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2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report 2024

Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

Introduction & contents

Bendrigg Trust: Trustees’ foreword

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for Bendrigg Trust, an incorporated charity with charity number 508450 and company number 01396557, for the year ending 31 December 2024. This report includes the requirements of a director’s report as required by company law.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Contents

Contents
Chairman’s Statement 3
Vision, Mission and Values 6
Objectives and Achievements 10
Year in Numbers 14
Volunteering 15
Beyond Bendrigg 18
Looking Forward 20
Fundraising Standards 23
Risk Management 24
Treasurer’s Report 25
Structure, Governance and Management 27
Trustees’ Official Statement 29
Independent Auditor’s Report 31
Statement of Financial Activities 35
Balance Sheet 36
Cash Flow Statement 37
Notes to Financial Statements 38
References and Administrative Details 56

2

Chairman’s Statement

A statement from our Chair of Trustees

2024 has been an outstanding year for Bendrigg. A packed programme of high quality courses, a variety of innovative training and consultancy engagements and community events, and a rejuvenated BA scheme all delivered with consistently high levels of customer satisfaction. Record visitor numbers and buoyant fundraising activity mean the financial results are good too. Although we have posted an operational loss for the year it is significantly less than forecast and the outlook remains positive even though there is still work to do to get our finances back in balance. These achievements have only been made possible because of the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the entire Bendrigg team with every single person playing their part.

Our visitors continue to give us excellent feedback which is testament to the great work of the Bendrigg delivery team. We are now looking at smarter course programming to further improve the visitor experience whilst at the same time being more efficient and reducing the wear and tear on our staff.

The implementation of our Financial Recovery Plan got off to a flying start. Fundraising income was strong, exceeding targets, and we have been busier than ever with visitor numbers and occupancy rates at record levels. However despite this excellent progress our operating environment has become increasingly challenging. Our costs have continued to rise, not helped by the Employer NI increase, and there is increasing competition for donor funds in the grant making trust channel requiring ever more effort to yield results.

We have had to take some difficult decisions to trim costs too. For example we concluded that our apprenticeship scheme was financially unsustainable in our current situation so unfortunately we have closed the scheme. The challenges facing Bendrigg are replicated across much of the charity sector.

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Whilst we are confident that we are on the right trajectory, achieving a financially sustainable business model is taking longer than planned so looking ahead we will be leaning harder on our recovery plan focusing on three main areas:

Our balance sheet received a major boost in 2024. The Edward Gostling Foundation nominated Bendrigg as a legacy partner and generously awarded a substantial grant to underpin our reserves. The purpose of providing this type of support is to give us the confidence to take the right measures over the medium term to get our finances back on track.

On the strategic front our 9Beyond Bendrigg9 training and consultancy service completed its first full year of operation and performed beyond expectations. It is still being run as a 8start-up9 with an entrepreneurial approach but it has clearly demonstrated a significant opportunity for us in this type of work. The next step is to establish it sustainably as part of Bendrigg and maximise our impact on disability adventure activities beyond the visitors that come to our centre.

“ Bendrigg is a very special place. This was our 18th year visiting and we look forward to next year already.

The concept certainly looks very exciting and the next step is to develop detailed proposals.

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The Bendrigg Alternative scheme experienced a hiatus, post pandemic, whilst the prison service worked through its own issues but in 2024, following a campaign of proactive engagement by Bendrigg, the scheme started to operate again. We now have to ensure that this key element of our mission stays relevant and adapts to changing trends in the criminal justice system.

A staff satisfaction survey is a significant, even brave, step for an organisation to undertake, particularly for the first time. Bendrigg did just that early in 2024. The results yielded a wide variety of responses but with some common themes. A working group has been formed and an action plan created. One early outcome is the provision of a health plan for all staff to help support them with the considerable physical, mental and emotional demands our work entails. Overall it has been a very positive experience so thank you to all staff for participating in the survey itself and supporting the working group. The process will be repeated either later in 2025 or early 2026.

Jonny Wolfendale, who was our Facilities Manager, has moved on to pursue new opportunities personal and professional. We wish him well. In his place we have recruited Dave Garman who has been a great addition to the management team.

Graham Franks, a long time volunteer, sadly died in January 2025. Graham’s support was invaluable when he stepped into the role of Facilities Manager to cover a long term staff absence. Graham contributed so much over many years and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Jennifer Hughes, a long serving member of our domestic team, passed away in May 2024 following a battle with a brain tumour. Her beaming smile and warm personality will be missed. A tree, in her memory, was planted in the grounds.

In May 2024 Nick completed the gruelling cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats raising £3,000 for Bendrigg in process. An amazing achievement. I wonder if there’s anything our Centre Director can’t do.

As my three year term as Chair finishes in June 2025 this is my final Chair’s Statement. I must thank Nick Liley for his patience and openness. I would also like to thank all my fellow trustees. I am grateful for their energy and commitment with everyone getting involved either through the committee structure or special projects. Finally I wish my successor the best of luck and success in moving our cherished organisation forward.

Adrian Walter

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Our vision, mission and values

Our vision

To harness the power of adventure to create lasting change and transform communities for all.

At our core, we champion the transformative power of adventure, seeing it not just as an individual journey but as a force that shapes society for the better. Our vision hinges on the Bendrigg experience being a catalyst, reshaping societal perspectives and creating enduring, impactful changes in people’s lives.

Our mission

If our vision defines our goal, then our mission statement defines what we will do every day to achieve it.

We make adventure accessible, working together to overcome barriers and transform lives.

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Our values

Our values are at the heart of Bendrigg, shaping who we are and how we operate. They’ve been with us since the start, passed down by each employee. They are crucial, always leading the way we think and act.

Bring Compassion

Bendrigg is a place built on empathy. By taking the time to listen, being consistently compassionate and valuing each person for who they are, we create a unique haven where kindness is in the air, and adventure is in the offing. At Bendrigg, there is always freedom to have fun, all are welcomed, and all are valued.

Practice Progress

Every day is a chance to make lasting changes, not just for visitors or their families. We constantly look for improvement and find better ways of working. We challenge traditional approaches, offer innovative ideas, and develop our practice. Little by little, we make big changes – becoming a force for progress far beyond our borders.

Push Past Boundaries

Some limits may be real, but we remove the ones that aren9t. We challenge attitudes, strip away doubts and break through personal barriers. Removing those limits is how we will make extraordinary things happen. We instil self-belief that reshapes everyday lives for individuals and brings a new understanding that will reshape our communities.

Embrace Nature

There is no better classroom, there is no better therapy. This place is not just the setting for adventure; the outdoors is part of our purpose and our personality. Stepping outside and connecting with nature spurs our growth and improves our well-being, making an impact that lasts well beyond a visit.

Make It for Everyone

Opening doors is what we do; to an outdoors full of exciting and empowering adventures, to new abilities and attitudes, to personal potential waiting to be fulfilled. We open these doors for absolutely everyone, with endless flexibility and steadfast adaptability. At Bendrigg, we are exclusively inclusive and we always find a way.

Work As One

We value each and every individual, but it9s as a team that we excel. From staff and volunteers to first-time visitors and experienced leaders, we all contribute and 8muck in9. We celebrate all our successes and share all our missteps. We are all each other9s cheerleaders and safety nets, trusted advisors, and personal champions. We are all equals.

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The spirit of adventure is incredible. A bona fide superpower that can fill any one of us with conviction and confidence, with new abilities and renewed agency. And it’s universal too – not the exclusive preserve of the advantaged and non-disabled. It’s for everyone because we’re making sure it is.

At Bendrigg, we have the setting and the scenery, the equipment and the expertise, the people and the passion. Together, we have a limitless supply of adventure, with a limitless determination to improve people’s lives.

Because we know that, whatever adventure means to each individual, it has the power to empower. To challenge and inspire, to tear down barriers and build up possibilities, to create real and lasting change.

Above all, it has the power to change minds – within those individuals and across our whole society: changing the way people see their world and changing the way the world sees them.

#BeMoreBendrigg

Objectives & achievements

Objectives

In 2024, we commenced delivery of our five year strategic plan, covering 2024 - 2029. To turn our ambitions into achievements, we planned five key themes for the work that lies ahead. These are not isolated programmes - each theme overlaps with the other, each success will provide a platform for the next. We aim to:

Accommodate a wider audience Transform our space Protect our environment

Help the Bendrigg family flourish Go Beyond Bendrigg

Achievements

AdventureMind collaboration

Bendrigg hosted the annual AdventureMind conference in November which saw over 100 delegates from the UK and abroad gather for two days of talks, workshops and networking opportunities - all with the aim of exploring how inclusive adventure can improve and benefit mental health.

Celebrating and growing our Bendrigg Alternative Scheme

Bendrigg visitors, staff, volunteers, partners and stakeholders gathered together to celebrate the achievements of our Bendrigg Alternative Scheme and hear of plans to grow the reach and impact of the scheme even further. Whilst historically the 8BA9 scheme has focused on working with individuals in prisons, the scheme continues to grow and will diversify by working with probation, those at risk of offending, and partner organisations in the Criminal Justice sector.

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New website

Continuing with our new brand rollout, our new website went live in November. The new site offers a more accessible and refreshed place for people to find out more about Bendrigg’s work.

New equipment

2024 saw the long anticipated arrival of our new canoe fleet and new accessible minibus. The new canoes have replaced old canoes and doubled the size of our fleet , meaning more people can enjoy inclusive canoeing experiences. The new canoes and the new minibus improve our operational efficiencies, reduce the environmental impact of towing trailers and reduces the physical labour required of our instructors.

Tube slide refurbishment

One of our most popular activities, the tube slide, was the recipient of a makeover. New, larger shelters were installed at the top and bottom of the slide, giving more room for groups to wait and shelter from the weather. The new shelters also allowed the installation of ceiling-mounted hoists, kindly donated by Simply Moving and Sleeping, enabling this activity to become even more inclusive.

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More accessible adventures

Continuing the success of our climbing festival, new activity-specific courses were launched in 2024 including a caving festival and paddlesports festival. These dedicated courses allow individuals to further develop their skills, experience and love of an activity in a more in-depth way.

Big Give milestone

In our most successful campaign to date, the Big Give Christmas Challenge raised over £100,000 for Bendrigg’s work in December 2024. In an increasingly challenging financial environment, these vital funds support all of Bendrigg’s dayto-day work and contribute towards making our future plans a reality.

Simply giving back

As part of their ongoing support, Simply Moving and Sleeping kindly donated and installed ceiling-mounted hoists for our tube slides, resource centre and bike shed. These additions not only make our activities more accessible for guests with physical disabilities, but also greatly improve our staff and visitors’ wellbeing.

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New visitors

2024 saw several groups visit Bendrigg for the first time, opening up inclusive and accessible adventure opportunities to even more people. We continue to promote Bendrigg’s services to new schools, charities, youth groups, individuals and families to ensure everyone can access the transformative power of adventure.

Legacy Partners

We were honoured to be chosen as a Legacy Partner of The Edward Gostling Foundation as they commit to spend out their funds. The £250,000 restricted grant will support our shared mission of giving those <who have a disability or long-term illness as many as possible of the same choices, quality of life opportunities and aspirations as others=.

Supporting staff

In 2024 we undertook a staff health and wellbeing review and, using the results, put in place a programme of support to ensure that our staff are valued, supported and rewarded in their careers and lives. A new Health and Wellbeing committee made up of staff from all departments meets regularly to ensure this remains a top priority going forward.

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Our year in numbers

A summary of our year

In 2024, we remained busy, seeing a 12% increase in residential courses and a 16% increase in visitor numbers compared to 2023. We continue to be seen as disability specialists and saw a 24% increase in wheelchair users to Bendrigg. Here are just some of the statistics that highlight the impact we’ve had in 2024.

149 residential courses and 47 day activities delivered

2,930 participants and 1,330 leaders/ carers totalling 4,260 visitors in the year

437 wheelchair users supported

Visitors rated Bendrigg 4.89 out of 5 stars

78% of visitors saw 8significant9 or 8considerable9 increases in self confidence

83% of visitors saw 8significant9 or 8considerable9 increases in feeling more included

77% of visitors saw 8significant9 or 8considerable9 increases in independence

75% of visitors saw 8significant9 or 8considerable9 increases in social skills

78% of visitors saw 8significant9 or 8considerable9 increases in physical and/or mental wellbeing

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I feel I have obtained skills that, the last few times I've visited, I didn't previously have.

Volunteering in 2024

In 2024, we were excited to see 214 unique volunteers come through our doors, giving a total of 11,181 hours of support. The Living Wage of this time would have cost Bendrigg £147,091, so their generous gift of time is greatly appreciated!

35 volunteers declared a disability. Whilst these individuals make up 16% of our volunteers, they actually make up an astonishing 39% of our volunteer hours; which proves the need for projects like 8Someone Like Me9.

8Someone Like Me9 is a Bendrigg project seeking to support those with disabilities to volunteer. There remains in society, a lack of recognition for the contribution that people with disabilities can bring to volunteering. People with disabilities are often recipients of volunteer services but are rarely considered as a potential volunteer resource. 8Someone Like Me9 seeks to support those with disabilities to volunteer at Bendrigg - becoming role models and mentors for our visitors.

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Meet one of our volunteers, Ben*.

*name changed

Ben has been a huge asset to the Bendrigg team. Across two years he volunteered over 700 hours of his time and supported 19 residential courses. Without incredible volunteers like Ben, Bendrigg’s work simply wouldn’t be possible.

Ben started volunteering with Bendrigg two years into his recovery from a head injury, which left him unable to work and suffering with debilitating headaches. Trained as an outdoor instructor before his injury, a key motivation for Ben was to be in an environment that would support his recovery whilst also helping him on his journey back into work.

He got in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator and with her, and the support of our team of Activity Tutors passionate about inclusion, Ben was back in the world of providing outdoor adventures. Dedicated to being fully accessible, Bendrigg was the perfect place for Ben to volunteer at his own pace. At first, he volunteered for short periods of time building up to three-day then five-day residentials. His responsibilities initially involved supporting in the dining room at meal-times but over time, Ben’s recovery meant he was capable of more and more.

“ Volunteering massively helped with my recovery. Nine months in I felt like a different person. Doing stuff, being in the outdoor education environment, talking to Tutors reignited those brain pathways for me. Even sitting with staff at mealtimes and talking through things I would normally chat through in my role as a Tutor (before my head injury) was something I hadn’t done in a few years. It re-energised my brain and activated parts I hadn’t used for a while.

As much as we will miss Ben after two years of having his wonderful support as a volunteer, we are delighted that for now, his volunteering has come to an end because it means he is ready for the rest of his life. He is now gradually returning to work as an instructor in his previous place of work and he is looking forward to going on his own well-deserved adventures.

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I’ve learnt that no matter what people’s disabilities are, they can still achieve anything they want to do. I’ve learned about myself and how much gratitude I’ve got from seeing the children achieve so many things this week.

Bendrigg Alternative Scheme

Our Bendrigg Alternative (BA) scheme supported 30 unique individuals in 2024, across 52 placements. In total, BA volunteers gave over 500 hours of their time to supporting Bendrigg and our visitors.

The BA scheme has historically focused primarily on people in prison. However, after thoroughly reviewing our work, and the changing needs of those impacted by the Criminal Justice sector, the BA scheme continues to expand and now focusses on four distinct areas:

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Beyond Bendrigg 2024 year in review

2024 has been a busy year for the Beyond Bendrigg team.

Overall, the first year of the programme has been successful, bringing in over £45,000 - nearly £15,000 over the projected income. Our income streams have been more diverse than initially thought with more work secured from the charitable sector, particularly The National Trust.

Bendrigg were amazing in the planning, preparation and delivery of the 2024 Adventure Mind conference. Their expertise in inclusive, accessible adventures made the event a massive success, and we look forward to a long partnership with our university through placements, research, education and knowledge exchange.

Sam Pywell, Mental Health Research & Knowledge Exchange Lead, University of Central Lancashire

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We trained 6 members of staff to deliver the programme and during the year delivered 24 days training, 8 days of consultancy and 13 talks and workshops. We worked in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire to deliver the 2024 8Adventure Mind9 conference which saw nearly 100 people attend the 2 day event on 8Inclusive Adventures9.

There was little marketing of the programme in 2024 so most of our work came from word of mouth and current contacts, but with the launch of the new Bendrigg website we now have good web presence which gives us more potential to market our services and increase our reach and potential income.

2025 gives an opportunity to continue our 8test and grow9 model of growth, but the first full year of the programme has shown us that there is a need and appetite for the disability awareness training in the outdoor and tourism sectors and that there is potential for growth in coming years.

You delivered exactly the course we asked for. The presentation was clear and engaging, the content was pitched at the right level, and everyone left feeling better informed.

James Bumby, Head of Centre, High Borrans, Outdoor Education Centre

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Looking forward: 2024 - 2029

Our plans for the future

In the last 47 years, we have come a long way. But we know we still have a long way to go. 2024 saw the start of our newly approved five-year Strategic Plan. With our strategy set and our goals stated, we’re giving form to our ambitions for the next five years and beyond - harnessing more adventure, creating more change and touching more lives.

To turn our ambitions into achievements, we have planned five themes for the work that lies ahead. These are not isolated programmes - each theme overlaps with the other, each success will provide a platform for the next. From 2024 to 2029 we will:

Accommodate a wider audience

We will give people new ways to enjoy the Bendrigg experience, by building fully accessible multi-functional self-catering accommodation. When we’re finished, as well as making a small difference in meeting a national shortfall, our new service will make a huge difference for our visitors - supporting our mission while generating income to sustain our organisation.

Transform our space

We will make better use of space across our estate; making space for getting meals and getting rest, for getting around and getting closer to nature. When we’re finished, Bendrigg will be coherent and connected, more accessible and better equipped than ever – the sector’s leading destination for visiting, working, volunteering, learning and more.

Protect our environment

Working to preserve the setting so vital to our spirit of adventure, we will make our connection to nature central to everything we do. When we’re finished, with Net Zero in sight, we will work in ever-closer harmony with our natural environment.

Help the Bendrigg family flourish

We will go further for our people, by fostering a growth mindset in everyone connected to Bendrigg – not only helping people challenge the boundaries of disability, but giving our employees and volunteers the support and space to excel. When we’re finished, everyone at Bendrigg will have the opportunity to realise their fullest potential – inspired to be innovators and leaders, driving our progress and taking their place at the forefront of the industry.

Go Beyond Bendrigg

Our training and consultancy programme will equip a broad range of organisations with the skills to bring inclusion into their everyday practice. When we’re finished, we will have extended and multiplied the impact of our expertise – touching the lives of over 30,000 people every year, to play an increasingly powerful role in creating a more inclusive society.

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Looking forward: 2025

The coming years are a big adventure, but often big adventures start with a small step. During 2025 we will continue our journey by:

Delivering excellence for our visitors

At our core, we champion the transformative power of adventure, seeing it not just as an individual journey but as a force that shapes society for the better. We will continue to harness the power of adventure, ensuring that our visitors get the most inclusive and personal experience possible, making an impact that lasts well beyond a visit.

Driving forward our financial recovery

We have not been untouched by the ongoing challenging financial climate and must take steps to ensure we can continue funding our vital services through these difficult times, without adding additional unaffordable cost to those hardest hit by the pandemic and Costof-Living crisis. This will include continuing to invest in our fundraising capacity, investing in new initiatives to increase income and/or reduce costs, and progressing our operational efficiency measures, without losing the Bendrigg magic.

Developing our <Masterplan=

Big adventures need careful planning. Our strategic themes of transforming our space, accommodating a wider audience, protecting our environment, helping the Bendrigg family flourish and going 8Beyond Bendrigg9 need the infrastructure behind them. 2025 will see further development of this <Masterplan= including new activities, accommodation refurbishments and expansion into accessible self-catering accommodation.

Encouraging more organisations to 8Be More Bendrigg9

Through specialised training and consultancy offers, we will champion inclusive and accessible places, spaces and people, with the aim of supporting the outdoor, tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors to be more inclusive and accessible for all.

I leave Bendrigg with more friends than I arrive.

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“ Bendrigg and it’s staff has magical energy, it really does. All the staff and the volunteers always are so accommodating, kind and caring.

Fundraising Standards

A look at fundraising standards and practices at Bendrigg

Donors to Bendrigg Trust can be assured that we comply with the regulatory standards for fundraising. We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and are committed to the Fundraising Promise and comply with all the relevant standards set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice. Our Head of Income and Engagement is a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Our fundraising effort involves encouraging donations and gifts from individuals, running and supporting fundraising events, engaging with corporate partners and applying for grants from Charitable Trusts and Foundations. These fundraising activities are organised and managed by our in-house fundraisers with one external professional fundraiser engaged from November 2022 - December 2024 to support our fundraising efforts. All our in-house and third-party fundraisers receive regular training including Data Protection and fundraising specific training. All fundraising activities and third-party contracts are monitored by the Fundraising Manager on a regular basis throughout the year, to ensure standards are maintained. This includes direct review of work, staff appraisals, monitoring of communications and consultations with non-fundraising staff and supporters.

We encourage any individual, business or third-party, fundraising, on our behalf, to inform us of their fundraising activities and also adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice.

We have an Ethical Fundraising and Donations Acceptance Policy which seeks to cover the ethical issues and social responsibility within fundraising.

We respond to all complaints within ten working days. Complaints are dealt with in-line with our Fundraising Complaints Procedure as outlined in our Ethical Fundraising Policy. All complaints are dealt with by our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and our trustees are informed of those which are serious. We received zero complaints about our fundraising in 2024.

We have published our Safeguarding Policy on our website. We are also signed up to the Fundraising Preference Service to enable individuals to opt out from receiving fundraising communications from us. We received zero requests from this service last year.

Our fundraising promise

We will be;

Respectful

Fair and reasonable

Accountable and responsible

Clear, honest and open

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Risk Management

The Board of Trustees is sensitive to potential risks to which the charity may be exposed.

Risk Register

The management of risk by Bendrigg Trust is based upon a Risk Register (8the Register9) which has been in use since February 2017. The Register is kept under active consideration by the Centre Director and is reviewed every six months by the Risk Register Committee, which consists of the Centre Director and up to three Trustees. The last bi-annual review of the Register was on 28th February 2024.

Responsibilities

The Risk Committee reports to the Trustees in Council. Risk Management is ultimately the responsibility of all Trustees. It is the Trustees duty (assisted by the Risk Committee) to identify risks, to devise systems for managing those risks (or ensure that proper systems have been devised) and to monitor these systems to ensure that they are being put into effect.

The risks considered in the register are considered under five headings:

Public Benefit

From 2008, the Charities Act has required all charities to meet the legal requirement that its aims are for the public benefit. For this to be true there must be an identifiable benefit and the benefit must be to the public or a section of the public.

The Trustees are satisfied that the aims and objectives of the charity, and the activities reported on in its annual report to achieve those aims, meet these principles.

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Financial Review

Treasurers Report

The Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) reports a total surplus of £195,055 for the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023: surplus of £21,598); this is made up from an unrestricted deficit of £38,403 and a restricted funds surplus of £233,458. The overall surplus was added to the reserves brought forward of £3,801,368, to give total reserves at the balance sheet date of £3,996,423.

We are pleased and relieved to be able to report this overall surplus in our activities in 2024, achieved in spite of the ongoing challenges we are encountering in terms of our rising cost base and a more challenging fundraising environment. Our unrestricted deficit has been reduced significantly from our original budget for the year, with strong demand for Bendrigg9s courses and outstanding commitment and hard work from the management and staff team. The restricted fund position has strengthened dramatically during the period, due in particular to the £250,000 grant made by the Edward Gostling Foundation. Overall our client and donor income has improved considerably during the year, up from £1,546,079 in 2023 to £1,943,862 in 2024, an overall increase of almost £400,000. We are immensely grateful to all of our customers, donors and volunteers for their invaluable ongoing support

The Balance Sheet at 31 December confirms net assets of £3,996,423 (2023: £3,801,368), with net current assets of £871,315 (2023: £767,731) and net cash balances of £1,236,419 (2023: £998,042). The Balance Sheet also shows the carrying value of our property and other fixed assets at £3,125,108, most of which are funded by restricted capital funds.

With reference to the relatively high level of cash held at the Balance Sheet date it is important to clarify that not all of these funds are held in respect of unrestricted 8free9 cash reserves; £420,538 is held as future restricted project funding and £336,375 is held in respect of deferred income, leaving a net 8free9 cash balance of £479,506 to support the day to day cashflow of the charity. The 8free9 cash position provides Bendrigg with good financial resilience as we face into the ongoing sustainability challenges that lie ahead in 2025 and beyond, and we remain focussed on returning our unrestricted position to surplus making as soon as possible.

The Cash Flow Statement provides the detail of the cash movements during the year to 31 December showing that the overall cash position strengthened significantly in 2024, as described above.

Overall the Financial Statements reflect a good position after another year in which the Charity achieved a better than expected overall financial performance. The Bendrigg management and staff team have worked exceptionally hard to build the current levels of demand and occupancy of the centre, and their ongoing efforts will ensure that the organisation returns to a surplus making position as soon as possible.

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Financial Review cont.

Going Concern

The Trustees and Management Team remain concerned that the Charity may continue to incur ongoing Unrestricted General Fund deficits in the short to medium term future; in spite of high levels of demand and occupancy we continue to struggle to contain our cost pressures within our customer and donor income. Having said this we do not believe that the expected level of deficit gives rise to concern in terms of the ongoing assumption of Going Concern, in part due to the resilience of our balance sheet and cash reserves and in part due to the various projects that are being developed to address the deficit position. As a result the Council are satisfied that the assumption of Going Concern remains entirely valid.

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy, which is reviewed and approved by the Council on an annual basis, sets out an assessment of an appropriate level of free reserves after restrictions and designations.

The Trustees have again considered the Reserves Policy, at 31 December 2024, taking full account of the range of risks that face the organisation and as captured in our updated Risk Register. In determining the target level of General Fund reserves the Council have paid close attention to certain key risks; in particular these include the ongoing deficits that the charity expects to continue to incur in the short term future. This risk-based approach to determining our policy continues to suggest a target level of free reserves of £600,000, which equates to approximately six months of unrestricted operating costs.

The unrestricted fund reserves stand at £561,224 at 31 December 2024, meaning that the Charity is now carrying less free reserve than is required by the Reserves Policy. It should be noted that the terms of the Edward Gostling Foundation gift, of £250,000, serve to further under-write our Unrestricted Reserves even though these funds are currently reported as Restricted Funds.

Kim Parry

Treasurer

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Structure, Governance & Management

Constitution

Bendrigg Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee (01396557) incorporated on 27 October 1978 and registered with the Charity Commission (508450) on 15 February 1979.

The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which defines the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, the members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £5.

Trustees: Recruitment and Induction

Bendrigg recognises that a robust, independent, and effective Board of Trustees is essential to the charity’s success and its ability to achieve its objectives.

Prospective Trustees are asked to submit a CV and cover letter and will meet with the Centre Director and the Chair of Trustees. Aspirant Trustees are given a tour of Bendrigg and, where appropriate, are invited to attend a Council and/or Committee meeting. If elected, new trustees receive a Trustee Induction Pack, which includes key organisational documents outlining the charity’s operational framework—such as the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Business Plan, and Financial Statements.

Many Trustees make regular visits to Bendrigg, fostering an open and informal relationship with the Centre Director, staff, and fellow Trustees.

Bendrigg is committed to maintaining a diverse and skilled Board of Trustees that reflects the charity’s needs. Under the Articles, Trustees are elected to serve a term of three years. One-third of the elected Trustees retire each year and are eligible for re-election. Those retiring are the Trustees who have served the longest since their last election.

Organisational Structure and Governance

The Council meets bi-monthly and is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. Sub-committees consider the detail and report to the Council.

Further to the sub-committees, working groups are also formed to oversee specific projects for a set period of time.

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Renumeration of Key Management Personnel

The HR Committee oversees a periodic pay review process to set pay for all key management personnel. The process could, but not necessarily, include criteria such as; capability of undertaking the role and fulfilling any relevant duties; successful completion of relevant professional qualifications; delivery of specified projects; experience gained within the role; following a benchmark with other organisations in consideration of the essential retention of key personnel.

In relation to the Centre Directors pay, a specific periodic pay review process takes place, at the discretion of the Chair of the HR Committee. Any pay review proposal relating to the Centre Director must be approved by the Treasurer and the Chair of Trustees and formal approval must be given by the Board of Trustees.

Related Parties

The charity has a very close relationship with The Bendrigg Support Trust. The Support Trust was established for the purpose of supporting the work of the Bendrigg Trust. Mr J Holmes, Mr T Lowe and Miss R Hodgson, Trustees, are also Trustees of the Bendrigg Support Trust along with an independent Trustee, Mr R Brownson.

The charity also has a close relationship with The Mary Kinross Charitable Trust through an influential member who is also on the Bendrigg Alternative Committee.

Indemnity Provision

The charity has made qualifying third-party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its Trustees during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.

28

Official statement

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors of Bendrigg Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounts Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to :

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, 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 hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

29

Auditor

MHA, previously traded through the legal entity MacIntyre Hudson LLP. In response to regulatory changes, MacIntyre Hudson LLP ceased to hold an audit registration with the engagement transitioning to MHA Audit Services LLP.

MHS will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

Each of the persons who is a Trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

Approval

Mr Nicholas Liley Adrian Walter Secretary and Centre Director Chair of Trustees

30

Independent auditor’s report

Auditor’s opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Bendrigg Trust (the 8charitable compnay9) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise of the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor9s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.

We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC9s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

31

Other Information

The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and 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 course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements. 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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

32

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 29, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

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:

33

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of noncompliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance/auditor-s-responsibilities-forthe-audit-of-the-fi/description-of-the-auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

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

MHA Date 14, Mannin Way Lancaster Lancashire LA1 3SW

MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales, (registered number OC455542)

MHA is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appoints as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

34

Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the income and expenditure account)

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 243,252 641,290 884,542 670,904
Investments 4 19,954 - 19,954 11,222
Charitable activities 5 1,039,366 - 1,039,366 863,857
Other 6 - - - 96
Total 1,302,572 641,290 1,943,862 1,546,079
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 99,046 65,075 164,121 103,501
Charitable activities 8 1,346,903 237,783 1,584,686 1,420,980
Total 1,445,949 302,858 1,748,807 1,524,481
Net (expenditure)/
income before transfers 9 (143,377) 338,432 195,055 21,598
Transfer between funds 10 104,974 (104,974) - -
Net movement in funds (38,403) 233,458 195,055 21,598
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 599,627 3,201,741 3,801,368 3,779,770
Total funds carried forward 561,224 3,435,199 3,996,423 3,801,368

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all recognised gains and losses in the year.

All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.

The Statement of Financial Activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

The notes on pages 38 to 55 form part of these financial statements.

35

Balance Sheet

As at 31 December 2024

Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2024
2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 3,125,108 3,033,637
Current assets
Stock 7,447 7,100
Debtors 13 69,722 87,391
Cash at bank and in hand 1,236,419 998,042
1,313,588 1,092,533
Creditors:amounts falling
due within one year 14 (442,273) (324,802)
Net current assets 871,315 767,731
Total assets less current liabilities 3,996,423 3,801,368
Net assets 3,996,423 3,801,368
Funds:
Restricted funds 16 3,435,199 3,201,741
Unrestricted funds 18 561,224 599,627
Total funds 3,996,423 3,801,368

These accounts were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on the .....................and are signed on their behalf by: ................................................. ................................................ Adrian Walter Kim Parry Chair Treasurer Company Registration Number: 01396557

The notes on pages 38-55 form part of these financial statements.

36

Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Cash generated in operating activities 408,274 140,255
Cashflows from investing activities:
Investment income 19,954 11,222
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets - 416
Purchase of fixed assets (excluding donated assets) (189,851) (18,872)
Cash provided by/ (used in) investing activities (169,897) (7,234)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year 238,377 133,021
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 998,042 865,021
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 1,236,419 998,042
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cashflow from operating
activities
Net movement in funds 195,055
21,598
Profit on sale of assets - (96)
Donated goods and services (12,677) -
Investments income received (19,954)
(11,222)
Depreciation 111,057
105,217
Increase / (decrease) in stocks (347) 5,495
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 17,669
(76,372)
Increase in creditors 117,471
95,635
Net cash generated in operating activities 408,274
140,255
Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand 1,236,419 998,042
1,236,419 998,042

37

The notes on pages 38-55 form part of these financial statements.

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies Legal form

Bendrigg Trust is a registered charity and a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006, incorporated in England and Wales. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member of the Charity.

The registered office of the Charity, the nature of its operations and its principal activities are all detailed in the Charity administrative details of these financial statements.

Basis of preparation

Bendrigg Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest pound.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The particular accounting policies adopted by the Trustees are described below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees consider the charity to have a sufficient level of working capital to see it through the upcoming months and have made an assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements. There are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Income

Donations and legacies are included in the accounts on a cash received basis or where there is a certainty of receipt and the amount is quantifiable. Grants and donations in respect of specific projects are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they are receivable and are credited to restricted reserves.

38

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Investment income is credited to the statement of financial activities in the period in which it becomes receivable.

Income from charitable activities is recognised in the period to which it relates.

Other income includes income from the sale of tangible assets which are recognised upon legal entitlement to the Charity.

Donated goods and services

Donated goods and services are recognised as income when the Charity has control over the item, the receipt of the economic benefit is probable, and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. A corresponding amount is then recognised in expenses or fixed assets. In accordance with SORP (FRS 102) no amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.

Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis in the expense categories required by the SORP. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Costs are further allocated between the activities undertaken on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Charitable activities expenditure includes costs incurred in the delivery of the Charity’s activities and services. It includes both direct costs, including staff costs, that are incurred in the delivery of the activities and services and indirect costs which are required to support the delivery of the charitable objects.

Costs of raising funds include those costs in relation to the Charity’s operations which are used to generate further income which is integral to the Charity in meeting its charitable objectives. It includes direct costs and also indirect costs which have been allocated based on an estimated share relating to fundraising costs.

Fixed assets

All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:

Freehold property - 2% straight line per annum Motor vehicles and trailers - 25% reducing balance Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 10%/20% straight line per annum

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making allowance for obsolete and slow moving stocks.

39

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Debtors and creditors within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable and payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is a basic financial asset and includes cash in hand and deposits held on call with banks.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds - General funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Designated funds - Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds - Restricted funds arise where there is a donor-imposed restriction on the use of the funds, or the funds have arisen in response to an appeal for a specified purpose.

Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

Taxation

HM Revenue & Customs considers Bendrigg Trust to be a charity and therefore they are entitled to exemption from tax afforded by Sections 478-489 of the Corporation Taxes Act 2010 to the extent that income is applied exclusively for charitable purposes.

Financial instruments

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 8Basic Financial Instruments9 and Section 12 8Other Financial Instruments Issues9 of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity9s balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

40

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies (continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price and are subsequently carried at amortised cost. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that the estimated future cash flows have been affected. The impairment loss is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, are initially recognised at transaction price, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2 Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Key assumptions, judgements and estimates

In the opinion of the Trustees, there have been no significant judgements made in the process of applying the above accounting policies. There have been no key assumptions concerning future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

41

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

3 Income from donations and legacies Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Staff sponsorship - - - 3,000
Project donations - 60,532 60,532 73,334
General donations 243,252 - 243,252 266,174
Specific donations - 371,885 371,885 81,200
Sponsored courses - 141,119 141,119 106,246
Specific capital donations - 55,077 55,077 140,950
Donated goods and services - 12,677 12,677 -
243,252 641,290 884,542 670,904
Total 2023 266,174 404,730 670,904
4 Income from investments
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 19,954 - 19,954 11,222
19,954 - 19,954 11,222
Total 2023 11,222 - 11,222
5 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Course fees 972,161 - 972,161 833,731
Other charitable activities 67,205 - 67,205 30,126
Total 2023 1,039,366
863,857
-
-
1,039,366
863,857
863,857

42

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

6 Other income

6 Other income
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Proceeds from sale of asset - - - 96
- - - 96
Total 2023 96 - 96
7 Expenditure on raising funds Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Telephone 150 - 150 383
Postage 395 - 395 110
Direct fundraising costs 3,423 6,697 10,120 7,694
Freelance fundraisers fee - 6,563 6,563 9,600
Staff costs 95,078 51,815 146,893 85,714
99,046 65,075 164,121 103,501
Total 2023 63,501 40,000 103,501

43

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Goods for resale 10,889 - 10,889 9,115
Rates and water 1,666 - 1,666 1,766
Light and heat 42,705 - 42,705 46,050
Repairs and maintenance 64,646 18,284 82,930 83,644
Insurance 28,758 - 28,758 22,712
Motor vehicle expenses 29,027 2,981 32,008 24,683
Telephone 1,354 - 1,354 3,450
Provisions and household 119,036 6,959 125,995 113,065
Sundry expenses 38,784 11,716 50,500 46,833
Outdoor equipment 7,587 - 7,587 6,040
Staff training 14,326 300 14,626 13,446
Advertising and sponsorship 16,312 - 16,312 24,693
Bank charges 2,355 - 2,355 2,236
Printing, post and stationery 15,146 - 15,146 14,190
Freelance instructors fees 62,047 - 62,047 51,256
Audit and professional fees 17,490 - 17,490 16,124
IT software and consumables 12,171 - 12,171 15,282
Entry fees 1,758 - 1,758 2,201
Subscriptions 3,180 - 3,180 2,943
Indemnity insurance 1,298 - 1,298 1,193
Wages and salaries 658,420 174,513 832,933 743,439
National insurance 50,939 13,501 64,440 40,454
Pension cost 35,952 9,529 45,481 30,948
Depreciation 111,057 - 111,057 105,217
1,346,903 237,783 1,584,686 1,420,980
Total 2023 1,214,227 206,753 1,420,980

Support costs are allocated entirely to charitable activities in both the current and prior period.

44

for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements

9 Net income/(expenditure) 2024 2023
£ £
Net income is stated after charging:
Staff pension contributions 52,604 43,561
Auditors' remuneration
- audit of the financial statements 8,400 8,000
Other non-audit services provided by the auditor 4,883 3,764
Depreciation of tangible assets
- owned by the Charity 111,057 105,217

10 Fund transfers

A transfer is made annually from restricted to unrestricted funds in respect of depreciation charges in the year which relate to restricted assets. This year this transfer amounted to £104,974.

Restricted funds are made up of restricted income funds and restricted capital funds. During the current year restricted income funds were used to purchase fixed assets in the financial year and transfers of £120,394 were made to restricted capital funds. A further £10,960 of restricted income funds have been committed to fixed assets (deposits have been made) so a similar transfer to the restricted capital fund has been made. Total transfers from income funds to capital funds were £131,354.

The transfer out of restricted capital funds of £26,380 is the net of the depreciation transfer (£104,974) and the capital asset transfer (£131,354).

Further details of fund transfers are included in Note 16.

11 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and the cost of key management personnel

Total staff costs were as follows 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 961,662 798,806
Social security costs 75,481 58,188
Pension costs 52,604 43,561
1,089,747 900,555

45

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

11 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and the cost of key management personnel (continued)

Particulars of employees:

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

2024 2023
No. No.
Administrative staff 15 13
Tutorial staff 18 16
Maintenance staff 1 1
Catering and domestic staff 9 8
43
~~ee~~

No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the current or prior year.

The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel, as determined by the Charity, is £261,285 (2023: £234,602) during the current period.

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The contributions paid into the scheme in respect of eligible employees for the year ended 31 December 2024 amounted to £52,604 (2023: £43,561).

No Trustees received any remuneration during the current or prior period. No Trustee received any expenses for their role as Trustees in the current or prior period.

46

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

12 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Motor Fixtures
Freehold Vehicles Fittings &
Property & trailers equipment Totals
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 January 2024 4,187,290 244,590 143,288 4,575,168
Additions 52,417 89,626 60,485 202,528
Disposals - - - -
At 31 December 2024 4,239,707 334,216 203,773 4,777,696
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 1,226,136 188,527 126,868 1,541,531
Charge for the year 84,894 19,616 6,547 111,057
Eliminated on disposal - - - -
At 31 December 2024 1,311,030 208,143 133,415 1,652,588
Net book value
At 31 December 2024 2,928,677 126,073 70,358 3,125,108
At 31 December 2023 2,961,154 56,063 16,420 3,033,637

The freehold at Bendrigg Lodge was transferred from the Mary Kinross Trust on 12 March 1985 as a gift. The freehold is not included in the financial statements as an asset but has a substantial market value.

The freehold property reported above, having a netbook value of £2,928,677 relates to the capitalised cost of property developments (including Acorn House) that have taken place on the Bendrigg site subsequent to the original gift of Bendrigg Lodge.

47

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

13 Debtors 2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 2,004 193
Prepayments 67,718 87,198
69,722 87,391
14 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 15,994 23,380
Taxation and social security 31,148 22,383
Other creditors 8,789 1,045
Accruals 49,967 36,613
Deferred income Note 15 336,375 241,381
442,273 324,802
15 Deferred income 2024 2023
£ £
Balance brought forward 241,381 161,963
Course fees received in advance 336,375 238,574
Release of deferred income (241,381) (159,156)
336,375 241,381

48

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

16 Restricted funds: Current year Restricted funds: Current year At 1 At 31
January December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Restricted funds income 17 Restricted funds income 17 Restricted funds income 17
213,460
641,290 (302,858) (131,354) 420,538
Restricted funds capital 2,988,281 - - 26,380 3,014,661
~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~
Total funds 3,201,741 641,290 (302,858) (104,974) 3,435,199
OO
—CSCSCSCSC‘C‘C‘CHSCC‘éC
—CSCSCSCSC‘C‘C‘CHSCC‘éC —CSCSCSCSC‘C‘C‘CHSCC‘éC —CSCSCSCSC‘C‘C‘CHSCC‘éC —CSCSCSCSC‘C‘C‘CHSCC‘éC
Restricted funds: Prior year At 1 At 31
January December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
Note £
£ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Restricted funds income Restricted funds income17 102,579 404,730 (246,753) (47,096) 213,460
Restricted funds capital 3,041,865 - - (53,584) 2,988,281
~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~
Total funds 3,144,444 404,730 (246,753) (100,680) 3,201,741

Restricted capital funds are made up of incoming resources given specifically to acquire fixed assets, as reduced over the useful economic life of those assets in line with their depreciation - £3,014,661 (2023: £2,988,281).

49

for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes to the financial statements

17 Restricted funds: Current year At 1 At 31
January December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Sponsored Courses 34,352 141,119 (145,617) - 29,854
BA Coordinator - 15,000 (15,000) - -
Edward Gostling Foundation - 250,000 - - 250,000
Fair Share (RL) - 3,249 (3,249) - -
Training - 10,000 - - 10,000
Paddling Project - 9,083 (3,401) - 5,682
Profile Beds - 3,500 - - 3,500
Energy Efficiency Project - 10,000 - - 10,000
Fundraising Support - 65,075 (65,075) - -
Simply Moving and Sleeping - 12,677 - (12,677) -
Outdoor Equipment 4,332 38,561 (16,927) (5,125) 20,841
Canoes 20,041 6,000 (1,356) (17,338) 7,347
Tube Slide Huts 26,000 10,000 - (16,575) 19,425
8Someone Like Me9 Project 32,980 41,449 (40,795) - 33,634
Bendrigg Development 23,250 - (9,700) - 13,550
Minibus 69,000 25,577 - (79,639) 14,938
Staff Wellbeing Project 3,505
~~eer}~~
-
~~eer}~~
(1,738)
~~eer}~~
-
~~eer}~~
1,767
~~eer}~~
Restricted income funds 213,460 641,290 (302,858) (131,354) 420,538

50

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

Restricted income funds: Prior year At 1 At 31
January December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Climbing Club 12,025 - (12,025) - -
Sponsored Courses 17,617 106,246 (89,511) - 34,352
Outdoor Equipment 9,350 12,220 (13,537) (3,701) 4,332
Canoes 16,486 25,950 - (22,395) 20,041
Sensory Room 560 - (560) - -
Tube Slide Huts 1,000 25,000 - - 26,000
Trainee Coordinator 15,000 - (15,000) - -
BA Coordinator 8,750 15,000 (23,750) - -
8Someone Like Me9 project 21,791 53,364 (42,175) - 32,980
Beyond Bendrigg - 3,750 (3,750) - -
Bendrigg Development - 25,000 (1,750) - 23,250
Minibus - 90,000 - (21,000) 69,000
Apprenticeship - 3,000 (3,000) - -
Fair Share (RL) - 1,200 (1,200) - -
Staff Wellbeing Project - 4,000 (495) - 3,505
Fundraising Project - 40,000 (40,000) - -
~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~
Restricted income funds 102,579 404,730 (246,753) (47,096) 213,460

51

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

17 Restricted income funds (continued)

Sponsored Courses: enables bursaries to be given to some groups who without it would not be able to afford to come to Bendrigg.

BA Co-ordinator: to fund a co-ordinator post for the Bendrigg Alternative Scheme which is a scheme providing opportunities for those in the Criminal Justice system, or those at risk of entering the Criminal Justice system, to work alongside the groups who visit Bendrigg.

Edward Gostling Foundation: Deed of gift which is to be used if Bendrigg9s General Fund Reserve falls below three months operating costs. After five years the restriction will be lifted.

FareShare (RL): funding received through Kinder Kind of Kitchen Project, which allows access to FareShare, an organisation that redistributes food across Cumbria and Lancashire, to community food groups.

Training: to provide training for the Tutorial team and for the Beyond Bendrigg project.

Paddling Project: enabling people with disabilities to take part in padddlesports and the set up of a Paddling Club.

Profile Beds: to purchase new profile beds which enable individuals with complex needs have a comfortable stay at Bendrigg.

Energy Efficiency Project: looking at ways to improve and increase the energy efficiency of the Centre.

Fundraising Support: funding received to expand Bendrigg9s fundraising capabilities.

Simply Moving and Sleeping: donation of specific pieces of equipment.

Outdoor Equipment: enables specific pieces of equipment to be purchased.

Canoes: to fund a new fleet of canoes.

Tube Slide Huts: to fund the building of 2 new tube slide huts which will incorporate a built in hoisting system.

8Someone Like Me9 Project: to support the volunteer programme with a specific focus on increasing the number of volunteers with a disability.

Bendrigg Development: to fund an enabling phase for possible improvements to the Bendrigg estate.

Minibus: to fund the purchase of minibuses.

Staff Wellbeing Project: funding received to provide wellbeing support to Bendrigg employees.

52

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

18 Unrestricted income funds: Current year

At 1 At 31
January December
2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General Funds 599,627 1,302,572 (1,445,949) 104,974 561,224
Unrestricted funds 599,627 1,302,572 (1,445,949) 104,974 561,224
Unrestricted income funds: Prior year
At 1 At 31
January December
2023 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General Funds 635,326 1,141,349 (1,277,728) 100,680 599,627
Unrestricted funds 635,326 1,141,349 (1,277,728) 100,680 599,627
19 Analysis of fund transfers Total
£
Annual transfer in respect of restricted fixed asset funds 104,974
Total transfers 104,974
Further details of fund transfers are included in Note 10.

53

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

20 Analysis of net assets between funds: Current year

Net current
Tangible assets excl. Long term
fixed assets Cash cash liabilities Total
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds 3,014,661 420,538 - - 3,435,199
General funds 110,447 815,881 (365,104) - 561,224
Total funds 3,125,108 1,236,419 (365,104) - 3,996,423

Analysis of net assets between funds: Prior year

Net current
Tangible assets excl. Long term
fixed assets Cash cash liabilities Total
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds 2,988,281 213,460 - - 3,201,741
General funds 45,356 784,582 (230,311) - 599,627
Total funds 3,033,637 998,042 (230,311) - 3,801,368

21 Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2024, the total of the Charity's future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases was:

2024 2023
Amounts payable:
Within 1 year 1,596 1,596
Between 1 and 5 years 2,389 3,984
3,985 5,580

54

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 December 2024

22 Capital committments

Capital committments
2024 2023
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
Acquisition of tangible fixed assets 43,840 106,893
43,840 106,893

23 Contingencies

The charity received lottery grants totalling £243,364 during the financial years 1999 and 2000 to fund the development of improvements to the accommodation in Bendrigg Lodge and also a grant of £200,000 between 2007 and 2008 towards the construction of the Kinross Building. The charity may not dispose of these buildings without prior written permission of the Lottery Board, nor use the buildings as security for a loan. This restriction shall be in force for 80 years from the date of the grants.

24 Control and related party transactions

The charity was under the control of the Board of Trustees who are also directors for the purposes of company law in both the current and prior period.

The charity has a very close relationship with The Bendrigg Support Trust. The Support Trust was established for the purpose of supporting the work of the Bendrigg Trust. A specific donation grant of £35,075 (2023: £25,000) was received during the year. Mr J Holmes, Mr T Lowe and Miss R Hodgson, Trustees, are also Trustees of the Bendrigg Support Trust along with an independent Trustee, Mr R Brownson.

The charity also has a close relationship with The Mary Kinross Charitable Trust through an influential member who is also on the Bendrigg Alternative Committee. Total grants received during the year total £95,000 (2023: £105,000). Of these grants, £95,000 was for restricted purposes.

During the year the charity incurred costs of £1,298 (2023: £1,193) relating to indemnity insurance for the Trustees.

There were no outstanding balances with related parties at 31 December 2024 or 31 December 2023.

25 Company Limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee. In event of the company being wound up or dissolved, each member undertakes to contribute such amounts as is required, not exceeding £5, for payment of any debts or liabilities.

55

Reference & administrative details

Charity details

Registered Charity name: Bendrigg Trust Charity Registration number: 508450 Company Registration number: 01396557 Registered office: Bendrigg Lodge, Old Hutton, Kendal LA8 0NR

Trustees

The Trustees who served the company during the period were as follows: Adrian Walter, Chair of Trustees Kim Parry, Treasurer Tom Hibbert Tim Lowe John Holmes MBE Rachael Hodgson Anne Fleck Brian McDonough Peter Bates Kay Foster Jeremy Prall Kirsty Heywood-MacDonald Amy Pearman (resigned 21st June 2024) Richard Huxley (appointed 13th March 2025) Stuart Woodall (appointed 13th March 2025)

Senior Management Team

Company Secretary and Centre Director: Nicholas Liley Head of Income and Engagement: Sarah Garman Activities Manager: Sam Litten Finance and HR Manager: Gill Smith Facilities Manager: Jonathon Wolfendale (to 31st August 2024), Dave Garman (from 9th September 2024) Training, Research & Consultancy Manager: Sara Murray Fundraising Manager: Elizabeth Feltoe (from 17th March 2025)

Patrons

Sir Chris Bonington CVO CBE DL Claire Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria (retired 3rd July 2023) Jamie Andrew

Auditor: MHA, Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor, 14 Mannin Way, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 3SW

56

www.bendrigg.org.uk | 01539 723766 | bookings@bendrigg.org.uk Bendrigg Trust, Bendrigg Lodge, Old Hutton, Kendal LA8 0NR | Registered Charity: 508450