SOU I"1 ILLIAI£K DIOCICAN BOAI£T) 01: IDUCATIONI ' Developincj Ckiurcki of Erigl3nd Ed,.Ic3tioii •• DIREcfoRS'ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIALSfATEME￿rS FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Company limiled by guarantee100086641 England and Walesl Registered charity (No. 3130011 yi l/ Registered & Principal Off ice.. 48 Union SITeet London SEI ITD Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Table of Contents Page Reports Reference and Administrative Information Trustee5' Report (including): Objectives and Activities Achievements and Performance Future Plans Investment Policy and Performance Financial Review Structure, Governance and Management Relationships with other charities and foundations Principal Risks and Uncertainties Statement of Trustees, responsibilities Independent Auditor's Report 8-17 18-19 20 21 22-23 24 24-25 26 27-29 Financial Statements Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheets Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Principal Accounting Policies Notes to the Financial Statements 30 31 32 33-37 38-53 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Trustees The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun (President) The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett (Chairl Dr Anthony Adeloye (appointed l January 2025) Revd Dr Charlie Bell (appointed l January 20251 Martin Brecknell Elizabeth Broad Revd Ruth Chapman {appointed l January 20251 Andrew Christie (appointed l January 2025, resigned 19 June 20251 Helen Dixon (resigned 31 December 20241 Revd Dr Daniel Eshun {appointed l January 2025) Prof Peter Flew (resigned 310ecember 2024} Ven Simon Gates Revd Dr Melanie Harrington-Haynes (appointed l January 20251 Michael Hartley (appointed l January 2025 Revd Annie Kurk (resigned 31 December 20241 Maria McBean {resigned 31 December 20241 Ekundayo Olomu (resigned 31 December 20241 Cheryl Payne Helen Poyton Revd Tomos Reed {resigned 31 December 20241 Alberta Rosenior (resigned 31 December 20241 Matthew Sossick {appointed l January 2025) Dr Catharina Stibe Hickson Revd Ariadne Van den Hof Revd Dr Benjamin Vertannes Miles Winter Irene Wolstenholme MVO Revd Erica Wooff (resigned 31 December 2024) Senior leadership team Roz Cordner (Director of Education) Pia Longman (Asst Director of Education) Company secretary Roz Cordner Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Registered office 48 Union Street London SEI ITD Cha rity registration 313001 Company registration 00086641 Auditor Buzzacott Audit LLP 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL Bankers National Westminster Bank plc P.0. Box 3038 57 Victoria Street London SWIH OHN Solicitors Winckworth Sherwood Arbor 255 Blackfriars Road London SEI 9PX ts Above and front cover.. June 2024. St John's CofE School, Kingston. Hope for the future 'Wonderful World. exhibition of over 200 work5 of art by children from all classes. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Acronyms, abbreviations and definitions CCLA Central Board of Finance of the Church of England Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership Church of England Continuing Professional Development Devolved Formula Capital Department for Education The Anglican Diocese of Southwark Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Further Education Full time equivalent Further & Higher Education Higher Education Local Authority Multi-Academy Trust Memorandum of Understanding National Professional Qualification National Society for Education (formerly CEFEL) Office for Standards in Education Partnership Agreement Retrofit Action for Tomorrow Religious Education Requires Improvement Standing Advisory Council on Education Stand Alone Academy Trust Southwark Diocesan Board of Education SDBE MAT Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Multi-Academy Trust SDES Southwark Diocesan Education Services Southwark Diocesan Head Teachers, Association Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Service Level Agreement Senior Leadership Team SMITF St Martin-in-the-Fields SMNUFT St Mary Newington United Foundation Trust SOFA Statement of Financial Activities Voluntary Aided VoluntaryAided Schools Condition Allocation CEFEL CofE CPD DFC DfE Diocese EDIB FE FTE F/HE HE MAT MOU NPQ NSE OFSTED PA RAFT RE Rl SACRE SAT SDBE SDHTA SIAMS SLA SLT VA VASCA Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Directors, Annual Report The Board members. who are also Trustees and Directors forthe purposes of charity law, have pleasure in presenting their annual report, together with the audited financial statements, forthe year ended 31 December 2024. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITI ES Background The SDBE Charity exists to fulfil the statutory duties of the Diocese of Southwark for the education of the 35,000 children and young people attending its 1031101 from August 20241 schools and academies. Within the diocesan family of schools, the SDBE provides advice, support and offers development of the distinctively Christian ethos is schools which remain inclusive and are here to serve their local communities. In addition, the SDBE provides support to chaplaincy in the F/HE colleges and universities across the diocese. Objectives The purpose and objects of the Charity are set out in its two main constitutional documents: The Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021; and The Articles of Association of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education. Shaped by these, the Charity's vision is expressed below: To enable the mission of God through the work of the Board; To be a high-performing Diocesan Board of Education, promoting ex￿[lence in education both localty and nationallv; To develop and grow hiEhly effectrve, inclusive Church of England schools rooted in Christian values; To celebrate and share the richness, quality and success of our schoo15 and chaplaincies; and To offer exemplary service to our schools and chaplaincies. 06 September 2024 Bishop Martin joined celebrations for the official status, new name and opening of Roehampton Church Forest School, Wand5WOrth. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (continued) Activities The work of the SDBE runs within three key areas,. Church School Effectiveness, Development of Chaplaincy in schools, colleges and universities, and development and growth. As such the charity advises governors of all its schools {VA. Foundation, MAT and SAT} on any matter affecting church schools in the diocese including, but not limited to development in the following areas. l. Supporting school improvement, professional development of teachers and school leaders, CPD for staff and governors, professional advice and pastoral care; 2. Providing advice to any proposed changes to the status, viability and future of all schools {including significant changes): 3. Approving all new buildings, alterations and refurbishments to Church School buildings," 4. Appointing and supporting SDBE foundation governors forall church schools; 5. Advising and supporting governing bodies on the appointment of headteachers and senior staff; 6. Receiving and considering the reports of all formal inspections {51AMS and Ofstedl at all church schools, which are required to be carried out underthe Education Act 2005- analyzing outcomes and further development of support shapes the ongoing CPD and briefing to schools. Key headlines are shared with the Board and its committees; 7. Providing Chaplaincy Development support across the seven HE and five FE institutions. in addition to the chaplaincy development and support that 15 given to our schools. 8. Ensuring CofE representation at the 11 SACRES across the diocese; representation on LA Committees for OveNiew and Scrutiny lor equivalent democratic services meeting); 9. Providing a comprehensive professional offer via The Partnership Agreement to all schools and academies including headteacher and senior leader meetings and promoting and supporting the annual Southwark Diocesan Head Teachers, A550ciation ISDHTAI conference; 10. Structuring the advisory team to enable flexibility in offering additional support, training and development from year to year to meet any immediate needs in addition to the core offer; 11. Overseeing building works and repairs in VA school buildings and managing school buildings for schools which have closed. 12. Supporting schools towards net zero through a capital programme of building, retrofit and training. Public beneflt In pursuit of its operations and activities, the Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on pu blic benefit in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake on behalf of and for our principal benef iciaries and service users at the Church of England schools and the students and staff of the universities and college5 located within the Diocese of Southwark. In practice, this means maintenance ofthe relationship with our thirty five thousand children and young people in the maintained education sector throughout the Diocese of Southwark, in real terms we achieve this through regular contact with school leaders and governors and in response to requests for advice and support via our Partnership Agreement for Church of England schools and academies and our relationship with the Southwark Diocesan Head Teachers, Association ISDHTAI. The charity does not undertake external fundraising so is not registered with the Fundraising Regulator. No complaints have been received in respect of fundraising in the current or prior year. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE CHURCH SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS Religious Education (RE) Seconda RE Support for RE in secondary schools was bolstered by frequent school visits and teacher-led networks for RE Heads of Department. Three secondary schools received SIAMS inspections this year and their RE departments received positive recognition of the role the subject plays in the flourishing of students in their schools. For the second year, Year 12 students studying Religious Studies A-Level attended a Study Day, Place. Space and Identity. The day began with a question-and-answer session with the precentor of Southwark Cathedral followed by lunch and talk at Union Street. Rev Dr Daniel Eshun continued the theme and shared his reflections on the topic through the lens of Ghana's history with the transatlantic 51ave trade. Prima RE This year we completed the review of our primary school Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education. The second phase nvoEved a wide review of the whole syllabus with units being reframed to take an approach of learning through different lenses of believing, thinking and living. The new syllabus reflects the latest pedagogy and developments in education and RE. It is aimed to reflect the current times and context in which we are living. It was available for schools to start implementing from September 2024. The academic year 2024-2025 is a transition year with schools moving onto it as and when it is appropriate in their context. Schools are being supported through training. Collertive Worship We held our Leavers Services for Year 6 pupils attending our primary schools. The seNices were a chance to join with other Year 6s from the diocesan Church School family to give thanks to God for their time in their Church of England primary school and to ask God to travel with them as they move onto secondary school and beyond. This year we included representative secondary pupils to share their experience of primary to secondary transition. We also had one of our secondary pupils translating one ofthe services into British Sign Language. The theme was 'Valuing the Gifts of Every Person., This celebrated 30 years since the first women were ordained priest in the Church of England. Our Leavers Services reflected on valuing the God-given gifts of every person in our school communities and how they had contributed to the primary school experience for our Leavers. As ever, our services were well supported by the Cathedral Chapter and our bishops. More than 2000 pupils attended from over 50 schools. Each child was given a Leavers. Service bookmark with a special prayer written for the occasion. Growing Faith Southwark Diocese was awarded a grant forthree Flourish Worshipping Communities pilot project. This was as a result of a joint bid between the SDBE and Southwark Diocese. The ministers will be based in schools Wlthin the parishes of St Michael and All Angels, The Good Shepherd, Lee and St James, Bermondsey. A Flourish Minister has begun work at Trinity School, Lewisham and The Good Shepherd Church. The end of 2024 saw fine tuning for the third round of recruitment for the two further positions. This funding is for two years. Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) 2024 saw the new SIAMS Framework, introduced in September 2023, becoming embedded in schools. One major development was the move away from one word overall and specific grades to an emphasis on one of twojudgements and more emphasis on the narrative in the personalised SIAMS inspection report that each school receive5. Diocesan SIAMS training has been led centrally and in schools for different stakeholders. Our programme of Diocesan SIAMS visits has continued, focusing on supporting schools likely to be inspected in the next couple of years. The SDBE has advised, encouraged and supported schools to continue with self-evaluation of their Christian distinctiveness, which will be drawn upon when they have their next SIAMS inspection. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued) CHURCH SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS Ofsted and SIAMS inspertions data There were 23 Ofsted inspections and 20 SIAMS inspections across the calendar year. Surnmary of School Ofsted ins ection grades in 2024 No. of Good or schools Outstanding Good Requires Improvement Inadequate better % of schools Inspected in 2024 87 22 65 13 No of schools Inspected in 2024 23/103 20 15 Overall Effectivene5S as of 31 August 2024 96% 16% 103 99 17 82 Summary of School SIAMS inspection grades under the new framework in 2023: l(J)% of schools inspected in 2024 received a Jl: The school is living up to its foundation as a church school. COMMUNICATIONS Communications In 2024, SDBE developed its communications strategy strengthening ourengagement with key stakeholders and wider audiences. Central to the development was the institution of SDBE Spotlight, a monthly bulletin to all schools. As well as signposting future opportunities, Spotlight shares a liturgical reflection, national updates and reading recommendations. A crucial element is the 'Schools Focus, section which shares and celebrates schools, achievements and excellence across the diocese. In 2024, SDBE revised the house style and continues to focus on branding and marketing to ensure consistency and clarity of identity and mission. This included materials for services and conferences. The website and social media continue to be utilised for a range of purposes including promoting training, sharing information and celebrating SDBE and school events. SDBE works closely with the Southwark Diocese communications team, including sharing information for publication and workingtogether on key projects such as the Diocesan Advent Calendar which featured five schools from across the diocese. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTSAND PERFORMANCE {continued) PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. TRAINING. DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING Headteacher Wellbelng The SDBE ran the first Wellbeing Conference for headteachers and senior leaders in June. Attendees were invited to Receive, Reconnectond Refresh. Held at Whitelands College and sponsored by the Whitelands College Guild, the event celebrated the College's teacher-training legacy. Prof. Cecilia Essau highlighted the prevalence of global anxiety disorder, and resilience-building in children, followed by a panel d iscussion on applying resilience principles for personal and professional growth. Attendees explored workload management, contemplative practices, and shared insights with educators reflecting on the evolving demands of teaching. The day concluded with a Eucharist and a scenic reception overlooking Richmond Park. Contlnuing Professional Development {CPD) including National Professional Qualifications (NPQS) In 2024, the SDBE continued to be an NPQ delivery partner for the Church of England Education Office'5 Foundation for Educational Leadership ICEFELI. The team of 19 facilitators for each course consisted of SDBE consultants, advisers, headteachers and senior leaders. In May 2024, the lead NPQ provider (the Church of England) was judged as outstanding by OFSTED; the SDBE were selected as a deep dive delivery partner as part of this inspection, with the inspector commenting that our coaches and facilitators demonstrated "excellent modelling of professional behaviours. The programmes have been thoroughly planned with fidelity to the curriculum, rigorously quality assured and have been very well received by participants. For the in-house CPO offer for 2024-25 we introduced and monitored a more intuitive and user-friendly booking platform for Union Street based training and network sessions to high levels of success, creating accurate digital records of attendance with delegates and their clerks in full control of their own bookings and records. This has reduced the administration team workload whilst reducing margin for errors in both provision and records. Across 2024, school staff, Governors and chaplains attended over 150 SDBE courses or network sessions, and nine schools completed the Bishops Certificate in School Governance. DIOCESAN STRATEGY FOR SCHOOL ORGANISATION (DSSO) Falling pupil rolls 2024 continued to see a dramatic drop in the number of pupils across the diocese and supporting schools to respond to this challenge has been a key priority forthe board. The SDBE collaborated with school leaders and governing bodies to assess the long-term viability of schools and produce options papers for schools facing pupil decline. Options presented to school governors included encouraging and facilitating the formation of partnerships and collaborations between schools to share resources, staff, and expertise. We have also helped schools consider how to maximise their physical space by exploring multi-use opportunities. SDBE staff regularly engage with local authorities to ensure a joined-up strategic approach and, when necessary, we have supported schools through consultation processes, amalgamations and where the appropriate action was closure, we worked alongside the school and the local authority. During 2024 two schools closed: St Martin in the Fields High School for Girls, Lambeth ISMITF) and Christ Church CofE School, Battersea. 10 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Icontinuedl DIOCESAN STRATEGY FOR SCHOOL ORGANISATION (DSSO) Partnerships and Secondments School partnerships offer significant benefits to our schools by fostering collaboration and resou rce sha ring. They enable schools to pool expertise, enhance professional development, share best practices, and be more able to respond to challenges such as falling rolls and reduced funding. Additionally, they promote community engagement, ensuring that diverse needs are met through a unified approach. There are currently 18 schools working within 8 different partnerships across the diocese. Each partnership takes on a slightly different form and many have evolved as the partnership has developed. Alongside sUPPOrting schools to develop more formal partnerships on request, the SDBE has also taken a more proactive role in identifying possible partnerships this year. We have also continued to support schools with maximising the benefits of secondments again this year. This has proven an effectwe way of reducing the pressure on school budgets and helping to avoid redundancies as schools respond to falling pupil numbers. Financial sustainabllity In 2024. we continued our work in supporting schools to achieve financial sustainability. This included assisting individual schools to develop budget plans, training for school governors and leaders on future proof ing schools through financial sustainability and supporting schools to develop and strengthen partnerships across the diocese. Leadership Sustainability The SDBE continued to work with schools, governors and school leaders, to ensure sustainable, strong and impactful leadership for our schools. This included school to school support and partnerships, recruitment and induction and interim leadership arrangements which support educational and financial sustainability. SDBE welcomed six new Headteachers or Heads of School in September 2024 and had nine partnership or school support arrangements in place. SDBE developed a programme for headteachers in their second year of service with opportunities and support to continue their growth in Church of England Leadership. Managing school estate in a period of declining roll The Board continued to monitor and work closely with VA schools and their local authorities to actively manage the school estate to ensure we can meet changing needs and demand, planning strategically for any vacant sites, benefitting from lessons learned from previous closures. The decline in roll also reduces the income of both schools and the Board, making it more challenging for both partners to offer the same range and quality of service. The Board continues to actively look for partnership opportunities at the local and national level by: Brokering suitable co-location partnerships with stakeholders in the public and private sector. Working with the DfE to identify suitable sites forthe co-location of Private, Voluntary and Independent nursery providers. Where there is a robust business plan and funding available, working with schools to establish or extend nursery provision. Workingwith the Diocesan Board of Financeto explore opportunitiesforthe synergistic rationalisation of church and school buildings and, potentially, to address collective aspiration for a "net zero" estate. Working with Local Authority partners to help schools broker agreements to extend Special Educational Needs and Disabilities15END) provision. Finding suitable partners to occupy closed school srtes at low or no net cost, on a short-term interim use basis. Exploring opportunities to redevelop or rationalise land use in schools with falling roll with a suitable development partner. This might include a combination of new housing and interim use. 11 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 310ecember 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Icontinuedl EQUITY, DIVERSITY. INCLUSION & BELONGING (EDIB) ECO & CLIMATE JUSTICE Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging continued to be a key priority for SDBE in 2024. Significant progress was made in the three strategic goals to strengthen SDBE and support our schools. These were to raise the profile, developing and engaging the school community understanding of EDI, promoting curriculum design which promotes diversity and inclusion, underpinned by theological understanding and increasing and sustaining diversity in our schools and SDBE. Training and Development remains critical and for 2024 included new training for governors, expanding development opportunities for school leaders and growing our partnership with the National Education Leaders of Racial Justice at the Church of England. As the offer for schools has evolved, SDBE has engaged with a range of education leaders to ensure a breadth and depth of voices and experience. In 2024, training included sharing best practice from senior leaders in both primary and secondary schools, pupils from an Anti-Racist Ambassador group sharing their journey in EDIB and an opportunity to visit a secondary school and meet with staff and pupils leading EDIB. In 2024, SDBE launched the revised primary RE syllabus. A crucial element of the new syllabus is the EDIB lens threaded throughout the curriculum and additional units for schools. Two topics'who are the fearless women of faith, and'How can people of faith serve God and bring freedom and justice, (Anti Racism Unit) address specific areas of EDIB and provide schools with the knowledge, questions and resources to deliver high quality learning in these areas. The SDBE Headteacher Steering Group continues to provide opportunities for discussion, reflection and driving growth. In 2024, the group shared two case studies from St Paul's Hook and Wilson's School as well as learning from work in local partnerships and schools. The group also developed a self-evaluation for schools based on open questions in key areas to help leaders and staff assess strengths and direction for development. At the end of 2024, the steering group initiated a conversation and work around 'belonging'. In May and June 2024 all diocesan schools, academies and central teams were asked to contribute to our second adult EDI Survey. The data collected helped secure a picture of our current levels of representation for adults with any protected characteristics, provide schools with current benchmarking data and provide information to help shape our strategic direction and objectives in relation to EDIB. In 2024 we received 860 individual responses compared to the f inal total of 147 responses in 2022. Working with the Southwark Diocese Racial Justice team, SDBE entered into a partnership with Palace for Life in 2024 to offer our schools additional resources and expert SUPPOrt. Palace for Life have developed a Racial Justice programme, 'Equal Ea8les' for pupils in years f ive and six across the Diocese. The programme focuses on equality, social justice and diversity through a series of six workshops, including a final project for pupils. Two of our schools in Croydon (Christ Church Purley and All Saints Church of England Primary School) piloted the programme in the Summer of 2024; ten schools will be included in the academic year 2024-2025. Eco and Climate Justice. and carbon net zero buildings During 2024 we have encouraged more schools to become aware of climate justice and sustainability in all its forms. We have developed a 'Sustainability Governor's job role specification to encourage governing boards to have representation in place by 2025 and have also used more examples of good practice to encourage others. specifically of funded 'quick wins, such as replacing lights, heating systems, or water waste reduction. 12 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued) EQUITY. DIVERSITY. INCLUSION & BELONGING (EDIB) ECO & CLIMATE JUSTICE Through a grant awarded by the Mayor for London, workshops were held in May and June 2024 for school leaders and premises staff in selected schools that have a Heat Decarbonisation Plan. The training aimed to bridge the Eap between planning and action; to provide opportunities for sharing energy-related knowledge and to ensure learning from plans is acted upon within each school community and between schools. These were attended by five of the thirteen schools invited. The meetings were held firstly in-person, and then via two further online meetings. School Pr•mises Managets Energy Savings Training Programme Workshop 1 13.06.2C24 10prn.lpm Drop-tn IUA 25.OF 2024 w￿￿$hoP Z 16 072024 'I,I, I, Through another grant awarded by the Mayorfs Office. a series of three workshops were held in June and July, exclusively for school premises staff. This was an open invitation and attended by 14 delegates from 13 schools. The same format: a series of three meetings, was used, including an online 'Q&A' session with a heating engineer, to answer questions on heating optimization. Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme award with amendments to scope, awards of £11.6 million and £1.3 million were given to the SDBE to install air source heat pumps, insulation improvements, LED lighting and solar panels & solar thermal across 62 schools & the SDBE HQ. Following the collapse of the heat pump installation contractor in November 2022, the final commissioning of this element of the project was put into severe delay. Delivery of phase one was originally expected by March 2022 and phase two by March 2023. After nearly a yearfs delay, a recovery plan was agreed in Autumn 2023 and remedial works began in February 2024. Slow, but steady progress has been made. Initially targeting completion by the summerterm, this has slipped to the end of the autumn 2024 term for approximately 75% of schools in the programme; with the rest to follow in spring/summer 2025. AII other parts of the programme were completed on time. Through a grant awarded by Lewisham Community Energy Fund, two cavity wall insulation feasibility studies were carried out at St Bartholomew's and St Mary's in Lewisham. Further work is underway to leverage additional funding for installation. Holy Trinity, Sydenham has been awarded Salix Low Carbon Skills funding for a Heat Decarbonisation plan - to be completed in spring 2025. With Financial support from the Mayor for London Office, a novel energy management pilot was rolled out in 4 schools. 13 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued) GOVERNANCE AND ADMISSIONS Governance In the context of a national governor recruitment crisis, a key area of work has been to source and appoint strong SDBE Foundation governors to our school governing boards. The SDBE has significantly reduced the number of vacancies {we made 27 appointments and reduced vacancies from 69 to 42 in 2024 which is a reduction from 29% vacancies to 17% vacancies) and have appointed governors with the right skills, experience and wisdom and a strong commitment to the preservation and development of the school's Christian ethos. Governor training sessions have been shaped by national and local issues including recruitment and retention, financial management and sustainability. Strengthening Eovernor effectiveness has been a priority to ensure governors understand their roles and responsibilities in securing high standards of achievement, deploying resources and supporting and challenging leaders within a model of compassionate accountability. The Bishop's Certificate has continued to be a popularcourse with some revised modules to ensure it delivers relevant and impactful training on education in a distinctively Christian context. Admissions The SDBE continues to offer support, guidance and training on admissions and appeals. In 2024 a greater number of schoo15 reviewed their admissions policies in light of falling roles and local population changes and a number formally consulted on resulting changes. Discussions have taken place with several schools concerning their open/foundation place admission5 model and whether these need to be reviewed in light of the reduced number of pupils in some boroughs. In some boroughs, schools are oversubscribed and have considered ref ining their criteria in light of this to ensure they fulfil their original mission and purpose. HUMAN RESOURCES Human Resources We welcomed 8 new school leaders in September 2024 and had 10 partnership/school support arrangement5 in place; 4 partnerships, I secondary head supporting a primary head, and one executive supporting 5 schools. The second SDBE/Schools' Staff Survey focused on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. School participation increased from 12 to 815chools. The results of the survey will be analysed and shared with all stakeholders during 2025, building on the EDI data we have with which we can measure progress over time. Working with schools on sustainability and guidance on 'right sizing teams and paw has continued to be a high priority. This includes school reorganisations, restructu res and the reshaping of specific staff teams. Following some changes in the School Teachers Pay & Conditions Document 2024, increased rigour in performance management (value for money), directed time reviews and consideration of the criteria applied to senior teaching roles have become significant areas of focus for Headteachers and governors. Leadership wellbeing continued to be a priority, with our bank of 'coaching' professionals seeing an increase in the number of leaders they are supporting and the successful launch of our annual Headteachers, Wellbeing Conference in the summer. SDBE staffing was stable throughout 2024 with new colleagues successfully completing their probation and establishing themselves as trusted partners with our schools. 2024 was the first full calendar year for SDBE digital attendance records. This has improved the accuracy of the system. 14 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued) BUILDINGS School Buildin All Voluntary Aided schools have had condition surveys completed in 2024. and a refreshed priority maintenance plan was created to inform decision making on Voluntary Aided School Condition Allocation IVA-SCAI spend priorities. The VA-SCA Capital Strategy Group, a subcommittee of Finance and Development, met three times in 2024 to decide on these. Circa £6.2 million has been allocated for 36 projects in our VA schools, to be delivered over the financial years 2024 and 2025. In the sumrner of 2024, some 30 schools benefitted from new heating plant, roofs, windows, WC accommodation and improvements to the envelope of their school buildings. St Peter and St Paul's CofE School. Chaldon, Surrey This former infant school converted to a through primary in September 2022. The school now has pupils in Year 5. A new permanent extension was completed in August 2024 and temporary classrooms removed. All Saints, CofE Primary School. Blackheath. Lewisham This Victorian primary school built in a former chalk quarry benefitted from replacement flat roofs and new timber sash double glazed windows to its single storey assembly hall/dining room in the summer of 2024. -15111 vll111 ijjjj,: i All Saints, CofE Primary School, 81ackheath 15 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued) BUILDINGS St Mark's CofE School, Kennington, Lambeth Our oldest school bu ildinE, this attractive Listed Georgian one form entry school built in 1824 and located adjacent to the Oval Cricket Ground, had a face lift in the summer of 2024 when the HarleyFord Road elevation, the original entra nce to the school, was restored using specialist heritage materials to re-render the existing stonework and to clean and repoint the Georgian engraved signage. The valley roofs were replaced with new lead and Welsh slates. ¥.al St Mark's CofE School, Kennin8ton, Lambeth 16 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued} BUILDINGS New Kingston secondary school Design work on this new 11-16 VA Secondary school in Kingston was largely completed in the spring of 2024. However, subm ission to planners has been delayed, principally by an ecological issue. The project has also been called in, as part of a wider spending review. by the new Government. Work on the planning submission will continue while the review takes place. We anticipate the outcome of both decisions by the early spring, 2025. Other Buildin The Old School, 4 Exton Street, London, SEI 8UE This former Edwardian four-storey primary school located in a ConseNation Area opposite St John's Church, Waterloo, was converted to offices in the 19805. The property is part of our investment portfolio and is let to three firms of architects and a charity. In the spring of 2024, the Board carried out a refurbishment project in the sum of £780,000 which included the replacement of the Welsh slate roof, re-cladding the cupola in copper and lead, fitting of new timber sash double glazed windows to the third floor and in keeping with our net zero objectives, added thirty two solar panels to the south facing pitched roof. lip 11 1 141P,I IILlff Bli '1 *? IIIFII Ill E i Ib The Old School, 4 Exton Street, London 17 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 FUTURE PLANS Changing Landscape and DSSO The priority of the Board is to ensure our Diocesan Strategy for School Organisation {DSSO} model is one that supports the individual context of schools while being agile enough to respond to the changing educational landscape. We will continue to focus on maintaining up to date and detailed information about all schools. Information including financial position, pupil numbers, quality of education and estate condition will continue to feed into our strategy for school organisation. We recognise that a one size fits all model is not appropriate for our schools and this is reflected in the multi-option approach. We will continue to promote and facilitate partnerships between schools and shared leadership options where appropriate. Our SDBE MAT remains a strong option for schools looking to academise and the development of a second Multi Academy Trust will compliment the current offer. Achieving a strong and sustainable Church of England educational offer across the diocese is likely to involve sorne difficult decisions over the coming years. The SDBE is committed to supporting schools as they implement change to respond to falling rolls, but we are also realistic that some schools may shrink in size and a small number of schools will face amalgamation or closure. Working alongside leaders and governing bodies as they navigate these changes will be a key focus forthe Board. Human Resources In 2025 a new Staff Handbook will be launched, along with a Staff section on the website to help align colleagues, approach to work and enhance our understanding of the SDBE, our purpose and our services. This will be a particularly useful tool to support our induction and probation processes. In spring of 2025, the 2024 SDBE & School Staff EDIB SuNey results will be shared with our schools and internal stakeholders. This work will also be discussed with church partners in orderto help make further progress with the wider diocesan and Church of England ambitions for this work. We will also co-ordinate our findings with diocesan colleagues. Leadership Sustainability 2025 will see development of a training and networking programme for new deputy headteachers. Work will continue to build on school-to-school support and partnerships to strengthen schools and grow school capacity. Eco and Climate Justice The SDBE will continue to encourage schools to have 'joined up, thinking. With pupils, governors and all stakeholders utilising a sustainability group / team to share the workload. Work will continueto encourage and remind all schools to submit 'Count Your Carbon, to provide a base line covering everything from school dinners and trips to energy use etc. Working with school clusters to share ideas and resources in localities will continue. Equityi Diversity Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Work will begin on a separate 'Belonging' project in 2025. Efforts to strengthen and broaden partnerships and collaborations across the diocese and other contributors will continue. The SDBE Vision Work will continue to review the 50BE Vision with the new Board membership for the new triennium, in line with the Southwark Diocesan Vision. 18 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 FUTURE PLANS (Continued) Governance 2025 will see the SDBE continue to recruit high quality. effective SDBE Foundation Governors. The governor training offer will be reviewed to ensure it is shaped by and responds to current issues and challenges locally and nationally. Work will continue on providinE further opportunities for. network, communion and fellowship of governors, and a targeted approach to schools signing up for the Bishop's Certificate to ensure maximum reach of expertise and resources. Admissions Work will continue on providing bespoke support and guidance for governing boards on admissions responding to local issues. The admissions training offer will be reviewed to ensure that it is effective and informative alongside a review of the diocesan admissions guidance. CPD offer For 2025 we intend further development of the CPD offer to respond to delegate feedback, providing the latest information and insights for key staff, whilst ensuring that they and our schools are best equipped for any eventualty. As a result of full funding being removed from the NPQS, a decision was made to pause running the programmes after cohort 6. We are working in partnership with the London Diocese who will be the delivery partner for the NPQ programmes for cohort 7 into 2025. Our schools have been made aware of the change and have been applying to the London Diocese for the NPQ in SEND. the new mandatory qualification for SENCOs from September 2024, with teaching beginning in November 2024 through 2025. Communications 2025 will see the SDBE continue to grow the communications and marketing offer. Work will continue to develop materials in line with the new SDBE vision for the triennium. Maximising investment property assets Having made a positive start to improving the envelope of The Old School, 4 Exton Street, SDBE will continue to work on further proposals to enable improved access to all floors of the four-storey office building as well as ensuring the property remains fully income producing with a new lease to be granted early in 2025 and existing leases being renewed towards the end of the year. Religious Education 2025 will see the SDBE continue to support schools in the implementation of the new Diocesan Syllabus for Primary Religious Education. Explore resources from the Church of England Education Office for 'Christianity As A Global Faith, and consider how to utilise them to support the diocesan RE Syllabus. Global Neighbours Work will continue to promote The Diocese of Southwark in becoming a 'Global Neighbours Partnership Diocese., 19 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 INVESTMENT POLICY AND PERFORMANCE The Board of Trustees, investment powers fall under the Trustee Act 2000 and the Memorandum and Articles of Association in which clause 3.21 states: 'Trustees may deposit or invest funds in any manner including without limitation with a view to: lal Directly furthering the charity's purpose; Ib) Achieving a financial return for the charity; or Ic) Achieving both of the objectives described at la) and Ibl above in accordance with and provided that the Trustees comply with their duties under part 14A of the Charities Act (but to invest wholly or partly with a view to achieving a financial return only after obtaining such advice from a Financial Expert a5 the Trustees consider necessary and having regard to the suitability of investments and the need for diversification), Portfolio Performance (01101124 to 311121241 Low Risk Lowto Medium Risk {RlSI Medium to High Risk +6.05%12023: +7.12q/ol +3.18 % {2023: +6.94Yol +10.620/012023: +5.83%) comparative benchmark comparative benchmark comparative benchmark +7. 14 %12023: +6.56%) +6.39¥012023." +10.080hl +11.390/0 (2023: +9.01%) The recent US election, won by the Republicans, is expected to bring lower taxes, deregulation, and increased government spending, boosting US economic growth and positively impacting other countries. However, it also raises risks of persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and government bond yields. The stronger US dollar could challenge emerging market equities. The "America First" policy may escalate Us-china trade tariffs and use tariffs more widely as a negotiating tool. This outlook supports positive views on US equities, especially small and mid- sized companies, and benefits multinational companies with US exposure. The Trump administration's shift away from decarbonisation could lead to a reassessment of US spending initiatives, prompting other countries to rethink their commitment to decarbonisation. This could significantly impact global decarbonisation efforts. with less alignment on climate change than when the Paris Agreement was signed. War risks concern investors, but hopes for peace remain. Conflicts in Israel, Lebanon, Gaza and Ukraine heighten tensions. Resolving even one conflict could lower energy prices and ease global inflation pressures. If Trump ends Russia's war on Ukraine, it could reintegrate Russian energy exports into the global supply chain, boosting supply and dampening inflation. In 2024, major Western central banks began lowering interest rates, but the pace of cuts remains uncertain. Economic growth looks promising in the US but mixed elsewhere. Global inflation is expected to ease, but some prices remain high. Policymakers are cautious about further cuts, reflecting uncertainty around inflation. Focusing on shorter-term bonds could be a consideration due to their stability amid economic changes. 20 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 310ecember 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW The SDBE is established as a charrtable incorporated body to fulfil a range of duties and responsibilities. Total income of £8,393.49912023.. £8,068,217) was received during the year. During 2024, income included £5,146,803 {2023: £5,135,518) of Voluntary-Aided School Condition Allocation {VASCAI grant funding from the Department for Education. Including these amounts, operational income for the year was derived from the following sources: Schools (Service agreements and related income): £504,124_ 60A12023: £499,514- 6%) Maintenance scheme subscriptions". £648,572 - 8%12023.' £640,211- 8%) Diocesan Grants: £386.430- 4%12023: £373,701- 5%) Lettings and Investments.. £1,554,707- 19% {2023: £1,255.820- 16%) VASCA and other income: £5,299,666- 63%12023'. £5,298,971- 65%) To fund the discharge of its day-to-day outgoings in the delivery of The Diocesan Measure las distinct from its work connected with building works at the schools), the charity depends on the grants received from the Diocese of Southwark, which amounted to a total grant of £386,43012023: £373,701) forthe year. comprising £350,40412023: £343,532) core grant and £36.02612023- £30,169) of other grants. The charity's operational activities are undertaken within its unrestricted general fund. The operational income of the chartty exceeded its operational expenditure, resulting in a su rplus of £257,91312023: surplus of £12 1,872) before taking into account net gains on listed investments of £138,26712023: net gains of £200,281) and transfers. Transfers in and out of the unrestricted general fund included a transfer out of £40.000 to the external periodic maintenance restricted fund representing the costs of administering the fund {2023: £60,000 inl. and other net transfers out of the fund totalling £493,65012023: net transfers out of the fund of £ nil). This gives, read together with realised and unrealised gains on the value of investments of £138,267 {2023: gains of £200.2811, a net decrease in the unrestricted loperational} funds of the charity for the year of £137,468 {2023: net increase of £382,153). Overall, there was a net decrease in total funds of £2,120,45612023: net increase of £177,594), being comprised of a decrease in restricted funds of £1,464,01212023: decrease of £145,874), a decrease in the property fund of £534,54912023: decrease of £73,882) an increase of £15,574 in the value of endowment funds (2023: increase of £15,196} and a decrease in the unrestricted fund of £137,46912023: increase of £382,153). RESERVES The level of free reserves at 31 December 2024 was £3,126,148 {2023: £3,263,613) which comprises unrestricted funds excluding fixed assets and other designated funds. This represents approximately 18 months 12023: 19 months) of unrestricted expenditure. The charit¢s policy implies a minimum level of reserves of £4.Im (including £2m in cashl {2023: £3.7m including £1.8m as cash). The current level of reserves is below the target figure and the trustees intend to set aside funds during the next three years to achieve the required level. Southwark Diocesan Education Services Limited SDES The charity operates a wholly owned subsidiary company, SDES Ltd. The company carries out a number of the charitvs activities including the provision of seNices for schools in the diocese of Southwark and the provision of administrative services for the charity. 21 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 310ecember 2024 STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The Diocese of Southwark The Southwark Diocesan Board of Education is a separate registered charity, but it is an integral part of the Diocese of Southwarkas a whole, fulfilling the diocesan statutory duty in respect of children's education and its commitment to chaplaincy development. It receives an annual grant from the Diocese through the DBF to fund the work of delivering the Diocesan Measure in the Board's schools. Board and Committee structure The members meet three times a year. There is an Executive Committee {Policy and Strategy) which meets more frequently comprising of the Chair of the Board and Chairs of the sub-committees and, on occasion, the Chair of the SDBE MAT alongside other senior members of the Board's senior officers. The Board has four further committees: Finance and Development Committee Schools Committee Further and Higher Education Committee Audit Committee Key management personnel Together with the Board members, the Diocesan Director of Education, Assistant Diocesan Oirector of Education, Financial Controller, Buildings and Capital Programmes Manager, and Office Manager are considered key management personnel by virtue of the fact that they are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Charity. The Staffing Reference Group inform the Policy and Strategy Committee with regard to the annual pay award to staff. 22 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued) Directors of the Board The following were directors and members of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education at the date of this report. Bishop of the Diocese (President) Chair of the Board of Education Members appolnted by the Bishop (up to 4): One must be a Bishop of an episcopal area within the diocese One must be an Archdeacon of an archdeaconry in the diocese The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett The Ven Simon Gates Martin Brecknell Dr Catharina Stibe-Hickson SYNOD APPOINTMENTS Between 6 and 9 members with a minimum of 2 members from each episcopal area within the Di0￿Se Croydon Episcopal area Revd Ruth Chapman Anthony Adeloye Revd Dr Charlie Bell Andrew Christie Revd Dr Benjamin Vertannes Revd Dr Melanie Harrington Haynes Michael Hartley Mile5 Winter Mth Ariadne Van den Hof Kingston Episcopal area Woolwich Episcopal area CO-OPTED MEMBERS Principal of Whiteland's College {or deputy} Co-chairs of the Southwark Diocesan Head Teachers Association Matthew Sossick Cheryl Payne Helen Poyton Rev Dr Daniel Eshun Elizabeth Broad Irene Wolstenholme MVO Chair of the Further & Higher Education Committee Eletted from Schools Committee Elected from Finance and Development Committee Elected from Further and Higher Education Committee Headteacher representative Vacancy Vacancy 23 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Finarscial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT {continued) Relationships with other charities and foundations The SDBE has the opportLsnity to nominate a representative to the following educational charitable foundations, which support the provision and promotion of educational opportunity for children and young people through grants to organisations and individuals within the area of the Diocese of Southwark; Greenwich Bluecoat Foundation - Colin Powell Culham St Gabriel's Trust- Gwynn Bassan St Mary Newington United Foundation Trust ISMNUFTI- Roz Cordner It also has representation at: Saint Cecilia's - Roz Cordner St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls {SMITF)- The Ven Simon Gates Bacon's- The Ven Jonathan Sedgwick REAch2- Roz Cordner Anthem Trust- Dr Rachael Norman Principal risks and uncertainties The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity has an effective system of control and for maintaining appropriate accounting procedures and records that comply with legislative requirements and good practice. To this end the risk register is updated annually with any key actions followed through via the appropriate committees. It is reviewed by Trustees at least annually as part of corporate risk management. The principal risks faced by the charity include falling pupil numbers, closure of schools and management of empty buildings. Pupil numbers continue to fall across the majority of the London Boroughs served by SDBE. With the closure of St John's CofE Primary school in Walworth. Southwark in July 2021, the DBE has reviewed tts categorisation registerfor schools. St now includes additional information regarding the published admission number IPANI, the actual number of pupils on roll and the number of vacancies across the school. This, along with increased detail regarding the school's financial status, more information gathered regarding the state of the school estate ensures that the DBE has a sound database to rely on. This included a signif icant trawl to clarify landownership of all VA schools. This piece of work will continue across the year. Pioneering work is underway with DfE partners to explore creative solutions to both respond to empty school buildings, address housing need and a need for flexible social Spa￿ to meet the needs of community priorities now and to be responsive to need should pupil numbers plateau or grow again. A new sub committee has been set up out of Finance and Development Committee to focus on steering property management and development in response to the new challenges and ensure any risk to the charity is minimised. The preferred use of an empty school building is for continued educational use. However, given the current landscape with falling birthrates across London, it is unlikely that this will be possible to achieve. The Board recognises that in order to reduce the risk, and to reduce any significant financial liability on the charity, where an empty school building belongs to the SDBE or for whatever reason may be transferred to the Board at the point of closure, and options to utilise the space for educational purposes have been exhausted. then the building will be prepared for sale with due regard for appropriate management, valuation and notification to relevant parties. The Board of Education has a very clear understanding that there will be fewer schools across the diocese over the next 10 years. However, it is confident that in having up to date data and in dialogue with colleagues across the sector, decisions regarding changes to school organisation, be that through amalgamations, partnerships and where there is no other option, a closure, will be made with the needs of the communities being served shaping the discussion. It is crucial that all stakeholders understand the implications of falling rolls for their school and the wider community. Episcopal area meetings with headteachers, chairs of governors, local clergy, Board members and SDBE team are being piloted Summer 2025 to extend the knowledge base; support and training for incumbents who 24 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 may themselves be trustees with their church wardens of school buildings has been raised as a priority for both the Board and the Diocese. This will be added to the 2025 CPD programme. What remains in a growing need for SEND provision and the SDBE continues to look for ways to work in partnership with LAS to identify any suitable estate for development for SEND provision. The Board continues to explore how best to partner with any alternative provision IAP) provider and is following up contacts within the independent sector as potential interested parties who may utilise the space for educational purposes, which also reduces the risk to the charity. Government policy changes Given the removal of the academy conversion grant, the Board is aware that the growth forthe current SDBE MAT is likely to slow down; although interest in the new Trust is greater than expected. the additional cost for schools to fund academisation may delay early adopters. As has been the case since the inception of the current Trust, academisation remains an offerthat is open to schools but is not subject to a hard sell to schools. However, as local authority funding is reduced, the school improvement offer is also reducing and there needs to be a credible 5DBE offerfor VA schools who wish to join a SDBE Trust. There is no expectation that any new funding will be offered. In the meantime, the SDBE continues to develop and promote existing school to school networks and partnerships across all diocesan schools, VA, Academy, Stand Alone Trusts to support school improvement. Loss of data through cyber attack The SDBE'S IT system is provided and protected via a service level agreement with Southwark Diocese. The service has been thoroughly reviewed and is Cyber Secure Certified. Regular reminders and updates are shared regarding cyber security via monthly staff meetings and there is a shared understanding and expectation that each member of the staff team is responsible for being vigilant and alert to potential scams and phishing activity. The IT department conduct cyber security tests and feedback with updated CPD/lesson learnt where users miss a training cue or hiEhliEht where there is a potential threat. Further work on a cyber recovery plan is a priority during the year ahead, with support from a secondary school who experienced a cyber attack during 2024. 25 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Directors, Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILTIES The Trustees (who are also directors of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Incorporated forthe purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report 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 the group and of the income and expenditure of the charitable group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFR51021; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 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 that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time of the financial position of the charitable company and 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 the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Each of the Trustees confirms that: so far as the Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is 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 auditor is aware of that information. This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. The above report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable compan¢s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Signed on beha￿ of the Board of Trustees: Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Trustee Mr Martin Brecknell, Trustee Approved by the board on: 9 July 2025 26 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Independent Auditorfs Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Independent auditorfs report to the members of Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Incorporated Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Incorporated (the 'parent charitable company,) and its subsidiaries Ithe 'group'l for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the group statement of financial activities, the group and parent charitable company balance sheets, the consolidated statement of cash flows, and the notes to the financial statements, including the principal accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prattice). In our opinion, the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the charitable parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and the group'5 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 accordancewith International Standards on Auditing IUKI (ISAS IUKI) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audrt of the financial statement5 in the UK, including the FRC'5 Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these. 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 group's or the charitable parent 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 section5 of this report. Other information The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees, Report and Financial statements. other than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 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. 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 there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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. 27 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Independent Auditorfs Report For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 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 Trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements: and the Trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, report. We have nothing to report in respert 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; the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records or returns; 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; the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies, exemption from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. Responsibilities of Trustees As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement on page 26, the trustees are resFM)nsible 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 group's and the parent 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 group or the charitable parent company orto cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditorfs responsibilltles for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows: the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognize non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations; we obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group and the charitable parent company and determined that the most significant frameworks which are directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial statements are those that relate to the reporting framework (Statement of Recommen(Jed Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing theiraccounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102} and the 28 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Independent Auditorfs ReF)Ort For the Year Ended 310ecember 2024 Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statement5 {continued) Charities Act 20111 and those that relate to data protection (General Data Protection Regulationl- and identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. We assessed the susceptibility of the group's and the charitable parent company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur. by: making enquiries of management as to their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we: performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships. tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; assessed whetherjudgements and assumptions made in determiningthe accounting estimateswere indicative of potential bias: tested authorization controls on expenditure item5, including staff expense claims, to check that all expenditure was approved in line with the group's and the parent charitable company's financial procedure5: tested expenditure passing through the off-balance sheet conduit fund to check that it had been incurred in line with the funding agreement and had been appropriately authorized,. and considered the controls and processes in place relating to the conduit fund, in particular those relating to the receipt and use of the new Voluntary-Aided Schools Capital Allocation funding stream. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included. but were not limited to: agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.or auditorsres onsibilities. This description forms part of our auditorfs report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, a5 a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2(KJ6. 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 auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permrtted 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, forthis report, orforthe opinions we have formed. Ibknt Lu4 Date.. 16 luly 2025 For and on behalf of Buzzacott Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street, London, EC2V 6DL Katharine Patel {Senior Statutory Auditor) 29 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Statement of Financial Activities For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Unre5trkted furtds General fund$ Desl8nated funds Re$tri(ted funds Endowment funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Irestatedl Notes In¢ome and endowmentsfrom: Grants and donations 358,971 71,086 577,334 1,335.358 2.342,749 5,182,829 648.572 5.$41.&10 719.658 577.334 1.554,707 8.393.499 5.527,083 763,131 522.183 1.255,820 8,068,217 Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments 202.775 6,034,176 16,574 16.574 Total In¢orne Expenditure on- Raising fund5 Chartrtable attivitles 425,561 1,659.273 2.084,834 42S.561 9.390,340 9￿15.￿)1 437.752 7,653,152 8,090,9)4 191,879 191,879 7,538,188 7,538.188 Total expendlture Net In¢omel lempendlturel bttore investment gains and losses 257.913 1191.8791 11.S04O121 IS,574 IIA21,4021 122,6871 Unrealised 105ses on investment properties Net Ilosse$118ains on listed investments 1836,3211 1836.31Jl Ilb 138,267 138.267 200,281 Ila Net Incomel lexpenditurel bofore transfer5 396.182 11.0282001 11,504.0121 15.574 12.120.456) 177,594 Transfers between funds Is 1533,6501 493,650 40,OCK) Net movèmènt In fund5 1137A681 1534,5501 IIA64,OiZI 15,574 12.120.4561 177.S94 Recon¢illation of fvnds- Funds brought fo￿ard at i January 2024 as previously stated 3.263,616 I7.109￿1 4.625.103 Z66,706 265,089 25263.609 25,086,OIS 266.706 266,71 Prior year adjustment Funds brought forward at i January 2024 a5 re5tèted Fty)ds ￿rried fon¥ard at 31 December 2024 20 3.263.616 I7,109.￿1 4,891,809 165.089 25,530.315 2S.352,721 15 3.126,148 16,575.251 3A27,797 280,663 23A09.859 25.530,315 All of the group's activities derived from continuing operations during the above financial years. All recognised gains and losses for the year are included in the above statements of financial activities. Comparative information by fund class for the year ended 31 December 2023 is given in note 21. No summary income and expenditure account has been produced as the only difference to the statement of financial activities would be the omission of endowed income of £16,574 {2023- £16,196),. endowed expenditure of £1,000 {2023: £1,000). 30 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Balance Sheet Forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 Group 20Z4 Charlty 2024 Group 2023 Charitv 2023 Irestatedl Irestatedl Note5 Fixed a55ets Tangible asset5 Investments io 859.645 21,550,016 22.409.661 852.444 21,5SO,016 12.402.460 1,055,123 21,931,398 22,986,521 1,044,321 21,931,398 22,975,719 li Current assets Debtors 13 863,776 2.065,845 2,929,621 II.th)IA231 687,618 1.984.$08 2.672,126 1748A801 666,949 5.132,923 5,799,872 12.320,0781 577,123 5,093,108 5.670,231 12,191.3871 Cash ai bank and in hand Credltors: amountsfallin8 due wlthln one year 14 Current asset$ 1,928,198 1.923.646 3,479,794 3,478,844 Creditors- amounts falling due after more than one year 14 1928.ocKII I928￿) 1936,INXII 1936,Ll)01 Net a55ets 23N09.8S9 23.398,106 25.530,315 25,518,563 Thefunds of the Charity Unrestricted funds Genernl funds Designated funds Restricted funds Endowment funds 15 3.126.148 16.575.251 3A27,797 280.663 23N09,859 3.114.395 16.575.251 3A27,797 180,663 23.398,106 3,263,616 17,109,801 4,891,809 265,089 25,530,315 3,251,864 17,109,801 4,891,809 265.089 25,518,563 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and were signed on their behalf Rt ev osemarie Mallett, Trustee Approved by the board on: 9 July 2025 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Incorporated Company limited by guarantee Registration Number: 00086641 (England and Wales) Mr Martin Breck ell, Trustee The notes on pages 38 to 53 form part of the financial statements. 31 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Principal Accounting Policies For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 20Z4 2023 Notes Cash Ilows Irom operating actbvitie5'. Net cash (used in1/prov￿ded by operating acti¥Aties 14.305,1121 18.187 Cèsh flows fmm invèsting activities: Dividends, Interest and rents from investments Additionsto investment properties Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from the disposal of Ilsted investments Purchase of listed investments Net ¢ash provlded by Investin8 artl¥ltks 1.554,707 1736,3211 1.255,820 114,dOII 512.307 1521.295 1,232,431 845,974 1398,S571 1.265,803 Change In cash and cash equlvalents in the year 13,039.3091 1.250,618 Cash and cash equl4Talents at l January 2024 6.652.949 5,402,33J Cash and cash equfvalents at 31 Oetember 2024 3,613.640 6.652,949 Notes to the cash flow statement for the year to 31 December 2024: A Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flows from operating activities 2024 2023 Ntt movement In funds las per the statement of flnancSal activitlesl Adluslments lor Depreciation charge IGains1 on listed investments Losses on investment properties Diwdends, interest and rents from investments Arnort15ation of lease premium IDecreasellincrease in creditors Ilncreasel in debtors Net cash provided by / Iu5ed inl tsperaiin8 activities 12.120,4561 177.594 195.478 1138,2671 836,311 11.554,7071 18,OQ)I 11.318,6S41 1196*271 14.305.112) 195,477 I2￿.281} 11.255,8201 18,(X)01 1.140,682 131.4651 18,187 B Analysis of changes in net debt At l January 2024 At31 Otceml)er 2024 Cash flow5 Cash at bank and in hand 5,132,923 1,520,026 6,652,949 13.067,0781 27,769 13,039.3091 2.065,845 1.547.79S 3.613.640 Cash held by investment managers 32 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Principal Accounting Policies Forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are laid out below. Basis of preparation These financial statements have been prepared for the year to 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared underthe historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 {Charities SORP FRS 1021, and the Charities Act 2022. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement Preparation of the financial statements requires the Trustees and management to make significant judgements and estimates. The items in the financial statements where these judgements and estimates have been made include". estimating the useful economic life of tangible fixed assets for the purposes of determining the annual depreciation charge; determining the basis for allocating SUPPOrt costs across expenditure categories; determining the basis of valuation for the charity's investment property portfolio; the estimation of future income and expenditure for the purposes of assessing going concern. Asse55ment of going concern The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of one year from the date of approval of these financial statements. The Board's market investments enjoyed slightly increased dividend income during the year, although not materially so. As in the previous year extensive financial modelling has been carried out to cover different scenarios. Rents and other income streams le.g. grants) have remained steady, however the spectre of falling pupil demographics leading to potential school closures, of which the Board has now suffered five, looms large. In a worst-case scenario, the Board may not be in operational surplus at the end of the coming year, howeverthe Board has signif icant free reserves and also has access to an overdraft facility should it be required. The Trustees are therefore of the opinion that the charity has sufficient reserves to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due. 33 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Principal Accounting Policies Forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 Assessment of going concern (continued} The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the financial statements are detailed above. With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 December 2025, the most significant areas that will affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity are the level of investment return and the performance of the investment and property markets (please see the investment policy and the risk management sections of the Trustees, report for more information). Income recognition Income is recognised in the period in which the charity has entitlementtothe income, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received. Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor or funder has specified that the income is to be expended in a future accounting period. Income comprises grants, maintenance subscriptions, rental and investment income and the income from the charity's trading subsidiary. Income from other trading activities carried out by the trading subsidiary comprises, in the main, charges made for service agreement subscriptions, educational consultancy and other services provided to schools, and conduit project management fees. Grants and donations are included as income from activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives where these amount to a contract for services, but as voluntary income where the money is Eiven in response to an appeal or with greater freedom of use, for example monies for core funding. Maintenance and seNice level subscriptions are recognised in the financial year to which the subscription relates and is deferred if recetved in advance of that financial year. Income derived from the letting of the charity's investment properties is recognised in the period to which the tenancy relates, when it is probable that the funds will be received. Dividends are recognised when they have been earned and credited to the investment portfolio. Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity- this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. Income from educational consultancy services is accounted for on an accruals basis with the income being recognised when due contractually. Conduit project management fees are recognised on the date of completion of the relevant project. Other amounts derived from capital and maintenance project activities where the charity acts as an agent, administering projects funded principally by the Department for Education and Skills on behalf of the school governors are excluded from these financial statements, as they constitute conduit funds. Details of these funds are set out in note 16. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Principal Accounting Policies For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Expenditure recognition Liabilities are recognised as expenditure a5 soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that a transferof economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure comprises direct costs and support costs. All expenses. including support costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. The classification between activities is as follows: Expenditure on raising funds includes the dirert costs and support costs associated with generating rental income, together with the fees paid to investment managers in connection with the management of the charity's listed investments. Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs associated with furthering the charitable purposes of the charity through the provision of its charitable activities. Such costs include dirert and support costs (including governance costs). Allocation of support and 8overnance costs Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development. financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment. Governance costs comprise the costs involving the public accountability of the charity lincluding audit costs) and costs in respect to its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs and governance costs are apportioned using percentages based on the time spent on the activities by the employees of the charity. Tangible fixed assets The charity's policy is to capitalise asset purchases over £1,000. Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write down the cost over the expected useful life. The following depreciation rates are used: Freehold properties and property improvements 2% straight line Office equipment 25% straight line Investments Listed investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. Realised and unrealised gains lor1055esl are credited lor debited) to the statement of financial activities in the year in which they arise. The charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments. Investment properties are included in the financial statements at the estimated current market value of the properties based on open market value. The valuation has been determined by the Trustees after consultation with professional property advisers. 35 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Principal Accounting Policies For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Former school sites In the course of administering a capital scheme under the Education Acts 1944 to 1973, the charity acts as Trustee to a number of former schools, whose former property may be sold or leased as part of the implementation of the scheme. These proceeds are generally'free monies" in the hands of the charity to use under the provisions of the Education Acts 1944 to 1973, subject to the restrictions applying under Section 86 of the 1944 Act and Section 2 of the 1973 Act. The Trustees do not considerthat it is practicable to place a value on such assets and, accordingly, they are not included in the financial statements. Debtors Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investrnent. Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it would payto settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material. Subsidiary undertaking The charity owns the whole of the issued share capital of Southwark Diocesan Education Services Limited. The principal activity of the subsidiary undertaking is the provision of seNices for schools in Southwark Diocese and administrative services for its parent undertaking. The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of SDBE and its subsidiary Southwark Diocesan Education Services Limited. In accordance with the current SORP, a separate statement of financial activities dealing with the results of SDBE has not been presented. Funds The charity has various types of funds forwhich it is responsible and which require separate disclosure. These are as follows.. Unrestrirted fvnds Unrestricted funds arise from all the accumulated surpluses and deficits in the provision of general charitable activities. Designated funds Designated funds are funds set aside out of general funds by the Trustees and designated for a particular purpose. The balance on the designated property fund represents the net book value of the fixed assets and the value of investment properties shown on the balance sheet at that date. 36 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Principal Accounting Policies For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Restricted funds These are funds subject to specific conditions imposed by the donor or by the specific terms of a trust deed or other legal measure. Income and expenditure on restricted funds is taken directly to those funds in the statement of financial activities except to the extent that income is freely available to the charity. Endowment funds These are funds subject to the condition that they be held as permanent capital. Unexpended income is included in the relevant funds in accordance with the terms of the trust. Custodlan trusts Trusts, where the charity acts me￿lY as custodian Trustee with no control over the management or use of the funds, are not included in the statement of financial activities or balance sheet. Conduit Funds - capital projects The charity is responsible on behalf of school governors for the financial administration of capital projects funded by the Department for Education {DfEI and Local Authorities. The statutory legal agreement between the charity, the schools and the government department gives the charity ultimate control over the application of the Voluntary Aided Schools Condition Allocation grants to specific schools, therefore, these are recognised as restricted income by the charity. Details of these funds are set out in note 16. The agreement grants no decision-making authority to the charity over the schools, funds, including Devolved Formula Capital grants and governors, funds, and therefore the charity acts as administrative agent in respect of these. Accordingly, these funds represent conduit funding and are therefore excluded from the charitvs financial statements. Pension contributions Contributions are made for full-time staff to the Church of England Church Workers, Pension Fund and to the Teachers, Pension Scheme. The pension costs charged by the schemes are based on actuarial methods and assumptions designed to spread the anticipated pension costs over the service lives of the employees in the scheme, so as to ensure that the regular pension cost represent5 a substantially consistent percentage of the current and future payroll. Variations from regular cost are spread over the remaining service lives of the current employees 36 are therefore accounted for as if they were defined contribution schemes. Further details are set out in note 17. 37 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 1 Grants and donations Unrestri¢ted fvnds General funds Oesl8natèd lund5 RÈstrirt*d funds Endownnent funds 2014 Diocesan grant VASCA Grants 350,404 36.026 5.146.803 386.430 5.146.803 8.567 Other grants 2024 Totsl funds 8.567 358.971 5,182.829 5.541,81XI Unrestrlctedfurtds Generol Designoted fvnds funds Restrirted funds Endowment funds 2023 Dioceson gront VASCA Grtsnts 343,532 30.169 5 135,518 373,701 5,135.518 17,864 5,527,083 Otherqr?nts 2023 Totolfuntls 17,864 361,396 5,165.687 The Charity assists voluntary aided schools with school building projects. It historically acted as the agent of school governors in helping to arrange funding through the DfE and Local Authorities and in paying professional fees and building costs on behalf of school governors. The VASCA IVoluntary-Aided Schools Condition Allocation) system was introduced in April 2020 and gives the charity ultimate control over the application of the VASCA Erants to specific schools. Since the use of the VASCA grant funding is at the discretion of the Board it is included in the SOFA as restricted income along with the related expenditure. The unspent balance at the end of the year is committed to projects or returned tothe DfE if not committed within two years of the grant date. 2 Charitable activities Unrestrlcted fund$ General fund5 Desi8nated funds Restrlrted Endov4ment funds funds 2024 Maintenance subscriptions Other educatlonal income - Advisory and consultancy fees &shop's certificate i church school 8overnance . Other sundry incorne 2024 Ti)tslfunds 648,572 648.572 27.4SO 27ASO 6.930 36,706 71,086 6,930 36.706 719.658 648,571 38 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 2 Charitable activities Icontinuedl Unrestrictedfvnds Generol Designoted fvnds lunds Restrirted fund5 Endowment funds 2Q23 Mointenunce svbscriptlOn5 orhereducatlonol Income . Advi50ry tsndconsuitoncyftes BAshop's certifKote in chvrch School governorte OthersLindry income 2023 Totolfunds 640.211 640,ZII 46,304 46.304 4,455 72.161 122.920 4.455 72,161 763.131 640.211 3 Other trading activities Unre5trkted funds Designated funds General funds R•$tri¢tèd lund5 Endowment funds 2024 selv1￿ Agreement Subscriptions Management fees . Capr(al projects Maintenance project5 Trainin8 events Sufidry trad¢n8 income 2024 Totalfunds 504.114 504.124 1.191 13.382 41,328 17,309 577,334 1.191 13.382 41,328 17J09 577,334 Unrestrictedfvnds Generol Designoted fvnds Restricted fvnds Endowment funds 2023 Service Agreementsubscriptions Monogemenrfres Copiti71projecrs Mointenonce projects Troinir)g events Sundry troding income 2023 Torolfvnds 499.514 499,514 4.694 17.975 4,694 17,975 522,183 522,183 4 Income from investments Unrestrlrted funds Ge￿ra1 funds Designated funds Rèstrltted funds Ewwjowment funds 2024 Listed and unlisted investments 386.212 949,146 1,335,358 202.775 16,574 605.561 949.146 Rental and lettings income 2024 Totalfunds 201,775 16,574 1.554.707 Ur)restrictedfunds Generol Designated fvn(ts fvnds Restricted fvnds Endowment lunds 2023 Listed ondunli5ted investments 148,792 966,384 I,JJ5,176 124,448 16,196 289.436 966,384 1,255.B20 Rentol ondlettings income 2023 Totglfvnds 124,448 16,J96 39 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 S Expenditure on raising funds Unre5trKted funds Geneial funds Oe$i8naitd funds Rtstritted Endowment lunds funds 2024 Lettings expenses Investment management fees 8ank charges 2024 Total funds 398.921 22,031 4,609 425,561 398,921 22.031 425.561 UnrestiicteLlfvnds General Designated fvnds lunds RestrAcred fvnds Endowment fvnds 2023 Lettin95 expenses Investment monugementftes Bonk chorges 2033 Totolfunds 411.308 22,090 4.354 437,752 411,308 22,090 4.354 437.752 6 Expenditure on charitable artivities Unrestricted funds General funds Oesi8nated fund5 Restrided Endowment funds funds 2024 School maintenance expenditure VASC4 grant expenditure Advice and guidance Training and developrnent Projert management 2024 Total funds 904.234 6A19,209 904.234 6A19.209 IA02.319 540,716 123,862 9,390,340 1,256,%3 291.287 111.023 145.356 33.684 12.839 114.745 1.659.273 191,879 7,538.188 I￿00 Unrestricredfvnds Generol Desonoted fvnds fvnds Restricted funds Endowment funds 2023 Schoolmointenance expenditure VASCA grLTntexpenditure Advice Lrnd guidonce TfOit)In9 ond development Project monagement 2023 Totolfunds 468,882 5.392.905 468.882 5,392.905 1,097.699 413,316 280,350 7.653.152 968.951 227,635 247.468 1,444,054 128,748 30.247 32.882 191,877 6.016,221 154.434 I.￿)0 40 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 7 Analysis of total expenditure Other dlrertly allocated costs Direct costs Support costs 2024 Raisin8funds Inote 51 Charitable artivitie5 (note 61 School maintenance expenditure Advice and guidance Training and developrnent Project mana8ement 425,348 Z13 425.561 904.234 649.363 145.40$ 3.450 2.127,￿0 904.234 1,402.318 540.715 6.543.073 9J15,901 598.976 3S3.SSO 6.472.116 7A24,855 153.979 41.760 67,507 263.246 Other dlrectly IIocLTted costs Dirert costs Support costs 2023 Roisingfunds Inote 5J Choritobleoctivlt￿s Inote 6J . School mointenorKe expenditure . Advice ond guidGnce Training and development Project monogement 437.494 258 437,752 468,882 536,932 117,512 39.229 1.600.049 468.882 1,097,699 413.316 5.673,255 8,090,904 389.916 246,037 5,492,488 6,128,699 170,851 49,767 141,538 362,156 Support costs are analysed as follows: Expenditure i)n th•r1￿ble actlvltles Advlce and Tralnlng and 8uid*nct devek+pment Project management Total 2024 Flnance and HR Adrnlnlstration Governance 78,171 44.741 31.066 2J19 32232 7,199 41.760 lio.n5 IIIA52 41.CQ9 263.246 34.479 2.744 67.507 2024 Total funds 153.979 Expenditure on choritoble octivit￿$ Advice ond Truining ond guidunce development Projett monogement Totol 2023 Finonce ond HR 82.118 46,542 42.192 170.852 4,641 35,214 9,912 49,767 87.357 43,404 10.776 J41,537 174.116 125.160 62,880 362,156 Administrotion Governonce 2023 Totolfunds All costs allocations are made on the basis of estimated time spent by staff. 41 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 8 Net movement in funds Net movement in funds is stated after charging: 2024 2023 Stsff costs Inoie 91 Depreciation Inote 101 Auditorf5 remuneration (including VATI . Aud￿ work . Other services 1,339,235 195.478 1,207,923 195.477 30.670 5220 26,S(M) 4,710 2.040 4.354 Prior year Bank charges and interest on bank loans and overdrafts 9 Employee and key management personnel remuneration la} Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 931.375 102,910 207,280 1.241.56S 97.670 1.339,235 782,604 80.821 2Jl,670 1.075,095 132,828 1,207.923 Consyttaftcy costs {bl Staff numbers The number of ernployees during the year, calculated on an average headcount basis, was 1612023- 17). Icl H igher paid staff The number of employees whose emoluments fell within the following bands was: 2024 2023 number number £60,0(K1- £70,000 £70,001-£80.(X)o £80,001- £90.( £90,001. £iOO,C £1￿.(1)1- £iiO,C Seven of the above higher paid employees participated in the Teachers, Pension Scheme, while three participated in the Church Workers, Pension Scheme. Aggregate employer pension contributions for the above employees during the year amounted to £154,279 {2023- £142,036). Details of the Teachers, Pension Scheme are given in note 17. {dl Key management personnel Key management personnel comprise the Trustees together with the Director of Education, Assistant Director of Education, Financial Controller, Building and Capital Programmes Manager and the Office Manager. No trustee received any remuneration from the charity in the current or prior year. 42 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 Employee and key management personnel remuneration Icontinuedl The aggregate remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel during the year was as follows: 2024 2023 Remuneration, inclu(5ing employerf5 National In5ufdnce contributlons Pension ctsntrtbution5 431.iN)4 351.042 81A25 102.025 512,429 453,067 10 Tangible fixed assets Group office and omputer equipment Freehold land and bulldin8S Property improve- ments Group total Charlty total Co At l January 2024 Additions 2,864.050 95.834 2.959,884 36.882 2.996.766 At 31 December 2024 2,864,050 95.834 2.959,884 36,882 2,996,766 Depredatlon At l Jènuary 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 1,909,733 190.937 5,830 940 1.91S.S63 191,877 26.080 3,601 1,941.643 195.478 2.100.670 6.770 107.440 29,681 2.137.121 Net book value At 31 Detsrnber 2024 763.380 89,064 852.444 7,201 859,645 I,OSS,123 At 31 December 2023 954.317 ,004 1,044.321 10.802 11 Investments 2024 2023 Group and Charlty Listed irfvestments s￿20.016 16,630,OCKI 736.321 1836,3211 21,550,016 5,301,398 16.630,000 In¥e￿rnent propertSes Investment property additions Investment property revaluations 21.931,398 In addition to the above investments, the charity also holds a £1 investment in the called-up share capital of its wholly owned trading subsidiary, Southwark Diocesan Education Services Limited (note 121. A revaluation of 4 Exton Street, SEI was undertaken by Rapleys LLP in December 2024. 35 a resutt of the roof upgrade project and this has been reflected in these valuations. 43 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements Forthe Year Ended 31 December 2024 11 Investments (continued) (a) Listed investments 2024 2023 Group and charity Market value at l January 2024 Addltions 3,781.372 398.557 1876.1391 30,164 138,267 3,572,103 454,924 1248,0611 1197,8751 200,281 Disposals Irealised gain5.' £19.1441 Movement in cash Unlealised galns on revaluation Market value at 31 December 2024 3N72.221 3.781,372 Cash held by investrnent managers 1,547.795 5,020.016 1.520,026 5,301,398 Cost of listed iavestments at 31 December 2024 3.913,865 3,515.308 All listed investments were dealt in on a recognised stock exchange and comprised UK equities and UK managed funds. No individual holding comprised more than 5% of the portfolio in either the current or prior year. (b) Investment properties Charity and Group freehold pioperties Group and £haTIty ZO24 2023 Valuatlon at i January 2024 Addrtions 16.630.th 16.630,0 736,311 1836.3211 l6￿50.¢x Revaluation in the year Valuatlon at 31 Oecemtr*r 2024 16,630,CQO Hist￿1£ cost at 31 December 2024 5,034.482 4,298,161 Additions to investment properties include £736,321 in relation to the works on Exton Street during the year 12023.. £nill. As significant capital works had been undertaken at Exton Street during 2024 it was considered appropriate to obtain an external valuation of that property at 31 December 2024 and this was undertaken by Rapleys LLP. This gave rise to an impairment of £836,321 which has been recognized in these financial statements. On the basis that the charitvs investment properties (with the exception of Exton Street) have continued to generate rental yields which are materially comparable to those earned prior to the pandemic, the trustees do not considerthatthere has been any material impairment to the fairvalue of these properties since the previous valuation. Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Note5 to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 12 Investment in subsidiary undertaking The charity owns 100% of the issued ordinary share capital of a subsidiary undertaking, Southwark Diocesan Education se￿ICe5 Limited (amounting to £11, which is registered in England & Wales and supplies administrative services to the charity and to Schools in the Diocese. The company began trading on l April 1996 and its results for the period and assets and liabilities have been consolidated into the charity's financial statements. Total income for the year was £646,44712023: £580,091), gross profit was £427,85312023: £357,666) and total administrative expenditure was £218,59412023: £222,425). The net profit after taxation was £nil12023- £nil) after recognising gift aided donations payable to the parent charity under the conditions of its Memorandum and Articles of Association of £427,853 (2023: £357,666}. 13 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Group 2024 Charlty 2024 Group 2023 I￿Stated} Charity 2023 Iiestatedl Other debtors 517,604 359.629 28.128 266.706 33,155 219,840 172,772 Amounts due from group undertakin8S Conduit fund debtor Iprior year adjustment) Prepayments and accrued income 266.706 79,466 266,706 180,403 266,706 137,645 863,776 687.618 666,949 577,123 14 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year: Grovp 2024 Charlty 2024 Group 2023 Charlty 2023 Trade creditors 174.958 135.444 1,733.524 387.670 1,713,982 384,498 Othercreditors S53.351 $44.687 Conduit creditor Accruals and deferred income 179.4ts1 37,688 ZZ.661 188.684 53,084 31,823 Amounts due 10 8roup undertakings VAT payable Deferred lease premiurn below) 73,450 12.260 2,2CKI 8,0(J) 8,￿0 I,Th)1.423 748.480 2,320,078 2,191,387 Amounts falling due in more than one year: Group and Ch•rity 2024 Grovp and Charity 2023 Defefred Highshore lease premium 928.OLXI 936,0(K) 928.0ts) 936.0 45 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 The deferred Highshore lease premium represents the remaining balance on a premium of £1,000,000 received by the charity during the year ended 31 December 2017 in respect of a 125 year lease of the Highshore School site to the Mayor and Burgess of the London Borough of Southwark. The premium is being released to the Statement of Financial Activities over the life of the lease. As such, £8,tKIO is included under accruals and deferred income falling due within one year. with the remainder falling due in more than one year. The movements on deferred income are analysed as follows: 2024 2023 Brou8ht forward as at l January 2024 Released in the year New deferrals in the year Carried forward as ai 31 December 2024 1.079.600 1143.6001 141,716 1,077,716 1,084.416 1140,4161 135,60) 1,079.600 The deferred income balance represents: Service agreement income relating to periods after 31 December 2024 of £141,71612023." £135,600). and Deferred lease premium income relating to the Highshore lease, split between £8,000 included in creditors falling due within less than one year12023: £8,000) and £928,000 included in creditors falling due in more than one year12023: £936,000). 46 Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 15 Analysis of group funds Analysis of group net assets between funds Desi8nated property fur 20U Total funds Gènefal funds Restrlrted funds EwHlowment funds Tangib￿ fixed assets Listed investments 8S9,645 8S9,645 5,020,016 16.530,C 1.928,198 192B.LWI 23A09.859 4.035.243 814,688 170.085 265,089 773A89 I928,0￿) 280,663 Investment properties Net current Iliabilitiesl assets Non-current liabillties 16.264.911 1549.30SI I909￿95} 2,613,109 3,126,148 16.575.251 3A27.797 Deslonoted propety fvnd 2023 Totol fvnds {re5tutedJ General fvnds Restricted funds {restotedJ Endowment fvnds Ton9iblefixedossets Listed investments Investmentproperties Nercurrent (liobilities} 055ets Non