2025-03-31-accounts - Goodwill Children's Homes

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Charity Registration No. 270403

GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Contents	Pages
Legal and administrative information	1
Chairman's statement	2
Treasurer's statement	3
Report of the Trustees	4-6
Independent Examiner's Report	7
Statement of financial activities	8
Balance sheet	9
Notes to the accounts	10-13

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Charity name:	Goodwill Children's Homes
Charity registration number:	270403
Registered office:	2B Whitefriars
	Lewins Mead
	Bristol
	BS1 2NT
Trustees:	Dr David Neill	(Chairman)
	Ms Mary Thorne	(Vice - Chair)
	Mrs Deepti Sandur	(resigned 26 Aug. 2024)
	Mr Andrew Ling	(Treasurer)
	Mrs Elaine Clark
	Mr Richard Fenwick
	Mrs Katie Fenwick
	Ms Axelle Favre
	Ms Amandine ABHERVE GUEGUEN
Administrator	Theresa van der Merwe
	2B Whitefriars
	Lewins Mead
	Bristol
	BS1 2NT
Accountants	Hillier Hopkins LLP
	Radius House
	51 Clarendon Road
	Watford
	Herts
	WD17 1HP
Banks	HSBC
	18 London Street
	Norwich
	Norfolk
	NR2 1LG
	Bank of Ireland
	78/81 Clanbrassil Street
	Dundalk
	County Louth
	Irish Republic
Solicitors	VWV
	Narrow Quay House
	Narrow Quay
	Bristol
	BS1 4QA

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

During the year reported on, our India office underwent a thoughtful transformation, shifting its focus to ensure it remains relevant and sustainable for the next 50 years. This is a significant step forward, and we’re proud to see the Indian committee now playing a more active role in governance. They are invited to attend UK trustee meetings and have a dedicated reporting slot to keep us updated on their progress.

We’re also heartened by the renewed energy from the Goodwill alumni, who are generously giving back their time and expertise. Their involvement is a testament to the lasting impact of our work.

In another exciting development, we welcomed two new trustees from France to our board. This marks a deepening of our collaboration with the French group and reflects our commitment to working more closely across borders.

On the structural side, we are in the process of transitioning to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our current model no longer aligns with modern practices, such as online meetings and digital communications. The new CIO structure will better support our operations while preserving our identity as a grant-making charity.

Maintaining financial stability remained a key priority for Goodwill Children’s Homes throughout 2024–25, alongside a continued commitment to maximising support for vulnerable children. Over the past year, the Indian Society has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency. These included a review of internal support structures and processes to ensure resources were optimally aligned to deliver impact where it was most needed.

To every member of the Goodwill community, thank you for continuing to serve as a vital lifeline.

Dr David Neill Chairman

Date: 22-10-2025 | 10:44 BST

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

TREASURER'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Total income for the year was higher this year, £139,598 (previous year £96,370), comprising: donations £103,061 (previous year £94,289), legacies £22,000 (previous year £507) and bank interest £1,682 (previous year £1,574). During the year we received charitable grants of £13,215 (previous year £nil). Legacies often come unexpectedly. During the last financial year, we were fortunate to have been pledged two legacies which have subsequently been recognised during the current period once the funds became available for use. While we are sometimes notified of a legacy, the complexity of settling estates means funds often arrive in the following financial year, at which point they will be recognised in the accounts.

In recent years, Goodwill UK has experienced a significant decline in income, primarily due to the ageing of our supporter base, with many no longer able to contribute financially. In this challenging landscape, legacy donations have become increasingly vital, as they are often a lifeline for smaller charities like ours. The recent reorganisation and the closure of certain projects in India by the Indian Committee (such as the Trade Training and Tribal Outreach projects) have posed further challenges for UK fundraising efforts in recent years. Against this backdrop we are pleased to have been able to increase donation income this year.

The UK Administration office costs total £39,410 representing a modest increase on the costs incurred in the previous year (£38,654). This increase has been driven primarily by UK inflation. These costs include charity insurance, IT support, newsletters & postage, office rental charges and other costs related to fundraising activities like donor database and fundraising platform fees. Governance costs have increased substantially to £22,514 (previous year £6,682). It is important to note that governance costs fluctuate as a result of the Indian audit which occurs bi-annually. Governance costs incurred in the year comprise professional fees for the auditors and payroll provider, the AGM and the Chairman’s visit to the Indian charity.

The reserves at the end of the year remain strong, at £333,382 (previous year £364,992). The reserves position is continually kept under review to ensure that it remains sufficient to support the Indian operations.

These accounts have been drawn up in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” revised in 2019.

Mr Andrew Ling

Treasurer

Date: 22-10-2025 | 11:19 BST

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Structure, Governance and Management

The Charity was founded in 1975 and adopted its current Rules on October 7th, 1995. It is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, to which it submits its accounts on an annual basis. The Rules establish the objects of the charity as being “the relief of poverty amongst children in any part of the world” and “without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing …. to give effect to the same by providing financial support to Goodwill Children’s Homes Charitable Society registered in Tamil Nadu, South India”. Currently, this organisation is responsible for 64 children in residential homes, an outreach programme that supports about 256 children in 27 tribal villages in the Palani Hills via the Tribal Outreach Project, and 36 students are being supported through higher education.

The Rules provide for a Trustee body of not more than twelve members and require the appointment of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Treasurer and a Secretary by the Annual General Meeting to be held in September of each year or as soon as possible thereafter. Trustees seek to fill vacancies from the charity’s existing supporter base, taking into account the skills, experience and personal qualities needed to maintain the balance of the Trustee body. An audit of the skills and experience of existing Trustees has allowed a focused search for additional Trustees to add to the expertise available on the Trustee body. It has been an ongoing process. Once a potential Trustee has been identified, the person is approached, discussions take place, a short curriculum vitae is requested, and two referees are consulted. The person may attend one or two meetings as a guest. If all sides are happy after these preliminaries, the new Trustee will be nominated and appointed at the Annual General Meeting. Where a newly appointed Trustee has not visited the Indian locations, a visit is facilitated if circumstances allow.

All decisions on policy matters are made at Trustee meetings (currently three meetings per annum), but specific decisions may be delegated to Officers if the matter cannot be deferred to the next meeting. The Rules also provide for an Executive Committee to make decisions if necessary, reporting its decisions to the next meeting of the Trustees.

Objectives and Activities

The Trustees' aims and objectives are reviewed at the Annual General Meeting. The list distinguishes between activities in India, which are driven mainly by the needs and aspirations of its partner Society, and activities in the United Kingdom, which focus on the raising of funds, communication with supporters, and ensuring the integrity of financial and administrative arrangements.

Communication with supporters is maintained by quarterly Newsletters (online and hard copies), and those supporters who sponsor individual children receive additional information directly from India.

In the United Kingdom, the charity employs one Administrator who is based in an office in Bristol. There are small groups of supporters in various parts of the country who raise money for the charity.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

Financial Review

The Charity sets an annual budget, which is based on the expected recurrent and agreed capital costs of the partner Society in India. To fund that expenditure, the charity sets income targets, which are based on past experience of giving by supporters in the United Kingdom (much of it in the form of long-term sponsorships of individual children or specific facilities). Where there is a need for capital sums above such regular income, the Charity will apply to other grant-making bodies or issue an appeal to supporters: during the financial year, an appeal of this kind was made to existing supporters through the Newsletter.

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Charity has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Supporters’ Group, which in turn has signed a complementary MoU with the Tamil Nadu Society. As a result, funds from France, which were previously routed through the UK Charity’s accounts, are now transferred directly to India.

Both Memoranda of Understanding set out mechanisms to ensure that these two streams of funding are properly coordinated and accounted for in India. Regular meetings are held with the French Supporters’ Group, and the Administrator maintains ongoing contact to support effective collaboration.

Investment Powers

These are governed by the Rules of the Association which permit the funds to be invested in any shares, securities or other property, whether producing income or not, or to lodge the same in any current or deposit bank or building society account and generally to exercise all the powers of investment which a sole beneficial owner of such monies would be entitled to exercise.

The Charity currently adopts a policy of using low risk investments with a view to ensuring that the capital value of the fund is maintained in real terms. Therefore money has been invested in short term (up to 60 days notice) bank deposit accounts and in money market term deposits up to one year. The policy is reviewed annually.

Reserves Policy

It is the trustees’ policy to maintain reserves above one year’s running costs. The level of reserves is monitored and reviewed annually by the trustees. Reserves at the end of the year amounted to £333,382 (previous year: £364,992).

Risk Management

The trustees have examined the principal areas of the Charity’s operations and considered the major risks faced in each of these areas. In making decisions and reacting to its operating environment, the Charity's Trustees recognise the need to avoid risks in the areas of administration, public reputation, financial management and government policy. There are also risks relating to the operation of our partner Society in Tamil Nadu under all those heads and in the area of childcare, but the Memorandum of Understanding with them makes it clear that the main responsibility for its finances, staffing and childcare lies with that Society.

In the opinion of the trustees, the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, as identified by them, have been reviewed and systems have been established which under normal conditions, should allow these risks to be mitigated to an acceptable level in its day-to day operations. The Trustees have agreed to review the statement of risk on an annual basis at the first meeting in each calendar year.

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Grant Making Policy

The Charity makes grants to assist Goodwill Children’s Homes Charitable Society in Tamil Nadu. Grants are made as and when requested to cover running costs and special projects, as detailed in the budget of the Society. Grants are made upon receipt of financial accounts and receipts. Payment of any further grants is subject to the financial reporting plan as outlined in the MoU of January 6th, 2025.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Goodwill Children’s Homes is committed to equal opportunities both in making grants to its Indian partners and in its operation in the United Kingdom.

As an employer in the United Kingdom it aims to treat all workers and job applicants equally without discriminating on grounds of marital status, gender, sexuality, disability, age, colour, race, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin. All employees and trustees have an obligation not to discriminate and to report incidents of discrimination which may occur.

By order of the Governing Body

Dr David Neill (Chairman) Date: 22-10-2025 | 10:44 BST

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 14.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Radius House 51 Clarendon Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 1HP

Simon Speller FCA Hillier Hopkins LLP Chartered Accountants 22-10-2025 | 11:25 BST Date:

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes INCOME FROM: Voluntary income: Donations Legacies Charitable income: Charitable grants Investment income: Bank interest Total Income EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 3 Charitable activities 3 Governance costs 3 Total Resources Expended NET MOVEMENTS IN FUNDS Balances brought forward BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD	Unrestricted Funds £ 99,675 22,000 13,215 1,682 136,572 39,410 92,496 22,514 154,420 (17,848) 311,296 293,448	Restricted Funds £ 3,386 - - - 3,386 - 17,148 - 17,148 (13,762) 53,696 39,934	2025 £ 103,061 22,000 13,215 1,682 139,958 39,410 109,644 22,514 171,568 (31,610) 364,992 333,382	2024 £ 94,289 507 - 1,574
				96,370
				38,654 66,579 6,682
				111,915
				(15,545) 380,537
				364,992

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

|Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
1&5
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
6
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE
WITHIN ONE YEAR
7
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Restricted funds
8
9
Approved by the Trustees on
and signed on their behalf by:
Unrestricted Funds
22-10-2025 | 10:44 BST|2025
£
-
1,054
357,348
358,402
(7,872)|£
-
350,530
350,530
39,934
293,448
333,382|2024
£
1,209
368,364
369,573
(4,581)|£
-
364,992| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||364,992| |||||53,696
311,296| |||||364,992| ||||||

Dr David Neill - Chairman

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GOODWILL CHILDREN'S HOMES

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

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 notes 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 in October 2019) and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and Charities Act 2011.

Goodwill Children's Homes constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

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 only restricted funds relate to the Tamil Nadu Tools Appeal.

Income and expenditure

Income, which is mainly covenants, donations and sponsorships, is accounted for when received except for interest receivable which is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Income tax is recoverable from HMRC under Gift Aid, and is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Legacies

Legacies are credited on receipt to the relevant fund as indicated by the wishes of the testator. Where no such wishes have been expressed the receipts are credited to unrestricted funds.

Donations

Donations received in response to appeals for specific projects are credited to the relevant restricted funds.

Grants

Grant income is accounted for in accordance with the terms of the grant.

Charitable Grants

Grants are accounted under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the same period as the related expenditure.

Resources Expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been allocated to the specific project to which they relate. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a particular heading, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resource.

Fundraising costs are incurred in seeking voluntary contributions. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided at a rate to write off the cost of fixed assets over their effective working lives. Hence, computer equipment and software is depreciated on a straight-line basis over three years.

Taxation

The Charity’s surpluses are derived from, and are applied towards, the maintenance of charitable activities and as such are not subject to taxation.

Allocation of costs

Costs are allocated to the specific project to which they relate. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a particular heading, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resource.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2. INCOME RECEIVED

During the year, £3,386 (2024: £1,065) of donation income was to restricted funds.

During the year, £Nil (2024: £Nil) of legacy income was to restricted funds.

3. ANALYSIS OF TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED

It has been assumed that 100 per cent of the cost of the Administrator's salary and administration office costs are attributable to the "costs of raising funds".

Staff Costs £ 27,692 11,719	Other costs £ -	Total 2025 £ 27,692 11,719	Total 2024 £ 29,200 9,454
39,410	-	39,410	38,654
- -	92,496 -	92,496 -	66,579 -
-	92,496	92,496	66,579
- - - -	5,000 6,213 - 11,301	17,148 5,000 6,213 - 11,301	12,811 3,316 3,366 - -
-	22,514	22,514	6,682

Grants

For the period under review the Charity has made grants to assist Goodwill Children’s Charitable Society in Tamil Nadu. Grants have been made during the year to cover running costs and special projects as detailed in the budgets of the homes.

Whilst there is no legal or constructive obligation on the trustees to provide financial support in the future and they retain the option to discontinue such payments should circumstances require, the trustees do in fact intend to continue to provide grants for Tamil Nadu for the foreseeable future.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4. STAFF COSTS

Salaries Employers pension costs	2025 £ 26,828 7,035	2024 £ 27,181 2,019
	33,863	29,200

The average number of employees was 1 (2024- 1) No employee earned £60,000 per annum or more.

During the year, Trustees were reimbursed no expenses (2024: Nil). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2024: Nil). During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2024: Nil).

5. TANGIBLE ASSETS Opening cost Additions Disposals Closing cost Opening Depreciation Disposals Closing Depreciation Closing Net Book Value 6. DEBTORS Income tax recoverable Other debtors 7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other creditors and accruals Other taxes and social security costs Charge for the year Prepayments	2025 Equipment £ 6,864 483 -	2024 Equipment £ 6,864 - -
	7,347	6,864
	6,864 483 -	6,701 163 -
	7,347	6,864
	-	-
	2025 £ 1,054 - -	2024 £ 1,209 - -
	1,054	1,209
	2025 £ 5,162 2,710	2024 £ 3,485 1,096
	7,872	4,581

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Opening balance New funds Resources expended Closing balance	Other £ 53,696 3,386 (17,148)	Total £ 53,696 3,386 (17,148)
	39,934	39,934

The opening balance includes funds for higher education (£12,000), a computer & projector for the primary school (£500), a washing machine (£200), and a further donation received for Higher Education (£12,000). New funds of £3,386 have been raised for child sponsorship, the tribal outreach programme and for general use.

9. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

Opening balance New funds Resources expended Closing balance	Other £ 311,296 136,572 (154,420)	Total £ 311,296 136,572 (154,420)
	293,448	293,448

10 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS	ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ Tangible fixed assets - - Debtors and prepayments 1,054 - Cash at bank and in hand 317,414 39,934 Creditors due in one year (7,872) - Net assets at 31st March 2025 310,596 39,934			2025 Total Funds £ - 1,054 357,348 (7,872)	2024 Total Funds £ - 1,209 368,364 (4,581)
	310,596	39,934	350,530	364,992