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2025-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 213351 (England and Wales)

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Mr CL Armstrong Mrs SK Barry Mrs J Parry Ms GJ Jackson Ms WJ Potts Mr I Warwick Mr BF Stone Mr J Munro Mr NN Strick Ms V Simpson

(Appointed 18 June 2025) (Appointed 18 June 2025)

Senior management

Mr C L Armstrong Mr B F Stone Mr I Warwick

Chief Executive Officer Secretary Treasurer

Charity registration

England and Wales

213351

Principal address

1 Sylvan Court Sylvan Way Southfields Business Park Basildon Essex SS15 6TH

Independent examiner

Cottons Group Limited Chestnut Field House Chestnut Field Rugby Warwickshire United Kingdom CV21 2PD

Bankers

National Westminster Bank plc 1 The Cross Worcester WR1 3PS

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 13

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

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

Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, the income of the Trust Fund shall be applied In such manner as the Trustees in their absolute discretion think fit for charitable or educational purposes. In reviewing the activities undertaken by the charity, the Trustees have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

Strategies for achieving aims and objectives

The charity carries out a range of activities in pursuance of these charitable objectives in support of the Trading Standards Profession and members of CTSI. These include:

After reviewing our very wide Charitable Objectives an Operating Policy was produced which confirms that working within those the Charity restricts its activities to the Trading Standards sphere and support for CTSI members only. The policy guides the Trustee decision making on how the charitable funds will be applied. As part of that review the name of the Charity was changed to more clearly differentiate it from the CTSI.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

During 2025, the main activities undertaken to further the charity's purposes for the public benefit have included: · Making welfare grants to assist the educational and other needs of dependents and families suffering health or domestic misfortune.

· Further/Higher Education grants for children of families where sadly either the member or the member’s spouse/ partner has died.

· Engagement with the profession at the CTSI annual Conference. This included making two awards to those who have excelled in examinations, recognition of the outstanding contributions to the profession by four members, with the award of Fellowships, delivery of the College Lecture and meeting with Fellows, graduates and those new to the profession.

· Support to the CTSI Hero Awards, celebrating individuals or groups of people whose outstanding contribution towards consumer protection in our communities have made a significant impact.

· Maintaining a reference library of trading standards materials to support academic research.

· Support for the dissemination of a member’s’ research into Door Step Crime and for a member to present their research into telephone cold calling scams at an international academic criminality conference.

· Continued publication of the College Newsletter electronically, with only a few hard copies being distributed, which continues to reduce costs.

· Following the completion of the recommended changes to our investments, in line with our Investment/Reserves Policy, after a financial review of our longer-term investment portfolio by an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), we have seen increased income for the Charity.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The Charity operates in a mainly reactive mode to demands for support that can be provided, and continued improvements have been made in communications systems during the year. All individual requests received a response and this resulted in support being provided and positive outcomes and feedback in the majority of cases.

The charity's principal funding sources were by way of donations from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and its Branches, individual gift aid donations, business donations and the income generated by the charity's investments. Income during the year under review amounted to £25,790 (2024: £21,533) and expenditure was £13,575 (2024: £21,702) indicating a surplus of £11,215 (2024: deficit £169) before investment gains and losses.

Financial review

Going concern

In 2025 income from donations, £15,257 was £1,449 less than 2024 (2024: £16,706). There was an increase in Investment Income to £9,250 (£9,607 including bank interest) (2024: £3,405, £4,827 including bank interest) reflecting the 2024 investments in a Charity Assets Income Fund, as recommended by our Independent Financial Adviser and the payment in January 2025 of the final 2024 income from this fund.

Overall expenditure was much lower than 2024, with less expenditure on Further Education Grants £1,000 (2024: £6,000) and welfare grants £3,600(2024: £6,100). £2,000 expected spend on Charitable donations was not incurred but will be paid in 2026.

Whilst recognising that our investments may decrease it is impossible to quantify to what extent, if at all. However, after making appropriate enquiries, we have a reasonable expectation that the charity will continue to have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Reserves policy

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 between three and six month’s expenditure, at least £24,000. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

After the changes to our long-term investments their market value at end of the Financial Year stood at £373,942 (2024: £353,978).

At the end of December 2025 we had £31,156 (2024: £30,263) in our Current Account and £42,580 (2024: £31,223) in our Business Reserve account.

Investment policy

The Declaration of Trust empowers the Trustees to invest in such assets as they think fit.

The overall investment objective is to produce the best financial return with an acceptable level of risk. In the case of general funds the objective is to produce long term growth while minimising the risk of capital losses. Investments are generally for the long term and trustees will ensure that their ability to meet future planned expenditure is not compromised by over-investment.

Following the 2022 financial review and the agreed Investment/Reserves policy, we completed the recommended changes to our longer-term investment portfolio in 2024, with the bulk of those funds reinvested in Recommended Charity Assets Income funds. This has resulted in additional income for the Charity.

Major risks

The Trustees have assessed that with no premises and no employees and with substantial reserves the charity is not normally exposed to any major risks, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to any such major risks.

Plans for future periods

We will continue to carefully control our operating costs. We will review our fund-raising activities including enhancing our communication with existing donors and seek to widen the donor base within the membership of CTSI.

The Charity, working with CTSI, will seek to establish current relevant issues which provide opportunities to expand its support for the profession and professionals across a wide range of headings under its charitable and educational objectives.

We will continue to remind the profession that our welfare and education/research support is available and maintain a library and secure archives as a major resource for research initiatives. Grants, support (under 18s) and Further/ Higher Education will be made available to children of families where sadly either the member or the member’s spouse/partner has died. These grants will be increased in line with inflation from 2022.

We shall look to support up to 3 members taking Stage 3 of the Qualification, if not supported by their employer, with a grant to help with the costs of the research project.

Communications with the membership will be maintained through regular updates to Institute Branches, the publication of a quarterly Newsletter and features in publications of the CTSI.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is an unincorporated association and is bound by the following documents:

(i) The charity's Declaration of Trust dated 06 March 1957 as amended 30 June 2015, 11 February 2020 and 17 June 2025.

(ii) Charity law and relevant legislation.

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr CL Armstrong

Mrs SK Barry Mrs MR Roderick (Resigned 18 June 2025) Mrs J Parry Mr DC Sanders (Resigned 18 June 2025) Ms GJ Jackson Ms WJ Potts Mr I Warwick Mr BF Stone Mr J Munro Mr NN Strick (Appointed 18 June 2025) Ms V Simpson (Appointed 18 June 2025)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and the charity has no paid employees. Trustees are elected to serve for up to 3 years and they may all then stand for re-election. Elections are held each year for any vacant posts and any member of the College of Fellows may be nominated to stand for election.

Induction and training of trustees

Induction of new Trustees is undertaken by established Trustees, making reference to the Declaration of Trust and other governance documents, internal and statutory reports, and the reference and guidance documents produced by the Charity Commission. Trustees are encouraged to participate in local training seminars that are offered from time to time by voluntary and charity sector organisations.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. .............................. Mr CL Armstrong Mr BF Stone Trustee Trustee

Date: ......5 MAY 2026.......................................

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Trading Standards Fellows' Charity (Formerly The College of Fellows of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute) (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.

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.

James Melvin BA BFP FCA Cottons Group Limited

Chestnut Field House Chestnut Field Rugby Warwickshire CV21 2PD United Kingdom

09/05/2026 Dated: .........................

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 16,183 16,706
Investments 4 9,607 4,827
Total income 25,790 21,533
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 5 13,575 21,702
Total expenditure 13,575 21,702
Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 19,964 (629)
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds 32,179 (798)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2025 414,743 415,541
Fund balances at 31 December 2025 446,922 414,743

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

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

2025
Notes
£
£
Fixed assets
Investments
12
373,942
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
73,736
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
13
(756)
Net current assets
72,980
Total assets less current liabilities
446,922
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
14
446,922
446,922
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......5 MAY 2026..
..............................
..............................
Mr CL Armstrong
Mr BF Stone
Trustee
Trustee		 2024
£
61,485
(720)		 £
353,978
60,765
414,743
414,743
414,743

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

The name of the charity was amended from The College of Fellows of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to Trading Standards Fellows' Charity on 17/06/2025, in order to more clearly differentiate the activity of the charity from that of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.

Charity information

Trading Standards Fellows' Charity (Formerly The College of Fellows of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute) is a an unincorporated charity established under a declaration of trust dated 06/03/1957 and letter dated 27/03/1973 as amended on 30/06/2015, 11/02/2020 and 17/06/2025.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)". 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, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

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.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by 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.

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Fixed asset investments

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

1.7 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, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

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.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 16,183 16,706

4 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income from listed investments 9,250 3,405
Interest receivable 357 1,422
9,607 4,827

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
expenses expenses
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Exam prizes and trophies 1,148 1,000
Conference costs 1,653 1,602
Dependent children 2,000 2,000
Charitable donations - 2,000
Further education grants 1,000 6,000
Welfare and charitable grants 3,600 6,100
Research grants 1,399 -
10,800 18,702
Share of support and governance costs (see note 6)
Governance 2,775 3,000
13,575 21,702
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 13,575 21,702
6 Support costs allocated to activities
2025 2024
£ £
Governance costs 2,775 3,000
Analysed between:
Charitable expenses 2,775 3,000
7 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 756 720

8 Trustees

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

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

9
Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Total
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.		 2025
Number
-		 2024
Number
-
10 Gains and losses on investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments 19,964 (629)
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
12 Fixed asset investments
Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2025 353,978
Valuation changes 19,964
At 31 December 2025 373,942
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025 373,942
At 31 December 2024 353,978
13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 756 720

TRADING STANDARDS FELLOWS' CHARITY (FORMERLY THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE CHARTERED TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

14 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
General funds		 January
2025
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2025
£
£
£
£
£
414,743
25,790
(13,575)
19,964
446,922
January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
415,541
21,533
(21,702)
(629)
414,743

15 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).