**Report of the Directors and Financial Statements For the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Contents** 

|**02**|**03**|**03**|**04**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**Company Information**|**Message from our Chair**||**Message from our CEO**|
|**05**|**19**||**28**|
|**Our Africa Programme**|**Our UK Programme**||**Resourcing our Work**|
|**33**|**36**||**40**|
|**Treasurer’s Review and**<br>**Policies**|**Independent Auditors**<br>**Report**||**Statement of Financial**<br>**Activities**|
|**41**|**42**||**43**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**Cash Flow Statement**||**Notes to the Financial**<br>**Statements**|
|||||
|**Company Information**||||
|**Directors**||Ms Linda Hansford – Chair and Treasurer<br>Ms Jacqui Scott<br>Ms Caroline Pinder<br>Ms Sarah Dickins<br>Mr David Fletcher<br>Ms Samantha Rider<br>Elected (27th September 2024)<br>Dr Kathy Higgins<br>Resigned (27th September 2024)||
|**Chief Executive Officer**||Ms S L Ingleby||
|**Registered Office**||Netley Marsh Workshop<br>Ringwood Road<br>Southampton<br>Hampshire<br>SO40 7GY||
|**Registered Company Number**||01487630(England and Wales)||
|**Registered Charity Number**||280437||
|**Accountants and auditors**||MC Audit Limited<br>Chartered Accountants<br>Station House<br>50 North Street<br>Havant<br>PO9 1QU||
|**Principal Bankers**||HSBC – Southampton||
|**Website**||www.tfsr.org||



Front page photo: Alkaldoo – Motorbike Repair Graduate (TRAX Ghana) 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Message from our Chair** 

It is my privilege once again to present the Tools for Self Reliance Annual Report  and review of activities for 2024, including the financial statements of the company. 

We are looking forward to celebrating our 45th Anniversary in October, having been unable to mark our 40th because of COVID, and I find myself wondering what our founders would make of the environment in which we now operate. There is no let-up in the challenges arising globally and in the sector that test our flexibility, and I think they would, as practical people, approve of how we have adapted and progressed. 


Due to their generosity and foresight, we continue to drive value from the founders’ and first volunteers’ initial investment in our site. In addition to the craft workshops that we have been letting out for many years, we are now renting out the volunteer-refurbished house, and next plan to restore a derelict unit. The house letting has increased our assets by its market value creating a substantial increase in fixed assets, reflected in our accounts for 2024. 

Competition for funding is increasingly tough as public funds are further tightened, so we remain grateful for continuing support from trusts as well as long standing individual donors and our volunteers’ fundraising. New revenue streams from excess tool stocks in the UK are developing, supported by our country-wide groups of volunteers providing tools and raising funds. 

In Africa we remain committed to developing our programmes with local partners and in the UK we continue to build on the social value created for our volunteers alongside the economic value they drive through their generous efforts. 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate Sarah and her Operations team for their positive and resilient approach to the ongoing challenges and their successes in developing and delivering on our objectives. 

_Linda Hansford_ 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Message from our Chief Executive Officer** 

My message in our last report concluded with a pledge to move forward together with resilience and determination to maximise all opportunities to achieve our mission. 

As you read this report on our activities during 2024, be in no doubt a great deal of resilience and determination has been needed to achieve a range of successful outcomes across our Africa and UK programmes. 


Our partners have continued to develop projects which truly reflect the needs of their local communities and have shaped interventions to best meet the needs of those who live in them. They have been responsive and agile in managing the challenges that come from dealing with the consequence of global upheaval at a local level. It is to their credit and that of all those who have participated in our projects that so many positive outcomes have been achieved and lives changed. 

Building more positive outcomes has been achieved in no small part by the work done by partners to make training more accessible. They have ensured projects include training in trades which provide female participants with better pathways to success. Adapted training programmes have been embedded into projects, taking into consideration the household and family responsibilities trainees, especially females, have to manage if they are to participate. This has contributed to high attendance levels and reduced dropouts. 

In the UK we have progressed our UK Kit Programme, making the best possible use of donated tools and the skills of our volunteers to equip people for work. Working with Building Heroes we have started supplying kits to those re-training after leaving the armed services. This is putting good quality tools into their hands as well as providing an income stream which supports our programmes. In the coming year we will be looking to expand this programme and for opportunities to support younger people entering the workplace after vocational training or apprenticeships, and marginalised groups such as exoffenders. 

In closing, I would like to once again thank all those who support our work and also thank our trustees and amazing staff team for all of their hard work and dedication. In the coming year we will celebrate our 45[th] birthday, no mean feat in a sector that has faced unprecedented and prolonged pressure. Our founders took a leap of faith to start the charity, working together and sharing the belief that with and through our partners thousands of people would have the opportunity to change their lives. At a time when it is difficult to stay positive, I hope that all those who support our work truly see that their contributions make a difference and give people a real chance to build a working future. 


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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our vision:** 

_**A world free of poverty where people can use their skills and energies to meet their needs and aspirations.**_ 

_**Our mission:**_ 

_**Tools for Self Reliance supports people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to build resilient livelihoods and thriving communities.**_ 



We will continue to work with and through partners in Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia, supporting training projects that promote income generation and build more resilient livelihoods. 


Our project design will be built upon principles of equity and access. Alongside our core training programme, we will: 

- Explore new trades which offer women a pathway to success 

- Breakdown barriers to inclusive training, adapting training models to embrace the widest pool of trainees and welcoming those excluded from formal training opportunities. 


In collaboration with our local partners, we will implement activities which complement our core training model, to engage and benefit hosting communities and deliver on our commitment to poverty reduction, quality education, decent work, and economic growth. 


We will develop a more effective and robust monitoring, evaluation, and shared learning system so we can better test, assess and improve our ways of working and evidence the impact of the projects delivered. 


We will build our capacity and that of our partners to achieve financial sustainability and to ensure quality control and standardised best practice in all project design and implementation. 


Our projects will systematically evaluate their climate impact, educate trainees on their trade’s environmental cost, and work to optimise climate resilience within local communities. 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our Africa Programme** 

Our Africa Programme team completed a very busy year in 2024, working closely with our partners to deliver high quality, impactful projects. There was a focus on reflection and learning; compiling data from pilot projects and new designs to identify what has been going well and to explore where our projects can continue to grow and increase their impact. 

This was guided and informed through a mid-term review of our Africa Programme strategy which took the opportunity to capture feedback from all stakeholders on their understanding and experience of the strategy to date. The team rolled out questionnaires, anonymised surveys and face to face interviews with key players to validate or revise the working assumptions on which the strategy is based, assess achievements and progress, recognise changes in the operating context and ensure lessons were learned to guide ongoing strategy implementation and re-steer future goals set for the programme. 

The review delivered a wealth of feedback, questions and ideas, to guide revisions to planning and implementation for the second half of the strategy. It also created an invaluable opportunity to take stock of progress and assess the challenges faced by our partners in their day-to-day operations and our trainees who work so hard to make their new businesses thrive. 

Feedback from our partners, evidence of impact from our trainees and graduates and observations during our visits in country have all reinforced the robust Vocational Tools design of our projects. This review process has Training affirmed the value and impact of the elements which make up our livelihood development programming. This package of support for sustainable and resilient income generation is built on the delivery of qualityBusiness Life Skills Training Training assured technical skills training, training in business skills and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and the provision of start-up support for graduates. We see these all being essential elements in providing trainees and graduates with a real opportunity to find employment or to start their own business. 

Based on our findings, we have made the decision to step back from our Sierra Leone programme at this this time. We have worked with a range of dedicated partners over many years but have reached a point when we need to take stock of our programme of support in the country and whether this is providing an effective intervention with impactful outcomes. We will continue to review this in the coming year, but in the meantime extend our thanks to all we have worked with for their outstanding commitment. 

As we move into the second half of our strategy in the coming year, we will continue to learn and reflect on where our programming can achieve the greatest change and bring about sustainable transformation. 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our Support Packages – Vocational Training** 

## **Vocational Training (VT)** 

12 months technical skills training Accredited training syllabuses Work experience 

Final trade tests and certification Start-up kit 

Community engagement - an opportunity for trainees to show case their work and secure local community support 

## **Vocational Training+** 

- Adapted training schedules – start and finish times which accommodate trainees with childcare and household responsibilities. 

- Wrap around support – provision of childcare provision, on-site accommodation for street connected females, etc. 

- Accessible training – ensuring access and adaptions for people with disabilities 

- Working with marginalised groups – e.g. our STEP-IN project supporting training and transition back to the community for ex-offenders. 

## **Vocational Training Participants** 

|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|**Vocational Training Participants**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Ghana**||**Malawi**||**Sierra Leone**||**Uganda**||**Zambia**||
||Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|
||0|75|105|187|0|20|75|60|44|36|
||**75**||**292**||**20**||**135**||**76**||
||**Includesprojects starting in 2023 / ending in 2024 andprojects starting in 2024 / ending in 2025**||||||||||






_**T A Crusade (Uganda) Vocational Training**_ 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **T A Crusade  (Uganda) – Vocational Training Project** 

This project is being delivered at the T A Crusade training centre in Nafikuma County, 45km outside of Kampala. Starting in April 2024 it is providing 135 young people, aged 1835, with a 12 month vocational training programme in trades including: masonry, plumbing, cookery, electrical installation, hairdressing, auto mechanics and welding. 


Nakifuma County was hit hard by the economic impact of COVID 19 and the subsequent effects of global issues affecting inflation. The Uganda government imposed strict lockdown regulations at the height of the pandemic, leading to many workers in the informal economy losing their income and a large number of small enterprises closing. Those lucky enough to run small business, watched their capital and savings evaporate and were forced to deploy other strategies to cope, depleting their future economic capacity and driving some local young women into transactional sex and child marriage. 


Uganda’s last National Household Survey illustrates the impact of the pandemic, with an estimated 300,000 forced into poverty, and a reversal of the slow improvements in the national poverty rate which rose back to 22%. The slow recovery of the local economy was then struck by rocketing prices, especially for fuel. 

Aside from their practical training, trainees will also receive business and sexual reproductive health and rights training. Other components of this project include: 

- **Literacy and numeracy training** 

   - 57 of the selected participants were identified as needing support to enable them to attain the functional literacy and numeracy skills needed to complete their training 

- **Childcare provision** 

As part of this project the creche at the TA Crusade site has been refurbished and now provides a safe and nurturing environment for trainee’s children, enabling them to focus on their learning. 

- **On Site Restaurant** 

This venue was also refurbished and provides a hands on training facility for the catering students who produce food for fellow trainees and diners from the local community. Income from the restaurant ensures it is self-sustaining and there has been a 30% increase in income since the refurbishment and subsequent expansion of the dining area. 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


At the midpoint of the project, trainees have maintained excellent levels of attendance and are already reporting positive changes in their circumstances and well-being. 

- 30% of trainees have reported an increase in their income since starting their training and as they start to do small jobs using their new skills 

- 40% of trainees have reported being able to save more of their income 

- 85% of the trainees have reported an increase in their understanding and awareness of HIV/Aids and 75% reported a better understanding of family planning options 

- 35% of trainees reported a reduction in stress and 40% feel more confident since starting their training. 

## **Community Engagement Activities** 

Community activities are an important part of projects delivered, helping to raise awareness of the trainees, many of whom will be opening their businesses in the locality of the training centre. Engaging with the community and showcasing trainees’ skills encourages patronage of their new businesses once they graduate. These activities also enable the trainees to use their new skills to help and benefit others in their communities. 

The tailoring trainees have produced 650 reusable sanitary pads which have been distributed to local schools. The welding trainees have also been busy, producing bunk beds for the accommodation blocks that are used by trainees who don’t live within daily striking distance of the training centre. 



_**Sanitary pad production and distribution**_ 

## **Tool Provision** 

As reported in our 2023 report, the provision of tools sent from the UK has become increasingly challenging. In Uganda new regulations relating to the importation of second hand tools has meant it is no longer feasible to send refurbished tools. Ensuring trainees and graduates are equipped for work remains an important component of all of our project models and support packages. To this end, T A Crusade purchased the start-up tools needed for their graduates locally using funds included in their budget. Ahead of purchase they set up a robust Purchasing Policy and identified local suppliers from within the county or further afield in Kampala as needed. 

9 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


**Our Support Packages – Transition to Work** 

## **Transition to Work (T2W)** 

Ongoing support for trainees as they graduate and move into work Mentoring and top-up training Business and community networking Start-up grants 

## **Transition to Work Participants** 

|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|**Transition to Work Participants**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Ghana**||**Malawi**||**Sierra Leone**||**Uganda**||**Zambia**||
||Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|
||0|20|109|74|0|0|79|83|0|33|
||**20**||**183**||**0**||**162**||**33**||
||**Includesprojects starting in 2023 / ending in 2024 andprojects starting in 2024 / ending in 2025**||||||||||



FOCCAD (Malawi) – graduates from the 2023 vocational training project in their new businesses receiving ongoing support through a Transition to Work project in 2024 


_**Alinae Saidi Taladila Tailoring Group**_ 


_**Hamisi Saidi Carpentry Graduate**_ 


_**Secret Bomen Chikondano Motorcycle Repairs**_ 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Eliashib (Zambia) – Transition to Work** 

This project was delivered by Eliashib and provided 33 graduates from their vocational training programme with ongoing training and start up support as they transitioned into work. Starting in October 2023, the graduates were supported to make an informed choice of options for continued self-employment or prospective jobs and the Eliashib team identified each graduate’s skill gaps for each pathway and developed skills tailored to every participant to maximise their chance of success. 

## **Project activities** 

## · **Monthly business visits** 

To monitor and evaluate the progress of graduates, identifying challenges and offer realtime solutions. These visits bridged the gap between training and the world of work, helping participants stay on track through this transition. 

## · **Formal Sector Open Day** 

This was held to provide graduates with guidance on starting and running a business, improving customer relations, developing marketing strategies, applying for jobs, and managing finances, bridging the knowledge gap between informal skills and formal sector expectations, thus enhancing readiness for both formal employment and entrepreneurial success. 

## · **Mentorship Sessions** 

The purpose of these sessions was to address specific concerns relating to business operations, ensuring graduates had the support needed to bed in their businesses and build the foundations for the long-term sustainability of their businesses. The mentors were selected from Eliashib alumni who were able to share their experiences and tips in a supportive learning environment. 


## · **Start-up grants** 

Graduates received a start-up grant at the end of their training programme to cover business set up costs. This included paying rent on shops, purchase of materials and additional tools for their work. This was supplemented by the share-out of funds saved by the trainees through a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) set up during their training. Having access to capital to start up and expand new businesses is a key investment and significantly contributes to business success. 


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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Eliashib (Zambia) Transition to Work – Christine Chobela** 

Before enrolling in her tailoring training Christine was at home looking after her family but yearned to have a skill that she could use to earn an income and contribute to her household. 

With this determination to succeed, Christine grabbed the opportunity to train with Eliashib with both hands and thoroughly committed herself to her practical and business training. 

Upon graduating, Christine began a new chapter with a focus on becoming financially independent using her new skills and the sewing machine she received. Working alongside some of her fellow graduates she opened a new tailoring business in her community. The start-up grant they received has been used to purchase materials which customers can buy from them and can be used to make items of clothing. As the business grows, they plan to rent their own shop and buy additional equipment such as a tailoring dummy. Looking ahead, Christine is filled with hope and ambition. 

_**“I plan to above the level I currently am at. Whether in my craft or securing a shop or in my life, I want to be above my current state. I want to be able to design and sew wedding dresses and brides maids’ outfits. Like madam Katie (her trainer), I would also like to teach a vulnerable person the tailoring craft.”**_ 


Whilst the successes and impact of training programmes is seen mainly in the trainees and graduates, Dridgent Simuvuka (Eliashib bricklaying trainer) has also been able to build key skills. 

Dridgent joined Eliashib in 2022, after a decade of honing his own skills in construction. He saw this as an opportunity,to not only teach a trade, but to play a part in changing lives. 

_**“I am very happy the students have achieved a skill. When they enrolled in the VT programme, they couldn’t do anything, but today, upon completing the VT and T2W programmes, they are now considered responsible people.**_ 

Dridgent is continuing to mentor the graduates and is on hand when they need any advice on jobs they are doing. He also has aspirations for his own future: 

“ _**My plan is to open a construction company that will provide an opportunity to work with my graduate students and others who are yet to come. I want to help elevate my community, and that can be done through the vulnerable students who will contribute positively to their communities”**_ 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our Support Packages – Business Development** 

## **Business Development (BD) Targeting tradespeople with existing skills and already running a business** 

6-12 months upskilling technical and business management training 

(based on identified skills gaps) 

Short, focused periods of training to minimise disruption to businesses Focus on improving product design and finish and diversification of products Improved record keeping – e.g. client records and book-keeping Improved customer care and marketing 

Village Loans and Savings Association (VSLA) training and group formation 

## **Business Development Participants** 

|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|**Business Development Participants**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Ghana**||**Malawi**||**Sierra Leone**||**Uganda**||**Zambia**||
||Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|Male|Female|
||0|0|84|102|0|0|0|0|20|0|
||**0**||**186**||**0**||**0**||**20**||
||**Includesprojects starting in 2023 / ending in 2024 andprojects starting in 2024 / ending in 2025**||||||||||



## **Impact** 

**FESDOV (Malawi) Kuomboka Project – 40 business** 

## **6 months into the project:** 

- 89% reported an increase in income (earning above the poverty line each week) 

- 16% able to purchase a bicycle (8% at baseline) 

- Participants reported an increase in confidence, greater sense of well-being and more valued in their communities 

## **12 months into the project:** 

- 100% of participants earning more than £60 per month 

- 27% of participants earning more than £90 per month 

- 100% of participants started saving regularly 

- 100% of participants maintaining client records and financial records 

- 60% of the participating businesses were in the process of formally registering their business 

- Participants formed VSLA groups and actively saving 


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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 

**Grace Nkoma – Grace Tailoring (Malawi) Tailor and participant in the FESODV Kuomboka Business Development Project** 

Grace dropped out of primary school at 14, but had received some basic training in tailoring. As a person with disability she was facing a number of challenges but was managing to get by, combining small scale income generation from making clothes supplemented by selling charcoal and farming. 

She set up her tailoring business, “Grace Tailoring” in 2020. Before joining the Kuomboka Businsess Development project, her business was struggling and her income was as little as £10 per month, falling well below the poverty line. _(Grace sitting at her machine)_ 

6 months into the project, things looked very different for Grace. Her income had risen to £40 per month, she was able to save and had also bought herself a bike. 

_**“This project has taught me a lot, I was only trained in tailoring as a skill and not records keeping, saving part of my income or quality of my products, but all these I have covered in this project, and I am expecting to improve my business more.”**_ 

Grace did go on to improve her business and by the end of the project she had increased her customer numbers to over 40 per month (6-10 before her training) doubled her monthly income to £80 per month, increased her savings, purchased stock to sell in her shop and been able to purchase a smartphone. 

_**“All areas which I was failing have been addressed through this project. My business is growing, and my finances have increased. I am a well-known designer in my area.”**_ 

After completing her training, Grace was selected by an international disability organisation to be a trainer and now travels to other districts to support other new tailoring trainees. Grace now has the confidence and courage to train others and with a steady and reliable source of income from her work, is able to send her two children to school and run her own small business. 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Community Engagement** 

All projects implemented by Tools for Self Reliance and our partners include investments in the local community. These activities are designed to showcase trainee skills, open opportunities for a future client base, build infrastructure and services in hosting communities and strengthen the working relationship with local government and neighbouring households. Across projects, almost 13,500 individuals benefitted from these activities in 2024. Other activities, such as the installation of solar power in schools and police stations, the provision of childcare and food outlets benefitted countless others. 

|**Country**|**Thematic Approach**|**Total**<br>**beneficiaries**|
|---|---|---|
|**Ghana**|Treeplanting|50|
||Clothes(check)|50|
|**Malawi**|School uniforms|90|
||Installation of solarpower toprovide lights in schools|550|
||Desks repairs|50|
||School uniforms|100|
||Desk repairs|50|
||Motorbike repairs for local clinic|10|
||Re-usable sanitary pads for schoolgirls|450|
||Re-usable sanitary pads for schoolgirls|200|
||Repair of tables and chairs in schools|100|
|**Uganda**|Re-usable sanitary pads for schoolgirls|650|
|**Sierra Leone**|Crutches|30|
||Repairs and lessons in maintenance for mobilityaids|60|
|**Zambia**|Childcareprovision to local community|20|
||School uniforms|100|
|**Totals**||**13,490***|
|***This total includes 1,315 femaleparticipants**|||



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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Equipping training centres, trainees and graduates** 

Partners welcomed shipments into Zambia, Sierra Leone and Malawi this year, containing kits to support effective delivery of vocational training, to equip trainees as they graduate and move into work and to boost the stock of tools existing businesses have for their work. 

Whilst the tools and equipment have been put to the best possible use, sending shipments has become increasingly challenging. Our Malawi shipment which set sail in December 2023, had to be rerouted around the Cape due to security threats in the Red Sea, tripling the normal travel time and resulting in final arrival in May 2024. Our Sierra Leone shipment fell foul of stormy weather and damage to the ship which had to be towed to Spain for repairs. After a three month wait, we were delighted to see our tools finally in the hands of our trainees. 

Our commitment to ensuring our trainees and graduates have the tools they need to work remains at the core of our support programme. It is key to ensuring they are able to maximise opportunities to use the skills and knowledge they have gained to earn a meaningful and sustainable income. However, it is also incumbent on the charity to make the best use of its resources to equip participants with the tools and equipment they need in the most cost efficient way. 




_**Packed and stacked ready for dispatch from Netley Marsh**_ 

_**Unpacking at the PFF site in Zambia**_ 

_**Tools in use by trainees**_ 

## **Monitoring, evaluation and learning** 

In 2023 we focused on the delivery of monitoring and evaluation training with partners, including familiarising them with the new digital platform set up to support the collection of data, feedback and news stories. In 2024 we paid close attention to our partners’ engagement with the new digital platform, troubleshooting the inevitable teething problems, and running refresher training online. This focused on partner requests and responded to areas where they were experiencing glitches or needed clarity. The more systematic digital data collection has offered the opportunity for reviewing impact across partners, countries and training approaches and we will build on this in the coming year. 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Meeting with our Partners** 

We undertook two country visits to Ghana and Zambia, accompanied by the Volunteer Coordinator and Chair of the Trustees respectively. Visits provide us with an opportunity to see first-hand how our trainees are developing their new skills and how their new businesses are faring. 

In Ghana we met with our partner Street Girls Aid to review the delivery and outcomes of the vocational training programme delivered between 2023 – 2024. The Tools for Self Reliance team also had the opportunity to meet with some of the graduates of this project and hear from them how they have progressed since setting up their own small businesses. The graduates of this project started their Transition to Work programme in October and will receive ongoing mentoring and support and grants to help rent and equip their workplaces. 

We also met with our partners TRAX and Norsaac, sitting down together to develop ideas for projects. For TRAX, this included supporting diversified and improved agricultural activities and shea butter production. For Norsaac it involved a business development project for existing businesses in and around Tamale which will start at the beginning of 2025. 

In Zambia our team were delighted to meet with the team at Prisoners Future Foundation (PFF) to discuss getting their new project started. This project is supporting inmates coming to the end of their sentences and looking to transition back to their communities with a skill they can use to earn an income. We also met with Eliashib, one of our long standing partners, to review plans for their next vocational training project. 


_**Ash and Ben with the SGA Team (Ghana)**_ 


_**The Tools for Self Reliance Team with the PFF Team**_ 


_**Sarah, Lute, Cecily and Linda with Miriam from Eliashib (Zambia)**_ 


_**Ben with Waka Bugre (TRAX welding graduate)**_ 

17 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our Africa Programme – Looking forward and key activities for 2025** 

- We will deliver, subject to securing funds, 6 Vocational Training projects, 3 Transition to Work projects and 3 Business Development projects. 

- We will invest time in partner scoping in Uganda and Zambia to bring new delivery partners on board. 

- We will continue to maximise opportunities to invest in capacity building for our partners, including working with organisations such as Accountants for International Development (AfID) who offer volunteer placements supporting financial management development. 

- We will work with partners to embed robust safeguarding practices and to identify good practice in the delivery of SRHR and business training. 

- We will ensure all reporting requirements are simplified and enable partners to gather key data and feedback which measure change and impact, and informs follow on projects and activities. 

- We will encourage partners and promote opportunities for shared learning and cross learning between partners and encourage the adoption of best practice 

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**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our UK Programme** 



We will support our existing volunteers and groups across the UK, ensuring we understand and optimise the impact of our volunteering opportunities. 


We will continue to seek support from volunteers in the collection, refurbishment and upcycling of quality second-hand tools and equipment. 


We will develop a range of opportunities for volunteering beyond tool refurbishing, including fundraising and profile-raising activities. 


We will meet the needs of the existing and the broadened range of trades supported through provision of tools and equipment for projects in Africa where this is needed, and it is cost effective to do so **.** 


We will explore opportunities to work with organisations and training providers in the UK and to offer the tools and equipment needed for trades people. 

## **Working with Volunteers** 

Our volunteers and Support Groups have once again provided amazing support to the charity across the year through a wide range of volunteering activities and continue to play a key role in enabling us to continue our work. 

Across the UK we have over 29 Support Groups, who have on average supported our work for over 25 years. Within our Support Groups and including volunteers at our headquarters, we have 350 volunteers. 57% of volunteers have been with the charity for at least 10 years and 68% volunteer at least once per week. 

Whilst our Support Groups play an important role in their communities, they have been impacted by the effects of a prolonged period of austerity. Whilst many are provided premises without charge by their local councils, churches or schools, some have had to consider their future or seek new premises as landlords opt to sell or repurpose the spaces they are using for their workshops. 

In 2024, we undertook a survey of our volunteers which provided insightful responses and useful feedback which is helping to make operations decisions and shape our UK programme so we can ensure we provide the best possible support to our volunteers. 

19 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Findings from our Volunteer Survey** 

- 88% are over 65 yrs old. 

- 84% are men. 

- 89% are retired. 

- 50% volunteer elsewhere too. 

- 68% volunteer at least once per week – for an average of 17 hours per month. 

- 84% volunteer to keep socially active – with 39% saying they are less likely to feel isolated by doing so. 

- 86% do it to help stay physically and mentally active – with 62% highlighting that their mental health and wellbeing has improved (the majority of the rest indicated this was not applicable, or it had stayed the same). 

- 74% said gaining new skills and knowledge was a motivation to join, with 84% saying the use of their existing skills/knowledge was a factor. 

|**Volunteer Activities**||
|---|---|
|**Activity**|**% of volunteers**|
|Tool sorting/refurbishing|**64%**|
|Collector|**43%**|
|Tool sales – public events|**30%**|
|Scrap metal sorter|**18%**|
|Sewing machine refurbishing|**14%**|
|Online seller|**13%**|
|Box builder|**11%**|
|Speaker|**11%**|
|Workshop/site maintenance|**8%**|
|Haberdashery sorting|**7%**|
|_Based on responses to the 2024 Volunteer Survey – please note many volunteers undertake_||
|_more than one role._||



We were delighted to find that 91% of the survey respondents said they are satisfied or very satisfied by their volunteering experience, which is on par with national volunteering norms. Given the new ways of working and changes to the provision of tools and equipment for our projects over the past few years, which have seen a reduction in the number of tools and kits sent to our projects in Africa, it is positive to see that our volunteers remain committed to our work and supporting the new initiatives we have developed over the past year to ensure we make the very best use of their time and skills. 

20 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our UK Programme – working with and supporting our volunteers** 

## **Recognising long service** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Viv Shadwell  Geoff Thomas  Bill Mercer<br>(Holt Group – 10 years) (Netley Marsh – 10 years) (Netley Marsh – 15 years)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Each year we recognise the contributions of our volunteers, awarding long service certificates ranging from 10 to 40 years. In 2024 certificates were awarded to 46 volunteers who reached long service milestones, with their contribution representing over 760 years of volunteering! Congratulations and thanks go out to all these volunteers for their amazing commitment to our work. 

## **Meet our Support Groups - Clun** 


The Clun group can be found in a farm building in Aston, which is kindly provided to them by a local farmer rent free, though they earn their keep by helping out with maintenance jobs when needed. The group was started by Dave Thomlison 32 years ago who, after starting a job as a Recycling Officer, recalled hearing about the charity on the radio. Putting the two together he was inspired, along with his wife Lizzy, to set up the group in 1992. 


The group has 12 members who give their time and skills to the collection and refurbishment of tools and sewing machines. Since 2020 they have refurbished and packed over 50 kits which have been sent to projects. Alongside this the group has also raised and incredible £44,000 through the sale of unsuitable or excess tools on eBay, at local events and through weighing in metal for scrap. 

For Dave volunteering has given him _**“improved quality of life”,**_ **particularly as he feels** _**“the group is going better than ever – with many talented people”**_ 

21 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Meet our volunteers** 

## **Harry – Netley Marsh Electrical Volunteer** 


Harry started volunteering at our workshops in Netley Marsh almost two years ago after seeing an advert for electrical refurbishment volunteers. 

He came along with some existing DIY and home wiring skills but was also keen to learn. After completing our in-house training and building on his learning working alongside our other volunteers, Harry is now a keen member of our electrical refurbishment volunteer team. 

Harry has made a significant contribution, using his computing and IT skills, to building our new database system, which we use to ensure we are running an efficient electrical refurbishment process and complying with required regulations. He has also been a great support at our sales events and at local volunteer fairs, encouraging others to follow in his footsteps. 

_**“I really enjoy saving perfectly usable power tools from landfill. When those tools end up in the hands of a UK customer, I’m very happy - when they end up enabling new opportunities for those in developing nations, I’m extra happy!”**_ 

## **Karen – Netley Marsh Retail Volunteer** 


Karen has been volunteering at our HQ in Southampton since summer 2024. She joined us after hearing about our work and popped in to help with the opening of our new on site shop. Now, Karen is a regular and runs the shop two days a week. After a long career in customer service and then as a trade union official within a large utility company, she has enjoyed the opportunity to utilise her skills and experience in a different setting. 

_**“Volunteering gives me a chance to do something worthwhile to benefit others.”**_ 

“ _**I love talking to people about their hobbies and learning about some of the things we sell. No two days are the same and it’s a pleasure to volunteer doing something that makes a difference**_ **.”** 

It’s not just the customers Karen enjoys meeting: **“** _**the volunteers welcomed me with open arms - it’s a pleasure to come in**_ **.”** Karen also recognises the importance of her role for our wider charity operations, both in the UK and in Africa. “ _**We have to sustain our position to be able to support our trainees in Africa - and promoting the shop and the work we do enables us to keep doing this.”**_ 

22 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our UK Programme – working with and supporting our volunteers** 

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Ben Riley, thoroughly enjoyed his annual visits to the groups across the year. These visits are a great chance to meet group members and provide charity updates in person. As always, each group fully engaged with their visit and took the opportunity to listen to updates and provide updates and ideas of their own – not to mention cups of tea and biscuits. Some groups also got the bonus addition of our CEO Sarah coming along too when she spotted a window in her busy schedule and happily took the opportunity to get away from the office and go on the road! 


_**Holt Support Group**_ 


_**Bakewell Support Group**_ 


_**South Birmingham Support Group**_ 


_**Sarah helping load up tools**_ 

23 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our UK Programme – provision of tools and equipment** 

As already mentioned in last year’s report, there have been a number of changes to the ways we work with our partners and also a number of external factors which have made the shipping of tools from the UK to our projects more difficult and increasingly less cost effective. The charity remains committed to ensuring trainees have the tools they need when learning and are equipped for work when they graduate. Alongside this, the top-up kits for existing businesses who participate in our business development training programmes are key in ensuring new skills in product development and improved quality can be put to good use. 

However, whilst we will continue to ship kits to projects, this will be on a reduced level. In the coming year we are planning to send shipments for projects in Malawi and Ghana. For other projects in countries where it is no longer possible or viable to send tools, we will increase funding so they can be purchased in country from local suppliers. 

## **Kit Provision** 

A total of 2,245 tools were sent to support trainees and graduates in Sierra Leone and Zambia. These tools had a replacement value* (if purchased new) of £21,456. Our Support Groups packed 52 of the kits sent in these two shipments. 

_*Value is based on 50% of the total replacement value_ 

In addition to the tools sent from the UK, a further 670 tools were purchased in Uganda by our partner 


T A Crusade to support 128 trainees who graduated at the end of 2024. Funding to the value of £4,302 was provided for these in-country purchases. 

## **Our UK Kits Programme** 

To ensure we make best possible use of the tools and equipment donated to us and the time and skills our loyal volunteers give us, in 2024 we progressed our partnership with Building Heroes. This has seen us setting up kits for sale to ex-military personnel. Building Heroes supports their transition with skills training that enables them to move into work. Almost £1,000 was raised from these kit sales. In 2025 we hope to increase the number of kits sold to those coming out of their training, and to build this income stream. 

In 2025 we plan to expand our UK Kits Programme, identifying opportunities to partner with organisations offering skills training and apprenticeships, offering their graduates affordable tool kits to purchase as they move into work, and other organisations helping people to move into new ways of living, such as those leaving prison. 

We will also continue to maximise opportunities to generate income from sales of excess tools and from tools and equipment which are not suitable for our projects. Our volunteers will also use their skills to provide paid for services such as tool sharpening, sewing machine repairs and to make products by upcycling of tools. 

24 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our UK Programme – Volunteer Led Income Generation** 

Income from our volunteers and Support Groups continues to be an essential source of flexible, unrestricted income used to support our operations and funding needed for projects. They, once again, had an amazing year on the fundraising front with their efforts yielding an amazing result with just over £74,000 raised. 

Across the UK and at our headquarters in Netley Marsh, our volunteers played a key role in running stands at a range of events, including the Bodgers and the Oak Fair which had a bumper year and together raised £16,000. The fundraised total also includes income from the sale of excess or unwanted tools across a range of online sales platforms, and from offering services such as tool sharpening. 


_**Bodgers**_ 


_**The Oak Fair**_ 

Over £40,000 of the funds raised was allocated to eight different projects started during the year, supplementing funds secured from trusts and grant giving bodies. A further £6,000 was allocated to projects due to start in 2025 and we were also most grateful for the pledged donation of £13,310 from our sister charity Tools for Self Reliance Milton Keynes to support a business development project being delivered by Norsaac in Ghana in 2025. 

During 2024 we also benefitted from two match funding schemes. Securing funds for these schemes was achieved in no small part as a result of funds donated by volunteers. They contributed £5,800 to our Tea for Tools campaign which was a significant help in reaching the £10,000 needed to secure a matched grant from the Dagleish Trust. At the end of the year, they once again stepped up and contributed to our Big Give campaign, providing £7,200 of funds and enabling us to open match funding to reach a total of £28,500. 




_**Tea for Tools**_ 

25 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


At our headquarters in Netley Marsh, we opened our new shop mid-way through the year. The ReNew Store is currently housed in a container, but in 2025 we will be investing in the refurbishment of one of our units which will become the new home for the shop. 

We have also continued to maximise opportunities to generate income from our site through rental of units. We maintained full occupancy during 2024, generating income of £68,000. Income from the site was boosted at the end of the year after refurbishment of the house owned by the charity was completed. This is now rented out and providing a new and valuable income source for the charity. 



_**The Re-New Store**_ 

## **Thank You** 

We would also like to acknowledge in-memory and legacy donations we have received from volunteers and supporters we have sadly lost during the year. We would like to extend our sympathies to their families, as well as our thanks, and hope some comfort is found in the knowledge that these donations have gone to a good cause and made a positive impact. 

The success of the charity relies on a strong portfolio of income streams. We are extremely thankful for the commitment and efforts our volunteers have put into such a wide range of fundraising activities across the year. The hard work, generosity and enthusiasm shown by our volunteers has made such a difference at a time when securing funds is a real challenge. 

26 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Our UK Programme – Key activities for 2025** 

- We will provide ongoing support to our volunteers and Support Groups – providing regular updates through Ebulletins, quarterly Zoom volunteer meetings and through resources on the Volunteer Resources area on our website. 

- As part of our 45[th] birthday celebrations, we will hold a Volunteer Open Day at our HQ. 

- We will continue to work with our volunteers and Support Groups to collect and refurbish the tools and equipment needed to fulfil the kit requirements for our projects in Africa. 

This will include kits for projects in Malawi and Ghana 

- We will expand our partnership with Building Heroes and develop new opportunities to work with colleges requiring tools for training schemes and organisations delivering transition to work programmes in the UK. 

- We will expand the range of kits for sale in the UK – to include Home Start and Garden Start kits 

- We will identify specific role requirements and recruit new volunteers to support our work in the UK and in our income generating and grants fundraising work. 

- We will offer opportunities for trainees and apprentices from local institutions, including placement opportunities, to enable them to use and develop their skills in our workshops. 

- We will undertake work on our HQ site to ensure we are able to maintain regular income from rented units, whilst also refurbishing other property that can be used to generate income. 

27 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Resourcing our work** 



We will continue to invest and build on our robust organisational structure to effectively resource the delivery of our programmes and activities. 

## This will involve: 

- working with funders and institutions to secure a balanced and sustainable range of income sources 

- growing our supporter base to bring on board individuals with an interest in supporting our work and programmes 

- maximising opportunities to generate income from sales, events, and rent 


We will use an integrated communications approach, making best use of traditional and digital platforms to share data and evidence of the impact our work, sharing success stories and lessons learned that enable us to shape our work to achieve the best possible outcomes and impact. 


We will invest in our team to ensure they have the skills, training and resources needed to achieve operational excellence and maximise the impact of our work. 

Responsibility for income generation lies primarily with the Fundraising Team. No fundraising activities are undertaken by external paid fundraisers or by any commercial participator. We do not receive statutory grants or donations from the Government or their departments, allowing us the flexibility to run our projects in partnerships as we best see fit. 

Tools for Self Reliance is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and has a robust Fundraising Policy in place, underpinned by an Ethical Giving Policy and Refusal and Acceptance of Donations Policy. 

During 2024 we received no complaints regarding our fundraising activities and responded immediately to any requests made through the Fundraising Preferences Service. 

28 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Resourcing our work** 

Tools for Self Reliance is fuelled by the unwavering support of a dedicated community of individual donors—many of whom have stood by us since the very beginning. Our mission thrives through a blend of charitable grants, generous donations, legacies, and income raised from events and rental funds. 

As we entered 2024, we were acutely aware that the world’s unfolding crises—including the devastating Red Sea Crisis—would cast a shadow over our efforts. On top of that, the relentless rise in inflation, the escalating cost of living, and global instability created a constant headwind that made fundraising and income generation even more challenging. These pressures directly impacted our operational and project costs, creating an environment where securing donations became increasingly difficult. Trusts and Foundations, too, faced their own struggles in maintaining their funding capacity. In the face of these hurdles, our fundraising team demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity, working tirelessly to meet our goals across multiple funding streams. 

A strong, diversified funding base is essential for us to continue delivering meaningful impact—and we are deeply grateful to every single person who has contributed. Your support has been the driving force behind our work in the UK and the incredible impact we’ve achieved alongside our partners in Africa. Below is a snapshot of some of the successful campaigns and initiatives that made a tangible difference this year. 

## **Our work with funders and institutions** 

In our ongoing work with funders and institutions, the focus remained squarely on securing the vital resources that allow us and our partners to deliver life-changing projects. The majority of our project funding comes from trusts and foundations, and we cannot thank them enough for their steadfast dedication. To ensure long-term sustainability, we actively sought funders who share our vision for multi-year planning, capacity-building for our partners, and flexible grant opportunities that align with the evolving needs of our projects. As we look toward 2025, our commitment to working closely with these long-standing partners remains resolute. 

We also explored innovative ways to leverage match-funding opportunities to bolster our fundraising efforts during the year. One such initiative was our successful Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign, which exceeded our target by 30%. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised over £27,000 to help cover the rising costs of shipments and tools for our vital projects. This success would not have been possible without the ongoing commitment of our donors, funders, Support Groups and partners. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this crucial work. 

29 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Communications** 

Throughout the year, we were thrilled to share special bumper editions of our _Forging Links_ newsletter, offering an in-depth look into the heart of our projects. These editions allowed us to share the stories and experiences of our Project Managers in Africa— offering insight into their motivations, challenges, and incredible successes. 

We also spotlighted our dedicated volunteers, the lifeblood of our UK workshops, whose commitment and hard work make everything possible. In addition to our regular publications and e-newsletters, we were delighted to feature inspiring stories of success from our trainees and graduates. These stories reflect the life-changing impact of our work and the resilience of the individuals we serve. 

We're also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share firsthand accounts from our project partners, who bring our impact to life through Makerble—our reporting and impact tracking platform. It’s through these rich, authentic stories that we continue to connect with our supporters and show just how deeply your involvement is transforming lives. 

## **Income generating activities** 

Throughout the year, we brought our community together through a series of events to raise vital funds, including two quiz nights that sparked fun, camaraderie, and generosity. We were thrilled to welcome both our loyal supporters and new faces, and thanks to their enthusiasm, we raised over £1,000 with our Fish and Chip Supper event. Local businesses generously provided the food, and the community’s spirit shone through with several donated raffle prizes. Every ticket purchased and every donation made directly supports our life-changing work, both here in the UK and across Africa. 

As summer approached, we were pleased with the success of our Tea for Tools event, which was made even more special through the match-funding support of the Dalgleish Trust—an incredible partner who continues to believe in our mission. This partnership not only amplified the funds raised but also attracted a new wave of supporters who are now part of our growing family. 

## **Diversifying income generating activities** 

Over the year we have seen growth across our income generating activities but recognise the need for and importance of diversification. To this end we launched our new Tools for Self Reliance Lottery and work is ongoing to grow our player base. 

We are profoundly grateful for our loyal regular donors, as well as the kind-hearted individuals who have committed to leaving a legacy through a gift in their Will. These acts of generosity provide us with the stability we need to look to the future with confidence and the ability to plan meaningful projects that will transform the lives of our trainees for years to come. 

30 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Thank you** 

Despite these successes, the fundraising landscape remains challenging, particularly in the realm of international development. With a rise in grant applications and fierce competition across the sector, securing the necessary funds to support our projects requires constant innovation and determination. 

We are truly grateful for the breadth of loyal support we receive. It represents many years of commitment to our work and a belief in the change that can be achieved if we all work together – to change lives and build working futures. 


31 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **– Fundraising and Communications Key activities for 2025** 

- We will look to expand volunteer support for our fundraising team, offering roles in prospecting and research, bid writing and communications. 

- We will continue to ensure we maintain and develop a mixed portfolio of donors and funders to achieve both restricted and unrestricted income targets through targeted appeals for Lottery players and retail purchases. 

- We will identify new opportunities and funders to support our programmes. In particular, we will seek funding from trusts and donors with interest in supporting more vulnerable target groups such as young and / or single mothers, ex-offenders and those living in refugee settings. 

- We will continue to promote in-memory giving programmes to supporters who may be looking to leave a legacy or donation to the charity, including through our partnership with Farewills. 

- We will continue to use our publications, Ebulletins and social media platforms to update existing supporters on our work and the outcomes of projects delivered by our partners, whilst maximising opportunities to attract and engage with new supporters and subscribers. 

- We will promote existing and new opportunities we have in place for purchasing refurbished tools to generate income for our projects and UK programme. 

32 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Governance** 

Tools for Self Reliance is a company limited by guarantee. It is registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission. Membership of the company is open to all those who fulfil the criteria and is subject to approval by the directors.  Members have a limited liability of £1. 

## **Directors and Trustees** 

For the purposes of Charity Law and throughout this report, the trustees of the Charity are collectively referred to as the directors. Directors are elected from and by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. 

The Directors are responsible for the overall direction of the Charity, policies, and legal compliance. Operational responsibility is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who is assisted by a staff team at the Charity headquarters based at Netley Marsh. The Directors have a yearly meeting with the staff team to discuss the current and future strategic direction of the Charity. They also meet with staff as required as part of their work on the Board sub-committees. 

## **Charitable Operations** 

The Directors confirm they have complied with their responsibilities in pursuance of the Charity’s public benefit objective in terms of Section 4 of the 2006 Charities Act, having due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. 

Tools for Self Reliance’s charitable objective is: 

_“The relief of poverty amongst the people in developing areas in the world by the provision of hand and other tools and equipment, together with training in their use, business skills and livelihood skills_ .” 

In addition, the Charity provides facilities in the UK for the personal development of individuals with the object of improving their conditions of life. 

The Charity carries out these objects by: 

- supporting the delivery of livelihood development projects in four Africa countries 

- the collection and refurbishment of donated tools and equipment 

- providing opportunities for volunteers across the UK to engage in meaningful activity in support of the work of the charity. 

33 



**Tools for Self Reliance – Company by Limited Guarantee Report of the Directors for the year ended 31[st] December 2024** 


## **Statutory Policies** 

## **Risk Management** 

The Directors have examined the potential risks that the Charity faces. They have reviewed the risks on a regular basis and confirm that measures to minimise these risks are in place. 

## **Reserves Policy** 

Our reserves policy is set to ensure that our work is protected from the risk of disruption at short notice due to a lack of funds, whilst at the same time ensuring that we do not retain income for longer than required. As such it is Tools for Self Reliance’s policy to manage the Charity such that available cash reserves are held at a minimum level of between two and three months’ core running costs. At the year-end we had unrestricted free cash reserves of £140,069 (2023-£223,935) which meet this criterion. Surplus cash is placed on short term interest bearing deposits. 

## **Other Policies** 

## **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)** 

We continue to ensure compliance with all relevant GDPR regulations and our own Fundraising Pledge. A Privacy Policy[1] is in place and guidance has been provided to our volunteers. 

## **Fundraising Regulator Code** 

The four main pillars of this code – being legal, open, honest, and respectful, are embedded into our own fundraising policy and practices. The trustees ensure compliance with the General Duties outlined in the Code and ensure that policies are reviewed in line with any changes and amendments made to the Code during the year. 

## **Safeguarding** 

Tools for Self Reliance is committed to upholding its responsibility to ensure that all those working with and for the Charity are protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. To this end a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy has been put in place, which includes a Code of Conduct for all employees and volunteers. 

## **Compliance with the Governance Code** 

The Board continues to uphold the principles of this voluntary code of practice; and has an action plan in place to review activities to ensure ongoing compliance. 

> 1 - - - Our Privacy Policy can be found on our website: https://www.tfsr.org/wp content/uploads/2018/05/2018 Privacy Notice.pdf 

34 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The trustees (who are also the directors of Tools For Self Reliance for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

In so far as the trustees are aware: 

- there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and 

- the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. 

## **AUDITORS** 

The auditors,  MC Audit Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 17th May 2025 and signed on its behalf by: 

_Linda Hansford_ 

L Hansford - Trustee 

35 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Tools For Self Reliance (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

## In our opinion the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.  We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.  We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.  We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

- the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

- the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

36 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 

- the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

37 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion.  Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

From discussion with management and those charged with governance information about the entity is documented to assess the activity within the organisation. We discuss management's assessment of risk in respect of irregularities, fraud and going concern. 

Based on these discussions and our own assessments we determined that the key risk areas were income recognition in respect of cut off issues and management override concerning the size of the organisation. 

We set financial statement materiality level based on the level of income. As a not for profit organisation raising income is its primary focus which is why income was used to determine the level of materiality. Our overall assessment of risk was used to determine performance materiality at an appropriate level. 

Substantive audit tests were designed after assessing and performing walkthrough tests. The walkthrough testing confirmed documented systems which have been designed to act as a preventative measure against fraud and error which appear to be operating as documented. Substantive testing tested a sample of the population, representative of the population, to identify errors. The testing did not identify any material misstatements in areas tested. 

Audit substantive tests concluded no material errors over the key risk areas of income recognition and management override. 

The audit considers the organisation is not exposed to material risk of error as a result of assessing laws and regulations that are appropriate to the organisation. 

Management assessed there is no going concern risk. The audit undertook a review of budgets, management accounts and the review of board minutes and came to the same conclusion as management. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. 

38 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


Stuart Mackie (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of MC Audit Limited Statutory Auditors Station House North Street Havant Hampshire PO9 1QU 

Date:  24/07/2025 

39 



## **TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>Notes<br>£<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>284,252<br>**Charitable activities**<br>5<br>Charitable activity<br>77,886<br>Other trading activities<br>3<br>73,146<br>Investment income<br>4<br>72,192<br>**Total**<br>507,476<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>Raising funds<br>131,336<br>**Charitable activities**<br>6<br>Charitable activity<br>449,848<br>**Total**<br>581,184<br>Net gains on investments<br>450,000<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>376,292<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>723,535<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>1,099,827|2024<br>Restricted<br>Total<br>funds<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>4,369<br>288,621<br>186,925<br>264,811<br>-<br>73,146<br>-<br>72,192<br>191,294<br>698,770<br>-<br>131,336<br>186,237<br>636,085<br>186,237<br>767,421<br>-<br>450,000<br>5,057<br>381,349<br>155,269<br>878,804<br>160,326<br>1,260,153|2023<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>314,644<br>280,955<br>92,175<br>71,022<br>758,796<br>162,185<br>640,307<br>802,492<br>-<br>(43,696)<br>922,500<br>878,804|
|---|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

40 



## **TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|Notes<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>12<br>Investment property<br>13<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>14<br>Cash at bank<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>15<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due after more than one year 16<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**FUNDS**<br>20<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Restricted funds<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|2024<br>£<br>122,558<br>820,000<br>942,558<br>31,247<br>318,080<br>349,327<br>(27,036)<br>322,291<br>1,264,849<br>(4,696)<br>1,260,153<br>1,099,827<br>160,326<br>1,260,153|2023<br>£<br>130,100<br>370,000<br>500,100<br>53,407<br>356,862<br>410,269<br>(21,165)<br>389,104<br>889,204<br>(10,400)<br>878,804<br>723,535<br>155,269<br>878,804|
|---|---|---|



These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 17th May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: 

## _Linda Hansford_ 

L Hansford - Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

41 



## **TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|Notes<br>**Cash flows from operating activities**<br>Cash generated from operations<br>1<br>Net cash used in operating activities<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Interest received<br>Net cash provided by investing activities<br>**Cash flows from financing activities**<br>Capital repayments in year<br>Net cash used in financing activities<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents**<br>**in the reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the**<br>**beginning of the reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end**<br>**of the reporting period**|2024<br>£<br>(37,457)<br>(37,457)<br>3,817<br>3,817<br>(5,142)<br>(5,142)<br>(38,782)<br>356,862<br>318,080|2023<br>£<br>(79,177)<br>(79,177)<br>8,654<br>8,654<br>(4,806)<br>(4,806)<br>(75,329)<br>432,191<br>356,862|
|---|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

42 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES** 

|**Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the**<br>**Statement of Financial Activities)**<br>**Adjustments for:**<br>Depreciation charges<br>Interest received<br>Gain on investment property revaluation<br>Decrease/(increase) in debtors<br>Increase/(decrease) in creditors<br>**Net cash used in operations**<br>**2.**<br>**ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS**|2024<br>£<br>381,349<br>7,542<br>(3,817)<br>(450,000)<br>22,160<br>5,309<br>(37,457)|2023<br>£<br>(43,696)<br>7,542<br>(8,654)<br>-<br>(32,369)<br>(2,000)<br>(79,177)|
|---|---|---|



||At 1.1.24|Cash flow|At 31.12.24|
|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|£|
|**Net cash**||||
|Cash at bank|356,862|(38,782)|318,080|
||356,862|(38,782)|318,080|
|**Debt**||||
|Debts falling due within 1 year|(4,228)|(761)|(4,989)|
|Debts falling due after 1 year|(10,059)|5,903|(4,156)|
||(14,287)|5,142|(9,145)|
|**Total**|342,575|(33,640)|308,935|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

43 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** 

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets. 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. 

## **Income** 

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

## **Expenditure** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. 

|Freehold property|2% on cost|
|---|---|
|Improvements to property|2% on cost|
|Motor vehicles|20% on cost|



Assets purchased over £2,000 will be capitalised and depreciated over the useful life. 

## **Investment property** 

Investment property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities. The investment property portfolio was revalued to £370,000 by the directors on 31 December 2021. An additional property began being rented out in the 2024 year and has been valued at £450,000 by the directors on 31 December 2024. The directors received a valuation from an independent third party that assisted them in reaching this value. It is the policy of the charity to revalue the investment property every five years. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

44 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments** 

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. 

## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** 

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme.  Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 

## **Donated goods** 

Donated goods are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). 

On receipt, donated goods are recognised based on the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain the goods of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised as expenditure in the period of receipt. 

## **Financial instruments** 

The charitable company only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans from banks and other third parties and loans to related parties and investments in non-puttable ordinary shares. 

## **Trade and other debtors** 

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment 

## **Cash and cash equivalents** 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments and bank overdrafts. In the balance sheet, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. 

## **Trade and other creditors** 

Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES** 

|Donated goods<br>Donations<br>Legacies|2024<br>£<br>21,545<br>221,069<br>46,007<br>288,621|2023<br>£<br>61,795<br>161,704<br>91,145<br>314,644|
|---|---|---|



Donated goods related to donated tools. 

The charity benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its many volunteers. In accordance with the FRS102 and the charities SORP, the economic constitution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts. 

45 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**3.**|**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**|**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||2024|2023|
||||£|£|
||Sale of tools and scrap||53,576|71,431|
||Craft and other income||19,570|20,744|
||||73,146|92,175|
|**4.**|**INVESTMENT INCOME**||||
||||2024|2023|
||||£|£|
||Rents received||68,375|62,368|
||Deposit account interest||3,817|8,654|
||||72,192|71,022|
||All investment income is derived from assets held in the United Kingdom.||||
|**5.**|**INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**||||
||||2024|2023|
|||Activity|£|£|
||Grants|Charitable activity|264,811|280,955|
|**6.**|**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**||||
||||Support||
|||Direct|costs (see||
|||Costs|note 7)|Totals|
|||£|£|£|
||Charitable activity|625,754|10,331|636,085|
|**7.**|**SUPPORT COSTS**||||
||||Governance||
|||Finance|costs|Totals|
|||£|£|£|
||Charitable activity|1,439|8,892|10,331|
|**8.**|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**||||
||Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):||||
||||2024|2023|
||||£|£|
||Depreciation - owned assets||7,542|7,542|
||Auditors remuneration||4,850|4,713|
||Auditors remuneration other|services|1,750|-|
||Hire of plant and machinery||684|684|



46 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

During the year no trustees (2023: none) were reimbursed out of pocket expenses totalling £nil (2023: £nil). 

## **10. STAFF COSTS** 

|Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Other pension costs|2024<br>£<br>307,622<br>29,386<br>28,991<br>365,999|2023<br>£<br>334,801<br>32,486<br>31,842|
|---|---|---|
|||399,129|



During the year, the key management personnel of the Charity comprised of the Chief Executive Officer. 

The total employee remuneration and benefits of the key management personnel of the charity was £64,943 (2023: £61,815) 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 

||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|
|Charitable|10|11|



No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 

|**11.**<br>**PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**<br>Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>312,756<br>1,888<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Charitable activity<br>35,181<br>245,774<br>Other trading activities<br>91,925<br>250<br>Investment income<br>71,022<br>-<br>**Total**<br>510,884<br>247,912<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>Raising funds<br>162,185<br>-<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Charitable activity<br>366,338<br>273,969<br>**Total**<br>528,523<br>273,969<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>(17,639)<br>(26,057)|Total<br>funds<br>£<br>314,644<br>280,955<br>92,175<br>71,022<br>758,796<br>162,185<br>640,307<br>802,492<br>(43,696)|
|---|---|



47 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

|**11.**|**PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued**|**PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued**|**PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued**|**PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued**|**PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Unrestricted|<br>Restricted|<br>Total||
|||funds|funds|funds||
|||£|£|£||
||**Transfers between funds**|41,884|(41,884)||-|
||**Net movement in funds**|24,245|(67,941)|(43,696)||
||**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|||||
||Total funds brought forward|699,290|223,210|922,500||
||**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|723,535|155,269|878,804||
|**12.**|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**|||||
||||Improvements|||
|||Freehold|to|Plant and||
|||property|property|machinery||
|||£|£|£||
||**COST**|||||
||At 1 January 2024 and|||||
||31 December 2024|106,091|130,813|51,071||
||**DEPRECIATION**|||||
||At 1 January 2024|53,737|60,076|51,071||
||Charge for year|2,122|2,616|-||
||At 31 December 2024|55,859|62,692|51,071||
||**NET BOOK VALUE**|||||
||At 31 December 2024|50,232|68,121|-||
||At 31 December 2023|52,354|70,737|-||
|||Motor|Computer|||
|||vehicles|equipment|Totals||
|||£|£|£||
||**COST**|||||
||At 1 January 2024 and|||||
||31 December 2024|14,019|24,745|326,739||
||**DEPRECIATION**|||||
||At 1 January 2024|7,010|24,745|196,639||
||Charge for year|2,804|-|7,542||
||At 31 December 2024|9,814|24,745|204,181||
||**NET BOOK VALUE**|||||
||At 31 December 2024|4,205|-|122,558||
||At 31 December 2023|7,009|-|130,100||



48 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **13. INVESTMENT PROPERTY** 

|**FAIR VALUE**<br>At 1 January 2024<br>Revaluation<br>At 31 December 2024<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 December 2024<br>At 31 December 2023<br>Fair value at 31 December 2024 is represented by:<br>Valuation in 2021<br>Valuation in 2024|£<br>370,000<br>450,000<br>820,000<br>820,000<br>370,000<br>£<br>370,000<br>450,000<br>820,000|
|---|---|



During the year part of the freehold property used operationally was let out and as such has been recognised as investment property. There is no historical split of cost for this property and no cost has been transferred from freehold property to investment property. An unrealised gain has been recognised to reflect the market value of the property. 

## **14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** 

|Other debtors<br>VAT<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 17)<br>Trade creditors<br>Social security and other taxes<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income|2024<br>£<br>306<br>3,784<br>27,157<br>31,247<br>2024<br>£<br>4,989<br>4,540<br>3,304<br>5,697<br>8,506<br>27,036|2023<br>£<br>1,068<br>3,690<br>48,649<br>53,407<br>2023<br>£<br>4,228<br>3,345<br>4,699<br>2,945<br>5,948<br>21,165|
|---|---|---|



## **15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** 

49 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR** 

|Bank loans (see note 17)<br>Pension contributions|2024<br>£<br>4,156<br>540<br>4,696|2023<br>£<br>10,059<br>341|
|---|---|---|
|||10,400|



## **17. LOANS** 

An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: 

|Amounts falling due within one year on demand:<br>Bank loans<br>Amounts falling due between two and five years:<br>Bank loans - 2-5 years|2024<br>£<br>4,989<br>4,156|2023<br>£<br>4,228|
|---|---|---|
|||10,059|



## **18. LEASING AGREEMENTS** 

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: 

|Within one year<br>Between one and five years|2024<br>£<br>684<br>-<br>684|2023<br>£<br>684<br>684|
|---|---|---|
|||1,368|



## **19. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS** 

|Fixed assets<br>Investments<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Long term liabilities|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>122,558<br>820,000<br>189,001<br>(27,036)<br>(4,696)<br>1,099,827|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>160,326<br>-<br>-<br>160,326|2024<br> <br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>122,558<br>820,000<br>349,327<br>(27,036)<br>(4,696)<br>1,260,153|2023<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>130,100<br>370,000<br>410,269<br>(21,165)<br>(10,400)<br>878,804|
|---|---|---|---|---|



50 



## **TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Designated funds<br>Revaluation reserve<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Africa Programme<br>UK Programme<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1.1.24<br>£<br>339,096<br>69,756<br>314,683<br>723,535<br>158,399<br>(3,130)<br>155,269<br>878,804|Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>384,548<br>(8,256)<br>-<br>376,292<br>5,057<br>-<br>5,057<br>381,349|Transfers<br>between<br>At<br>funds<br>31.12.24<br>£<br>£<br>(450,000)<br>273,644<br>-<br>61,500<br>450,000<br>764,683<br>-<br>1,099,827<br>-<br>163,456<br>-<br>(3,130)<br>-<br>160,326<br>-<br>1,260,153|
|---|---|---|---|



Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Designated funds<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Africa Programme<br>UK Programme<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>**Comparatives for movement in funds**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Designated funds<br>Revaluation reserve<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Africa Programme<br>UK Programme<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>490,716<br>16,760<br>507,476<br>169,294<br>22,000<br>191,294<br>698,770<br>At 1.1.23<br>£<br>304,657<br>79,950<br>314,683<br>699,290<br>221,774<br>1,436<br>223,210<br>922,500|Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>(556,168)<br>(25,016)<br>(581,184)<br>(164,237)<br>(22,000)<br>(186,237)<br>(767,421)<br>Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(7,445)<br>(10,194)<br>-<br>(17,639)<br>(21,491)<br>(4,566)<br>(26,057)<br>(43,696)|Gains and<br>Movement<br>losses<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>450,000<br>384,548<br>-<br>(8,256)<br>450,000<br>376,292<br>-<br>5,057<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>5,057<br>450,000<br>381,349<br>Transfers<br>between<br>At<br>funds<br>31.12.23<br>£<br>£<br>41,884<br>339,096<br>-<br>69,756<br>-<br>314,683<br>41,884<br>723,535<br>(41,884)<br>158,399<br>-<br>(3,130)<br>(41,884)<br>155,269<br>-<br>878,804|
|---|---|---|---|



51 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Designated funds<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Africa Programme<br>UK Programme<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>510,884<br>-<br>510,884<br>225,712<br>22,200<br>247,912<br>758,796|Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>(518,329)<br>(7,445)<br>(10,194)<br>(10,194)<br>(528,523)<br>(17,639)<br>(247,203)<br>(21,491)<br>(26,766)<br>(4,566)<br>(273,969)<br>(26,057)<br>(802,492)<br>(43,696)|
|---|---|---|



**General fund** - Funds used for normal business activities 

**Designated fund** - Funds allocated for organisational development 

**Revaluation reserve** - Funds specifically relating to property revaluations 

**UK programme fund** - Funds specifically for UK activities 

**Africa programme** - Funds specifically for projects in Africa 

## **21. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES** 

Tools for Self Reliance participates in The Growth Plan run by The Pensions Trust, a multi-employer scheme. There exists a potential debt that could be levied by the trustee of the Plan in the event of the employer ceasing to participate in the Plan, or the Plan winding-up. 

As Tools for Self Reliance has opted to remain with the Plan and continues to offer this Plan to its employees, the likelihood of the debt crystallising is remote. Tools for Self Reliance is committed to paying deficit contributions to the Plan for seven years from 1 January 2020. The present value at the year end is £690 (2023: £309) and is included within creditors. 

## **22. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024. 

52 



**TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## **23. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY** 

The charitable company is not under the control of another entity or any one individual. 

53