Charity registered number 266145
## **THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL**
(Registered charity no. 266145)
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
NfP Accountants Ltd
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
**REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **CONTENTS**
||Page|
|---|---|
|**Legal and administrative information**|1|
|**Trustees' annual report**|2|
|**Independent Examiner's report**|6|
|**Statement of financial activities**|7|
|**Balance sheet**|9|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|10|
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## **for the year ended 31 December 2024**
|**Trustees**
**Charity reg. no.**
**Website**
**Email: Hon. Secretary**
**Registered office**
**Independent examiner**
**Bankers**|Dr Rajni Rijal (Chair)
Caroline Muir
Louisa Tam
Patricia Yaxley
Anam Al-Jumaili
Dr Lamees Ibrahim
Dr Frances Moore
Deepti Yadav (resigned 25th June 2025)
Thelma Akrawi
Asha Patel (appointed 25th June 2025)
266145
www.womenscouncil.org.uk
enquiries-twc@outlook.com
85 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 7LT
Charles Ssempijja, FCA
NfP Accountants Ltd
3rd Floor
86-90 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE
National Westminster Bank Plc
250 Bishopsgate
London
EC2M 4AA|
|---|---|
1
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT**
## **for the year ended 31 December 2024**
The trustees present their combined Directors' report and Trustees' annual report, together with the financial statements of The Women's Council for year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document, and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
The reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report.
Income and expenditure have been analysed on a 'natural basis', taking advantage of the smaller charities provisions in sections 4.17 and 4.18 of this SORP.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Constitution and governing document**
The Women's Council is a registered charity with the Charity Commission in England and Wales, registered number 266145. The charity is constituted under its Constitution, revised 24 April 2019.
The governance of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees. Day to day management is by the Chair, who draws on the support and expertise of the highly experienced Board of Trustees as needed.
## **Method of appointment or election of the Trustees**
Trustees are elected and co-opted under the terms of the memorandum and articles. Regular reviews are held to identify any expertise gaps within the Board of Trustees and appointments are made where required to strengthen the Board of Trustees, subject to all trustees’ approval.
When it is necessary to appoint new trustees, due to either a trustee stepping down or a gap of expertise in the board is identified, recruitment will initially begin through the networks of the board and management team. Applicants will be reviewed by trustees and the successful applicant will be invited to attend a trustee
No other person or external body is entitled to appoint any trustees of the charity. The Trustees who served during the period and after the year end are shown on page 1.
## **Policies adopted for the induction and training of Board of Trustees**
The charity provides new trustees with mentoring and assistance from the Chair and all existing Trustees.
2
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT**
**for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **Related party relationships**
The Charity has considered the disclosure requirements of the SORP for related party relationships. The charity has no related party connections with other organisations. The trustees consider that the members of the board and their close connections to be the only related parties of the charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any reimbursements to trustees for out of pocket expenses are shown in Note 2.
Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the Chair and to withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.
## **Remuneration policy for key management personnel**
The charity has no remunerated personnel. The trustees provide their support to the charity on voluntary
## **Risk management**
The Board of Trustees fully accepts its responsibilities for ensuring that the major risks to which the Charity is exposed are identified, and that there are systems and procedures in place to mitigate those risks.
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT**
## **Purposes and aims**
The Women’s Council is a voluntary, non-political, non-sectarian organisation with over 90 years’ history of friendship, understanding and cooperation between women of Asian Countries and the United Kingdom.
The Women's Council's aims are to advance the awareness of women in the UK concerning the peoples of Asia, Asia Pacific and The Middle East and also to assist in aiding disabled children and their families.
## **Principal activities**
For over fifty years and twenty-five years in Asia and The Middle East, respectively, the charity has been promoting the training of women working in child welfare. The work is focused on improving the care and inclusion of children with disabilities, and assisting their families in their communities in Asia, Asia Pacific and The Middle East.
The Council is supported primarily by Patrons, Heads of Mission where they are women, or wives of Heads of Mission to The Court of St James from 26 countries in Asia, Asia Pacific ,and by Members and Friends. The work is undertaken by a team of volunteer Committee Members who attend regular Committee Meetings. Financial responsibility is exercised by the Board of Trustees. Activities of the Council include talks, coffee mornings and other cross-cultural activities designed to promote friendship between women of UK and the countries of Asia, while supporting the training programme.
Membership of The Women’s Council is open to any woman in the UK or Overseas who is interested in the Council’s aims. Like-minded women’s organisations or women’s sections of mixed organisations may become Corporate Members. The Council is always interested to hear from potential new members.
3
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT**
**for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **Statement of public benefit**
The Board of Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE: REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR**
The Trustees are pleased to present the 2024 report, reflecting on another active and engaging year for our charity. The Community Initiative in Inclusion (CII) with our partners ADAPT welcomed 21 participants from 10 countries, reinforcing the global impact of our work. The participants continued to support key projects in the field of disability and inclusion, including Oral Health and Safeguarding, ensuring positive and lasting change. Our partners SETI/UNESWCA were unable to hold the Pan Arab course this year due to ongoing complexities in the region.
We were fortunate to come together at a variety of events starting with a Leap Year and Chinese Year of the Dragon lunch. A highlight was the prestigious gathering at the House of Lords, The River Room, hosted by Baroness Browning, bringing members together in an inspiring setting. Coffee events with Doria and Fatimah provided opportunities for connection, while the Joint Commonwealth Organisation Kew boat trip allowed members to enjoy a relaxed day. The AGM was particularly insightful, reflecting on the history of TWC, with ADAPT partners Dr Alur, Malini Chib, and CII Alumni Atu leading a thought-provoking discussion on the social vs. medical model in disability and inclusion.
For members unable to attend events in London, two quizzes ensured continued engagement and enjoyment. A unique cultural highlight was “The Secret of Japanese Scent”, arranged by Kuniko and friends from Japan and the US, offering a fascinating exploration of tradition and fragrance. The year concluded on a high note with an exceptionally well-attended Christmas lunch, a testament to the strong sense of community and friendship within the charity.
We were deeply saddened by the passing of Baroness Flather, a longstanding Patron and supporter, and our past assistant secretary Gillian Mellor. Their contributions and dedication will always be remembered with gratitude.
We express our gratitude to our President, Patrons, Vice Presidents, Trustees, Committee, Honorary Training Advisor and partners, whose dedication and enthusiasm continue to drive the charity forward. Most importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our members and guests for the continued support and encouragement. This commitment ensures that we can keep fostering inclusion, cultural exchange, and advocacy, building on the achievements of 2024 and beyond.
4
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT**
**for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Financial position**
The Charity achieved net income for the year of £41,469 (2023 - net income of £315,229), details of which are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 7.
Total income for the year amounted to £42,103, a decrease of £300,509 on the previous year; and total expenditure amounted to £52,880, a reduction of £10,918 on the previous year.
The decrease in income is due to the extraordinary income from bequests received in the prior year of £301,875.
The decrease in expenditure is primarily because a SETI course was not held this year (cost in 2023 of £7,216).
## **Reserves policy**
The charity's reserves policy is to ensure continued operation and essentially its regional training programme for a minimum of three years, while it is recognised to be playing a key role in the improvement of care and promotion of inclusion for children with disabilities in the region of operation.
At the balance sheet date, the Trustees estimate this would require reserves of £80,000. At the year end, the charity had unrestricted undesignated reserves of £705,609, which is significantly higher than this required level. However, £550,146 of this is being held in medium to long term investments and £50,000 has been put into a high-interest savings account which is due to mature in November 2025. Taking this into account, the reserves are in line with this.
## **Going concern**
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.
## **APPROVAL OF THE REPORT**
This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on ……………………………. and signed on their behalf
………………………………………………… **Dr Rajni Rijal (Chair)**
5
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES**
## **For the year ended 31 December 2024**
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent Examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act, or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
I understand that the financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view, and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following SORP 2015 FRS102, rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 (SORP 2005), which is referred to in the exitent regulations, but has since been withdrawn.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Charles Ssempijja, FCA**
NfP Accountants Ltd Chartered Accountants 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street London
EC2A 4NE Date: ………………………….
6
## **THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2024**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME FROM**
Subscriptions Received
**1,845**
**-**
Donations Received
**13,130**
**-**
Gift Aid Tax Relief
**3,341**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Income
**11,202**
**-**
Bequest received
**-**
**-**
Bank Interest
**5,413**
**-**
COIF Interest
**3,072**
**-**
Investment Income
**7**
**-**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**38,010**
**-**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Direct Charitable Expenses
**31,451**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Costs
**10,635**
**-**
Office and Other Expenses
**2,154**
**-**
Investment charges
**8,051**
**159**
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**52,291**
**159**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
4
**44,345**
**5,021**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**30,064**
**4,862**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY
**675,547**
**85,877**
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER**
**705,611**
**90,739**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME FROM**
Subscriptions Received
**1,845**
**-**
Donations Received
**13,130**
**-**
Gift Aid Tax Relief
**3,341**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Income
**11,202**
**-**
Bequest received
**-**
**-**
Bank Interest
**5,413**
**-**
COIF Interest
**3,072**
**-**
Investment Income
**7**
**-**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**38,010**
**-**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Direct Charitable Expenses
**31,451**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Costs
**10,635**
**-**
Office and Other Expenses
**2,154**
**-**
Investment charges
**8,051**
**159**
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**52,291**
**159**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
4
**44,345**
**5,021**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**30,064**
**4,862**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY
**675,547**
**85,877**
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER**
**705,611**
**90,739**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME FROM**
Subscriptions Received
**1,845**
**-**
Donations Received
**13,130**
**-**
Gift Aid Tax Relief
**3,341**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Income
**11,202**
**-**
Bequest received
**-**
**-**
Bank Interest
**5,413**
**-**
COIF Interest
**3,072**
**-**
Investment Income
**7**
**-**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**38,010**
**-**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Direct Charitable Expenses
**31,451**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Costs
**10,635**
**-**
Office and Other Expenses
**2,154**
**-**
Investment charges
**8,051**
**159**
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**52,291**
**159**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
4
**44,345**
**5,021**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**30,064**
**4,862**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY
**675,547**
**85,877**
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER**
**705,611**
**90,739**|**Restricted**
**Income**
**Funds**
**£**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**38**
**-**
**139**
**1,243**
**2,673**
**4,093**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**430**
**430**
**2,880**
**6,543**
**123,116**
**129,659**|**Total Funds**
_Total funds_
**2024**
_2023_
**£**
_£_
**1,845**
_2,660_
**13,130**
_11,926_
**3,341**
_2,890_
**11,240**
_14,530_
**-**
_301,875_
**5,552**
_2,903_
**4,315**
_3,259_
**2,680**
_2,569_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**38,010**|**-**||**42,103**
_342,612_|
||**31,451**
**10,635**
**2,154**
**8,051**|**-**
**-**
**-**
**159**||**31,451**
_43,923_
**10,635**
_11,471_
**2,154**
_3,126_
**8,640**
_5,278_|
||**52,291**|**159**||**52,880**
_63,798_|
|||**5,021**||**52,246**
_36,415_|
||**30,064**
**675,547**|**4,862**
**85,877**||**41,469**
_315,229_
**884,540**
_569,311_|
||**705,611**|**90,739**||**926,009**
_884,540_|
All incoming resources and outgoing resources derive from continuing activities.
The annexed notes form part of these financial statements
7
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME FROM**
Subscriptions Received
**2,660**
**-**
Donations Received
**11,926**
**-**
Gift Aid Tax Relief
**2,890**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Income
**9,828**
**-**
Bequest received
**301,875**
**-**
Bank Interest
**2,498**
**-**
COIF Interest
**2,801**
**-**
Investment Income
**-**
**-**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**334,478**
**-**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Direct Charitable Expenses
**43,923**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Costs
**8,994**
**-**
Office and Other Expenses
**3,126**
**-**
Investment charges
**5,278**
**-**
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**61,321**
**-**
**273,157**
**-**
**273,157**
**-**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
4
**24,790**
**8,742**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**297,947**
**8,742**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY
**377,599**
**77,135**
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER**
**675,546**
**85,877**
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME FROM**
Subscriptions Received
**2,660**
**-**
Donations Received
**11,926**
**-**
Gift Aid Tax Relief
**2,890**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Income
**9,828**
**-**
Bequest received
**301,875**
**-**
Bank Interest
**2,498**
**-**
COIF Interest
**2,801**
**-**
Investment Income
**-**
**-**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**334,478**
**-**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Direct Charitable Expenses
**43,923**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Costs
**8,994**
**-**
Office and Other Expenses
**3,126**
**-**
Investment charges
**5,278**
**-**
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**61,321**
**-**
**273,157**
**-**
**273,157**
**-**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
4
**24,790**
**8,742**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**297,947**
**8,742**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY
**377,599**
**77,135**
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER**
**675,546**
**85,877**
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**INCOME FROM**
Subscriptions Received
**2,660**
**-**
Donations Received
**11,926**
**-**
Gift Aid Tax Relief
**2,890**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Income
**9,828**
**-**
Bequest received
**301,875**
**-**
Bank Interest
**2,498**
**-**
COIF Interest
**2,801**
**-**
Investment Income
**-**
**-**
**TOTAL INCOME**
**334,478**
**-**
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Direct Charitable Expenses
**43,923**
**-**
Events and Fund Raising Activities Costs
**8,994**
**-**
Office and Other Expenses
**3,126**
**-**
Investment charges
**5,278**
**-**
**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**
**61,321**
**-**
**273,157**
**-**
**273,157**
**-**
Net gains/(losses) on investments
4
**24,790**
**8,742**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**297,947**
**8,742**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
TOTAL FUNDS AT 1 JANUARY
**377,599**
**77,135**
**TOTAL FUNDS AT 31 DECEMBER**
**675,546**
**85,877**
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers|**Restricted**
**Income**
**Funds**
**£**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**4,702**
**-**
**405**
**458**
**2,569**
**8,134**
**-**
**2,477**
**-**
**-**
**2,477**
**5,657**
**5,657**
**2,883**
**8,540**
**114,577**
**123,117**|**Total Funds**
**2023**
**£**
**2,660**
**11,926**
**2,890**
**14,530**
**301,875**
**2,903**
**3,259**
**2,569**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**334,478**|**-**||**342,612**|
||**43,923**
**8,994**
**3,126**
**5,278**|**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**||**43,923**
**11,471**
**3,126**
**5,278**|
||**61,321**|**-**||**63,798**|
||**273,157**|**-**||**278,814**|
|||**-**
**8,742**||**278,814**
**36,415**|
||**297,947**
**377,599**|**8,742**
**77,135**||**315,229**
**569,311**|
||**675,546**|**85,877**||**884,540**|
All incoming resources and outgoing resources derive from continuing activities.
8
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **BALANCE SHEET**
## **As at 31 December 2024**
|**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Investments
4
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Other debtors
5
Cash at bank and in hand
**CREDITORS: amounts falling**
**due within one year**
6
**Net current assets**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
Restricted funds
Restricted income funds
7
Endowment funds
7
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
7
General funds
7
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**2024**
**£**
**£**
**699,256**
**4,200**
**223,393**
**(840)**
**226,753**
**926,009**
**£ **
**129,660**
**90,740**
**220,400**
**261,300**
**444,309**
**705,609**
**926,009**
**£ **|**2024**
**£**
**£**
**699,256**
**4,200**
**223,393**
**(840)**
**226,753**
**926,009**
**£ **
**129,660**
**90,740**
**220,400**
**261,300**
**444,309**
**705,609**
**926,009**
**£ **|_£_
_3,738_
_226,101_
_(780)_|_2023_
_£_
_655,481_
_229,059_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||**926,009**
**£ **||_884,540_
_£ _|
|||**129,660**
**90,740**||_123,117_
_85,877_|
|||**220,400**
**261,300**
**444,309**||_208,994_
_10,700_
_664,846_|
|||**705,609**||_675,546_|
|||**926,009**
**£ **||_884,540_
_£ _|
The financial statements 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 (FRS 102) (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
They were approved, and authorised for issue, by the Trustees on ……………………………. and signed on their behalf by:-
Dr Rajni Rijal (Chair)
The annexed notes form part of these financial statements
9
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## _**Basis of preparation of financial statements**_
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, as updated on 2 February 2016 (SORP 2015), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Income and expenditure have been analysed on a 'natural basis, taking advantage of section 4.6 of the SORP.
The effect of events relating to the year ended 31 December 2024 which occurred before the date of approval of the financial statements by the Trustees has been included in the financial statements to the extent required to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 31 December 2024 and the results for the year ended on that date.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following SORP 2015 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 (SORP 2005) which has since been withdrawn.
## _**Going concern**_
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Key judgements that the charity has made which have a significant effect on the accounts include estimating income and expenditure for the next 12 months.
## _**Statement of Cash Flows**_
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption conferred by Section 1 of FRS102 in relation to the Statement of Cash Flows.
## _**Income**_
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Grants which have a restriction as to timing are recognised over the period for which they are given.
The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in the accounts.
## _**Fund accounting**_
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Statutory grants which are given as contributions towards the Charity's core services are treated as unrestricted.
## _**Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT**_
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is considered all to relate to All the expenditure of the charity is in the furtherance of its charitable activities and includes the costs of delivering services undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
## _**Investments**_
Fixed assets investments are held at market value on the balance sheet date. Gains and losses are recognised in income and expenditure in the period in which they occur.
## _**Debtors**_
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## _**Cash at bank and in hand**_
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## _**Creditors and provisions**_
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
11
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **2. TRUSTEES**
No trustees received remuneration in the year (2023 - the same). 4 trustees received payments in reimbursement for out of pocket expenses amounting to £1,218 (2023 - 2 trustees received payments in reimbursement for out of pocket expenses amounting to £1,661).
## **3. CORPORATION TAX**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
## **4. INVESTMENTS**
||||
|---|---|---|
|**INVESTMENTS**
**Movements in the year**
At 1 January 2024
Income reinvested
Gains/Losses on investments
Disposals
At 31 December 2024|**2024**
**£**
**655,481**
**-**
**52,246**
**(8,471)**
**699,256**
**£ **|_2023_
_£_
_94,166_
_524,900_
_36,415_
_-_|
|||_655,481_
_£ _|
-
- The Training and Scholarship Fund has 23,100.96 COIF Charities Fixed Interest Income units.
- The Marcus Smith Bequest has 25,428.78 LGT IFSL CAF Investment Fund IFSL ESG Income and Growth units.
- The Ruth Egerton Fund has 17,965.34 COIF Charities Global Equity Income Fund Income units and 10,171.51 LGT IFSL CAF Investment Fund IFSL ESG Income and Growth units.
-
- The Jenny Thompson Fund has 1,279.65 COIF Charities Investment Fund Income units.
- In unrestricted funds, the charity holds a further 472,975.23 units of the LGT IFSL CAF Investment Fund IFSL ESG Income and Growth GBP fund.
- The disposals made in the year of £8,471 were units sold within the LGT IFSL CAF Investment Fund IFSL ESG Income and Growth GBP fund to cover the fund management and financial advisor fees.
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## **THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
|**5.**
**DEBTORS**
**2024**
**Due within one year**
**£**
Accrued income
**3,663**
Prepayments
**537**
**4,200**
**£ **
**6.**
**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
**2024**
**£**
Other creditors
**840**
**840**
**£ **
**7.**
**STATEMENT OF FUNDS**
**Brought**
**Transfers &**
**Forward**
**Income**
**Expenditure Gains / Losses**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**2024**
Restricted funds:
Income funds
- Scholarship fund
**95,142**
**4,093**
**-**
**864**
- Marcus Smith fund
**27,975**
**-**
**(430)**
**2,016**
**123,117**
**4,093**
**(430)**
**2,880**
Endowment funds
- Ruth Egerton fund
**60,482**
**-**
**(159)**
**4,448**
- Jenny Thompson fund
**25,395**
**-**
**-**
**574**
**85,877**
**-**
**(159)**
**5,022**
Unrestricted fund
Designated funds
- Life membership fund
**10,700**
**-**
**-**
**600**
- Training &
Scholarship Fund
**-**
**-**
**-**
**250,000**
**10,700**
**-**
**-**
**250,600**
General funds
**664,846**
**38,010**
**(52,291)**
**(206,256)**
Total funds
**884,540**
**£ **
**42,103**
**£ **
**(52,880)**
**£**
**52,246**
**£ **|_2023_
_£_
_3,229_
_509_|
|---|---|
||_3,738_
_£ _|
||_2023_
_£_
_780_|
||_780_
_£ _|
||**Carried**
**Forward**
**£**
**100,099**
**29,561**|
||**129,660**
**64,771**
**25,969**|
||**90,740**
**11,300**
**250,000**|
||**261,300**
**444,309**|
||**926,009**
**£ **|
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**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
|_STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CONTINUED - 2023_
_Restricted funds:_
_Income funds_
_- Scholarship fund_
_88,069_
_8,134_
_- Marcus Smith fund_
_26,508_
_-_
_114,577_
_8,134_
_Endowment funds_
_- Ruth Egerton fund_
_53,877_
_-_
_- Jenny Thompson fund_
_23,258_
_-_
_77,135_
_-_
_Unrestricted fund_
_Designated funds_
_- Life membership fund_
_9,550_
_-_
_General funds_
_368,049_
_334,478_
_377,599_
_334,478_
_Total funds_
_569,311_
_£ _
_342,612_
_£ _|_(2,477)_
_-_
_(2,477)_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(61,321)_
_(61,321)_
_(63,798)_
_£_|_1,416_
_1,467_
_2,883_
_6,605_
_2,137_
_8,742_
_1,150_
_23,640_
_24,790_
_36,415_
_£ _|_95,142_
_27,975_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_123,117_
_60,482_
_25,395_|
||||_85,877_
_10,700_
_664,846_|
||||_675,546_|
||||_884,540_
_£ _|
## **Purposes of funds**
The Training and Scholarship Fund supports the main charitable activity of the Council. The programme focuses on Community Based Rehabiliation and Inclusion for disabled children, and supports women working in this field in Asia to benefit from regional training.
In 1977, the late Mrs Marcus Smith bequeathed investments to The Women's Council, which assists in supporting the scholarship programme.
In 1978, a Travelling Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the late Lady Ruth Egerton. The interest is now used to help fund scholars' fares to attend the regional courses supported by the Council.
In 1993, a fund was established in memory of the late Mrs Jenny Thompson, the income is now used for the health, welfare and cultural enrichment of the scholars while on the Courses.
Designated Training & Scholarship Fund: In order to safeguard the future funding of the ADAPT and SETI courses, it was voted on and agreed on 09 January 2025 to ringfence £250,000 and transfer it from the General Fund into a designated Training & Scholarship Fund.
The General Fund supports the general activities of the Council.
14
**THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL (Registered charity no. 266145)**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## **8. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS**
|Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
_2023_
_Fixed assets investments_
_Current assets_
_Creditors due within one year_
_Total funds_|**General**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**549,834**
**156,615**
**(840)**
**705,609**
**£ **
_-_
_378,979_
_(1,380)_
_377,599_
_£ _|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**149,422**
**70,978**
**-**
**220,400**
**£ **
_142,109_
_66,885_
_-_
_208,994_
_£ _|**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
**699,256**
**227,593**
**(840)**
**926,009**
**£ **
_655,481_
_229,839_
_(780)_
_884,540_
_£ _|_Total_
_Funds_
_2023_
_£_
_655,481_
_229,839_
_(780)_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_884,540_
_£ _|
||||||
## **9. OTHER LEGAL INFORMATION**
The Women's Council is a registered charity number 266145. Its registered office address is 85 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7LT. The accounts are presented in GBP rounded to £1.
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