The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust Annual Report and Accounts
31 December 2024
Charity Registration Number 232632
Contents
Reports
| Reports | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees’ report | 3 |
| Independent auditor’s report | 28 |
| Accounts | |
| Statement of financial activities | 32 |
| Balance sheet | 33 |
| Statement of cash flows | 34 |
| Principal accounting policies | 35 |
| Notes to the accounts | 41 |
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust
Reference and administrative information Year to 31 December 2024
Trustees Brother Patrick Hanlon Brother Michael Curran Brother John Deeney Brother James Kilty Brother Nicholas Sellors The trustees are incorporated under the Charities Act 2011. Provincial superior Brother Patrick Hanlon Chief Financial Officer Kevin Humphrey Administrative address 140 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7BP Charity registration number 232632 Auditor Buzzacott Audit LLP 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL Bankers The Royal Bank of Scotland plc 62-63 Threadneedle Street London EC2R 8LA Investment managers Rathbones Investment Management Limited 8 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7AZ CCLA Investment Management Limited, One Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 1
Reference and administrative information Year to 31 December 2024
Solicitors Clyde & Co LLP 1 George Square Glasgow G2 1DY
Clyde & Co LLP 2 New Bailey Square Stanley Street Salford M3 5GS Stone King LLP Boundary House 91 Charterhouse Street London EC1M 6HR
Insurance brokers Marsh Commercial 1[st] Floor Gail House 5 Lower Stone Street Maidstone ME15 6NB
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 2
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
The trustees have pleasure in presenting the report and accounts of The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust (the “charity” or the “Trust”) for the year to 31 December 2024.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 35 to 40 of the attached accounts 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).
Introduction
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (the “Institute”) is an international Roman Catholic Religious Institute founded in France in 1680. Its Generalate is located in Rome. The Institute is divided into a number of separate Provinces and extends to 80 countries throughout the world. The work of the Institute is predominantly in education.
The Province of Great Britain of “The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools” also known as the “De La Salle Brothers”, had 24 members at 31 December 2024. Of these, 1 lived overseas and the remainder lived in 3 regionally separate groups known as “communities”.
The accounts accompanying this report are the accounts of the charitable trust on which the assets of the Province of Great Britain are held and through which its finances operate. The charity is governed by a trust deed dated 24 July 1947 as varied by a Scheme of the Charity Commissioners of 12 November 1987, a Deed of Revocation and New Appointment for Charitable Trusts dated 17 May 1989, a Deed of Revocation and Appointment relating to the Province of Great Britain dated 27 November 2000, a Deed of Variation dated January 2013.a Deed of Variation dated June 2014 and a scheme dated 02 May 2024. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission, Charity Registration No. 232632.
De La Salle Great Britain CIO
At midnight on 31 December 2024, all assets and operations held and managed by The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust transferred to the De La Great Britain CIO charity no 1208212.
The trustees and employees remain the same with no changes to terms of conditions and contracts.
An updated constitution has been put in place based on the objects of the former trust but with some amendments, authorised by the Charity Commission to bring the objects of the CIO in line with its current needs.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Objectives and activities
Objectives
The main objectives of the charity as set out in its trust deed and subsequent amendments are:
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♦ The provision, upkeep and support of schools, colleges, pastoral centres and other educational establishments for the general education both religious and secular or religious, or secular of persons whether members of the Roman Catholic Church or not
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♦ The advancement of the Roman Catholic religion through the religious and other charitable work carried on by or under the direction of or supported by the Institute;
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♦ The provision and upkeep of facilities in Great Britain, or elsewhere, for the education and training of members, or others, wishing to work in other countries;
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♦ The provision of facilities for the care of aged and infirm members of the Institute;
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♦ The relief of poor persons in Great Britain or Ireland, or nearly related to members of the Institute;
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♦ The provision of living requirements for members of the Institute; and
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♦ The acquisition and maintenance of the properties needed to carry out the work of the Institute.
When setting the objectives and planning the work of the charity, and when encouraging the work of individual brothers and those who work with them, the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Activities
The principal areas of activity are:
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♦ Providing support to the voluntary aided schools and academies which are owned by or associated with the charity;
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♦ At the Pastoral Centre in Kintbury, Berkshire, organising retreats for young people from all backgrounds. The philosophy behind the retreats is to enable the young people who attend to reflect on their lives, find some direction and receive positive feedback about themselves;
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♦ Running courses at the Pastoral Centre for teachers to assist them in supporting the young people and help them consolidate what was experienced in the retreats;
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♦ Providing weekend retreats in a similar vein at the Pastoral Centre for adults and family groups;
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Objectives and activities (continued)
Activities (continued)
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♦ Through Lasallian Projects, providing funds and support for the development of educational facilities overseas. Lasallian Projects involves teams of young volunteers assisting with construction work and teaching programmes in African, Asian and South American countries. It is also active in promoting Development Education for young people in Britain;
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♦ Providing chaplaincy support to the Lasallian network of Roman Catholic secondary schools throughout Britain;
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♦ Providing manpower and funds to support the work of the Institute in developing countries;
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♦ Ensuring that all members of the Province, none of whom have resources of their own, receive the level of support they need to live according to their calling as religious brothers. This includes the Community with care at St John’s House, suitable to provide care for aged and infirm members;
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♦ Enabling all members of the Institute to continue with their individual ministries for as long as possible;
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♦ Providing in-service programmes and other support for Headteachers and staff in the Lasallian network of schools;
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♦ Providing support for the Lasallian Education Mission activities throughout the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta; and
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♦ Providing support for the administration of the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta through the District Fund.
Relevant policies
Fundraising statement
The income of the charity derives mainly from the covenanted salaries and statutory pensions of members of the Institute and the proceeds of investment funds. The general public are not asked to contribute to the funds of the charity but on occasions the charity receives donations and voluntary income. It aims always to achieve best practice in the way in which it communicates with donors and other supporters. It takes care with both the tone of its communications and the accuracy of its data to minimise the pressures on donors and supporters. It applies best practice to protect their data and never sells data, it never swaps data and ensures that communication preferences can be changed at any time. The charity manages its own activities in respect to raising funds and does not employ the services of professional fundraisers. The charity undertakes to react to and investigate any complaints regarding its activities for raising funds and to learn from them and improve its service. During the year, the charity received no formal complaints about its activities for raising funds.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Relevant policies (continued)
Protection of Children and Adults at Risk
The trustees are committed to implementing all the policies and procedures of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and have their own policy entitled “Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk”. St. Cassian’s Retreat Centre has additional directives which specify how the trustees’ guidelines are applied at the Centre. The Centre’s activities are monitored regularly by the Management Committee, the Province’s Safeguarding Coordinator and by a Diocesan appointed inspector. The schools follow the guidelines issued by local authorities and the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency. The Institute (and hence the charity) is now a member of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service which manages the safeguarding needs, in Great Britain, of a number of religious congregations.
Investment policy
The charity has a portfolio of listed investments which, together with cash held for investment, had a market value at 31 December 2024, prior to the transfer to the CIO, of £29,267,892 (2023-£27,684,030).
£20,207,358 of these funds were held and managed by Rathbones Investment Management Limited. The investment managers have designated authority to invest as they deem appropriate within the stated policy guidelines set by the trustees and excluding certain areas of investments contrary to the objectives of the charity.
The objectives of Rathbones listed investments are to produce a mutually agreed annual level of income and to protect the underlying capital value of the investments in the medium to long term without taking undue risk. The level of income required is determined as part of an annual budget and where necessary may be supplemented by a managed capital drawdown from the CCLA funds. The income raised is essential to the objectives and activities of the charity.
£6,696,321 of these funds were held with CCLA investment management in their Catholic Investment Fund which whilst gaining capital and returning dividends allows for simple access to capital funds at short notice in order to cover unscheduled costs and to boost the income provided by the Rathbones portfolio. Rathbones and CCLA both managed their investment portfolios in compliance with the trusts investments policy and the Trustees are satisfied that their required returns objectives were met.
Environmental policy
The charity recognises that many of its activities have some impact on the environment. It is the aim of the trustees to minimise this impact where possible through a programme of continuous improvement and by encouraging those working for the charity to act responsibly towards the environment.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance
The paragraphs below outline briefly the charity’s achievements during the year in each of its main activities.
Support for Schools
The Trust continues to support the work of the Advisory Lasallian Educational Mission Committee, known as MEL Committee. The members of the Committee include Heads, Chaplains, Brothers and other educators. The MEL Committee’s main aims are: to promote the Lasallian Mission across the network of Lasallian schools in the country; and to empower all stakeholders in the Lasallian network of schools to fulfil the mission of the Trust, which is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor and vulnerable.
During this year, the Trust had access to the services of three part-time positions: the Coordinator of Lasallian Vocations , the Coordinator of Special Projects and of the Mission Officer who coordinate efforts in these areas and accompany this Committee in its work. The Director of Mission was partially seconded as of 1 September 2024 and has continued to serve as Mission Officer for the Trust on a parttime basis.
The Trust also has the services of an Educational Consultant who is responsible for:
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♦ Relations with Local Authorities, the Department for Education and Regional School Commissioners on behalf of the Trust;
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♦ Entering into dialogue with Directors of Education of the various Dioceses and Archdioceses on behalf of the Trust;
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♦ Leading the reflection concerning the future of our individual schools in the context of the academisation and MATs in English educational system;
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♦ Dialoguing with Heads and Chairs of Governors concerning future directions.
The Trust, through the work and services of the MEL Committee, the Coordinator of Lasallian Vocations , the Coordinator of Special Projects, and the Mission Officer provided schools and other ministries in the network with various formation programmes. These programmes are aimed at different groups with varied experience and understanding of the Lasallian Mission. (A formation programme is an experience that would typically span 24 hours to a week. It consists of several components that are organised so that a person may integrate their reflection with their experience and continue their personal, professional and spiritual development.)
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Support for Schools (continued)
The Trust was able to support opportunities for key groups of educators to receive training, to network and to share good practice. The main in-person conferences offered this year were:
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♦ Northwest Cluster Gathering (January 2024). This event was held at a Trust School and offered educators, senior leaders, and Brothers the chance to network, share best practices, and time for formation on Lasallian Spirituality
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♦ A gathering of Chaplains, Heads of RE and Animators from across the network of De La Salle Trust and Associate Schools in England. This event is also attended by colleagues from the Lasallian school, De La Salle College, in Jersey. It took place in March 2024.
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♦ A gathering of all Heads of De La Salle Trust and Associate Schools. This was held in Castletown Ireland (November 2024) and included School and Pastoral Centre leaders from Ireland and Malta.
The Trust was able to support the formation and training of new Foundation Governors. This ensured continuance of Lasallian Identity and safeguarding of our Charism at the governance level. An in-person meeting was held in St Helens on Saturday 18th May 2024 and an online session on Wednesday 22nd May 2024.
The Trust supported schools’ participation in the 50th Anniversary celebration at St Cassian’s Retreat Centre (October 2024). The gathering offered students from Trust and Associate Schools in England the chance for spiritual renewal and to deepen their own faith and understanding of Lasallian Ethos and identity. The experience allowed students, teachers and school leaders the chance to network and foster important relationships. Students from Ireland and Malta were also in attendance which allowed for cross cultural learning and faith sharing.
On December 1[st] 2024 the first of the trust’s schools, De La Salle School, in St Helens, was transferred to the Laetare Catholic Multi Academy Trust in line with directives from the Department of Education.
This year, the following annual events also occurred:
- ♦ A follow-up formation programme (March 22nd – March 24th 2024) that is aimed for those who already have an interest and a basic understanding of the Lasallian Ethos, and who are willing to deepen their involvement. This is a series of three weekend residential experiences spread over three years. This programme takes place at St. Cassian’s in Kintbury and is open to other De La Salle teachers from other countries. This year the programme also included participants from Belgium, Ireland and Malta.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Support for Schools (continued)
- ♦ Two induction formation programmes were held (July 23rd - July 30, 2024 and August 13- August 20, 2024) for those new to De La Salle schools and are interested in learning more about the heritage, vision and practices of a Lasallian school. These are weeklong programmes that take place during the summer in Malta. This programme is open to practitioners from Lasallian schools from other countries. This experience included De La Salle teachers from Belgium, Ireland, Malta and other countries alongside participants from the UK.
The Coordinator of Lasallian Vocations , the Coordinator of Special Projects , and the Mission Officer were also available to schools through visits and in-service Ethos and Mission training. The work of the Coordinator of Lasallian Vocations , the Coordinator of Special Projects, the Mission Officer, and the MEL Committee continue to be complemented and supported by the efforts of three other groups whose aim is also that of fulfilling the De La Salle mission. Namely, the District MEL Council and the District Young Lasallians Council, and the District Vocation Commission. These groups have a broad remit that includes GB. Their projects and initiatives are supported by the Trust and contribute greatly to all schools in the De La Salle network in the GB.
Some of their initiatives that have been of great benefit to schools in GB this year were:
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♦ Lasallian Awards 2023 – which culminated in an online Awards Ceremony on Founder’s Day (May 2024)
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♦ Founder’s Week (May 13[th] – 17[th] 2024)
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♦ International Lasallian Days for Peace 2024 - 21 September to 21 of October 2024.
The Trust, to support its schools and pastoral centre in their mission to advance the Trust’s mission encourages and supports the use of either (or both) of the following resources:
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♦ The Five Core Principles of a Lasallian School
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♦ Lasallian Identity Framework: A self-assessment tool.
Over the last year, the Trust continued to build on the 5-year objectives (2022-2027) coming from the 2[nd] District Mission Assembly held in Malta in February 2023. The Assembly brought together representatives from all the schools and the pastoral centre in England together with colleagues from Northern Ireland, Jersey, the Republic of Ireland and Malta to advance this reflection and to identify the actions needed at all levels to ensure the growth and development of the network.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Support for Schools (continued)
The process of the Assembly was organised around three themes mirroring the 5-year objectives (2022-2027) for the Trust:
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♦ Create a Sustainable Organisation
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♦ Share the Lasallian Legacy and Ethos
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♦ Accompany Lasallians in Our Communities.
The outcomes of the District Mission Assembly constitute the following 7 Directional Statements. (Progress in brackets.)
At the service of young people and our educational communities, we must be prophetic and explore new means to fulfil God’s Dream for humanity.
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DS1 Our Response is to set up a Fund to support projects that promote the Church/Institute’s Call for Integral Ecological Commitment; promote awareness and action in favour of those on the peripheries; strengthen the spiritual formation of the young; and promote the 5 Core Principles of a Lasallian School. (COMPLETED)
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DS2 Our Response, in the spirit of co-responsibility, is to future-proof our District’s Governance Structures and Mission Leadership and Administration. (ONGOING)
At the service of young people and our educational communities, we must engage with the question, ‘ To whom are we called? ’
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DS3 Our Response is to listen and act on the needs and realities of all those whom we are called to serve, and in a special way, to those on the peripheries. Following a process of deep listening and discernment, new opportunities for formation will emerge. (ONGOING)
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DS4 Our Response is to support all in the Lasallian Family, and in a special way the young people entrusted to our care , in finding their purpose in life and discovering a vocation of service through Faith Formation with/and leadership opportunities. (ONGOING)
At the service of young people and our educational communities, we must build a District-wide network comprising those who help animate the Mission (Animators, Animation Teams, Chaplains, etc).
- DS5 Our Response is to create a District-wide Lasallian Animation Network (DLAN) to provide formation and accompaniment in order to build relationships, to share best practices, and support each other. (COMPLETED)
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Support for Schools (continued)
At the service of young people and our educational communities, we must build our leadership capacity as Lasallian Leadership which is critical to mission sustainability.
DS6 Our Response is to create formation and accompaniment programmes for those discerning leadership positions at all stages and who are called to be courageous and intentional about the future. (NOT STARTED YET)
At the service of young people and our educational communities, we must continue to accompany those who served, presently serve, or will serve in the future, as the “heart, memory and guarantors of the charism” (Rule 157) on the journey of Association and vocation.
- DS7 Our Response is to be audacious in the invitation to, and the creation of, Intentional Lasallian Communities throughout the District in different geographical areas. These Intentional Communities will offer support and enrich the vocation journey of those who feel called to deeper Association. These Communities will be open, inclusive, and responsive to local realities and needs. (ONGOING)
St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre
St Cassian’s Centre, just outside the village of Kintbury, in rural Berkshire, became a retreat centre in 1975. It welcomes young people for retreats and provides them with an opportunity to step outside their normally busy lives and enjoy a few days of reflection and dialogue with each other, accompanied by a dedicated staff and a team of young volunteers. At the same time, the Centre seeks to bring faith to these young people in ways that resonate with their experience and are relevant to the world in which they live. The input comes from the four senior staff (the Retreat Team), and the volunteer team, which comprises between 5 - 9 young adults between the ages of eighteen and thirty who enthusiastically commit themselves to a year of devoted service to peer ministry and community living. The opportunities for the staff and volunteer team are many and varied and contribute to a rich experience of ministry, especially to young people.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre (continued)
The Management Committee appointed by the trustees, in liaison with the Director of the Centre, is responsible to the charity for the running of the Centre. The Committee meets several times a year. The remit of the Committee is similar to that of a school governing body. Apart from monitoring the work of the Centre and its finances, the Committee has responsibility, on behalf of the trustees, for such critical issues as the implementation of the trustees’ safeguarding guidelines and compliance with current health and safety regulations. The Advisory Board, also appointed by the Trustees, work with the Director and the Centre to run projects and events such as the 50[th] Anniversary Celebrations, the visit of the Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers and fundraising efforts.
Every year as part of the residential community the young volunteers live, work and share the Brothers’ vision for a new apostolate. Our retreats, known as The Kintbury Experience, follow a theme of Welcome, Awareness, Reconciliation and Good News.
The retreat programme, devised to meet the needs of people from diverse backgrounds, has a full scope and sequence that builds upon itself. It is also designed to be developmentally appropriate for each year group in school as they cultivate their spirit of faith along with their skills of reasoning, highlighting the relevance of Lasallian Charism and of our faith to life and contemporary culture. The retreats continue to benefit from having outdoor activities (low ropes challenge course, archery and all-weather pitch for tennis, football and basketball and a traversing climbing wall) integrated into the Lasallian retreat programme.
2024 began with an outreach retreat at St Augustine’s school in Trowbridge. January also saw retreats for Y11 students from The Coloma Convent Girls School, St Joseph’s, Swindon, St Edward’s, Poole and St Augustine’s, Trowbridge. Retreats were run for Y10 students from Bishop of Llandaff and St Margaret Ward School, Stoke and a Sixth Form Retreat for SFX School, London.
Team saying goodbye to a group
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre (continued)
February and March saw Confirmation retreats for St Joseph’s, Basingstoke; primary school retreats for St Thomas More; Our Lady & St Joseph’s, St Francis and St Anne’s & St Benedict’s from Nuneaton, a day retreat for St Joseph’s School, Reading. The 2[nd] Open Retreat for students aged Y11 upward ‘Inside Out Retreat’ saw 23 young people attend this retreat, to give themselves time to revise, relax and discover what it is like to be on the volunteer team at St Cassian’s. A number of Year ten retreats were run with participants from St Joseph’s, Port Talbot; St Alban’s, Pontypool; St Edward’s Poole; St Joseph’s, Stoke; Bishop Challenor School; St Paul’s, Milton Keynes and St Joseph’s, Swindon.
Year 7 & 8 retreats were run for St Gregory’s School from Bath.
During the Spring Term, the Centre hosted two Lasallian events – the Chaplains and Heads of RE group twenty-four-hour meeting (CHORE) and the annual Lasallian Teachers CPD weekend, which is held during Palm Sunday weekend every year. The annual Past Teams Retreat ran in February, with around 20 previous volunteers in attendance.
After Easter the centre welcomed Year seven and eight from St Paul’s School, Milton Keynes, year five from Bishop Parker Primary School, Y9 from St Gregory’s, St Simon Stock School, Maidstone; DLS St Helens; St Joseph’s, Swindon; Bishop Challenor, St Bede’s, Bristol; St Edward’s, Poole; Coloma Convent Girls School; St Paul’s and St Albans. We worked with Y10m from St Thomas More, Southend; Coloma Convent School and ran a Confirmation Retreat for St. Thomas More Parish.
In May the retreat team leaders and volunteer team made the annual pilgrimage to Italy, visiting the De La Salle Brothers’ project in Scampia, Naples, and to Rome for the Papal Audience and a visit to the De La Salle Brothers Generalate.
The Family weekend retreat at the end of the school May half term holidays attracted over 34 participants.
The school residential retreats continued in June and July, with visits from St Thomas Aquinas Primary school and St Benedict’s Primary schools. The centre also welcomed Year nine students from St Catherine’s, Bexleyheath as well as the annual retreats with Y10 from St Augustine’s School, Trowbridge and Year 9 from St Peter’s School, Bournemouth.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre (continued)
St Alban’s and Bishop Challenor brought Y8 for a 48-hour retreat and we ran our last Confirmation retreat of the academic year with St Alban’s Parish in July.
The Lasallian Camp was held in July, with over 110 students coming from De La Salle schools and associate schools from across England. We welcomed back over 20 past team members to help run the weekend.
In August 2024 the new Volunteer Team moved in. This year’s team comprised of 7 International Volunteers, from Argentina, USA, Mexico, recruited once again through the International Lasallian Network with one young person from the UK this year, who comes from Croydon in London.
The new academic year in September 2024 started with the regular training and formation of the Volunteer and Retreat teams, including Safeguarding, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Food Hygiene Level 1 and Fire Marshall training, along with formation as a Lasallian Community, faith formation and retreat planning and training. The training and formation are ongoing throughout the year.
Volunteer Team 2024-25 with Br Bernard Conroy and Fr Zbigniew Budyn, Parish Priest
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre (continued)
Residential retreats started in late September and ran until early December, with groups from: Albert The Great Primary School ; Sixth Form from St Augustine’s School, Trowbridge; St Joseph’s, Reading; St Paul’s, Milton Keynes; St Joseph’s, Port Talbot. We ran a Confirmation retreat in November for St Mary’s Parish and a Y11 Retreat for St Paul’s, Milton Keynes in October
In October ran the First 50 years of St Cassian’s Anniversary event, whilst welcoming Br Armin Lustro (Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers) and Br Joel Palud (General Councillor) to the Centre.
For this special retreat we were joined by students and staff from De La Salle schools and Associate Schools from across the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the amazing work of St Cassian’s over the last 50 years, whilst looking forward to the next 50!
In November and December school children from a number of Primary Schools attended our Advent Retreats - St Bonaventure’s + St Teresa’s, Bristol, Holy Family Primary School, Bristol and DLS Primary School, Malta. The Autumn term finished with Day retreats for St Joseph’s, Swindon and St Peter’s, Bournemouth Y7s.
Throughout 2024 St Cassian’s welcomed and worked with 2,974 young people from school and parish Confirmation groups.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre (continued)
The above photograph shows the Commissioning Mass of the Volunteer Team and the Retreat Team 2024-2025. Also in attendance are members of the Management Committee, Brother Bernard Conroy and supporters of the Centre.
Hospitality groups and Events
The conference centre known as The Old Stables plays host to parish and hospitality groups. The hospitality groups that have used the Old Stables Conference Centre and other facilities include Don Bosco Youth Camp, Stories of Hope and Home (Refugee group), St Catherine’s Trust, Fanning the Flame, Lasallian Heads and Principles, Rabbi Danny’s Hamakom Group, Newbury Baptist Group and the Wimbledon Scouts.
Lasallian Projects
Recruiting was done to enlist young volunteers for a project group for summer 2024. In July a group of 10 students travelled to Kenya to spend 5 weeks working at the construction new housing for teachers and doing some teaching in the school. Br John and Julia Starczewski accompanied the group to offer the benefit of years of project experience. The £14,000 cost of the building was provided by the charity and the local people contributed labour in the preparation of the building site.
Once the group were in place the building proceeded at a good pace under the direction of local builders. There was sufficient manual work for the group and the teachers were very happy to offer them opportunities in the school. The schoolchildren, aged from 8 – 15, were eager to learn and greatly appreciated the input from the volunteers. Amazingly, 18 year olds teaching classes just a bit younger than themselves worked brilliantly and the UK students were justifiably pleased with their achievements.
Abossi is a fairly remote area (50 minute drive to a supermarket) so the group lived a fairly simple life, happily managing without luxuries but appreciating the wi-fi, though the school only has 3 computers. The Maasai Mara was within striking distance so a long day out provided outstanding memories and encounters with wildlife. By the end of the 5 weeks the major building work had been completed and the finishing work would be competently carried out by the small building team.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Lasallian Projects (continued)
Fr. Ambrose provided a full report on the building project and summarised the impact of providing housing for teachers:
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♦ “Learning and school timetable will be well carried out due to the full-time availability of the teachers who previously would trek long distances to school.
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♦ The security of both leaders and teachers will now be assured.
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♦ The school children will have more time for studying than before when they could spend most of their time waiting for the teachers to arrive in school. Their academic performance will improve. Due to close supervision of teachers there will be increased safety for girl students with better rates of retention and completion of schooling.”
Other activities during the year involved routine administration and continuing use and expansion of on-line media to train volunteers, maintain contact with former project members and to advertise the projects. A modest amount of fund-raising was undertaken, with the Director visiting parishes for this purpose.
Mellieha Pastoral Centre
A request for support was made to the District of Ireland and Great Britain by the Brothers of the Christian Schools Trust, Malta to aid with urgent renovations and upgrades to the De La Salle pastoral centre in Mellieha, Malta.
The pastoral centre is an integral part of the mission formation activities within the district as well as hosting annual district council meetings and district economic council meetings. The district agreed to fund the renovations and upgrades to the amount of €557k through the District Central Fund.
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Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Mellieha Pastoral Centre (continued)
Urgent areas of attention included the resealing of flat roof areas, replacement of electrics and plumbing as well as renewal of concrete and supports in ceilings and on the building facades and balconies.
Works are well under way with external works now complete along with the re-plumbing of the majority of the house’s communal areas.
Works to the front of the building were completed in September of 2024 with internal works still ongoing.
Without the funding from the District of IGBM it is unlikely that the centre would have been able to continue to host retreats and district events.
Mission Endowment Fund
At the 46th General Chapter of the Institute of the brothers of the Christian schools, held in November 2022 at the Generalate in Rome, it was agreed through Pathway 7 “to leverage the human and financial resources of our international institute to guarantee the sustainability of the Lasallian Mission”.
The Superior General and his council have further considered this and approved the formation of a Mission Endowment fund to support new educational projects across the globe in the service of the poor. The intention is to create a self-sustaining fund with an initial value of €40m and requests were made to each Lasallian district throughout the institute for funds to support this initiative.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 18
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Mission Endowment Fund (continue)
The district of Ireland Great Britain and Malta has made an initial donation of €1m to The Mission Endowment Fund to support international education programs for the poor.
Investment performance
Vicarious liability and similar claims
In the past, vicarious liability claims have been brought against the charity and more recently these have been followed by other similar claims against the charity. An overview of the claims is given below with further details given in note 17 to the attached accounts.
There are over 60 outstanding claims relating to historic incidents of alleged physical or sexual abuse of children being brought against the charity in Scotland in respect to alleged incidents that took place at educational establishments in that country. All of these claims relate to events that allegedly took place many years ago. Given the abolition of Limitation by the Scottish Parliament (as of 4 October 2017), the historic claims are now being pursued.
To date 36 claims have been settled or withdrawn at a total cost of nearly £4 million inclusive of all legal fees and net of reimbursement of a division of the damages and costs from the employer organisations which owned and managed the educational establishments.
It is estimated that the aggregate of the reserve on damages and legal costs on the outstanding claims will be around £6.8 million. Since the charity was not the employer, in some cases a division and damages has been successfully recovered from the employer organisations which owned and managed the educational establishments. No overall liability has been admitted by these organisations hence the £6.8m reserve only allows for limited recoveries from the managers.
The trustees have continued to engage legal experts to act on behalf of the charity to advise on the conduct of the claims being brought against the charity in England and Wales and in Scotland. As noted earlier in this report, the trustees of the charity are aware of their duties in respect to safeguarding and have up to date procedures in place. The charity is a member of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). The trustees are committed to acting in a way which is in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries, past, present and future.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 19
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Financial review
Financial results for the year
A summary of the year’s results can be found on page 32 of the attached accounts.
Total income amounted to £3,404,027 (2023 – £4,204,849), of which £nil (2023 - £1,828,372) related to gains on the sale of properties. £638,650 (2023 – £609,736) was received by way of covenanted salaries and pensions from members of the Institute and £1,156,860 (2023 – £1,004,081) was interest and investment income receivable. A further £292,740 (2023 – £283,108) related to education fees and related charges. The income relating to the District amounts to £1,256,812 (2023 - £397,171).
Total expenditure amounted to £5,378,912 (2023 - £2,939,894).
Expenditure on raising funds amounted to £122,695 (2023 – £103,636).
Expenditure on charitable activities in the year included costs related to the provision of education, the support of the members of the Institute and their ministry and donations and contributions to projects. These amounted to £647,765 (2023 – £661,782), £1,609,906 (2023 – £1,596,301) and £128,266 (2023 - £26,254) respectively. Costs in relation to the District, also shown as part of expenditure on charitable activities, amounted to £1,936,299 (2023 - £570,489).
Expenditure in connection with the vicarious liability and similar claims against the charity is £933,239 (2023 – a credit of £63,366) and is explained under “vicarious liability and similar claims” above and also in note 19 to the attached accounts.
Expenditure relating to the maintenance of the land and buildings at St John’s College, Southsea following the closure of the school was £742 (2023 - £44,798).
Listed investments gave rise to realised and unrealised gains on investments of £814,092 (2023 – gains of £127,651).
The net income for the year, after investment gains but before the transfer of assets to the CIO, was £1,501,804 (2023 – £1,392,606).
Reserves policy and financial position
At 31 December 2024 before the transfer to the CIO, the charity had net assets amounting to £24,868,188 (2023 – £23,228,981), primarily represented by tangible fixed assets of £2,125,148 (2023 – £2,354,602), investments of £29,267,892 (2023 – £27,684,030), debtors of £66,387 (2023 - £30,353 and cash at bank of £1,078,828 (2023 – £809,679) offset by creditors and provisions totalling £7,664,067 (2023 – £7,649,679). The creditors and provisions include amounts in respect to the vicarious liability and similar claims referred to earlier.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 20
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Financial review (continued)
Reserves policy and financial position (continued)
The balance sheet shows total funds, before the transfer to the CIO, of £24,868,188 (2023 – £23,228,981).
Before the transfer to the CIO, the charity has restricted funds of £164,391 (2023 – £109,970). The unrestricted funds of the charity, before the transfer to the CIO, include three designated funds, comprised of:
-
♦ Care and development fund of £11,900,000 (2023 – £10,200,000). These are assets (including tangible fixed assets) set aside to assist with the care of members of the Institute, who have no funds or assets of their own, and to enable them to carry out and support the ongoing pastoral work and ministry of the charity;
-
♦ Educational support fund of £7,000,000 (2023 – £7,000,000). These are assets (including tangible fixed assets) set side to assist with the running of the St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre in Kintbury and other ongoing educational support activity; and
-
♦ District support fund of £4,000,000 (2023 - £4,000,000). These are assets put aside to assist with the administration and mission activities for the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta.
At 31 December 2024, before the transfer to the CIO, the charity’s general funds were showing a balance of £1,803,797 (2023 – £1,919,011).
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these accounts.
After the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the charity to the CIO on 31 December 2024, the remaining assets within the charity are schools founded by the Institute which are now run by voluntary aided or independent charities. Title to the land and buildings is retained by the charity but are valued at £nil as such assets are not available for disposal. Such assets shall be transferred to the CIO pending the approval of the Secretary of State.
Assessment of going concern
As such and as the charity no longer has any liabilities, the trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due.
The trustees (of the charity and of the CIO to which the assets and liabilities have been transferred to shortly after 31 December 2014) note that if the provision for potential future liability for vicarious and similar claims becomes an actual liability at the level of the provision, it would in the longer term put in jeopardy the ability to continue its valuable and necessary work and objectives.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 21
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Financial review (continued)
Assessment of going concern (continued)
If the valuable and necessary work is to continue into the future, particularly the support of St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre, it will be essential for the general funds to be sustainable over the longer term. The designated funds provide some finance with which it will be able to safeguard the future of its mission but these are unlikely to prove sufficient in the longer term. The longer term policy is to have sustainable general or “free” reserves equal to at least six to twelve months’ expenditure.
The balance on the general funds at 31 December 2024, shortly before the transfer to the CIO is after accounting for the creditors and provisions of £7.5m (2023 – £7.6m) towards the payment of compensation in respect to the vicarious liability and similar claims described earlier in this report. However, to finance the full cost of the vicarious liability and similar claims it will need to raise the liquid funds with which to do so. If it were to do so by disposing of investments, this will lead to a fall in essential investment income and may jeopardise the aim of retaining general fund balances at the level needed to meet at least six to twelve months’ expenditure.
Governance, structure and management
Trustees
The trustees are an incorporated body under the Charities Act 2011. Under the terms of the trust, the trustees are appointed by the Provincial Superior who, in making these appointments, has regard to the suitable blend of skills and expertise required. Trustees with specific responsibilities take part in relevant training courses and conferences.
The trustees are ultimately responsible for the policies, activities and assets of the charity. The trustees who were in office during the year ended 31 December 2024 and to the date of this report are set out below:
Brother James Kilty
On 1 April 2008, Brother James Kilty became Provincial on which date he became a trustee. He joined the Institute in 1964 and studied at De La Salle College of Higher Education and Lancaster University. He taught for 14 years in Kintbury and in St Helens and then, over a ten year period, he was responsible for the formation of new candidates to the Province. He was based in Rome for a ten-year period where he served as co-ordinator of Institute formation programmes in English-speaking sectors of the Institute, principally in Africa and Asia. More recently, he served as Director of Formation for the Institute’s Asia-Pacific Region based in Singapore. During the General Chapter of 2014, he was made a Regional Superior and was based in Rome. He has now retired from this role and returned to Oxford.
Brother John Deeney
Brother John joined the Institute in 1962. He gained his degree in Modern Languages at Oxford and taught in Portsmouth and Basildon. Since 1985 he has been responsible for organising overseas projects that involve UK students assisting with the development of education in poorer parts of the world
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 22
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Governance, structure and management (continued)
Trustees (continued)
Brother Nicholas Sellors
Brother Nicholas Sellors joined the Institute in 1963. He was educated at Oxford University and then worked in the Province’s schools in London, Bournemouth and in Jersey where he was the head of De La Salle College. Thereafter he joined the retreat team at St Cassian’s Centre, Kintbury and became the Director of the Centre. He served two terms of office as the Provincial and is currently Director of the St Helens Community.
Brother Michael Curran
Brother Michael became a member of the Institute in 1981. He was appointed Auxiliary Provincial on 1 September 2019 and was appointed Trustee on 1 October 2019. He holds a master's degree in educational development and management from London University. He spent most of his teaching career teaching science. After retiring from teaching, he worked in the St. Helens care community until he was appointed Auxiliary Provincial.
Brother Patrick Hanlon - Provincial
Brother Patrick Hanlon was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1952. He made his final profession as a De La Salle Brother in 1978. Having completed Bachelor of Music and Diploma of Music degrees at University College Dublin, he taught at De La Salle College Waterford from 1979 – 1991. He was appointed Auxiliary Visitor for Ireland from 1991 – 1996. He was a member of staff of the International Novitiate located in Skaneateles, NY from 1996 – 1997. He returned to Waterford and taught there until he retired in 2017. In the meantime, he completed post graduate studies in composition, achieving his Ph.D. from Waterford Institute of Technology in 2015. He returned to leadership, becoming one of two Auxiliary Visitors for Ireland Great Britain and Malta, in 2019. In June 2021 he was appointed as Visitor (Provincial) pro-tempore until his formal appointment as Visitor in January 2023.
Trustees’ meetings
The trustees meet at least six times a year, usually more frequently. They regularly review the activities of the charity, as well as monitoring the progress of its mission and the needs of its members. They are responsible for deciding policy and for taking the important decisions that affect the charity. Where appropriate, they seek the advice and support of the charity’s professional advisers, including charity consultants, investment managers, solicitors, accountants, employment advisers and surveyors.
The day to day management of the charity’s activities and the implementation of policies are delegated to members of the Province, or to senior staff who possess the requisite skills and expertise.
Key management personnel
The trustees consider that the key management of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day to day basis comprise the trustees, the Manager of St John’s House for the care of older and frail members of the Institute, the Director of St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre, The Director of Mission until September 2024, and the Chief Financial Officer.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 23
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Governance, structure and management (continued)
Key management personnel (continued)
All trustees are members of the Institute and whilst their living and personal expenses are borne by the charity they receive no remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as trustees or key management.
The remuneration of the Manager of St John’s House, the Director of St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre, the Director of Mission and the Chief Financial Officer, is approved by the trustees. Such remuneration is set having regard to market salaries for similar roles and after taking into account specific circumstances relating to the charity’s needs and circumstances.
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
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♦ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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♦ observe the methods and principles in 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);
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♦ make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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♦ state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and
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♦ prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the charity’s trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 24
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Governance, structure and management (continued)
Risk management
The trustees undertake an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces categorising the risks between those affecting the governance and management of the charity, operational risks, financial risks, reputational risks and those which occur because of circumstances outside of the charity's control such as changes in government policy, laws and regulations. They regularly review the measures already in place, or needing to be put in place, to establish policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review and ensure that action is taken to implement changes to those policies, systems and procedures should they be needed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
The trustees have identified five main areas where risks may occur: governance and management; operational; financial; reputational; and regulatory.
Governance and management looks at the risk of the Institute, and hence the charity, suffering from a lack of direction, at the skills and training of its members and staff, and the good use of its resources.
Operational looks at the risks inherent in the charity’s activities including in the operation of its care homes, the members of the congregation engaging in inappropriate activities, the unsuitability of buildings, poor maintenance, shortcomings in the services provided, difficulties with staff, poor health and safety, lack of a disaster recovery plan, etc.
Financial risks include those arising as a result of poor budgetary control, inappropriate spending, poor accounting, inappropriate investment policies, etc.
Reputational looks at possible damage to the Institute’s, and hence the charity’s, reputation.
Regulatory looks at the effects of government policies, the consequences of noncompliance with laws and regulations and poor risk assessment.
Having assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, the trustees believe that by monitoring reserve levels, by ensuring controls exist over key financial systems, and by examining the operational and business risks faced by the charity, they have established effective systems to mitigate those risks.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 25
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Governance, structure and management (continued)
Risk management (continued)
The key risks for the charity, as identified by the trustees, are described below together with the principal ways in which they are mitigated:
- ♦ Age profile
The age profile and health of the members and future operation of the charity. The trustees are aware that there is both a moral and legal obligation to care for the older members. None of the members have resources of their own as all earnings, pensions and other income have been donated to the charity under a Gift Aid compliant Deed of Covenant. As the age profile increases, so too does the need to provide care for the members. Key elements of the management of this risk are: (a) ensuring that the charity has the available financial resources to finance this care both now and in the years ahead by setting aside assets in a designated fund; and (b) ensuring that processes are in place to review regularly the ministries and needs of individual members encouraging those who need it to take on less demanding ministries and for identifying those who need extra care and help.
- ♦ Investments
The value of investments and properties. The value of listed investments is dependent on movements in UK and world stock markets. The investments are managed by reputable investment managers who adhere to a policy agreed by the trustees. The investment strategy is assessed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the charity's needs, both now and in the future.
- ♦ Safeguarding
The trustees recognise the absolute necessity of ensuring the protection and safeguarding of all those whom the charity serves, especially children and vulnerable adults. One appointee of the Province is the named Safeguarding Officer for the Province and is trained accordingly. All the members in the Province and all members of staff and volunteers, who are in contact with people through their ministry, have an Advanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The trustees are committed to implementing all the policies and procedures of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, England and Wales (CSSA) and the Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (SCSSA). They take responsibility for identifying, preventing, investigating and responding to all allegations or incidents of abuse.
-
♦ Key staff
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Reliance on key staff and the need for succession planning . Advice is taken on investment management, accountancy, actuarial, architectural, legal and business matters from lay professionals. The trustees meet as needed with their advisers to monitor risks and the risk management policy.
The trustees continue to monitor the major risks to which the charity may be exposed and systems are investigated and established to mitigate these risks.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 26
Trustees’ report Year to 31 December 2024
Governance, structure and management (continued)
Schools and educational establishments
The charity provides an extensive portfolio of land and buildings for a number of secondary schools founded by the Institute, which are now voluntary aided or independent charities and whose finances, therefore, fall outside the charity. These properties are not included in the charity’s list of assets because they are not available for disposal. Unless otherwise started the Brothers are trustees of these schools.
The schools where the charity owns land and, in some cases, the buildings or some of the buildings, are:
De La Salle School Ghyllgrove, Basildon, Essex SS14 2LA
11-16 mixed comprehensive
St Matthew Academy Lee Terrace, Blackheath, London SE3 9TY
City academy The trusteeship resides with the R.C. Archdiocese of Southwark
Dixons Croxteth Academy Carr Lane East, Liverpool L11 4SG
11-18 mixed academy Trusteeship resides with the Dixons Academies Trust
De La Salle School Mill Brow, St Helens WA10 4QH
11-16 mixed comprehensive As of December 1[st] 2024 Trusteeship of the school resides with The Laetare Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
St Joseph’s College Beulah Hill, London SE19 3HL
11-18 boys’ academy (16 – 18 mixed)
St Peter’s School St Catherine’s Road, Bournemouth BH6 4AH
3-18 mixed academy The trusteeship is shared with the R.C. Diocese of Portsmouth.
Foundations
The following foundation is owned and administered by the charity.
Pastoral Centre
St Cassian’s Centre Kintbury, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 9SR
Organises short retreats for young people and courses for teachers. The Centre is managed by a Management Committee which is appointed by, and reports to, the trustees.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Michael Curran Trustee Approved by the trustees on: 17[th ] July 2025
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 27
Independent auditor’s report Year to 31 December 2024
Independent auditor’s report to the trustees of The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust
Opinion
We have audited the accounts of The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and the notes to the accounts. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the accounts:
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♦ 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;
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♦ have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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♦ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC’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 accounts, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the accounts 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 accounts 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.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report and accounts other than the accounts and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the accounts does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 28
Independent auditor’s report Year to 31 December 2024
Other information (continued)
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the accounts or our knowledge obtained in 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 accounts 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
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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♦ the information given in the trustees’ report is inconsistent in any material respect with the accounts; or
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♦ sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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♦ the accounts are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
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♦ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the accounts, 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.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts
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 accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 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.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 29
Independent auditor’s report Year to 31 December 2024
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts (continued)
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 accounts.
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:
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♦ the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
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♦ we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with management, and from our knowledge and experience of the sector;
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♦ we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the accounts or the operations of the charity, including 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 (Charities SORP FRS 102) the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and safeguarding, vetting and barring regulations;
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♦ we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of trustees and management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
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♦ identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
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♦ making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
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♦ considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
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♦ performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected financial relationships;
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♦ performed substantive testing of expenditure including the authorisation thereof;
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♦ tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; and
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♦ assessed whether judgements and assumptions made were indicative of potential bias.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 30
Independent auditor’s report Year to 31 December 2024
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts (continued)
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
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♦ agreeing accounts disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
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♦ reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and
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♦ enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the accounts is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s 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 auditor's 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 the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Buzzacott Audit LLP Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL
25 July 2025
Buzzacott Audit LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 31
Statement of financial activities Year to 31 December 2024
| Un- restricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
2024 Total funds £ |
Un- restricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
2023 Total funds £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income from: Donations and legacies 1 Primary purpose trading activities 2 Investments and interest receivable 3 Charitable activities . Provision of education 4 . Contributions from Ireland and Malta towards District costs Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities . Provision of education 6 . Support of members of the Institute and their ministry 7 . Donations and contributions to projects 8 . District costs 9 Other items . Vicarious liability and similar claims 10 . St John’s College, Southsea costs Transfer to De la Salle Great Britain CIO 23 Total expenditure Net income (expenditure) before net gains (losses) on investments and transfers between funds Net gains (losses) on investments 14 Net gains on investment properties 14 Transfers between funds 18 Net income (expenditure) and net movement in funds Balances brought forward at 1 January 2024 Balances carried forward at 31 December 2024 |
636,334 58,965 1,156,474 292,740 — — |
2,316 — 386 — 1,256,812 — |
638,650 58,965 1,156,860 292,740 1,256,812 — |
607,260 82,741 1,003,776 283,108 — 1,828,372 |
2,116 — 305 — 397,171 — |
609,376 82,741 1,004,081 283,108 397,171 1,828,372 |
| 2,144,513 | 1,259,514 |
3,404,027 |
3,805,257 | 399,592 |
4,204,849 |
|
122,695 647,765 1,605,742 128,266 — 933,239 742 |
— — 4,164 — 1,936,299 — — |
122,695 647,765 1,609,906 128,266 1,936,299 933,239 742 |
103,636 661,782 1,596,301 26,254 — (63,366) 44,798 |
— — — — 570,489 — — |
103,636 661,782 1,596,301 26,254 570,489 (63,366) 44,798 |
|
| 3,438,449 24,703,797 |
1,940,463 164,391 |
5,378,912 24,868,188 |
2,369,405 — |
570,489 — |
2,939,894 — |
|
| 28,142,246 | 2,104,854 |
30,247,100 |
2,369,405 | 570,489 | 2,939,894 | |
| (25,860,330) 814,092 2,662,597 (735,370) |
(845,340) — — 735,370 |
(26,705,670) 814,092 2,662,597 — |
1,435,852 127,651 — (160,000) |
(170,897) — — 160,000 |
1,264,955 127,651 — — |
|
| (23,119,011) 23,119,011 |
(109,970) 109,970 |
(23,228,981) 23,228,981 |
1,403,503 21,715,508 |
(10,897) 120,867 |
1,392,606 21,836,375 |
|
| — | — | — |
23,119,011 | 109,970 |
23,228,981 |
All income and expenditure in the current and prior periods related to continuing operations.
With effect from midnight on 31 December 2024, the activities, transactions, assets and liabilities of the charity were transferred as a going concern to De la Salle Great Britain CIO (the successor charity), a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charity Registration No 1208212 (see note 23).
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 32
Balance sheet 31 December 2024
| Notes | 2024 £ |
2024 £ |
2023 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 13 Investments 14 Current assets Debtors: amounts due within one year 15 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Provision for liabilities and charges 17 Total net assets The funds of the charity: Restricted funds 18 Unrestricted funds . Designated funds 19 . General funds Total funds and reserves |
— — |
— — |
30,353 809,675 |
2,354,602 27,684,030 |
| — | 30,038,632 190,349 |
|||
| — | 840,028 (649,679) |
|||
| — — |
21,200,000 1,919,011 |
|||
| — — |
30,228,981 (7,000,000) |
|||
| — | 23,228,981 | |||
| — — |
109,970 23,119,011 |
|||
| — | 23,228,981 |
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Michael Curran
Trustee
Approved by the trustees on: 17[th] July 2025
,
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 33
Statement of cash flows Year to 31 December 2024
| Notes | 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash used in operating activities A Cash flows from investing activities: Investment income and interest received Proceeds of disposal of assets held for sale Proceeds from the disposal of tangible fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from the disposal of investments Purchase of investments Net cash provided by investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Decrease in borrowing Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents transferred to CIO Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2024 B Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2024 B |
**(2,904,892) ** |
(2,687,587) |
1,156,860 — — (224,323) 5,754,660 **(12,064,766) ** |
1,004,081 12,138,259 2,625,077 (56,042) 2,911,575 (2,333,289) |
|
| **(5,377,569) ** | 16,289,661 | |
— |
(4,851,286) | |
(8,282,461) (1,412,576) 9,695,037 |
8,750,788 — 944,249 |
|
— |
9,695,037 |
Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to 31 December 2024
A Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash used in operating activities
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Net movement in funds (as per the statement of financial activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charge (Loss) gains on disposal of tangible fixed assets / assets held for resale (Gains) losses on investments Dividends and interest from investments (Increase) decrease in debtors within one year Decrease in creditors Decrease in provisions Transfer of assets to CIO Net cashprovided by (used in) operating activities |
(23,228,981) 115,965 407 (3,481,965) (1,156,860) (36,034) 214,388 (200,000) 24,868,188 |
1,392,606 113,216 (1,828,372) (127,651) (1,004,081) (7,005) (226,300) (1,000,000) — |
| (2,904,892) | (2,687,587) |
B Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
| Analysis of cash and cash equivalents | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Cash at bank and in hand Cash held by investment managers Total cash and cash equivalents |
— — |
809,675 8,885,362 |
| — | 9,695,037 |
No separate statement of changes in net debt has been prepared as there is no difference between the movements in cash and cash equivalents and movement in net cash (debt).
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 34
Principal accounting policies Year to 31 December 2024
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.
Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 December 2024 with comparative information given in respect to the year to 31 December 2023.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with 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 (Charities SORP FRS 102) the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.
Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Preparation of the accounts requires the trustees to make significant judgements and estimates.
The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:
-
♦ estimating accrued expenditure and, in particular, the liability of the charity in respect to damages and related costs of vicarious liability and similar claims;
-
♦ estimating the fair value of investment property at the year end;
-
♦ estimating the useful economic life of tangible fixed assets for the purposes of determining a depreciation rate; and
-
♦ determining the value of designated funds needed at the year end.
Assessment of going concern
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these accounts.
After the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the charity to the CIO on 31 December 2024, the remaining assets within the charity are schools founded by the Institute which are now run by voluntary aided or independent charities. Title to the land and buildings is retained by the charity but are valued at £nil as such assets are not available for disposal. Such assets shall be transferred to the CIO pending the approval of the Secretary of State.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 35
Principal accounting policies Year to 31 December 2024
Assessment of going concern (continued)
As such and as the charity no longer has any liabilities, the trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due.
The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the accounts are detailed above.
Income recognition
Income is recognised in the period in which the charity has entitlement to the income, the amount of income can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
Income comprises donations and legacies, income from primary purpose trading, investment income and interest receivable, fees and related charges for the provision of education and other income including the surplus on the disposal of tangible fixed assets.
Donations, including salaries and pensions of individual religious received under Gift Aid or deed of covenant, are recognised when the charity has confirmation of both the amount and settlement date. In the event of donations pledged but not received, the amount is accrued for where the receipt is considered probable. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.
Legacies are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the legacy, the executors have established that there are sufficient surplus assets in the estate to pay the legacy, and any conditions attached to the legacy are within the control of the charity.
Income from primary purpose trading includes income from rental and hospitality. It is accounted for at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.
Investment income is recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
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.
Income derived from the levying of fees and related charges comprises income relating to St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre. Such income is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates and scholarships.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 36
Principal accounting policies Year to 31 December 2024
Income recognition (continued)
Contributions from Ireland and Malta towards District costs are recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income and when the amount receivable can be quantified.
The surplus on the disposal of tangible fixed assets and/or programme related investments is calculated as the difference between the sale proceeds net of sale costs and the net book value of the asset immediately prior to disposal. It is accounted for once legal completion of the disposal has taken place.
Other income is measured at fair value and accounted for on an accruals basis.
Expenditure recognition
Expenditure is recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment 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.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure comprises direct costs and support costs, including governance costs. The classification between activities is as follows:
Expenditure on raising funds includes the fees paid to investment managers in connection with the management of the charity’s listed investments.
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises expenditure on the charity’s primary charitable purposes as described in the trustees’ report and relates to:
-
♦ The provision of education being costs in relation to St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre primarily.
-
♦ The support of members of the Institute and their ministry. Such expenditure enables the members to carry out the charitable work of the Province in the areas of the advancement of the Roman Catholic Religion, the advancement of education and the relief of poverty.
-
♦ Donations made to other organisations and to individuals. The making of grants and donations is not a central part of the charity’s activities. Donations are made only in cases where the trustees consider there is real need following a review of the details of each particular case. Grants and donations are included in the statement of financial activities when approved for payment. Provision is made for grants and donations approved but unpaid at the year end.
-
♦ The costs associated with the administration and co-ordination of the Institute’s District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta.
Expenditure in connection with the vicarious liability and similar claims includes compensation payable together with associated legal and other professional fees.
All expenditure is stated inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 37
Principal accounting policies Year to 31 December 2024
Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development, financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment.
Governance costs comprise the costs involving the public accountability of the charity (including audit costs) and costs in respect to its compliance with regulation and good practice. Governance costs are included as a specific category within support costs.
Such expenditure is allocated directly to the relevant categories and apportionment is not required.
Tangible fixed assets
- ♦ Land and buildings and improvements thereto
Non-specialised buildings
Non-specialised buildings are those designed as, and used wholly or mainly for, private residential accommodation. Those that have been owned since 1996 are stated at cost, or, where cost is not available, at a trustees’ valuation made, with professional assistance, in 1996 based on market value for existing use. Under the transitional arrangements of FRS 102 this valuation is now deemed to equate to cost. All other nonspecialised buildings are stated at cost. Such buildings are not depreciated. Their value and condition are reviewed annually by the trustees, who are satisfied that their residual value is not materially less than their book value.
Specialised buildings
Specialised buildings comprise retirement homes, the pastoral centre and the administration centre. Those that have been owned since 1996 are stated at cost, or, where cost is not available, at a trustees’ valuation made, with professional assistance, in 1996 based on market value for existing use. Under the transitional arrangements of FRS 102 this valuation is now deemed to equate to cost. All other specialised buildings are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided at 2% per annum on a straight-line basis to write the buildings off over their estimated useful economic life to the charity.
Other land and buildings
The trustees are the legal owners of land and buildings used exclusively by schools and colleges founded by the Institute, but which are now separate charities. Their occupation of the land and buildings is indefinite and rent free. As such assets have no meaningful value in use to the trustees, no value is attributed to them in the accounts. The schools are situated in Basildon, Bournemouth, London Borough of Lewisham, Liverpool and St Helens.
Outdoor educational facilities
Outdoor educational facilities such as tennis courts, are capitalised and depreciated at a rate of 10% per annum on a straight line basis in order to write off the cost of the facilities over their expected useful economic life to the charity.
No depreciation is provided on freehold land.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 38
Principal accounting policies Year to 31 December 2024
Tangible fixed assets (continued)
- ♦ Furniture, equipment and motor vehicles Expenditure in excess of £1,000 on the purchase and replacement of furniture, equipment and motor vehicles is capitalised and depreciated using the following method and rates per annum:
Office equipment 40% on a reducing balance or 33% straight line Motor vehicles 30% on a reducing balance Furniture and equipment 15% or 20% on a reducing balance
Fixed asset investments
Listed investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.
Investment properties (i.e. those not occupied by the charity, and which are rented out on commercial terms) are included in the accounts at their open market value. These properties are not depreciated.
Realised gains (or losses) on investment assets are calculated as the difference between disposal proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value at that date. Realised and unrealised investment gains (or losses) are combined in the statement of financial activities and are credited (or debited) in the year in which they arise.
Debtors
Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions 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. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 39
Principal accounting policies Year to 31 December 2024
Fund structure
Restricted funds comprise monies raised for, or their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or contributions subject to donor imposed conditions.
Designated funds comprise monies set aside out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects. They include the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets used for the support of the members of the Institute and their ministry in recognition of the fact that the assets are used in the day to day work of the charity and the fund value would not be realisable easily if needed to meet future contingencies.
General funds represent those monies which are freely available for application towards achieving any charitable purpose that falls within the charity’s charitable objects.
Services provided by members of the Institute
For the purposes of these accounts, no monetary value has been placed on administrative and other services provided by the members of the Institute.
Pension costs
The charity contributes to defined contribution schemes for certain employees. The contributions are charged to the statement of financial activities when payable.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 40
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
1 Income from: Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries and pensions of individual members of the Institute received under deed of covenant Other donations and legacies Total funds |
567,705 68,629 |
— 2,316 |
567,705 70,945 |
569,641 39,735 |
| 636,334 | 2,316 | 638,650 | 609,376 |
All income from donations and legacies is unrestricted except for other donations and legacies of £2,316 (2023 – £2,116) which have been given specifically towards the support of the St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre. Kintbury, Berkshire (note 20).
2 Income from: Primary purpose trading activities
Income from primary purpose trading activities relates to activities for generating funds, the principal component of which is rental and hospitality income.
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Total funds:Activities forgeneratingfunds | 58,965 | 82,741 |
All income from activities for generating funds is unrestricted.
3 Income from: Investments and interest receivable
| Income from: Investments and interest receivable | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Listed investment income Income from programme related investments Bank interest Investment property income Total funds |
831,241 — 243,160 82,459 |
703,164 4,197 296,720 — |
| 1,156,860 | 1,004,081 |
All income from investments and interest receivable is unrestricted except for bank interest of £386 (2023 – £305) which is restricted.
4 Income from: Charitable activities – Provision of education
| Income from: Charitable activities – Provision of education | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 292,740 |
2023 £ |
|
| Total funds:St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre fees and similar income | 283,108 |
All income from charitable activities is unrestricted.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 41
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
5 Expenditure on: Raising funds
| Expenditure on: Raising funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Investment managers’ fees Rental property fees Total funds |
106,779 15,916 |
103,636 — |
| 122,695 | 103,636 |
All expenditure on raising funds is unrestricted.
6 Expenditure on: Charitable activities – Provision of education
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Staff and related costs Other costs Total funds |
382,401 265,364 |
393,572 268,210 |
| 647,765 | 661,782 |
All expenditure on the provision of education is unrestricted.
7 Expenditure on: Charitable activities – Support of members of the Institute and their ministry
| ministry | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Staff costs (including agency staff) Premises Brothers’ living and ministry expenses Education, training and spiritual renewal Depreciation Legal and professional fees Interest payable Governance costs Other costs Total funds |
706,673 382,736 204,654 13,595 111,697 141,283 — 33,360 15,908 |
670,344 369,970 200,356 26,044 121,280 124,654 42,367 30,600 10,686 |
| 1,609,906 | 1,596,301 |
Governance costs include auditor’s remuneration for statutory audit services of £33,360 (2023 – £30,600 for statutory audit services and advisory services).
All expenditure on support of members of the Institute and their ministry is unrestricted except for £4,164 (2023 £Nil) which is restricted.
8 Expenditure on: Charitable activities – Donations and contributions to projects
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overseas missions and projects Other Total funds |
20,422 107,844 |
25,031 1,223 |
| 128,266 | 26,254 |
All donations and contributions to projects relate to unrestricted funds.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 42
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
9 Expenditure on: Charitable activities – District costs
| Staff and consultancy costs Mission expenses District Council expenses Contributions to Rome and RELEM Other Total funds |
2024 £ 358,453 163,773 68,510 1,332,375 13,188 1,936,299 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 327,617 89,871 73,381 25,978 53,642 |
||
| 570,489 |
All expenditure in relation to District costs is restricted.
Contributions to Rome and RELEM included a €1m (2023 £Nil) contribution to the Institutes Mission Endowment fund which has been set up support global educational projects supporting the poor.
€557k (2023: €Nil) was awarded to the Pastoral centre in Mellieha, Malta in order to carry out urgent renovations and upgrades to the building.
10 Expenditure on: Other items – Vicarious liability and similar claims
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Provision for liabilities in respect to claims of alleged abuse inclusive of costs (note 19): . England and Wales . Scotland |
560 932,679 |
24,869 (88,235) |
| 933,239 | (63,366) |
All expenditure relating to vicarious liability and similar claims is in respect of unrestricted funds.
11 Staff costs and remuneration of trustees and key management personnel
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
977,865 80,250 30,959 |
951,956 85,225 26,734 |
| 1,089,074 | 1,063,915 |
The number of employees who earned £60,000 per annum or more (including taxable benefits but excluding employer pension contributions) during the year was as follows:
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| £60,001 to £70,000 £70,001 to £80,001 £90,001 to £100,000 £110,001 to £120,000 |
1 — 1 — |
— 1 — 1 |
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 43
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
- 11 Staff costs and remuneration of trustees and key management personnel (continued) The average number of employees during the period, analysed by function was:
| Staff numbers | 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Provision of education Support of members of the Institute Total average head count |
14 23 |
14 24 |
| 37 | 38 |
The trustees consider that they comprise the key management of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day to day basis together with the Manager of St John’s House for the care of older and frail members of the Institute, the Director of St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre, the Director of Mission until September 2024, and the Chief Financial Officer.
All trustees are members of the Institute and whilst their living and personal expenses are borne by the charity they receive no remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as trustees or key management (2023 – none). During the year, the total amount donated by the trustees to the charity was £73,522 (2023 – £70,015).
The total remuneration for the year of the other key management personnel (including taxable benefits and employer’s national insurance and pension contributions) was £359,905 (2023 – £345,637).
The charity purchases insurance to protect the charity from loss arising from any wrongful or dishonest act of trustees and to indemnify trustees in respect of losses arising from actions they have taken in good faith. The total cover provided by such insurance is £10m (2023 – £5m) and the total premium paid in respect of such insurance was £3,052 (2023 – £2,674).
12 Taxation
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust is a registered charity and, therefore, is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 44
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
13 Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
| Specialised £ |
Non- specialised £ |
Outdoor educational facilities £ |
Furniture, equipment and motor vehicles £ |
Total £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or deemed cost At 1 January 2024 Additions Transfer to investment property (note14 (b)) Disposals Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) At 31 December 2024 At deemed cost At cost Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year Transfer to investment property (note14 (b)) On disposals Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) At 31 December 2024 Net book values At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
3,653,272 — — — (3,653,272) |
350,000 125,601 (325,601) — (150,000) |
109,184 — — — (109,184) |
510,036 98,718 (15,261) (21,790) (571,703) |
4,622,492 224,319 (340,862) (21,790) (4,484,159) |
| — | — | — | — | — | |
| 3,653,272 — |
150,000 — |
— 109,184 |
— 571,703 |
3,803,272 680,887 |
|
| 3,653,272 | 350,000 | 109,184 | 571,703 | 4,484,159 | |
| 1,777,682 73,065 — — (1,850,525) |
— — — — — |
46,566 12,529 — — (59,095) |
443,642 30,369 (3,459) (21,383) (449,169) |
2,267,890 115,963 (3,459) (21,383) (2,359,011) |
|
| — | — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1,875,590 | 350,000 | 62,618 | 66,394 | 2,354,602 |
As permitted under the transitional provisions of FRS 102, the charity has continued to adopt a policy of not revaluing its tangible fixed assets. They are stated at cost, or, where cost is not available, at a trustees’ valuation made as described in the principal accounting policies. The valuation is now deemed to be cost.
It is likely that the open market values of certain of the charity’s land and buildings are materially greater than their book values. The amount of such differences cannot be ascertained without incurring significant costs, which, in the opinion of trustees, is not justified in terms of the benefit to the users of the accounts.
During the year, one property was reclassified to investment properties as its use changed such that it was no longer occupied by the charity in furtherance of its own objectives.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 45
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
14 Investments
| Investments | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ 27,684,030 — 27,684,030 — 27,684,030 |
|
| Listed investments Investment property Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) |
26,267,892 3,000,000 |
|
| 29,267,892 (29,267,892) |
||
| — |
(a) Listed investments
| (a) Listed investments | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Listed investments Market value at 1 January 2024 Additions at cost Disposals at opening market value (proceeds: £5,754,660; gains: £1,039,594) Net unrealised investment gains (losses) Market value at 31 December 2024 Cash held by investment managers for re-investment Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) Cost of listed investments at 31 December 2024 |
18,798,668 12,064,766 (4,715,065) (220,226) |
19,249,303 2,333,289 (2,955,178) 171,254 |
| 25,928,143 339,748 |
18,798,668 8,885,362 |
|
| 26,267,892 (26,267,892) |
27,684,030 — |
|
| — | 27,684,030 | |
| — | 14,630,960 |
Listed investments (excluding cash) held at 31 December 2024 prior to the transfer to the CIO comprised the following:
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|
| Equities (UK) Equities (overseas) Fixed interest investments (UK) Fixed interest investments (overseas) Property funds Other listed investments (Infrastructure and private equity) CCLA |
6,434,003 9,337,569 1,599,275 387,383 357,028 1,752,350 6,060,535 |
7,257,991 7,076,459 2,092,147 391,402 513,846 1,466,823 — |
| 25,928,143 | 18,798,668 |
Apart from the sum held in CCLA of £6,060,535 (2023; £Nil) which is an investment of diversified holdings, there were no individual holdings that represented a material percentage of the listed investment portfolio as at 31 December 2024 (2023 – none).
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 46
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
14 Investments (continued)
(b) Investment property
| (b) Investment property | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ — 337,403 2,662,597 3,000,000 (3,000,000) — |
2023 £ |
|
| At 1 January 2024 Transfer from tangible fixed assets (note 13) Revaluation to fair value Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) At 31 December 2024 |
— — — |
|
| — | ||
| — |
During the year, this property was reclassified from a tangible fixed asset as its use changed such that it was no longer occupied by the charity in furtherance of its own objectives.
A valuation of £3m was provided by an independent sales agent based and operating in the Summertown area of Oxford where the property is located. The valuation took into account recent sales of equivalent properties in the Summertown area along with current market conditions.
The historical cost of the investment property according to the fixed asset register is £337,403. It is not possible to give an exact figure to a purchase price as the property was bought as part of a larger parcel which has been partially sold on for development and partially developed for use by the trust.
15 Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amounts due within oneyear | 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
| Prepayments Investment income receivable Other debtors Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) |
2,880 58,507 5,000 |
6,666 20,187 3,500 |
| 66,387 (66,387) |
30,353 — |
|
| — | 30,353 |
16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Expense creditors Other creditors Accruals Liability in respect to claims of alleged abuse inclusive of costs (see note 17) Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) |
254 106,111 54,245 665,966 |
340 45,020 47,747 556,572 |
| 864,067 (864,067) |
649,679 — |
|
| — | 649,679 |
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 47
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
17 Provision for liabilities and charges
| Provision for liabilities and charges | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ |
2023 £ |
|
| Provision for liabilities in respect to claims of alleged abuse inclusive of costs (see below) Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) As at 31 December |
6,800,000 (6,800,000) |
7,000,000 — |
| — | 7,000,000 | |
| The movements in the provisions are as follows: | 2023 £ |
2022 £ |
| As at 1 January 2024 Net decrease in provision Transfer of net assets to CIO (note 23) As at 31 December 2024 |
7,000,000 (200,000) |
8,000,000 (1,000,000) |
| 6,800,000 (6,800,000) |
7,000,000 — |
|
| — | 7,000,000 |
Vicarious Liability Claims in Scotland
There are over 60 outstanding claims relating to historic incidents of alleged physical or sexual abuse of children being brought against the charity in Scotland in respect to alleged incidents that took place at educational establishments in that country. All of these claims relate to events that allegedly took place many years ago. Given the abolition of Limitation by the Scottish Parliament (as of 4 October 2017), the historic claims are now being pursued.
To date 36 claims have been settled or withdrawn at a total cost of nearly £4 million inclusive of all legal fees and net of reimbursement of a division of the damages and costs from the employer organisations which owned and managed the educational establishments.
It is estimated that the aggregate of the reserve on damages and legal costs on the outstanding claims will be around £6.8 million.
Since the charity was not the employer, in some cases a division and damages has been successfully recovered from the employer organisations which owned and managed the educational establishments. No overall liability has been admitted by these organisations hence the c.£7m reserve only allows for limited recoveries from the managers
The trustees have continued to engage legal experts to act on behalf of the charity to advise on the conduct of the claims being brought against the charity in England and Wales and in Scotland. As noted earlier in this report, the trustees of the charity are aware of their duties in respect to safeguarding and have up to date procedures in place. The charity is a member of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). The trustees are committed to acting in a way which is in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries, past, present and future.
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 48
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
18 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trusts to be applied for specific purposes:
| At 1 January 2024 £ |
At 1 January 2024 £ |
Income £ |
Expenditure £ |
Expenditure £ |
Transfers £ |
Transfers £ |
Transfer to CIO £ |
At 31 December 2024 £ — — — — |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District fund St Cassian’s Appeal fund Other funds |
67,795 25,870 16,305 |
1,256,811 2,702 — |
(1,936,299) (4,163) — |
735,369 — — |
(123,676) (24,409) (16,305) |
|||||
| 109,970 | 1,259,514 | (1,940,463) | 735,369 | (164,391) | ||||||
| At 1 January 2023 £ |
Income £ |
Expenditure £ |
Transfers £ |
At 31 December 2023 £ |
||||||
| District fund St Cassian’s Appeal fund Other funds |
81,113 23,449 16,305 |
397,171 2,421 — |
(570,489) — — |
160,000 — |
67,795 25,870 16,305 |
|||||
| 120,867 | 399,592 | (570,489) | 160,000 | 109,970 |
The District fund
The District fund is to be used for administering and co-ordinating the Institute’s District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta. The transfer from unrestricted funds represents the contribution towards the funds from the charity representing the contribution from Great Britain.
The St Cassian’s Appeal fund
The St Cassian’s Appeal fund represents monies raised to support the St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre, Kintbury, Berkshire.
19 Designated funds
The income fund of the charity includes the following funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:
| At 1 January 2024 £’000 |
New designations £’000 |
Released £’000 |
Transfer to CIO £’000 |
At 31 December 2024 £’000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care and Development Fund Education Support Fund District Support Fund |
10,200 7,000 4,000 |
2,700 — — |
(1,000) — — |
(11,900) (7,000) (4,000) |
— — — |
| 21,200 | 2,700 | (1,000) | (22,900) | — |
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 49
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
19 Designated funds (continued)
| Designated funds(continued) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 January 2023 £’000 |
New designations £’000 — 1,000 — 1,000 |
At 31 December 2023 £’000 |
|
| Care and Development Fund Education Support Fund District Support Fund |
10,200 6,000 4,000 |
10,200 7,000 4,000 |
|
| 20,200 | 21,200 |
The purposes for which the funds have been set aside are as follows:
-
♦ The care and development fund represents assets (including tangible fixed assets) set aside to assist with the care of members of the Institute, who have no funds or assets of their own, and to enable them to carry out and support the ongoing pastoral work and ministry of the charity.
-
♦ The educational support fund represents assets (including tangible fixed assets) set aside to assist with the running of the St Cassian’s Pastoral Centre in Kintbury and other ongoing educational support activity.
-
♦ The District support fund represents assets put aside to assist with the running of the administration and mission activities for the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta.
20 Analysis of net assets between funds
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 immediately prior to the transfer to De la Salle Great Britain CIO are represented by:
| General funds £ |
Designated funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Investments Net current assets Provisions for liabilities and charges Total net assets |
— 8,493,040 110,757 (6,800,000) |
2,125,148 20,774,852 — — |
— — 164,391 — |
2,125,148 29,267,892 275,148 (6,800,000) |
| 1,803,797 | 22,900,000 | 164,391 | 24,868,188 | |
| General funds £ |
Designated funds £ |
Restricted funds £ |
Total 2023 £ |
|
| Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Investments Net current assets Provisions for liabilities and charges Total net assets |
761,382 8,077,250 80,379 (7,000,000) |
1,593,220 19,606,780 — — |
— — 109,970 — |
2,354,602 27,684,030 190,349 (7,000,000) |
| 1,919,011 | 21,200,000 | 109,970 | 23,228,981 |
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 50
Notes to the accounts Year to 31 December 2024
21 Contingent liabilities
In the event of closure or sale of voluntary aided schools provided by the charity, it may become liable to repay grants paid by the Department for Education to finance capital expenditure by those schools. Since figures for total capital grants paid are not readily available, it is not possible to quantify the amount of any contingent liability.
In addition to the vicarious liability and similar claims explained in note 17, it is possible that there may be further potential claims against the charity concerning the welfare of children. The likelihood of these arising, the amounts that may be claimed and the associated costs cannot be quantified at the current time.
22 Related party transactions
The trustees of the charity are also the trustees of De la Salle Great Britain CIO to which the charity transferred its activities, assets and liabilities with effect from midnight on 31 December 2024 (see note 23). There were no other transactions between the charity and the CIO.
Except as disclosed in note 11 to the accounts, there are no other related party transactions requiring disclosure (2023 – none).
23 Transfer to De la Salle Great Britain CIO
With effect from midnight on 31 December 2024, the activities, assets and liabilities of the charity were transferred to De la Salle Great Britain CIO, Charity Registration No. 1208212 in accordance with a legal transfer of undertaking deed.
The net assets at that date comprised:
| £ | |
|---|---|
| Tangible fixed assets (note 13) Listed investments (including cash held within investments (note 14(a)) Investment property (note 14(b)) Debtors (note 15) Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (note 16) Provisions for liabilities and charges (note 17) |
2,125,148 26,267,892 3,000,000 66,387 1,072,828 (864,067) (6,800,000) |
| 24,868,188 |
The funds of the charity which were transferred comprised the following:
| £ | |
|---|---|
| General fund Designated funds (note 19) Restricted funds (note 18) |
1,803,797 22,900,000 164,391 |
| 24,868,188 |
The Province of Great Britain of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Charitable Trust 51