training sessions and the CEO is a member of the CEO network. The Charity is also a member of the Association of Charitable Foundations, and staff regularly attended their specialist networks and training, and used their resources to inform good practice.
The CEO is the Chair of the Bristol Funders Network and the Organisation Grants Manager remains active in the Gloucestershire Funders Group and Swindon & Wiltshire Funders Network.
The Individual Grants Manager has also strengthened relationships with referral agencies such as Citizens Advice, Step Change, Money Advice and Refugee Council.
## **Public Benefit**
Trustees confirm compliance with the Charities Act 2022 and Charity Commission guidance. The charity’s work clearly provides public benefit and does not result in any private benefit or public detriment.
## **Policy Review**
In 2024, the charity reviewed policies on grant-making, complaints, health & safety, and remote work to ensure legal compliance and adherence to best practices.
## **Financial review**
## **a. Going Concern**
Following appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has sufficient resources to continue operating for the near future. Accordingly, they have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further information regarding this basis can be found in the Accounting Policies section.
## **b. financial risk management objectives and policies**
As of the end of 2024, the Charity's total funds stood at £26,293,534, an increase from £23,998,715 at the end of 2023. Total income for the year was £811,048, down from £867,742 in the previous year, primarily due to a reduction in rental income following the sale of PHH and Lenox House in March.
Expenditure on charitable activities rose slightly to £1,003,559, up from £999,050 in 2023. Governance expenditure, reduced to £5,060 from £6,170 in the previous year.
## **c. Reserves policy**
The Charity's reserves policy considers the stability of core income streams, the potential for unforeseen costs, and the need for adequate working capital to ensure uninterrupted operations. The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves equivalent to three months’ operational expenditure. This ensures sufficient funds are available for management, administration, and beneficiary support.
Page 7
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
Currently, the target reserve is £300,000, comprised of £85,000 in the current account and £215,000 held in investments. Any surplus beyond this level at year-end may be either invested or allocated to charitable activities, depending on prevailing circumstances.
## **d. Investments policy**
The Charity's investment objective is to achieve a long-term total return of UK CPI +4% per annum. The portfolio includes direct fixed income, fixed income funds, equities, and equity funds. While positive returns are not expected in every quarter, the long-term strategy aims for consistent growth. The Charity does not invest in companies associated with gambling or payday lending, reflecting the Trustees' view that such organisations conflict with the Charity’s mission and values.
## **Future developments**
The Trustees continuously monitor the financial, economic, and social context in which the Charity operates, adjusting policies and practices as needed. The charity is entering the final year of its 2023 -25 strategy to increase its grant making capacity through resource management. The strategy will be reviewed in 2025 and will focus on measuring and increasing the impact of it grant making on poverty. In the meantime, it will continue to deliver the existing programmes, build partnerships and collaborations with other trusts and foundations, and enhance its governance and board capacity.
## **Auditors**
A resolution to reappoint Randall & Payne LLP as the Charity’s auditors will be proposed at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
## **Events after the reporting period**
Since the year end, markets have been volatile, and at 31 May the portfolio stood at £24,622,909. However, the Trustees view this as a short term reduction, and are confident that the portfolio will continue to deliver our required level of income.
Page 8
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Trustees' responsibilities statement**
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK GAAP).
Charity law in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial position and the income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these statements, the Trustees must:
- Select and apply suitable accounting policies consistently.
- Follow the methods and principles of the Charities SORP.
- Make reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates.
- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, with explanations for any material departures.
- Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to do so.
The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records, safeguarding the Charity’s assets, and responding appropriately to prevent fraud and other irregularities. These records must enable compliance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the Trust Deed.
In addition, the Trustees are accountable for the integrity and accuracy of financial information presented on the Charity’s website. The legal framework for the preparation and dissemination of financial statements in the UK may differ from that in other areas.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ **James Golob** Chairman of the Board
> Date: 14th July 2025
Page 9
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of The National Benevolent Charity (the 'Charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows 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' (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 (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:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- 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.
Page 10
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY (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:
- the information given in the Trustees' Report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- 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.
Page 11
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY (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 audit planning process gave consideration to the risk of material misstatement in the financial statements, using the calculated materiality level which itself factored in the nature of the Charity's operations and the interpreted levels of inherent and control risk.
In assessing the risk of fraud we reviewed management's own assessment of potential for fraud within the entity and reviewed judgements made by management to identify possible bias, in addition to any opportunity and incentive for fraud that are in inherent in the nature of the Charity's operations. Our detailed testing included review of accounting estimates and judgements and validation of prime ledger entries.
We confirmed our knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment of the entity through discussions with management. We analysed all information available to us in respect of relevant laws and regulations, including the Companies Act 2006, the Charities SORP and relevant UK tax legislation and enquired with management as
to any possible breaches in the aforementioned.
We agreed the accuracy of the financial statements to the supporting management information provided by the client and tested individually on a sample basis the income and expenditure in the financial statements to consider the business rationale behind the transactions and the accuracy of the financial records.
Our audit testing did not identify any issues in respect of the matters listed above, including fraud.
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.
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**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY (CONTINUED)**
## **Ryan Moore CA (Senior Statutory Auditor) Randall & Payne LLP**
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors Chargrove House Shurdington Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 4GA
Date:
Randall & Payne LLP are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 13
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**Note**
**Income and**
**endowments from:**
Donations and
legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Other income
6
**Total income and**
**endowments**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds:
7
_._ Other raising funds
Charitable activities
8
**Total expenditure**
**Net**
**income/(expenditure**
**) before net gains on**
**investments**
Net gains on
investments
**Net movement in**
**funds**
**Reconciliation of**
**funds:**
Total funds brought
forward
Net movement in
funds
**Total funds carried**
**forward**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**1,672,692**
**-**
**1,672,692**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**-**
**50,000**
**4,040**
**-**
**54,040**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**54,040**
**369**
**54,409**
**146,710**
**54,409**
**201,119**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**16,895**
**90,439**
**297,100**
**352,574**
**757,008**
**99,984**
**1,026,295**
**1,126,279**
**(369,271)**
**2,609,682**
**2,240,411**
**22,179,313**
**2,240,411**
**24,419,724**|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**16,895**
**140,439**
**301,140**
**352,574**
**811,048**
**99,984**
**1,026,295**
**1,126,279**
**(315,231)**
**2,610,052**
**2,294,820**
**23,998,716**
**2,294,820**
**26,293,535**|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_18,221_
_76,472_
_768,049_
_5,000_
_867,742_
_109,221_
_999,050_
_1,108,271_
_(240,529)_
_319,315_
_78,786_
_23,919,930_
_78,786_
_23,998,716_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
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**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
13
Investments
14
**Current assets**
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
**Current liabilities**
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
17
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Endowment funds
18
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds
18
**Total funds**|**1,831**
**252,475**
**254,306**
**(22,520)**|**2024**
**£**
**-**
**26,061,748**
**26,061,748**
**231,786**
**26,293,534**
**26,293,534**
**1,672,692**
**201,119**
**24,419,723**
**26,293,534**|_3,694_
_344,279_
_347,973_
_(22,395)_|_2023_
_£_
_1,176,731_
_22,496,406_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_23,673,137_
_325,578_|
|||||_23,998,715_|
||||||
|||||_23,998,715_|
|||||_1,672,692_
_146,710_
_22,179,313_|
||||||
|||||_23,998,715_|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ **James Golob** Chairman of the Board
## Date: 14th July 2025
The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
|**Cash flows from operating activities**
Net cash used in operating activities
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Net proceeds from the sale of property
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
**Net cash provided by investing activities**
**Cash flows from financing activities**
**Net cash provided by financing activities**
**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year**
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year (including cash held in**
**investments)**|**2024**
**£**
**(203,221)**
**301,140**
**1,518,642**
**1,706,231**
**(3,230,473)**
**295,540**
**-**
**92,319**
**1,080,587**
**1,172,906**|_2023_
_£_
_(1,071,947)_
_768,049_
_-_
_3,551,145_
_(3,033,382)_
**1,285,812**
**-**
**213,865**
_866,722_
_1,080,587_|
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part of these financial statements
Page 16
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **1. General information**
The National Benevolent Charity was founded as the National Benevolent Institution by Peter Herve in 1812 and is a Registered Charity constituted under a Royal Charter of 5th November 1859 and supplemental Royal Charters of 17th May 1948, 12th February 1997, an Order in Council of 19th July 2005 and 14th December 2011.
The change of the Charity's name to The National Benevolent Charity was approved by HM The Queen meeting in Privy Council on 14th December 2011.
The Registered Charity number is 212450. The Royal Charter number is RC000364.
## **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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (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 National Benevolent CharityThe National Benevolent Charity 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 National Benevolent Charity has net current assets of £231,786 (2023: £325,578) and total net assets (which includes the Charity's investment portfolio) of £26,293,534 (2023: £23,998,715). The Charity manages its working capital requirements carefully through bank balances and income generated from its investments. The Charity ensures that robust budgets are set and that actual spend against these budgets is analysed on a monthly basis by the Chief Executive and subsequently by the Board of Trustees' Finance Sub-Committee. The forecast figures for 2024/25 continue to show positive cash flow and maintenance of a strong balance sheet position. Having regard to these matters, the Trustees consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements using a going concern basis. The Trustees do not consider that there are any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Page 17
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.3 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.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
## **2.4 Expenditure**
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the Charity's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the Charity apportioned to charitable activities.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on the basis of management estimates of the amount attributable to that activity in the year either by reference to staff time, space occupied, or estimated usage, as appropriate.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.
Page 18
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.5 Interest receivable**
Interest on 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.
## **2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation**
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
No depreciation is provided on freehold buildings. It is the Charity's practice to maintain these assets in continual state of sound repair and to extend and make improvements thereto from time to time. Accordingly the Trustees consider that the lives of these assets are so long, and residual values so high, that the depreciation is insignificant. Any permanent diminution in the value of such buildings will be charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as appropriate.
Scheduled maintenance and repair work is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as the commitment arises.
A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Tangible fixed assets are carried at costs, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives. .
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
- Freehold property not provided for (see note 13)
## **2.7 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 the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Fair value measure is determined with reference to observable market share/ instrument prices.
## **2.8 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.
Page 19
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.9 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.
## **2.10 Liabilities and provisions**
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
## **2.11 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.
## **2.12 Pensions**
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
## **2.13 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.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Page 20
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **3. Income from donations and legacies**
|Donations
Legacies
_Total 2023_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
11,675
5,220
16,895
_18,221_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**11,675**
**5,220**
**16,895**
_18,221_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_5,493_
_12,728_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_18,221_|
|||||
## **4. Income from charitable activities**
|Rental Income
Project income
_Total 2023_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
-
50,000
50,000
_-_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
17,100
73,339
90,439
_76,472_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**17,100**
**123,339**
**140,439**
_76,472_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_76,472_
_-_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_76,472_|
||||||
Page 21
## **THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **5. Investment income**
|Dividends and distributions
_Total 2023_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
4,040
297,100
_-_
_768,049_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**301,140**
_768,049_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_768,049_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
## **6. Other incoming resources**
|Employment allowance
Other income
_Total 2023_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
-
352,574
352,574
_5,000_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**-**
**352,574**
**352,574**
_5,000_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_5,000_
_-_
_5,000_|
|---|---|---|---|
During the year, the Trustees disposed of Peter Herve House and Lenox House.
The properties sold were sold in March 2024 for £1,558,006 and a gain on disposal (after accounting for costs incurred by the Charity to dispose) has been recognised in the financial statements of £341,911. All funds received in relation to the property disposals were classified as unresricted with the majority of the funds received having been re-invested into the Charity's investment portfolio.
Page 22
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **7. Expenditure on raising funds**
## **Costs of raising voluntary income**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
Publicity
-
Portfolio Management Fees
99,984
99,984
_Total 2023_
_109,221_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**-**
**99,984**
**99,984**
_109,221_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_4,270_
_104,951_|
|---|---|---|
|||_109,221_|
||||
## **8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities**
## **Summary by fund type**
|Accomodation
Beneficiaries
Peter Herve Benevolent Institution
Governance
_Total 2023_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
_34,906_|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
62,938
957,807
-
5,550
1,026,295
_964,144_|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**62,938**
**957,807**
**-**
**5,550**
**1,026,295**
_999,050_|_Total_
_2023_
_£_
_144,006_
_830,367_
_18,507_
_6,170_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_999,050_|
||||||
Page 23
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **9. Analysis of expenditure by activities**
|Accomodation
Beneficiaries
Peter Herve Benevolent Institution
Governance
_Total 2023_|**Activities**
**undertaken**
**directly**
**2024**
**£**
29,541
885,658
-
-
915,199
_875,666_|**Support**
**costs**
**2024**
**£**
33,397
72,149
-
5,550
111,096
_123,384_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**62,938**
**957,807**
**-**
**5,550**
**1,026,295**
_999,050_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_141,586_
_830,367_
_18,507_
_8,590_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_999,050_|
||||||
## **Analysis of direct costs**
|**2024**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
Staff costs
8,981
171,394
Grants
-
713,276
Regular payments
-
988
Property costs
18,450
-
Legal and professional
2,110
-
General administrative
-
-
29,541
885,658
_Total 2023_
_106,991_
_768,675_
Grants paid during the year include:
**Accomodation Beneficiaries**|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**180,375**
**713,276**
**988**
**18,450**
**2,110**
**-**
**915,199**
_875,666_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_158,900_
_635,822_
_988_
_66,034_
_5,589_
_8,333_|
|---|---|---|
|||_875,666_|
||||
Individual grants - £269,859 Organisation grants - £443,417 Regular payments - £988
Total grants and regular payments - £714,264
Page 24
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)**
## **Analysis of support costs**
|**Accomodation**
**2024**
**£**
Staff costs
13,691
Grants
-
Property costs
264
Legal and
professional
5,566
General
administrative
10,930
Governance
2,947
33,398
_Total 2023_
_37,015_|**Beneficiaries**
**2024**
**£**
29,663
-
572
12,060
23,468
6,386
72,149
_59,273_|**Peter Herve**
**Benevolent**
**Institution**
**2024**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
_18,508_|**Governance**
**2024**
**£**
2,281
-
44
927
1,806
491
5,549
_8,589_|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**45,635**
**-**
**880**
**18,553**
**36,204**
**9,824**
**111,096**
_123,384_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_65,740_
_527_
_11,351_
_16,774_
_28,992_
_-_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||_123,384_|
|||||||
## **10. Auditors' remuneration**
||**2024**|_2023_|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|_£_|
|Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual|||
|accounts|**5,250**|_5,050_|
|Fees payable to the Charity's auditor in respect of:|||
|All non-audit services not included above|**2,850**|_2,800_|
## **11. Staff costs**
|Wages and salaries
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes|**2024**
**£**
**214,663**
**11,347**
**226,010**|_2023_
_£_
_212,816_
_11,824_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_224,640_|
Page 25
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **11. Staff costs (continued)**
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
||**2024**|_2023_|
|---|---|---|
||**No.**|_No._|
|Administration & Support|**4**|_4_|
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
|||**2024**|_2023_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**No.**|_No._|
|In the band £80,001|- £90,000|**1**|_1_|
The above employee has pension contributions of £7,024 (2023: £6,690).
Included within the above staff costs is an amount which relates to the key management personnel. The total amount of employee benefits (including employers pension contributions) received by key management personnel was £198,647 (2023: £179,275).
## **12. Trustees' remuneration and expenses**
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits _(2023 - £NIL)_ .
During the year ended 31 December 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred _(2023 - £NIL)_ .
Page 26
## **THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **13. Tangible fixed assets**
|At 1 January 2024
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
At 1 January 2024
On disposals
At 31 December 2024
**Net book value**
At 31 December 2024
_At 31 December 2023_|**Freehold**
**property**
**£**
**2,086,106**
**(2,086,106)**
**-**
**909,375**
**(909,375)**
**-**
**-**
_1,176,731_|
|---|---|
During the year, the Trustees disposed of Peter Herve House and Lenox House. Further information regarding the disposal is included in Note 6 to the financial statements.
## **14. Fixed asset investments**
|**Cost or valuation**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 December 2024
**Net book value**
At 31 December 2024
_At 31 December 2023_|**Investments**
**£**
**22,496,406**
**3,230,473**
**(1,706,231)**
**2,041,099**
**26,061,748**
**26,061,748**
_22,496,406_|
|---|---|
Page 27
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **15. Fixed asset investments (continued)**
|**Material investments**
UK Equity
UK Fixed Interest
Overseas Equities
Alternatives
Cash held for investment purposes
M&G Investment|**2024**
**£**
**2,146,819**
**3,350,422**
**18,506,281**
**945,523**
**923,872**
**188,830**
**26,061,747**|_2023_
_£_
_8,248,814_
_2,559,178_
_9,270,628_
_1,487,767_
_745,987_
_184,033_|
|---|---|---|
|||_22,496,407_|
## **16. Debtors**
|**Due within one year**
Prepayments and accrued income|**2024**
**£**
**1,831**
**1,831**|_2023_
_£_
_3,694_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_3,694_|
## **17. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
|Other taxation and social security
Other creditors|**2024**
**£**
**22,520**
**-**
**22,520**|_2023_
_£_
_5,654_
_16,741_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_22,395_|
Page 28
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **18. Statement of funds**
## **Statement of funds - current year**
|**Unrestricted funds**
**Designated funds**
Designated Funds - all funds
**General funds**
General Funds - all funds
**Total Unrestricted funds**
**Endowment funds**
Endowment Funds - all funds
**Restricted funds**
Restricted Funds - all funds
RISE Project 2025
**Total of funds**|**Balance at 1**
**January**
**2024**
**£**
**14,202,955**
**7,976,358**
**22,179,313**
**1,672,692**
**146,710**
**-**
**146,710**
**23,998,715**|**Income**
**£**
**-**
**757,007**
**757,007**
**-**
**4,040**
**50,000**
**54,040**
**811,047**|**Expenditure**
**£**
**-**
**(1,126,279)**
**(1,126,279)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**(1,126,279)**|**Gains/**
**(Losses)**
**£**
**2,609,682**
**-**
**2,609,682**
**-**
**369**
**-**
**369**
**2,610,051**|**Balance at**
**31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**
**16,812,637**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**7,607,086**|
||||||**24,419,723**|
||||||**1,672,692**|
||||||**151,119**
**50,000**|
||||||**201,119**|
||||||**26,293,534**|
Page 29
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **18. Statement of funds (continued)**
**Statement of funds - prior year**
|**Unrestricted funds**
**Designated funds**
Designated Funds - all funds
**General funds**
General Funds - all funds
**Total Unrestricted funds**
**Endowment funds**
Endowment Funds - all funds
**Restricted funds**
Restricted Funds - all funds
**Total of funds**|_Balance at_
_1 January_
_2023_
_£_
_13,879,211_
_8,179,564_
_22,058,775_
_1,672,692_
_188,463_
_23,919,930_|_Income_
_£_
_-_
_867,741_
_867,741_
_-_
_-_
_867,741_|_Expenditure_
_£_
_-_
_(1,070,947)_
_(1,070,947)_
_-_
_(37,325)_
_(1,108,272)_|_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_323,744_
_-_
_323,744_
_-_
_(4,428)_
_319,316_|_Balance at_
_31_
_December_
_2023_
_£_
_14,202,955_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||_7,976,358_|
||||||_22,179,313_|
||||||_1,672,692_|
||||||_146,710_|
||||||_23,998,715_|
Page 30
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **19. Summary of funds**
## **Summary of funds - current year**
|Designated funds
General funds
Endowment funds
Restricted funds|**Balance at 1**
**January**
**2024**
**£**
**14,202,955**
**7,976,358**
**1,672,692**
**146,710**
**23,998,715**|**Income**
**£**
**-**
**757,007**
**-**
**54,040**
**811,047**|**Expenditure**
**£**
**-**
**(1,126,279)**
**-**
**-**
**(1,126,279)**|**Gains/**
**(Losses)**
**£**
**2,609,682**
**-**
**-**
**369**
**2,610,051**|**Balance at**
**31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**
**16,812,637**
**7,607,086**
**1,672,692**
**201,119**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**26,293,534**|
Page 31
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **19. Summary of funds (continued)**
## **Summary of funds - prior year**
|Designated funds
General funds
Endowment funds
Restricted funds|_Balance at_
_1 January_
_2023_
_£_
_13,879,211_
_8,179,564_
_1,672,692_
_188,463_
_23,919,930_|_Income_
_£_
_-_
_867,741_
_-_
_-_
_867,741_|_Expenditure_
_£_
_-_
_(1,070,947)_
_-_
_(37,325)_
_(1,108,272)_|_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_323,744_
_-_
_-_
_(4,428)_
_319,316_|_Balance at_
_31_
_December_
_2023_
_£_
_14,202,955_
_7,976,358_
_1,672,692_
_146,710_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||_23,998,715_|
## **Description of funds**
## _Endowed legacies fund_
Bye-Law 31, which was abolished in 2005, required legacy income over and above the amount allowed to be expended as income to be invested in the name of the Charity. This fund represents the total amount of these endowed legacies. The fund balance is represented by costs associated with the land and the buildings at the Charity's headquarters in Tetbury. The land and buildings were disposed of in 2024, and the funds received re-invested in the Charity's investment portfolio. Accordingly, the Endowed legacy fund is now represented as part of the wider investment.
## _Restricted funds_
The Henderson fund arose as result of the sale of Margaret Cottages and is a bequest made with specific objects regarding the provision of accomodation, grants or other financial assistance for the relief of members, or former members of the nursing profession who are in need, hardship or distress.
## _RISE (Restricted fund)_
National Benevolent was awarded a £50,000 grant from the Albert Hunt Trust to support individuals participating in the RISE programme over the next three years.
The RISE programme, delivered by FearFree (https://www.fearfree.org.uk/rise/),is a three-year initiative designed to support both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse in rebuilding their lives. It offers tailored assistance to help individuals access education, training, and employment opportunities.
As part of the programme, participants can apply for individual grants to fund specific needs such as training courses, laptops, driving lessons, and other essential resources that aid their journey toward independence and stability.
## _Designated funds_
Designated funds are earmarked formally by the Trustees for a particular purpose and are primarily invested or expended on the charitable objects of The National Benevolent Charity. The fund balance is largely represented by the Charity's investment balance.
Page 32
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **20. Analysis of net assets between funds**
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current period**
|Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
**Total**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
1,672,692
-
-
1,672,692|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
151,119
50,000
-
201,119|**Restricted**
**funds -**
**class ii**
**2024**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
-
24,237,937
-
204,306
-
(22,520)
-
24,419,724|**Total**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**26,061,748**
**254,306**
**(22,520)**
**26,293,535**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period**
|Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
**Total**|_Endowment_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_732,692_
_940,000_
_-_
_-_
_1,672,692_|_Restricted_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_-_
_184,033_
_(37,323)_
_-_
_146,710_|_Unrestricted_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_444,039_
_21,372,373_
_385,296_
_(22,395)_
_22,179,313_|_Total_
_funds_
_2023_
_£_
_1,176,731_
_22,496,406_
_347,973_
_(22,395)_
_23,998,715_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 33
**THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT CHARITY**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **21. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities**
|Net income for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
**Adjustments for:**
Revaluation on investments
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Net gain on the sale of fixed assets
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
**Net cash used in operating activities**
**22.**
**Analysis of cash and cash equivalents**
Cash at bank and held in investments
**Total cash and cash equivalents**
**23.**
**Analysis of changes in net debt**
**At 1**
**January**
**2024**
**£**
Cash at bank
**344,279**
**344,279**||**2024**
**£**
**2,294,820**
**(2,540,549)**
**(301,140)**
**341,911**
**1,862**
**(125)**
**(203,221)**
**2024**
**£**
**1,172,906**
**1,172,906**
**Cash flows**
**£**
**(91,804)**
**(91,804)**||_2023_
_£_
_78,786_
_(382,398)_
_(768,049)_
_-_
_(8,932)_
_8,646_
_(1,071,947)_
_2023_
_£_
_1,080,587_
_1,080,587_
**At 31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**
**252,475**
**252,475**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
## **24. Related party transactions**
The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 December 2024.
Page 34