BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY IUKI Annual Report YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Charity Nos. 269971 England and Wales'SC040512 Scotland
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) (Charity Nos. 269971 England and Wales; SC040512 Scotland) Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2023 Contents Page Trustees Report . 1-26 Auditors Report . 27-30 Statctncnt of Financial Activities 31 Balance Sheet . 32 Statement of Cash Flows....... 33 Noles to the Financial Statements . 34-41
BRAHMA KUMA5 WORLD SpIRtfUAL UNIVERStrY (UK) YE 3111212023 Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023 The trustees present their report along w'ith the audited financial statements of the charity for the )'ear ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared based on the accounting policies sel out in note I to the financial statements and comply with th¢ charity's Irnst d¢¢d, the Charities Act, and Accounting and Reporting by Chartties.. Statement of Recotntnended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance M'ith the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102) (eff¢ctiTre l January 2019). Legal and Administrative Information Charity Name: Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) Charity Numbers: 269971 SC040512 England and Wales Scotland Trustees: Mahesh Patel Ratan Thadani Sanjay Tulsidas Goi'ind Vaswani - resigned 4 March 2024 Girish Wadhwani S¢¢retary: Kim Lewis Registered and Administralive Offiee: Global Co-operation House 65-69 PoLU]d Lane London NWIO 2HH Banker: HSBC Bank PIC 584 High Road, Wembley Middlesex HAO 2DB Lcgal Advisers: Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP 134 Edmund Street Birn]ingham B3 2ES VWV Solicitors Second Floor, 3 Brindley Plac¢ Binningharn B12JB Auditor: Kingsley Brackn]ann Partnership 64 Woodcock Hill, Kenton, Harrow Middlesex HA3 OJF
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SpIRfruAL U,NIVERSITY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) Structure. Governance and Management Trustees and organisational structure The trustees who held office during the financial year and at the dale of this report are set out onpage l. The trust deed allows for up to I I trust¢¢s to be appointed. Trustees serN'e until they resign. New trustees are nominated and if suitable appointed b>. members of the board of trustees, taking into account the necessary skills they contribute to the charity's management and developrnent. When new trust¢¢s are appointed they are given an introduction to the work of the trust and provided w'ith the infonnation they need to fulfil their roles. This includes infonnation about the role of trustees, charity law, and a number of publications from the Charity Commission including guidance on the advancement of religion for public benefit. The trustees take responsibilily for Monitoring Ihe trust's activities, consisting of12 operational units that meet regularly. Each operational unit takes responsibility io adher¢ to the policies and budgets, as set out by the Trustees Board, and report back all relevant decisions and variances. Each operalional unit consists of at least two trustees. and includes k¢y rnanag¢m¢nt rnembers in order to ensure sound governance: allowing due consideration of the volunteer's ability, personal competence, specialised knowledge and desire to s¢rve. Th¢ trust has its headquarters in North West London and representatives in many cities and towis throughout the UK. Risk Management All stgnificant activities undertaken are subject to a risk review as part of the initial project &ssessment and implementalion. Major risks are identified and ranked in temis of their potential impact and likelihood. Major risks for this purpose are those that may have a significant effect on: Governance and management, including organisational, decision making and procedures Operational perfonnance, including risks to our volunte¢rs Financial management, including systems and monetary Environment and external factors, including public perception Compliance. including law and regulation The trustees review these risks on an ongoing basis and satisfy themselves that adequate system5 and procedures are in place to manage the risks identified. X¥'here appropriate, risks ar¢ covered by insurance. The following framework is central to ensuring adequate risk &ssurance.'
BRAHMA KuNqARIS WORLD SpIRrtUAL uNI%R5[[y {UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT {ContAnued) Monitoring of major risks and developrneni of action plans Embedding risk identification and assessment 'ithin operaiing procedures A clear structure of delegated authority and control Review of key systems and procedures Maintaining adequate free reserves in line with set policies Regular meetings b), various units with direct trustees involvement Engagement of professional advisors where necessary Relevant insuran¢¢ covers in place Appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service checks for volunteers who Work with children or other Nwlnerable adults within the community In assessing risk, the trustees r¢cognise that sorne areas of the charity s work require the acceptance and managemeni of risk if key objeciiTres are to be achiei'ed. Objects and Activities Brahma Kumaris (UK) is a non-governmental, non-political, religious organisation that was established in 1975. The charity 'aS constituted under a trust deed, dated 18 July 1975, with various amendments. It is registered as a charity with: The Charity Commission - Registered Charity Number 269971 in Fngland and Wales (E&W). The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator - Registered Charity Number SC040512 in Scotland (S). The charity's objects are: To promote the advancement of the Hindu Religion and other religions of the world. 2. To promote the advancernent of education by. educational courses, programmes and projects and siudies of and research in the field of Hindu Religious Philosophy 2nd Yoga (i'arious techniques of concentration as defined and discussed in the Hindu Scriptures) and to make kno the results of such studies and research. 3. To relieve poverty., mental and physical sickness and distress. 4. To promote the mental, spiritual or moral improvement of the community. The charity delivers these objectives through the following core activities..
BRAHNIA KuMARiS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Regular religious discourses. Celebrating religious festivals including the Founder's Memorial Day, Maha Shiv Ratri. Holi, Janrnashtamt, Navratri, Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, Easter and Christmas. Cours¢s including Raja Yoga Meditation, Positive Thinking in a Nutshell, Relax More-slress Less, Boosting Self Esteem and Goodbye to Anger. Retreats - including one-day and residential retreats. Lectures, seminars, workshops and other events on how the principles and practice of Raja Yoga can help us in our daily lives. Community outreach, such as exhibitions. fairs and festivals, interfaith events and onneciions, youth work. w'omen's and men's groups: and activities geared to specific communities, e.g. business, healthcare, and people of diverse nationalities and cultures. Publie Benefit The charit). constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRSI 02. The board of trustees has given regard to the legislative and rcgulatory. requir¢ment for disclosing how. the Charity's objectives have provided benefit to the public. This report outlin¢s how th¢ vartous a¢tiN'ities in the year have benefitted the public, either directly or indirectly. Serving the Community - Activities, Achievements and Performance We deliN'er our charitable objectives all around the UK solely through volunteers. We invite members of the public to participaie in our activities in person (where possible) and online, Using the internet, printed materia15, social media, local netw'orking. radio: film, television and advertising, as well as providing regular, appropriate communications to those who subscribe to our mailing lists. All our activities are free of charge and open to all members of the community. Religious Discourses Moming religious discourses take place eN'ery day of the )'ear in location5 around the UK. Increasingyl. these are in person but some are still offered online. These daily discourses aid deeper understanding and assimilation of the principles and practice of Raja Yoga for both regular and new students. We continued to offer additional sessions for newcomers and those unable to attend the early morning discourses, as well more interaclive Classes on the daily religious discourses in house and online. Average daily connections.. 1,417 - E&W; 18 - S. Our Courses The Raja Yoga meditation course, our core curriculum, explores how, we can tap into our inner goodness, deN'elop a loving relationship '1th God and so respond better to life's Lhallenges and opportunities. This was offered both online and in person- in different forniat5 to meet people s varving needs. Students are given the Choice of ati¢nding once weekly. every day for a week
BL4HMA KUMARIS WORLD SpIRrruAL UNIVERsrrY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) or ov¢r a weekend. There was also the option for on demand E-learning.. the Raja Yoga Meditation course is on our UK website and YouTube channel and in 2023 Inner Space Cambridge launched a new online Raja Yoga meditation course on their website. We also offered a number of life skills courses based on the teachings and practice of Raja Yoga. These explore how to lap into our inner goodness. develop a loving relationship 7th God and so respond better to life's challenges and opportunities. They include.. Positive Thinking in a Nulshell. RelLLr Mure. SireJJ Less. Buoslip7g SelfEsleem and Goodbye to Anger. Courses w¢r¢ giv¢n in several languages. including English, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, PortugJuese, Japanese, Spanish and Tamil. The following table gives the figures for people attending our courses organised and delivered by our volunleers across the UK in 2023. Courses 2023 Raja Yoga Meditation Lifc Skills Courses based on Raja Yoga Total England & Wales 2,209 1.338 Scotland 14 122 3,547 136 Some feedback from students of the Raja Yoga Meditation course in 2023.. "li is absolutely whai I need. Lookingfonvard io the next sessionl" "I really enjoyed and benefiiedfrom this beginners, course. I would like io regislerfor rhe Inlermediale course. "Jcan't recommend ihefree 7-day course enoughll It really changed Tny life and helped me lo improve my relalionship with myselfand with God. ' Events England & Wales Seotl8nd Talks. Lectures. Seminars. Workshops 47.835 909 Religious & Spiritual Celebrations 914 Special Events 9,354 1.659 Total 58,103 2J68
BRAHNIA KUMARIS WORLD SpIRtTUAL UNIVEESITY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) Talks, Leetures, Seminars & Workshops A ]de range of talks, seminars and workshops w¢r¢ offered, '1th speakers from around the UK and, increasingl),, from around the world. sharing their personal insights and tips, based on their OMI experience of studying and prnctlsing Raja Yoga. These were offered in different locations and on a range of plaiforn]s all year round. Creale a Calm Life in a Cray World- A Meditalion Maslercloss at the Trades Hall, Glasgojv in July with Sister Maureen, Progrdrnme Director of Brahma Kumaris UK, and Ash Patel w&$ attended by 50 people. Talks. lectures, seminars and workshops offered by Inner Space Covent Garden reached 9.574 attenderslconne¢iions. Events in community venues reached a further 2,747 people. In 2023 three new community N'enues N&'ere used for Inner Space talks and events.. Om Nom in Islington, Essex Church in Notting Hill and the s'15s Church in Covent Garden. Sister Jawiini gave a talk and meditation on Positive Change in Healih, Wealth and Happiness at Tooting Leisure Centre, South London in July was attended by 91 people. WAND.S_,Uagical Toolsfor Self-Empowermenl, a weekly Tuesday morning online talk and discussion, organised by Global Co-operation House for both the public and regular students. had 7,683 connections. "I can'f rhankyou enoughfor WANDS. li has helped Tne so, so much ihisyear. I li.¥ten weekly and somelimes more than Ihail The ¢alkf always h(we s(pmeihing lo guide me at difficuli limes. "l allended the self-esfeem workShopyesterd. A wonderful workshop indeed. '
BRAHMA KU.As WORLD SpiRITbAL uNR5[[y (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Religious & Spiritual Celebratlons We organised special events and aclivities to mark a variety of religious festivals throughout the year. These included some of the major Hindu festivals, Christmas, etc., on the understanding that, irrespective of faith and culture, we are one human family, all children of one God. The Founder's Memorial Da).. In the month of January we commemorated the passing of Brahma Baba, th¢ Founder of the Brahma Kumaris on 18th Januarv 1969. Extra time was dedicated to meditation and refl¢clion throughout the month and we oftered special events for the public and our regular students. Shiv Ratri (The Night of Shiiwa) celebratcs th¢ time when the Supreme Being ('Shiva' the Benefactor) incamates in the physical 'Orld in order to empower and uplift human souls - ,hen darkness is replaced by the of a new day. o Maha Shiv Ratri at Hannony House, Leicester was attended by 705 people over two days in February. The recording has attracted over 600 connections. Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours, is an exuberant celebration of the beginning of spring, the triumph of good over ¢vil and universal brotherhood. The colours of Holi symbolise the soul being "¢olour¢d' by God's company, having let go of the negativity of the past. Raksha Bandhan (The Bond of Protection) is traditionally celebrated every August by Hindus all around the world. The festival is a beautiful, silent ceremony reminding us of the purification and proteclion experienced through a loving connection with God. Rakhis (red threads) are tied on each one s WTiSt: s)Tnbolising the link of love between the soul and God. At the Hindu Temple in Edinburgh, rakhis were tied on the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. the Deputy Lord Provost and chief officers of the Aned For¢¢s, the Royal NaNy and the Royal Air Force, Ihe Police and 180 others by a representative of the Brahrna Kumaris, assisted by sisters from the templ¢. At Global Co-operation House, a total of 2,631 rakhis were tied during 10 Raksha Bandhan cer¢moni¢s and on an individual basis throughout the month. Our sisters also went out to tie rakhi5 at the Indian High Commission, The House of Lords, Westminster City Council Town Hall, as well as local ottices. care homes and other places in the community.
BRAHMA KUMA5 WORLD SpiRITLAL UN[vE[[y (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Raksha Bondhan al Ihe Howe ofLord wirh Defence Mtnisler Baroness Goldie, Barones3 Verma, rhe Lord Speaker and over 40 officers from all ihe armed forces received iheir rakhis. Janmashtami in August is a joyful celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishn4 the most lovable child deity, the epitorne of purity, innocence, playfulness and love, celebrated with special events and garba dances. Diwali. the F¢stival of Lights in November, signiftes the New Year and the coming of light to dispel the darkness. All around the UK Brahma Kumaris arranged Diwali celebration5 for students and the public and contributed to many other celebrations organised by others. Sisters from Global Co-operation House were inN'ited to join special Diwali celebrations al l O DoNNTring St and the Indian High Commission's celebrations at Central Hall, Westminst¢r. Oth¢r Hindu festiv#l$ #nd religious obs¢rvan¢¢$ marked iniluded Bhai Dooj. Dussehr& Guru Purnima, Navratri, Ram Navami, Purushottam Maas, Satnarayan Puja and Shrnad. Festivals of other failhs were also celebrated. Our aim is always to share and encourage a simpler, spiritual perspective on these festivals. For example, Christma5 15 a time for generosity and gratitude, for accepting and sharing the gifts of the virtues and strengths received from God. We celebrated with candlelight meditations. Christmas parties and cultural perfomiances. Chinese New Year - the Year of the Rabbit - was also celebrated at Global Co-operation House. The Real Message of Christmas - A Mt4sical Mediialive Journey created and perfornied al the Global Retreat Centre was attended by 126 people. Spe¢i21 Ev¢nts Some highlights from 2023: UN International Women's Day (IWD) Brahma Kumaris UK organised a number of events celebrating UN International Women's Day in several places around the UK in March. There were events in Loughborough and Sutton
BRAHNIA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNtVEisrrY {UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Coldfield. Global Co-operation House offered two online events - one in English Embracing Equityfrom the Inside Oui and anoth¢r in Hindi International Women's Day & Holi and further event in person Women Online. Harn]on}' House, Leicester celebrated IWD with a special multicultural, multifaith event with politicians, local leaders and dignitaries in collaboration with Mr Resham Singh Sandhu, Chainnan of the Sikh Welfare & Culturnl Society, Sister Maureen and headmaster Andrew Pettit, who spoke on the theme Womep7 as Creaiors ofPeace and Harmony. attended by 120 people. UN International Day of Yoga We marked the UN International Day of Yoga (IDY) in June 1th events offering an understanding and experience of yoga of the mind - meditation. Inner Space Wembley's hybrid event to mark IDY Respecting Mind, Body and Soul, attracted 232 people. Brahma Kumaris students from Global Co-operation House were invited to take part in the Indian High Commission's flagship IDY event in London's Trafalgar Square. Mukesh Pancholi of Manchester Inner Space was invited to speak about Raja Yoga meditation at the Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple, Manchester, attended by 40 people. A representative of Brahma Kumaris from South London gave a tslk in Hindi on Raja Yoga follow'ed by a guided meditation at Patidar Samaj Hall in Tooling Broadway, attended by 75 people. Brahma Kumarts UK teamed up H'iih the Museum of London and Maison Mangrov'e fo mark lDYM'iih Wellbeing al the Docks ai ihe Museum of Lop7don Docklands. Sister Jaymini spoke abot41 Raja Yoga Medifalion- Wellbeingfor the Alind and guided mediialions and other aciivi¢ies were offered all day. Attended by 150people. Black Hi5ttsry Montb Untying the Knots ihat Bind was a special event at Global Co-operation House, honouring Black History Month in the UK. Hosted by the Embracing Op7enes5 Initiatii'e, the speakers
BRAHMA KLMAs WORLD SpIRrruAL UNtVERSITY (UK) YE 31112/2023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) ere Mb¢ke Waseme, John Mcconnel and Pearl Jordan with creative 'OrkshopS run by Shanlanu Mandal. Pearl Smith and Ella Matheson. Attended by 65 people. Lecture Tour by BK Surya Visiling from our spiritual headquarters in Mount Abu. Indt4 BK Surya gave public talks around the theme of finding spiritual solutions to life's challenges, in N'arious UK toTr$ and cities in Septemberloctober: Global Co-operalion House, Global Retreat Centre. Birniingham Univ¢rsity, Harnlony House, Leicester, Manchester Sale Rugby Club. Lighthous¢ R¢tr¢at C¢ntre Worthing, Inner Space Covent Garden, The Radisson Hotel. Heathrow and The Nehru Centre, London. Well over 1.000 people attended events in person, with more joining online. Brahma Kumaris, contribution to events run by other organisations Several representative5 of Brahma Kumaris attended Creating World Peace and Sustainability in ihe P051 COVID-19 andposl Ukraine Conflici Era at Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament. London in May. organised by the Magna Carta World Peace & Sustainability Foundation. Sister Maureen was invited to speak at the conference. Brahma Kumaris UK was invited to be part of Celebraling Brilish-Hindu Conlributions at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Ten]ple, London in May. Bringing together over 110 Hindu temples, communities and associattons from around the UK the event was attended by over 1,600 guests. Bralm]a Kumaris UK have been working for many years now with the Mayor of London's office and the Diall in London Committee {made up of 14 Hindu organisations} and broadcast media to create Diwali on Trafalgar Square, a celebration of the Festival of Lights. Sister Jaymini held the whole crowd in Pausefor Peace- two minutes of quiet reflection - from the stage. Brahrna Kumaris had one rnarquee offering a Glimpse ofthe Goddesses and another with a running programme Yoga & Meditalion experiences and contributed to the Culture Zone and Healthy Living Zone. We also provided food packages for 500+ volunteers helping at the event. An estimated 30,000 people attended. io
BRAHNIA KUMA5 WORLD SPIRITUAL UNJVERSITY (UK} YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Spiritual retreats We offered r¢sidential and day retreats and special group gatherings for members of the public, invited guests and BK students in several locations in person as well as online. These events offered participants th¢ chance to reflect on their own spirituality and r¢fr¢sh their inner core values, through the understanding and experience of Raja Yoga. (5,431- E&W). The Global Retreat Centre The Global Retreat Centre has been offering meditation and self-development Courses. sessions and retreats along with festivals and other events - all free as a service to the community - since it opened in 1993. It serves people across Oxfordshire and from all continents. faiths and backgrounds. A beacon of hope and a place of peace for young and old, it has elcomed many Professional group5 including leaders, educationalists. social workers, prison staff. health workers, from the local area and from around the world. In 2023 attendance for retreats. courses, talks, meditation sessions. community events, religious discourses. sustenance events, and more offered by the Global Retreat Centre totalled just under 30,000. Some feedback on the Global Retreat Centre.. "There is such apeaceful. calm, unhurried vibe here. l alwaysfeel more connected to myself and others afier my visil. The leachings are so honesl andfull oflove. Il's my happyplace. "Life changing meditalion cour&e over 4 Wednesdays in At4gus1 '23. Cannot recommend ihis enoughfor beginners or experienced medi¢afors. "The meditation at the global retreal 13 really deep, the mos¢ amazing experience I have had. ' "Such a beauiifulplace lo be. Once you go you don'¢ wanl to leave. Retreats 'ere also held in other locations, including Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, London, Skipton and WorthiThg. A total of 1,433 people attended in person retreats at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing. Cambridge Inner Space offered a variety of spiritual retreats for the publi¢ and for new and more experienced Raja Yoga students, both in person and online, attended by a total 3.523 people over the year. In April 2023, a BK sustenance retreat was held at the Beamsley Project near Skipton attended by l 8 regular students frorn around the UK. li
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SptRrruAL UNtVERsrrY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) A 5peciaI report on the re-opening of the Global Retreat Centre follow5. THE GLOBAL RETREAT CENTRE: OFFICIAL RE-OPENING The Global Retreat Centre in Nuneham Court¢nay, Oxfordshire, celebrated ils reopening on 23rd July. after being closed for five years for essential renovation. Over 1,750 p¢ople attended the event Feeling Peace The Meditation Experience and 3.500 watched it live online. - Visitors came early to explore the beautiful gardens and stat¢ rooms and experience the peaceful atmosphere and the infomial meditation activities in the grounds all offering a taster of the meditation that is studied, practlsed and taught there. There were also sltar and violin perfonnances and tea and snacks for all. Senior meditation teachers of the Brahma Kumaris from around the world were present: Mohini Didi, Additional AdminislTative Head, Sudesh Didi, European Director, Brother Brij Mohan. Additional Secretary-General of the Brahma Kumaris from our spiritual headquarters in India and Sister Jayanti, Additional AdministTative Head Worldwide and CEO of Brahma Kumaris UK. Each one spoke about a different aspeci of peace and how meditation and a spiritual awareness is essential for our wellbeing. The sharings were interwoven theatrical and dance perfomiances and live music. 12
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERsrrY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Several special guests spoke from th¢ stag¢ of their own experience: "People 's welcoming smile.f here encap.fula¢e peace - Ihey seiile our emotio down and help be more accepling lowards others. Baroness (DT} Sandip V¢nna "During ihis time through the pandemic, everything was about wellbeing,fitness. moving- being more caring. conne¢iing, sharing, and lookip7g ouifor each oiher. And thai s one ofihe benefits ofthis retreal. Rewarding on many levels, refreshing. Re-energising and re-powering, deep relarafion andpeace. Councillor Mark Lygo. Sheriff of Oxford "On behalfofihe High Commission of India, I congraiulate yotsfor this grandopening and for making ihe cenlre a¥'ailable fo all of us... A chap7ce io lake a breakfrom our computer and mobile Screens and away from ihe confines of our offices to find ourselves. lo (Ind inner pgace and ¢runguillity. Sarvjeet Soodan, Indian High Commission. London. l owe a greai deal io the Brahma Kumaris and am so grateful io themfor iheir conlribu¢ion to ihe world. Rev Dr Marcus Braybrooke, fornier Vicar of MaTSh & Toot Baldon and Nuneham Courtenay After leading the audience in a guided medilation, Stster Jayanti ended by saj'ing.. ' FF'g Ii'ould like Jou ¢0 carr), uii'aj. IhL' pL'uce rhai J'ou hai'L']èli moments orperhaps longer ihan thal -, so thafyou can be inslrumenlsforpeace wherever you may be, and ihatpeace hecomes availableforyou at any momenl you choose. S3J]jay Tulsidas, Trustee of Brahma Kumaris UK, warmly thanked the speakers, perfomers and the audience for being an important part of the day's celebration. He described The Global Retreat Centre as 'the jewel in the crowi]' of the charity's service and thanked all the Tr'olunteers of the Brahma Kumaris for the hard work, creativity and co- operation thai went into making it such a suec¢ss. 13
BRAHMA KuMARts WORLD SpiRrfuAL UNIVERSITY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) Among many messages of appreciation were these three: "J canfind no words to describe how truly magical ihe day was atyour beaufifvl and peacefyl Oxford retreal... "The love and devotion isfeli in every liiile ihing ai ihe Global Relreai Cenlre "This is a differenl world This is way beyond whai I had expectedl" In addition to th¢ public Re-opening Event described above, a special gathering for regular Brahma Kumaris students the day before was attended b). 1,500 people, with an additional onlin¢ audience of 3,000 conneclions. Media Coverage The re-opening event was covered by the following news outl¢ts'. BBC Radio Oxford 23 Jul i-Global News Pre-event- 18 Jul i-Global News Posl event: 26 Jul arat Samachar 29 Jul Asian Voice 29 Jul Meditation se$$ions We offered a whole range of different meditation sessions in different forn)ats around the UK for neCornerS, more experienced meditators and also our regular students, in person and online and at different times of the day. These were in addition to the daily morning gatherings mentioned earlier. England & Wales Setstland Meditation se&sioDS 133,734 13 Every third Sunday of the month we invite anyone who wishes to join us in quiet reflection lo create peaceful, positive thoughts for the w'orld to parti¢ipat¢ in World Medilalion Hour or Medilalion for World Peace, held in many UK locations and onlin¢ - 2.5 I l attenderslconnections. 14
BRAHMA KuMARts WORLD SpIRrruAL U1NTrTtITy (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Glasgow Inner Space provided weekly in person guided m¢ditations, attended by 622 people. Bral]ma Kumaris in Upton Park offered a weekly Evening of Refleclions both online and in person, attended by 803 people. Cambridge Inner Space offered meditation sessions in a variety of fonnats. totalling 11,475 attenderCOnnectIOns. These included Drop In Meditation Eyperience, Meditation Foundation, Advanced meditalion, Insighls for Self-Realisation, meditation sessions at Sydne> Sussex and Magdalene Colleges, and for Brahma Kumaris regular students. Community Evenls England & Wales Seotland Communitv Events: Community activities: Fairs & Festivals and Interfaith 7.150 Community activities We ran a ryd¢ range of community activities, at first in person and then online, for people in outlying communities around the UK. We have been serving some of these areas for many years. whilst others were for the first lime. Representatives from Brahma Kumaris were invited by the Governor of Wandsworth Prison in May to address a monthly staff meeting on the benefits of meditation. attended by 60 officer5. Ramprakash Singal spoke to the staff of multicultural marketing agency Here&Now365 at Aldgate Tower in the City of London in August, at the knvitation of its Managing Director. Manish Tiwari. A long terni student of Raja Yoga from New York, Ramprakash shared his experience of 9111, leading people lo safety out of one ol the towers with the young team of creatives. "Thankyou #BK sfor maktng ¢hi5 happen. We areforever indebied. ' M(7ni5h Tiwari 15
BRAHNIA KL'NIARts WORLD SpiRfruAL UNIvEITy (UK) YE 31112/2023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) Young Amba55adorsfor Peace (YAP) was a new initiative launched in 2023 to inspire pupils to lak¢ positive action within their communities during the academic year 2023- 24. Five participating schools tn Brent nominaied six pupil delegates from Year 4 to Year 6 to drive the project fon¥ard. After the initial launch in September with a Peace Education Day Exploring Peace within the Self, there were lSitS to four of the schools. In NoveTnber a YAP Peace Conference was held at Wembley InTher Space Cntiiled Peace wilh O¢hers and Conflici Resolution. Natalie Steel, a University Chaplain at Loughborough University, ran two series of weekly wellbeing sessions b&s¢d on the teachings and practice of Raja Yoga over six weeks for the Univ¢rsity's HR team, with an average of l O attenders per session. A talk on Doing Things Differen¢ly for an HR training day was attended by 50 people. "Iye are incredibly lucky andgralefvl io haveyou leAling wfonvurds with ihese sessions. Ai a corporale level ihis activity supporls andconnecis ro our University 5trutegv and HR Vision andPurpose, including an inclusive employe8 experience which is great loo bui ihe value tmd impact this is adding on apersonul ¢md ieam level is what mosl rewarding to see. Alex,giacey-Midgley, Deputy Director ofHuman Resowces, Loughborough University F8ir5 and F¢5tivals Fairs and exhibitions started to open up again, after the pandemic. We had stands at several events and locaiions, sharing values-based activities and materials, based on the teachings of Raja Yoga and in many cases a free and accessible 'drop-in' programme of meditations and short talks. For example: A total of 45 BK N'olunteers from N'arious parts of the UK helped run the Raja Yoga stand at the 3-day' OM Yoga & Mind Bod) Soul at Alexandra Palace in Ociober. A total of I,400 visitors engagied with our activities overall, and 700 specifically in the 20- minute meditation taster sessions. "Fyowl Ihave a new peTspeciive now. ' 'Hbe some new solulions will comefropn ihis... Brahma Kumaris from Sutton Coldfield took a stall at the Living Well Festival. offering guided medi12tions throughout the day.. attended by 80 people. 16
BRAHNIA KUMARE WORLD SPIRITUAL UNTrERStrY (UK) YE 31/1212023 TRUSTEES REPORT {Continuedl Leeds Brahma Kumaris set up a Raja Yoga stall and meditation tent at the popular one- daj Kirkstall Festival in July. attended by 200 people. Interfaith We continu¢d our work in bringing people of different faiths and cultures closer together and to nurture a deeper und¢rslanding between different faiths, based on acceptance and respect. Our volunteers around the UK contributed to interfaith m¢¢tin8s - some in person, many still online - around the UK. Brahma Kumaris are on the co-ordinating committee of the Religions of Peace UK Women of Faith Network, which organised a Synposium in June entitled Gender Equality.. Empowermenifor alL The event w&s a gathering of people from different faith and belief traditions both in person at the St. Ethelburga's Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in the City of London and online. Sister Maureen gave a pr¢s¢nlation with Prof Dr Elisabeth Naurath at the 6th Annual Conf¢r¢nce of the European Academy of Religion on The Role of Religions and Ip71erreligious Dialogue in Addressing Climate Change at St Andrews University, Scotland in June. Global Co-operation House's Inter Faith Week contribution in November this year was Empowering Youth Voices, co-organised by the Brahma Kumaris, Harrow Interfaith and National Multifaith Youth Centr¢, attended b), around 50 people. Diverse communitie$: We offered special community aclivities for people speaking rnany languages including.. Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Japanese, Nepali, Spanish. Portuguese, Punjabi, Sindhi and Tamil. Service for the UK Tamil community continued to thrive in various places, with a total attendance for our daily religious diwourses of 80,467, and for sustenance classes a total of 9.179. Evening online meditation sessions between January and April totalled 2,925 connections. Two public events were held at Global Cooperation House for the Japanese community. in April My Super Siory and in September Gift ofPeace, a total of 49 attending. A talk in Hindi at the Liverpool HiThdu Temple on the benefits of meditation by BK Rupesh and BK Geeta in October attracted 300 people, including around 100 university students. Brahma Kumaris in South London arranged a number of events for some local Muslim communities. In June and July Raja Yoga meditation sessions were organised for the 17
BRAFLMA KLMARIS WORLD SptRrtUAL UNtVERsrrY (UK} YE 31/12/2023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) Ismaili Muslim Seniors Club at their Jamatkhana in Croydon, attended by a totsl of 68 people. An online m¢ditation evenl in July with another Ismaili group had 89 connections. In November two Raja Yoga meditation events 'ere held for members of the Ahmediya Association at Croydon and Clapham separaiely, attended by 54 people. Some feedback from visitors to Global Co-operation House, the National CoOrdinatIng Office of Brahma Kumaris UK in Willesden, NW London.. "Ireally enjoy going therefor medilalion, li helps me lo be calm. Over the years ihe anger thai controlled me. has cooled down immenselj over the years. "Very calm andnieditative space io connecl loyour inner soull" "Amazingplace. .So much posilive ener andpeacefvlP" Funeral service Brahma Kumaris were invited to conduct and contribute to funeral seTvice5 in different locations around the UK both in person and online. We also contributed to prayer meetings and special meditation gatherings for bereaved families, offered support for families and friends and dedicated time each day ind1.1dua1IY and collectively for special meditation for those who had passed away, the sick and the b¢r¢aved. (4,642 - E&W) Inner Spaces-'oase5 of calm, in Ihe City Our Inner Spaces are accessible for people living and working in urban areas. Many also do a lot of outreach w'ork in nearby neighbourhoods. Many thousands benefit from the meditation and self-development courses, medttation sessions and talks offered regularly online and in person. There are now 12 Inner Spaces around the UK- in Birniingham, Bradford, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow. London's Covent Garden, Manchester, Newcastle, Romford and W¢mbley. Our new Inner Space in Chelmsford was officially inaugurated by the Brahma Kumaris, European Director, Sudesh Didi in June. (Attendance/¢onnection figures for Inner Space activities- talks. courses. daily discourses. etc. - are included under those headings.). 18
BRAHNIA KUMARIS WORLD SpIRrruAL UNIVEISITY (UK) YE 31112/2023 TRUSTEES REPORT {Contlnuedl Su$tenan¢e Activities England & Waleg Scotland Sustenance Aetivities: Sustenance Events & Groups 38,476 863 Spiritual sustenance events for Brahma Kumaris students and teachers Events and activities for the spiritual sustenance of our students and teachers were organised all over the UK. These took the form of special gatherings, personal development and skills training, 'OrkshOps, facilitated dialogue. spiritual exploration and discussion and expression through perfom]ing arts and audio/visual materials. Global Co-operation House continued to webcast a special programme for regular students around the UK ever). evening, along '1th a range of other regular and occasional sustenance activities. Spiritual sustenance groups A number of groups - both for the public, new and regular students - met on a regular basis throughout the year, in person or online. These included gatherings for women, men, children, youth, the elderly and special interest groups, such as environment, health and wellbeing and a range of spiritual discussion and mutual support groups. For example.. A South Asian Women's Group co-ordinat¢d by Bradford Inner Space was started in November 2023, attended by 153 people in November and December. The long nu)ning Sindhi Class at Global c0-0ratIOn House continued to me¢t alternating between in person and online - attended over the year by 585 people. Brahma Kumaris in Cambridge conlinued to offer regular Positive Thinking sessions weekly during terni time. University of the Third Age (U3A) programme and separate Raja Yoga sessions were also offered with a iotal attendance of 180 people. The 'Make il Happen, gTOUP, a new group for people aged 18-40 from all around the Greater London area was fomied in 2023. Based at Global Co-operation House, the group meets regularly online and in person. Its purpose is to provide spiritual sustenance activities and a friendship circle for our younger students and also to create public events to meet the needs of people of the same age group. 19
BRAHMA KUNIARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERsrrY (UK) YE 31/1212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) Serving the public through Media and Online Platforms Social media We continued to communicate and engage with our students and communities through the medi4 social media and various internet sites. We streamed a wide range of events and meditation sessions and uploaded uplifting content to a number of websites, social media plaifonns and apps. We also provided our various audiences with news, details of events and activities, daily inspirations, opportunities to participate, interact and give their input and feedback. Across all our UK social media platforms and channels we had a totsl number of 321.517 followerslsubscriberslmembers (as at Dec 2023). Followerslsubscriberslmember5 England & Wales Scotland Facebook 117,276 19,800 Insight Timer Oust-a-minutellnner Space Glasgow) 6,500 3,900 Instagram 28.724 1,010 Meetup 20.635 12,095 Pinterest 3,101 Sound¢loud 2,611 2,671 X (Twitter) 34,677 2,320 YouTube 63,829 2.368 Total 277J53 44,164 YouTube Additional infonnation about interaction with our UK YouTube channels.. YouTube additional counts Eogland & Wiiles Seotland Comments 4,194 295 Likes 114.217 4,226 Vid¢os 1,404 222 Views 6,499,978 259,298 Counts 6,619,793 264,041 20
BL4FLMA K'MAs WORLD SpIRtTUAL UNIVERSttY (UK} YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnued) Instagram A series of inspirations from Dadi Janki, fomier Head of the Bral]ma Kumaris, was shared over the Instagram pages of Global Co-operation House to honour the third anniversary of Dadi's passing in March. Dadi Janki spent 40 years in the UK and our wish was to show how through her rich legacy of talks, Classes and TitingS she continues to support. enlighten and inspire us all. 7ikays to Be Inspired bi. Nalure bi. Other.8 b}. I'nur%eir bi. I" Iriues b). Ih@ %lim().8pher bi. l our Purpijse The posls are helpfd reminders for the day. They shifi throughpaiterns ond bring a smile on theface. Websites In addition to our national w'¢bsit¢ brahmakumaris.uk, there were over a dozen websites for different geographical locations or specific initiatives, including- Global Retreat Centre: lobalretreatcentre.or Global Co-operation House lobalcoo rationhouse.or Imier Spa¢e Bradford bradford.inners Inner Space Cambridge cambrid einner5 Inner Space Chelmsford chelrnsford.inners Inner Space Colchester colchcsierinners ace.or Inner Space Covent Garden, London inners Inner Space Edinburgh edinbur h.inners ace.or Inner Space Glasgow las 0,.innerS Inner Space Manchester manchester.inners Inner Space Wembley 'emble .inners ace.or just-a-minute u5t-a-rninute.or Lighthouse Worthing li hthouseretreatcentre.or ace.or ace.or ace.or ace.or ace.or ace.or England & Wales Scotland Websites New Users 11,364 21
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SpiRrfuAL UNIVEisrrY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnuedl Websit¢s Views 443,074 17.344 W¢bsit¢s Visitors 90,474 6.636 To mark Mental Health Awareness Week in May, a 7 day Boosi Your Spiril initiative on i our UK website offered a simple daily k,1 practice to help see patterns of thinking Awtwl Wosl a ¢l¢arer lens, change the habits of the mind and learn to accommodate feelings better. 7 DAYS TO MAKE A DIFFEAENCE. 800ST YOUFI SPIFII ISTH Its 21ST IIA Y 2013 IMBARK¢)N A MJRKY T041AKE CL Apps (all free to download) Our two meditation apps Bee.Zone and Meditation Lounge had a lotal following of 220.000 people. Broadea$t Media CHAI CHAT ON BREAKING BARRIERS Journalist and film-maker Lov¢¢na Tandon interVie.ed Sister Jayanti: the Additional Administrative Head of Bralllna Kumaris and CEO of Brahma Kumaris UK, on the topic of Breaking Barriers at Inner Space Wembley in January to mark World Religion Day. The interview 'aS later aired Loveena's popular Chai Chal progrdmme on SkyTV. ,Iil MedKa16on Is a key to many probl 22
BRAHNiA KL'MARIS WORLD SpiRfruAL UNtVERsrrY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Contlnuedl Sist¢r Manda was interview¢d on BBC Radio Oxford:s Brearfast Show by its pr¢s¢nt¢r Lilley Mitchell on the day of re-opening of the GlobaI Retreat Centre in June. Sister Jayanti was interviewed about Creating a World of Values for the Synergos podcast series in July called Ciiliii'ate ihe .Soul.. Storie3 0 Pur ose-Di'ii'en Philcinthro , also shared on omny.fm and Spotify. Activities in Scotland Brahma Kumaris (UK) activilies in Scotland continue to develop and expand. The details of public benefit are shown alongside England and Wale5. Our Volunteers The trustees would like to pay special tribute to the efforts of all our volunteers in enabling the charity to meet its objectives, especially during this challenging and demanding year. Individuals who benefit from the charity frequently choose to give their time and support to show their appreciation. Our volunteers. with all their skills, enthusiasm and dedication to service. are without doubt the charity's mosl valuable 'assets'. 23
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVER5trY (UK) YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT Icontlnuedl Financial Review and Results for the y¢gr The total income generated for the year amounted to £3,294.157 (2022: £3,429,956) and total resources expended amounts to £2,473,764 (2022- £2,373,039). The income was predominantly raised through voluntary donations of £2,157,981 (2022: £2,220.725). Most of the charitable expenditure relates lo provision of regular discourses. l¢ctur¢s & seminars as further explained in Not¢ I to the accounts. Future Plans The charity's short-tern] plans are to increase the number of individuals served through its activities and continue sustaining the existing students. The m¢dium-i¢rn] plans are to cultivate existing relationships and association with similar organi5ations. The longer-ttrni plans ar¢ to serve in strat¢gi¢ ar¢as and citi¢s throughout the UK, enabling benefit to the 'Ider cotnmunity. Investment Policy The Trustees, Board take5 a verv prudent vic. to the investment of surplus funds. These are retained for furthering the objects of the charity. in particular '1th a view to expanding ihe charity's presence in cities throughout the UK. Accordingly, funds not required for expenditure in the short tern] arc placed on deposit. Going Concern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. 24
BRAHNIA KUMARIS WORLD SpiRrruAL UNIVERsrrY IUKI YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT (Contlnuedl Reserves Policy A substantial proportion of the reserves shown in the balance sheet are represented by assets other than cash. Of the tothl unresiricted reserves as at 31 December 2023 a5 disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities, the trustees consider it reasonable given its piili¢y to retain at least £2m to fund ongoing costs of the Charity for at least one y'ear provided that the incoming voluntary donations rcmain at the minimum level of £lm. The trnstees NN'ill endeavour to maintain them at this le.el by continuing its charitable aciivilies as in previous years whilst also continuing to manage the Charity's outgoings. The unrestricted reserves are considered for adequacy in relatÈon to: allow lirne for re-organisation in the event of a downturn in income. allow for reasonable level of working capital, provide funds for ongoing and future refurbishments of the properties, and allow the Charity to continue to further its objectives. The trustees aim to maintain a robust level of unrestricted funds to meet future funding requirements for the Charity's ongoing activities. The charily anticipate utilising these reserves to manage increas¢d cash flow expenditures coupled with the prevailing economic and inflationary. pressure facing the UK donors. The lev¢1 of unrestricted reserves are monitored and reviewed on a monthly b&sis by the trustees. 25
BRAHL4 KULMARIS WORLD SpiRrrLAL UNtVERsrrY {UK} YE 3111212023 TRUSTEES REPORT IContlnu¢dl Statement of Tru5t¢es Rcsponsibilitie5 The Charities Act 201 I requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view. of its financial activities and ol. its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing the financial 5tatement5 the trustees are required to: a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, b) observe the rn¢thods and principles in the Charities SORP FRS 102, c) make judgrnents and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, d) follow applicable UK accounting standards and the Charities SORP FRS 102, disclosing and explaining any departures in the accounts, e) prepare the financial statement5 on a going concern basi5 unless it is appropriate to assume thai the Charity M'ill be unable to continue to meet its objectives. The Board of Trustees is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 'hICh disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charit).. and io enable thetn lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responstble for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for tsking reasonable sleps for the prevention and detection of error, frdud and other irregularities besides the above responsibilities. Statement of dtsclosure to auditor- a) so far as the trustees are aware, there ts no relevant audit infonnation of which the company's auditor ts unaware, and b) they have taken all the steps that they ought to have tsken as trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditor is aware of that infomiation. For and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mahesh Patel Trustee Date 26
BR.4HNIA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVE[ty (UK) YE 31112/2023 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY (UK) OpiDion W¢ hav¢ audited the financial statements of Brahma Kurnaris World Spiritual University (UK) for the year ended 31 December 2023 on pages 27 to 41. The financial reporting framework thai has been applied in their preparation is in accordance with applicable law and Unil¢d Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepl¢d Accounting Practice) and th¢ Charities SORP FRS 102. In our opinion the financial statem¢nts: give a true and fair view of the state of the charity'5 affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended. haN'e been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been properly. prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. the Charities and Trnstees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulations 6 and 8 of th¢ Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2006. Basis for Opinion We have been appointed as auditors under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and section 44(1}(c} of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and repon in accordance th regulations made under those Acts. We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemaiional Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are fijrther described in the Auditor s responsibilities for the audit of the financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance w'ith the ethical requirernent5 that are relevant to our audit of the financial staternents 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. Who we are reporting to This report is made solely to the charity" s trustees, as a body, in accordanc¢ '1th Section l44 of the Charities Act 2011 and with regulations made under Section 154 of that Aci and in accordance with section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee InN'estment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation l O of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 {as amended). 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 th¢ harily and the charity S trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report. or for the opinions we have fonned. 27
BRAHNIA KUMARIS WORLD SpiRtTUAL UNIVERSttY (UK) YE 3111212023 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIIUTUAL UNIVERSITY (UK) (Continued) Conclusions relating to going ¢onecrn We hap'e nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAS (UK) require us to report to you where: the trustees, us¢ of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or the trustees have not disclosed in the fllWLcial statements any identified material uncertainties that May cast significant doubt about the charity's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of ai least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Other Information The trustees are responsible for the other inforn]ation. The other inforniation comprises the infonnalion included in the Annual Report, other than the financial 51aiemenls and our Auditor's Report thereon. Our opinion on the fmancial sLqtements does not cover the other inforniation and 'e do not express any fomi of asswance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other infom]ation and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomialion is materiall>' inconsistent with the financial staletnents or our knowledge obtained in the audit or othenvis¢ appears to be materially misstated. If we identif), such material inconsistencies or apparent material mi55tatcn]ents, we are required io detennin¢ 'hcthcr thcrc 15 a matcrial missthiem¢nt in th¢ financial statements or a material misstatement of the other infomiation. If. based on the work we have perfonned: Th'e conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other inforniation. we are required io report that fact. We have nothing lo report in this regard. Matters on which w¢ ar¢ required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the follo.ing matters where the Charities Act 2011 and Charities A¢¢ounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: the infomation given in the Trustees, Annual Report is in¢onsistent in any material respect with the financiaL statements; or the charity has not kept sufficient accounting records; or the financial statements are not in agreemeni with Ihe accounting records and retUrn5- or we have not received all the inforniation and explanations we require for our audit. 28
BRAFLMA KufvlAs WORLD SpiRttUAL UNtVEpsrrY {UK) YE 3111212023 INDEPEISDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRAHMA KUMAIUS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY (UK) (continued) Responsibilities of trustees for the financial slatements As explained rnore full>. in the Trustees Responsibilities Statement set out on page 26, the trustee5 are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair N'ieTh', and for such internal control as the trustees detennine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, wheth¢r due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, Matters related to going concern and using the going concem basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charil>' or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternatie but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor" s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 15 a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordanc¢ with ISAS (UK) will alwa)'s detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to infiuence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation5. 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 irregulariti¢s. including fraud is detailed below: Enquiry of management and those charged 7th governanc¢ around actual and potential litigation and claims. Enquiry, of entity slaff in tax and compliance functions to identify any instances of non- compliance N%'ith laws and regulations" Perforn)ing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriat¢n¢ss, eN'aluating the business rationale of signifL¢ant transactions outside the norTnal cours¢ of business and reviemryng accounting estimates for bias. Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; 29
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SpiRtruAL UNtVElStrY (UK) YE 3111212023 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRAHMA KUIMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY (UK) (continued) Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentstion to &ssess compliance NTrth applicable laws and regulations. Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk ihal we will not detect all legUlarl11es, including those leading io a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of inslances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irr¢gularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, coIlusion, omission or misrepresentation. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: ww.frc.or .ukJauditorsres onsibilities. This description fonns part of our auditor's r¢port. 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 and Regulation 10 of the Chartties Accounts (S¢otland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors, Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemiitted by law, w'e do noi acc¢pt or assume responsibility to anyonc other than the Charity and its Tru5tccs, a5 a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have fom]ed. Kin ley raclunann Partnership 64 Woodcock Hill, Kenton, Harrow Middlescx HA3 OJF Dat¢ King51e)' Braekmann Partnership is eligible to act x$ an auditor in terms of sectlOD 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 and consequently to Act as the auditor of a r¢gi5tered Charity. 30
BRAHMA KLMARts WORLD SpiRrruAL UNIVERsfFY {UK) YE 3111212023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 R¢strictrd FllDth 2023 UDre51riCted FUD 2023 Totat Tottl 2023 2022 INCOMtlG RE50LRCFS VoluDtari tncome Donations LEgacs T&xrefvnds on fjft D)natn5 1157,981 5)8.679 270345 2,157.981 558,679 270J45 2220,725 44J87 2&7,5 Actiiitie5 tsQntrite rll& 307.152 3Q7,152 75J71 (Jh¢r ]tstOD 2J2 Ye¢ tDcoming rt50urces wilaFlt tor cbiritsil¢ Atfli¢&tion 3.294.157 3,NJ.157 3.429.956 Actiiqties lytti'. Rt8ulaiDtscour5¢5 L£ciures & narS Relu$ Fe5tival& Special Events Relrrdls 1917W) 16513491 1224 ?461 1381.1ffi1 I917 I1.12J56> 174831DI 1237 )431 IL42461 1381.1ffi) G)vernan¢ecoslS Totsl r¢S0r¢e5 e4trtthd 1198.69n (DefiCitllSs in the yeir Incont and eWendttu broughr fonvdTd Funds callied fomrd 820J93 23.15).686 a.971.079 820J93 ,150.686 J.971.079 1.051917 21(V9i,769 Revalllaii)n selve 1,161 J82 1,161,382 1,161y2 A¢¢umltedelrrlCdtsrrd ?5.131461 24J1,.l Noie.'All unt$ Rlaie10 contu8 aciiwitxs The attached notes fOPart ofihese fman¢ki15tateNtn15 31
BRAHMA KLMARts WORLD SpiRtTUAL UNIVEISITY (UK) YE 31112/2023 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 Nott 2023 2022 Fixed.4ssets T2n8iblc asscts 17.572415 17.902 766 Current Assets Debtors Cash ai bank and in hand 191,000 7.376.245 7.567.245 30.102 6.379.200 6.409 302 cditors. atnounts falling due within otse year 7.199 Current A55tts 7.560.046 6.409.302 Total A55tts L5 cUTnt LiabilititS 25.li2.461 24312068 Reprnsellted by.. Accumulattd Fllllds nre5thcied funds Re5tri¢ied funds Toiil Funds 25,132.461 24,312.068 2i.li2.461 24.i12.068 Approved on behalf of the Board of Truste¢s on Sanjay Tulsidas Trustee The attached notes I to 12 fomi part of these financial statements. 32
BRAHMA KLMARIS WORLD SpiRrruAL UNtVERsrrY (UK) YE 31/1212023 CASH FLOW AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Cash now5 from 0ratIng actiiryti¢s Net Lzsh provided by operatuJga¢iivities Jo 1.106,605 940,276 Cash fl0Th5 froth inw5ting 4ctiiities Investment incoTne PurthL of fiArd ass¢ts Sa]e of fLxed assrf 307.152 75,377 931,080 Net tash used ID I$11g a¢ti*stits 1109.5601 207,725 Changes in cash and tasb eqUilents in the year 997.045 1,148.001 Cash and cash eqUilent$ 4¢ begittnillg of ih¢ yexr 6,379,200 5,231.199 Cash and ea5h ¢quIlents at the tttd of the year 7.376,245 6.379,200 I'h¢ attach notes I to 12 forni part of these financial siatrtnenLS. 33
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SpIRtTUAL UNtVERSITY (UK) YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 l. Accounting Policies Basis of Preparation of Accounts The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost conTrention and going concern basis and are in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In preparing the financial statements the charit). follows best practice as Set out in Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Chariti¢s preparing their accounts in accordance Trth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. There are no significant areas of judgement or key source5 of estirnation uncertainty arising from the preparation of the financial statements. The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Incoming Resources All income is accounted for when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, the amount can be quantified and receipt of the funds is probable. Donated assets, goods and services are included at the value to the Charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. No amounts are included in the financial statements for goods and services donated by volunteers if these cannot b¢ quantified. Resources Expended Expenditure is included on an accruals basis when a liability is incued. The Charity is not registered for VAT and its expenses are therefore inclusive of V AT which cannot be recovered. The charity's expenditure has been apportioned between the major activities carried out by the Charity to further its objectives. This expenditure has been apportioned on the basis of time spent in furtherance of each of the activiii¢s below. except for Retreats which is a direct attributable expense. Regular Religious Discourses Lectures. Seminars & Courses Religious Festivals & Special Events Governance 320/0 Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty There ar¢ no significant areas of judgn]ents or key sources of estimation uncertainty arising from the preparation of the financial statements. 34
BL4HMA KUMARIS WORLD SpiRrrbAL UNtVERsrrY (UK} YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FTNANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Tangible Assets and Depreciation Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. As pennitted by the transitional provisions, under previous UK GAAP, pre FRS 102 adoption. the Charity had elected not to adopt a policy of revaluations of tangibl¢ fixed assets. The charity has retained the book value5 of freehold properties, previously revalued, as deemed cost on transition to FRS 102. Depreciation 15 provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to TIl¢ off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life as follows: Freehold properties Leasehold properties Furniture fittings and equipment Computers Motor vehicles 2.50/0 on Cost over period of lease IO% oncost 33.331/ko on cost 200/0 on cost The charity'5 policy is to write off the book value of each tangible asset over its estimated remaining life. Revi¢'S are made annually of the esttmated remaining useful lives of individual productive assets, taking into account commercial and i¢chnological obsolescence &s well as nomial wear and tear. Provision is made for all pern]anent diminution in the value of building improvements. An annual impairm¢Tht review is made. in accordance the requirements of the Charities SORP FRS 102, to ensure that the recoverable amounts of the assets are not lower than their Current values. The charity currenily has no tangible fixed assets to which impairnient provisions apply. Foreign Currency Translatioll Transactions in foreign currencies recognised at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities are translated inio sterling at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. All exchange differences are recognised through the statement of fllll]ncial actiN'ities. Financial Instruments The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initiall). recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. Leasing Rentals payable under operatin8 leases are Charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease tern). 35
BRAHMA KuNfAs WORLD SpiRtruAL UN1VEltry (UK) YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEIYTS (Continued) Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds are those that are available for use at the trustees, discretion in furtherance of the objectiN'es of the charity. Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific pury)oses. th¢ use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. 2. Other Income Total 2023 Total 2022 Profjt on disposal of fixed assets 802.232 802.232 3. Analysis of Total Unrestricted Resources Expended Chlriixble Activity Religioy5 Fe51iYII & Spttil EYeDts Regular Di5cour5e5 Lectures & SemiDar5 Retrtats GoveTllPC¢ Tol*1 2023 2022 Reni R¢5 & Waier ectricity.thl and ga5 In5ufdnte Telephone & F PrinLing & Swioll¢ry Mi5Lellaneous Moior& Troyel Training Repairs & Maintthance Hire of Equipment Kitchen & Carring Garden expen5CS IT Costs Advcrtising I PToTWii Le & Professii)tlll Audii Bank Charges tkpreciaiion 47.030 20.346 7.704 2.756 20,053 447,598 267,543 70,037 33.369 17,910 402.659 245.540 78.352 32244 12.949 83.233 59.188 21.412 8.017 22.195 8.404 3.7 2,149 8.060 28,325 9,737 9,641 294 120,IIXI 60.336 29.085 22.455 1,692 986 3,855 10.622 1.775 34.379 98,156 2.069 406.589 64,929 2.240 539.097 9,733 99.660 2.653 128.920 2.067 37,189 91.676 1.470 26.445 307 38,212 1,607 505 9,091 9,917 53,735 2,260 14,329 603 39.626 553 6,009 43.481 3.969 14261 6.000 102 7.666 87.054 7.768 747.063 326.453 232,145 79,81K> 680.801 917.366 64) 349 2!4.246 298.697 2.473.764 2.373.039 36
BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SpiRrruAL UNIVEESITY (UK) YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 4. Tangible Fix¢d Asset5 Freehold Properties Leasehold Property Furniture Fittings & Equipment Computer Motor vehicl¢ Totsl Cost: At l January 2023 14.207.021 14,168.927 1.895,397 388.740 227.409 30.887,494 Additions during the year Disposals in th¢ y¢or 62.906 202.338 125,469 25,999 416.712 A¢ 3 1 Decemkr 2023 14 269.927 14 371.265 2.020 866 3R8 740 253.408 31.304.206 Depreciation: At l January 2023 8.406,910 2.472.274 1,566,582 384.487 154,475 12,984.728 Charge for Ihe year Diswsals in Ihc year 406,121 245.761 67.890 2,126 25,165 747,063 Ar 31 D¢eember 2023 8 813 031 2.718035 1 634 472 386613 179640 13 731.791 Net book valut: At 31 December 2023 5 456.896 11.653 230 386394 17 572.415 Ai 31 tktember 2022 5 800 111 11 696653 328815 72.934 17902766 All fixed &ssets are used for direct charitsble purposes. 5. Debtors 2023 2022 Prepayments and accrued income 191,000 191,000 30,102 37
BLMA KUNIARIS WORLD SPLRITUAL UNIVERSITY (UK) YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 6. General Fund Restrieted Unrutricted Total Total Fund5 2023 Funds 2023 FuDd5 2023 Fund$ 2022 Balances brought forward at start of the year Net {outgoingl'incoTning resources for thc year Balances ¢arried forward at end of the year Transf¢rs Revaluation reserves Accumulated fund5 carried forward 23.150.686 23.150,686 820.393 22,093,769 I,Oi6,917 23,150,686 820.393 23.971.079 23.971.079 1.161.382 24,312.068 25,132.461 25.132,461 7. Funds la) Anal> 515 orrtet &ssets b*w¢¢n fvttds 2023 2022 Rtstrl¢t¢d Lllrt5tritttd Total Rtstrict¢d IIDre$trl¢t¢d Total Tangible fLxed assas 17.572,415 17.572.415 17,902,766 17.902,766 Net eurrent as5e15 7,560,040 7.560,046 6.489,070 6.489.070 N¢t &ssets 25.132.461 25.132.461 24.391.836 24.391.836 38
BRAHfvIA KuNiARts WORLD SpiRtruAL UNtVERSITY (UK) YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Ib} Detailed ¢ornparatives forthe st¢m¢nt of f]natt¢i activitie5 R¢stritt¢d FuDds 2022 L.nrestricltd Fundj Toial Funds Z022 2022 COMING RESOliliCES Voluniary Income Donaliuns LeIe5 TaxrefuTkd5 on Gift Aid Donions 39.885 2,180,840 44.387 195.580 2.220.725 44,387 287.235 91.655 Adlitie$ to Getterxi¢ fun Instment Income 75.377 75.377 Other IDcorning resources 802232 802.232 Net Incoming resources MvAil8ble for ¢britalA¢ Applicgtion 131.540 3,298.416 3,429.956 Charitable Activities by objeeti* . RegJlaT Di5¢0urses IArtures & knin3r5 Religious F¢siivBi & Special Events Retreat5 Dtsrtations io fvrther spe¢ifi¢ proj1$ 11.052.356) 1748,3401 1257,243} (1.052.356) 1748,340} 1257,243) i •.n57 y J91 Govemamce costs Totgl re50ur¢¢$ expen(kd Trdnsf¢r5 171? 5631 712,563 IDefL¢itI I Surplu$ in tbe ye8r Incotne and ¢Jpendilure brought forward Funds &vriL)J forward Iq%1 n?)) 581.013 1,637.940 21,512.746 23.150.686 1,056.917 22,093,769 23.150.686 R¢v8iuation reserv¢ 1.161,382 1.161.382 AeeurnulF4¢ed fund ¢#rri¢d fornrd 24,3 12.068 24.312.068 8. Staff and Exe¢utive Committee's Remuneration No salaries, fees or expenses are paid to the volunteers and Management Committe¢ for their services to the charity. The average number of volunteers during the year w&$ 335 (2022: 285). 39
BRAHMA KuMARts WORLD SPIRITUAL UNtVERsrrY {UK} YE 3111212023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 9. Financial & Capital Commitments At 31 December 2023 the charity had total commitments under non-¢ancellable operating le&ses as follows.. Laud & Buildings 2023 2022 Expiry date: Within one year 345,699 260,164 Between two and five years 696.467 581.590 In over five years 1,103,453 644,732 10. Reconciliation of Net Incomel{Exp¢nditure) to Net Cash Flow From Operating Activities to Net Cash Flow From Operating A¢tivities Net D¢ome/(exnditur¢) for the rewrting perK)d Depr¢¢iaiin charges Investment fftcome Profrt from sak of asseis Decreas¢/(increase) in debtors Incr¢asel{decrease) tn crediior5 820,393 747,063 (307.li2} 1,056,917 680.801 (75077) (802232) 80,167 (160.898) 7,199 Net cash provtsjed by 0rating activities 1.106.605 40
BH,.4 Ku¥iARlS WORLD SpIRrtUAL urMIR$[Ty (UK) YE 31112/2023 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) I l. Analysis of Cash and Cash Equivalents As gt 01.01.23 Cgsh fl0Th5 As At31.12.23 Cash at bank ajxl n hand 6.379,200 997,045 7,376.245 Total cash arKI cash equivdkT 6.379,200 997,045 7.376,245 The charty has w borrowin&s. therebre, a ofnet debt E t required. 12. Related Party Transactions None of the trustees andlor close members of their family received any benefits or remuneration during the year that need to be disclosed in the financial statements. 41