THE ROWLEY TRUST
TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Registered Charity Number 508630
HOWARDS LIMITED
CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS NEWPORT HOUSE NEWPORT ROAD STAFFORD ST16 1DA
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity Information | 1 |
| Trustees Report | 2 – 4 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 7 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 8 - 11 |
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630) CHARITY INFORMATION
| Trustees: | Mrs E Armstrong (Chairman) |
|---|---|
| Mrs R Piggott (Vice Chairman) | |
| Mrs S Clews | |
| Mrs J Kelt | |
| Mr R Cooke | |
| Mr M Winkle | |
| Mrs S Whiting | |
| Mrs J Creswell | |
| Dr J Majekodumni | |
| Mrs J Blagg | |
| Clerk to the Trustees: | Mr J Langford |
| Charity Number: | 508630 |
| Address of Charity: | 16 Brunswick Terrace |
| Stafford | |
| ST16 1BB | |
| Independent Examiner: | Mrs R L Wilson |
| Howards Limited | |
| Chartered Certified Accountants | |
| Newport House | |
| Newport Road | |
| Stafford ST16 1DA | |
| Solicitors: | Nowell Meller |
| 7/8 St. Mary’s Grove | |
| Stafford | |
| ST16 2AT | |
| Bankers: | Lloyds Bank PLC |
| 5 Market Square | |
| Stafford | |
| ST16 2JL | |
| Investment Advisers: | CCLA Investment Management Limited |
| 1 Angel Lane | |
| London | |
| EC4R 3AB |
Page 1
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Reference and Administrative Information
The Trustees present their report and the unaudited Financial Statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2026. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and the Financial Statements of the Charity.
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2019) – Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Registered Office
16 Brunswick Terrace Stafford ST16 1BB
Trustees
The Trustees of the Charity listed below are its Trustees for the purpose of the charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.
Trustees E Armstrong R Piggott S Clews J Kelt R Cooke M Winkle S Whiting J Creswell J Majekodumni J Blagg Chairman E Armstrong Clerk J Langford Accountants Howards Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Newport House Newport Road Stafford ST16 1DA Bankers Lloyds Bank PLC 5 Market Square Stafford ST16 2JL
Page 2
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Objectives and Activities
In setting our objectives the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit.
The main purpose of The Rowley Trust is to apply the income of the Charity for the benefit of women and girls in one or more of the following ways:-
-
In promoting the rehabilitation of women and girls who are in need of physical, mental or moral care;
-
In relieving need, hardship or distress among women and girls;
-
In promoting the education, including social and physical training of women and girls;
-
In promoting or assisting in the provision of women and girls of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare with the object of improving their conditions of life;
-
In making grants or donations to charitable institutions or organisations having for their object the benefit of women and girls.
Achievements and Performance
The Rowley Trust made numerous financial grants during the year to organisations representing the objectives of the Trust and individuals meeting the relevant criteria. A full breakdown of recipients and the amounts of the individual grants made are detailed in the appending schedules.
Structure, Governance and Management
All Trustees give their time freely and no Trustee remuneration was paid during the year.
Trustees
The Trustees named on pages 1 and 2 have served during the year. Appointment of Trustees is governed by the Trust Deed of the Charity.
Trustee Training
New Trustees are inducted into the workings of the Trust and the responsibilities of Charity Trustees generally by discussion with existing Trustees.
Investment Powers
The Trust Deed authorises the Trustees to make and hold investments.
Risk Assessment
The Trustees keep the activities of the Trust under review particularly with regard to any major risks which may arise from time-to-time. Procedures are in place to monitor and control those risks to mitigate any impact those risks may have on the Trust in the future. This includes insurance cover where appropriate.
The Trust’s investment portfolio is managed by CCLA Investment Management Limited who specialise in managing investments for Charities, Religious Organisations and the Public Sector.
CCLA’s aim is to deliver strong long term returns and have unmatched experience in providing ethical and responsible investments for charities.
Transactions and Financial Position
The financial position of The Rowley Trust is detailed in the appending financial schedules.
Page 3
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have adopted a reserves policy which allows only net generated income to be distributed in the form of grants. The capital of the Trust is invested to generate this income and any capital growth is reinvested to further generate income. It is not a policy of the Trust to distribute capital.
The reserves at 31[st] March 2026 were £1,309,732 (2025: £1,440,761).
Trustees Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements
The Trustees of The Rowley Trust 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).
The Charities Commission 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 Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the Charity for the year. In preparing these Financial Statements the Trustees are required to:
| a) | Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
|---|---|
| b) | Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; |
| c) | Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
| d) | State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material |
| departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; | |
| e) | Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that |
| the Charity will continue in operation. |
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the Charity and enables them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed.
The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees on ………………………………………… and signed on its behalf by:
E Armstrong – Chairman and Trustee
Page 4
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROWLEY TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2026 which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the Charity is not subject to an audit under the Charities Act and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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a) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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b) Follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charities Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act; and
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c) State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charities Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning and such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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a) To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act, and
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b) To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or
-
ii) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Rachael Wilson FCCA
Independent Examiner Howards Chartered Certified Accountants Newport House Newport Road Stafford ST16 1DA
Date:
Page 5
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| Note INCOME FROM: Investments COIF Charity Fund Income Total Income EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable Activities 2 & 3 Total Expenditure Net Income / (Expenditure) and Net Movement In Funds Before Gain / (Loss) on Investments Gain / (Loss) on Investments: Realised 4 Unrealised 4 Net Movement in Funds Reconciliation of Funds: Unrestricted funds brought forward at 1 April 2025 Unrestricted funds carried forward at 31 March 2026 |
Unrestricted Funds 2026 £ 43,400 43,400 44,710 44,705 (1,310) - (129,719) (131,029) 1,440,761 1,309,732 |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 42,151 |
|---|---|---|
| 42,151 | ||
| 43,898 | ||
| 43,898 | ||
| (1,747) | ||
| - (68,652) |
||
| (70,399) | ||
| 1,511,160 1,440,761 |
Page 6
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
| Note Fixed Assets Investments 4 Current Assets Lloyds Bank – General Account Lloyds Bank – Small Claims Committee Liabilities Creditors falling due within one year 6 Total Net Assets The Funds of the Charity: Unrestricted Funds: Capital Fund Income Fund Total Charity Funds |
2026 £ £ 1,294,259 22,673 - 22,673 1,316,932 7,200 7,200 1,309,732 1,294,259 15,473 1,309,732 |
2025 £ £ 1,423,978 15,668 8,315 23,983 1,447,961 7,200 7,200 1,440,761 1,423,978 16,783 1,440,761 |
2025 £ £ 1,423,978 15,668 8,315 23,983 1,447,961 7,200 7,200 1,440,761 1,423,978 16,783 1,440,761 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22,673 | 23,983 | ||
| 7,200 1,294,259 15,473 |
7,200 1,423,978 16,783 |
||
| 1,447,961 | |||
| 7,200 | |||
| 1,440,761 | |||
| 1,440,761 |
The Financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on………………..….. and were signed on its behalf by:
E Armstrong - Chairman
J Langford – Clerk
Page 7
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation and Assessment of Going Concern
The accounts (Financial Statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Income recognition
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
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. Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due. This is normally upon notification by our investment advisor of the dividend yield of the investment portfolio.
Grants Payable
Grants payable are accounted for when there is an obligation to pay. Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objects of the Trust.
Resources Expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Fixed Asset Investments
Investments are a form of basic financial instrument are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the statement of financial position date using the closing quoted Bid value. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year.
The Trust does not acquire put options, derivative or other complex financial instruments.
The main form of financial risk faced by the Charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitudes of the investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors.
Taxation
The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Page 8
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Fund Accounting
All of the funds are unrestricted and can be used in accordance with the charitable objections at the discretion of the Trustees.
Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
2. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| GRANTS PAID Small Claims Committee Grants Douglas Macmillan Hospice The Way Home Start Staffordshire Moorlands Peter Pan Centre The Neuromuscular Centre Motherwell Cheshire CIO Prison Radio Association Strongbones Children’s Charity Trust B Music WSIP Happy Days Cleobury Community Hub Go Beyond Sir Graham Balfour High School Make Them Smile Gingerbread Centre, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire Women’s Aid The Sequal Trust BDAA Honeycombe Stoke Staffordshire Pathway Project Honeycombe NUL Honeycombe Staffordshire Moorlands Children & Families Staffordshire Adullam Housing Association Step Up Stoke CIC |
2026 £ 29,674 - - - - - - - - - - - 500 1,000 750 1,000 360 160 1,000 500 240 200 180 160 170 130 200 36,224 |
2025 £ 26,516 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 600 1,000 625 1,000 250 714 929 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35,634 |
|---|---|---|
Page 9
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
3. SUPPORT COSTS
| Note Trustees Travel & Subsistence Expenses Clerks Honorarium Room Hire / Meeting Refreshments Insurance Accountants Fees 5 Bank Charges |
2026 £ 222 6,000 656 390 1,200 18 8,486 |
2025 £ 188 6,000 496 375 1,200 5 8,264 |
|---|---|---|
4. BID VALUE OF INVESTMENTS
| COIF Charity Fund |
Cost BID Value 2025 Additions @Cost Disposals @ Cost Realised Gain/(Loss) Unrealised Gain/(Loss) BID Value 2026 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 735,890 1,423,978 - - - (129,719) 1,294,259 735,890 1,423,978 - - - (129,719) 1,294,259 |
|---|---|
5. ACCOUNTANCY FEES
| Independent Examination REDITORS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Accountancy Charges Clerks Honorarium |
2026 £ 1,200 1,200 2026 £ 1,200 6,000 7,200 |
2025 £ 1,200 1,200 2025 £ 1,200 6,000 7,200 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
6. CREDITORS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Page 10
THE ROWLEY TRUST A REGISTERED CHARITY (NUMBER: 508630)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
7. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the Charity was paid or payable for the year to any Trustee, or to any person or persons known to be connected with any of them (2025: Nil).
Trustees Expenses
There were four Trustees that were reimbursed for expenses during the year ended 31[st] March 2026, these were for travel and subsistence costs totalling £222 (2025: £188).
8. CONTROLLING PARTY
The charity was under the control of the Trustees, as detailed on page 2, throughout the year.
9. RELATED PARTY
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31[st] March 2026.
Page 11