2025-08-31-accounts - Birmingham Ethnic Education And Advisory Service Trust

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BIRMINGHAM ETHNIC EDUCATION & ADVISORY SERVICE

1st Floor, Lozells Methodist Community Centre, 163 Gerrard Street, Lozells, Birmingham. B19 2AH Telephone 0121 716 6206 Email: info@beeas.org

BEEAS Trustees’ Annual Report 2024-2025

Background

Birmingham Ethnic Education and Advisory Service (BEEAS) is a Charitable Trust founded in 1984 by a small group of benefactors from the community. The organisation has, as its principal aims, the education and training of adults (that is all those beyond statutory school age) who wish to participate in its services which are free of charge.

Aims and Purposes

The advancement of education among the communities in Birmingham and the West Midlands by way of teaching the English language, health education, or in any such other ways as the Trustees’ shall determine, either directly or by way of sponsoring self-help groups among the communities concerned.

Supporting the needs of the community by the provision of an advice and information service, having regard within those communities to the lack of knowledge of the English language and the lack of means of obtaining such advice and the information from their own resources.

Providing or sponsoring the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time activities in order to benefit those among the communities who have the need for such facilities regardless of their social and economic circumstances.

The Trust shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian in religion.

BEEAS will be changing its status from an Unincorporated Trust, known as Birmingham Ethnic Education and Advisory Trust (BEEAS) Charity Number 515098 to a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). It was entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity number 1211842 in January 2025 and will come into being on the 1st September 2025.

The length of the reporting period is 11 months. BEEAS has changed its accounting year end to 31st August, in order to align the Charity’s reporting period with the academic year, as the majority of grants are awarded and administered on an academic-year basis. The Trustees consider that this will provide greater clarity and consistency in financial reporting and grant monitoring. This amendment was reported to and approved by the Charity Commission.

Our Trustees

Dr Lynne P. Morris CBE (Chair)

Mr Edobhiye A. Oaikhinan (Vice Chair)

Mrs Judith M. Taylor (Honorary Treasurer)

Mrs Yasmin Y. P. Karim (Honorary Secretary )

Mrs Naila Tabassam

Miss Nazanin R. Khaneghah

Mrs Jean E. Powell

Mr Taheer Afzal (Resigned 26 October 2024)

Our Trustees’ positions are advertised through our Community Networks, Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and our website.

We have recently completed a skills audit with our Trustees and we have identified the need for Trustees with Legal, Financial, Human Resources (HR) skills and we will look to appoint new Trustees in the next year. Governance is led by our Honorary Secretary Yasmin Patel Karim who has established a Risk Register for BEEAS and monitors this and Governance annually.

Activities, Performance and Achievements of 2024- 2025

179 learners worked towards entry level accredited programmes in English, ESOL, Maths and Life and Living skills. 500 qualifications were delivered.

Performance results were achievement 96.8%, retention 98%, attendance 87% and pass rate 98.85%.

73 learners enrolled on an informal BEEAS funded courses and the 179 learners consisted of 20 learners on a RARPA pre entry learning programme and 159 learners working towards an entry level accredited programme. Total learners for 2024-2025 was 252 compared to 221 in 2023 -2024.

The Resettlement Scheme (RS) During the period ended 2025 BEEAS had 11 learners overall on the ESOL Chat, and 21 learners in the Afghan Basic English programme. Moreover there were 6 learners on the Study Skills programme and 2 learners on the Family Homework Support. In addition 83 adults and 146 children attended the Family Holiday ESOL Programme during the year.

Our facilities and resources remain good as we have invested in IT equipment and staff training and we look to improve this investment in staff and facilities in the current year.

BEEAS learners continue to be offered impartial information and advice and signposted accordingly, this service was assessed and verified by Matrix the awarding body for this area of our work in February 2020 and was reassessed again successfully again in February 2025. Trustees and funders are impressed with our progression and destination data for all our learners. BEEAS has also had Investors in People since 2007 and is assessed every three years. We had a very positive assessment on the 30th January 2025.

Partners and learners have continued to report that they have positive relationships with BEEAS and that we are professional to work with, and that they admire our values, principles and results.

We continue to deliver the following courses: Accredited classes in Life & Living Skills, ESOL Skills for Life, Functional Skills Maths and English, Pre- Entry ESOL, Digital Skills,Vocational ESOL, our non accredited are ESOL for beginners and Conversational ESOL. Currently all our work is below Entry 3 and learners are transitioned to mainstream college courses at higher Entry 3, Level 1 and 2, vocational courses or into Employment.

In 2024 BEEAS received another grant for resettlement work. This was awarded by Birmingham City Council (BCC), to provide a range of learning opportunities for refugees in years 1-5 of their arrival in Birmingham. This grant delivers three online ESOL classes, an online Study Skills class for 13-16 year olds and an in person Family ESOL learning project that runs during school holidays. This funding will end in December 2026.

Our learner feedback overall has indicated that BEEAS has helped to develop their personal and work-related skills such as team working and problem-solving, which prepares them well for employment, other career aims and personal goals. Adult learners, who are parents, report being more confident in supporting their children in their education, as well as being more self-assured to participate more widely within their local communities as a result of their increased confidence in spoken and written English.

BEEAS continues to work closely with Joseph Chamberlain College, our main funder, Birmingham City Council for our Resettlement Project funding, Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) for our delivery venues in schools.

Our other partners and stakeholders are Birmingham Resettlement Partnership, Birmingham Migration Forum, Refugee Action, Refugee and Migrant Centre, Spring Housing, ACH,

Aspire and Succeed, Citizens UK, Birmingham Adult Education and Lozells Methodist Community Centre.

Leadership and direction of the service remains strong with a pro-active Trustee Board; The organisation structure which is carefully planned, enabling a professional interface with partner organisations, yet an informal and very welcoming environment for staff and learners. Lynne Morris CBE has been Chair of BEEAS since June 2019 and is supported by six very dedicated Trustees. We are looking to recruit at least 2 more Trustees in the next year.

The behaviours and values demonstrated by our dedicated and loyal staff are recognised and valued by learners and partners, BEEAS has received very positive comments from learners, staff and partners who confirm that it is effective and consistent across all external and internal relationships and at all levels. This has again come through the anonymous surveys done by Investors in people this month.

Collaboration with partners is strong, staff not only management, have taken the time to understand partner capability and objectives and to communicate their own; this leads to a highly collaborative network of partners; there are many examples of how this benefits the community, such as increased signposting and referrals between organisations, and the use of venues in the community from which support is delivered.

The relationship with key partner Joseph Chamberlain College (JCC) is worthy of particular mention, this has yielded access not only to funding, but also to information and resources that are tailored and distributed to learners, along with training and development opportunities for staff. The relationship with JCC remains strong and we have been working with the college since 2003. Resources at BEEAS are well managed, and the organisation is able to offer a highly flexible and responsive service. Venues are sourced from a wide range of community locations, and clients and staff say they are well managed and that their courses and meetings run smoothly.

Staff work on a flexible basis but enjoy a strong sense of belonging. They attribute this in part to the communications across their different working hours, locations and also as some are working from home.

As BEEAS continues to grow it has been recognised by the Trustees that a review of the organisational structure was needed and the need to appoint more permanent staff. Two Programme Managers support the two main projects. A full time Finance Officer, two Operations Managers and a part time administrator have been appointed. Most of these appointments have been the promotion of staff within BEEAS recognising the loyalty and expertise of existing staff. A full review of HR took place in 2025 to ensure BEEAS meets all its obligations in light of new changes to the law. Trustees have outsourced HR to Worknest and payroll has also been outsourced.

Risk

The Trustees of BEEAS are committed to effective risk management as an integral part of ensuring good corporate governance in relation to overseeing risk within the organisation. They receive reports that confirm the controls in place to manage risks annually. Risks are identified across the Charity by our Lead Governance Trustee Yasmin Patel Karim and the Executive Director and brought to the Board in the regular management report which includes a risk register, this is reviewed annually by the Trustees.

In the main, the key risks are linked to funding sources as this is primarily from having one main commissioner of service. Our other risks are premises/ location of venues, learner enrollments, workforce recruitment and retention, development of staff and succession planning for the Executive Director role who retires in July 2028. Trustees have worked on a succession plan which has been approved by all Trustees and a five year Business plan will be done in the next academic year.

Reports are received by the Board in relation to the funding position, regular meetings with the main commissioners take place as a control mechanism to manage that risk and all reports are discussed at Board meetings along with any mitigations to manage that risk. During 2024/25 a formal risk register has been developed which will be reported regularly to the Board. During 2024-2025 work was done to change the legal status of BEEAS from an Unincorporated Trust to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). BEEAS has managed the changes well with regards to assets transfer and TUPE arrangements for all staff and financial matters during 2025.

Equality and Diversity

The Trustees of the Charity acknowledge their responsibilities in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion and have worked to ensure a representative Board of Trustees is in place. Work is ongoing on reviewing and updating all policies across the service however a detailed policy in relation to all aspects of equal opportunities is in place based on the Joseph Chamberlain College policies which the Board has adopted.

Our thanks to all our partners without whom it would not be possible for BEEAS to deliver our services across the City of Birmingham and to the Trustees for their leadership. Our growing staff team and volunteers remain our most valuable resource and our thanks go to all of them for their hard work, loyalty and dedication to our learners.

Najma Razaq - Executive Director - April 2026

`Contents`	`Page`
`Annual Report`	`1-2`
`Independent Examiner's Report`	`3-4`
`Income Statement`	`5`
`Balance Sheet`	`6`
`Notes to the accounts`	`7-17`

	`Number of students`	`Number completing`	`Number achieving`
		`courses`	`qualifications/part`
			`qualifications`
`Pre-entry learning`	`20`	`20`	`20`
`Entry level`	`159`	`159`	`159`
`accredited courses`

		`Restricted`		`Prior`
	`Unrestricted`	`income`	`Total`	`year`
	`funds`	`funds`	`funds`	`funds`
	`£`	`£`	`£`	`£`
`Incoming resources (Note 3)`
`Income from:`
`Charitable activities`	`310,702`	`60,792`	`371,494`	`382,171`
`Investments`	`15,902`		`15,902`	`18,235`
`Total`	`326,604`	`60,792`	`387,396`	`400,406`
`Resources expended (Note 4)`
`Expenditure on:`
`Charitable activities`	`280,374`	`70,021`	`350,395`	`362,621`
`Other`
`Total`	`280,374`	`70,021`	`350,395`	`362,621`
`Net income/(expenditure)`	`46,230`	`-9,229`	`37,001`	`37.785`
`Net movement in funds`	`46,230`	`-9,229`	`37,001`	`37,785`
`Reconciliation of funds:`
`Total funds brought forward`	`831,371`	`11,609`	`842,980`	`805,195`
`Transfers`	`2,396`	`-2,396`
`Total funds carried forward`	`879,997`	`-16`	`879,981`	`842,980`

Birmingham Ethnic Educatio And Advisory Serviee Trust Balance Sheet Period ended 315t August 2025 Restricted income funds Total Unrestricted funds Total period last year Fixed assets Tangible assets (Note 8) 6,955 6,955 8,406 Totqlfvtd assets 6,955 6,955 8,406 Current assets Debtors (Note 9) Cash at bank and in hand Oyote 11) 42.891 853,729 42,891 24,984 878,713 416,479 815,077 Total current assets 896.620 24,984 921,604 1,231.556 Credfitors: amoullts fallfing due ilthin one year (Note 10) 23,578 25,000 48,578 396,981 Net current awseL%/(liabililiu) 873,042 -16 873,026 834,575 Total assets I3 current liabilili 879.997 -16 879.981 842.981 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year (Note 10) Total net ussets or liabilities 879,997 -16 879,981 842,981 Funds of the Charity Restricted income funds (Note 12) Unrestricted funds -16 -16 879,997 11.609 831,371 879.997 Totalfundg 879,997 -16 879.981 842,980 Th¢s¢ fan¢[al statements w¢re approved by th¢ TnteeS on 16th A Pr•, l 2£>aG Trustee TnLslee JJPL 21oFlao

Birmingham Ethnic Edueation And Advisory ServAce Trust l%otes to the aecounts Perlod ended 31sI August 2025 Note I: Basis of preparation 1.1 Basis of accounting These financial Statements have been prepared in CompliCe witb FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard appli¢abl¢ in the UK and tb¢ Republic of Ireland,, the Statement of Recomjnended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (CILarities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

Birmingham Ethnic Education And Advisory Service Trust Notes to the aecounts (continued) Period ended 31$1 August 2025 2.2 INCOTr Recognition of income These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when: the charity becomes entitled to the resources. itis more likely than notthatthe trustees will receive the resources: and the monetsry value can be measured with sufficient reliability. Offsetting There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the charity SORP or FRS 102 la. Grants and donatlons Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the general incom¢ recognition criieiia are met (5.10 to 5. 12 FRS102 la charity SORP). Ill the case of perfon]]ance related grants, income must only be recognised to the extent that the ¢haTity has provided the specified gi)ods or services as entitlement to the grant only occurs when the perforniance r¢lated conditions are met (5.16 FRS 102 charity SORP). Contractual Income and performauce This is only included in the SOFA onc¢ th¢ charity I related grants provided the related goods or services or met the perforttWLce related conditions. Income from interesL royalties and dividends This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can b¢ m¢ured reliably. 2.3 EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES Liability recognition Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely tban not that there is a legal or ¢onstNctive ob]igation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be rnured with re&8onable certainty. Coveniance and support costs Support costs have been allocatedbetweell governance costs and other support. Govemauce costs comprise all costs involving public accoulltability of the chaTity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs inctude central fictIOnS and have been Ilocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas. or per capita, staff costs by the ti]ne spent and other costs by their usage

Birmingham Ethnic Education And Advi50ry Serriee Trust Notes to the accouots (continued) Period ended 315t Au2USt 2Q25 Creditors The charity has creditors which are llleasured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts Provision5 for liabilities A liability is measured on recognition at its bistorical cost and thcn subs¢qu¢ntly measured at the best estimate of th¢ amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date 2.4 TrL8SETS T&ngible fixed assets for use by charity Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asseL less its residual value. over the usefi economic life of that asset as follows: Tangible a&sets- 200/0 straight lille. Debtors Debtors (including tr8de debtors and loans Teceivable) are measwed on initial recognition at settl¢ment amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charily. Subsequ¢ntly. they are measured at the cash or olber consideration expected to be received. Currenl asset investments The charity has ini'estmeDts which it holds for resale or pending their sale and cash and cash cquivalents with a tUrity dat¢ l¢ss than one year. Tljese include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity date of less than on¢ year held for investment purposes rather tban to meet short temi Cash commitments as they fall due. They 8re valued at fair value except where they qualify as basic fmancial instrum¢nts.

Binnillgham Ethnic Education And AdTri80ry Seryice Trust Notes to the accounts (continued) Period ended 3151 August 2025 Note 3: Analysis of income Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds Prior year Anal>Tis Donations and legacies: Donations and gifts Totsl Charitable aetivities: ESOL l Literacy & Numeracy 310.702 60.792 371.494 382,171 Mental Health Workshops Total 310,702 60,792 371,494 382,171 IllcOe from inveslments: Inter¢st income 15,902 15,902 18,235 Total 15,902 15,902 18235 TOTAL 11¥4COMK 326.604 60,792 387,396 400,406 -io-

Bimingham Ethnie Education And Advisory Service Tntst Notes to the accounts (colltinued) Period ended 31° August 2025 Note 4: Analysis of expenditure Unrestricted Restrlcted nds funds Total funds Prior year Analysis ESOL l Litcrncy & Numerncy Ei xpenditure on charitable activities 280,374 70,021 350,395 362,621 Total expenditure on charitable activities 280,374 70,021 350,395 362,621 other Othcr donallons under £500 Total other expenditure TOTAL EXPENDTTURE 280,374 70,021 350,395 362,621 Note 5: Details of certain items of exp¢ndAture Fees for examination of the accounts Tbig period Last year Illdependent ex8miuer's fee$ Other fees 1,750 2,570 1,750 2,570 4,320 4,320 -li-

Blrmillgha Ethnfic Education And Advisory Seryice Trust Notes to the accounts (continued) Period ended 31rt August 2025 T4ote 6: Paid employee5 6.1 Staff Costs This period L Y4St year Salaries and wag&8 Social seeurity costs Pension costs (defined contribution scheme) 226,034 9,524 3,962 237,565 9,067 3,671 Total staff costs 239,520 250,303 No employees received employee benefits (excluding ernployer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000 6.2 Average he&d count in the period Charitable Activities This period umber Last year Number 31 27 Total 27 31 Note 7: Defined contribution pension scheme All expense of pension contributions has been allocated to unr¢stri¢t¢d fimds under'Expenditure on Charitsble Activities, _ ESOL / Literacy & Numeracy Amount of contributions recognised in the SOFA a5 an eense 3,962 -1

Birniingham Ethnic Education Aud Advisor). Serrice Trust l%otes to tbe accounts (continued) Period ended 31# August 2025 Note 8: Tangible fixed assets 8.1 Cost or valuatlon Fixthres, fittings and equipment Total At the beginning of the period Additions Disposals 27,369 2,388 27,369 2,388 At end of the perfiod 29,757 29,757 Depreciation At beginning of the period Depreuiation D¢pr¢ciation on disposals 18.963 3,898 18,963 3,898 At end of the period 22,802 22,802 Cg4rrying amount Net book value at the beginning of th¢ year 8,406 8,406 Net book value at the end of the year 6,955 6,955 -13-

Btrmtngham Ethnic Education And Adi'isory seiCe Trnst Notes to the accounts (Continued) Period ended 31# August 2025 TrJote 9: Debtors and prepayments Allalysls of debtors This period Last year Prepayments and accrued income Trade debtors 41.186 1,705 416,400 79 Totsl 42,891 416,479 Note 10: Creditors and accruals Analysis of creditors Amounts fallAng due after more than one year Amounts falling due 'ithin one yeydr This period Last year Thi$ year Last year Acerua15 and deferred illcome Taxation and social security Net wages Other creditors Aged creditors 29,490 6,811 9.802 1,203 1,272 369,306 5,392 17,503 1,611 3,170 Total 48,578 396,981 Note 11: Cash at bank and in hand This perffiod Last year Short term deposits Cydsh at bank and on hand 161,599 717,114 292,777 522,300 Total 878,713 815,077 -1

BArmingham Ethnic Education And Advisorv Service Trust Noto8 to the accounts (continued) Period ended 31" August 2025 Fund Names Type Purpose and Re- Strictions Fund Fund balaneeB opening brought- balanee forward correction Income Fund balances carried forward Expendi- ture Resettlement Pr an]me (ESOL. Online study skills & Family homework su port) Monies are restricted for use on the nming of the pro- gramme strlcted Funds 9213 60,792 -70,021 -16 Afghan R¢fuge¢ Project IESOL & Ment health awaroness Monies are restrlcted foruse on the running of the pro- stricted Fulld5 2.396 -2.396 Other fund5 Nla N/a 831,371 326,604 -280,374 879,997 Total Fun415 842,980 -2.396 387,396 -350,395 879,981

Binningham Ethnlc Education And Advisory Senryee Trn$t Notes to the aecounts (continued) Period ended 31*t August 2025 Lyote 12: Charity funds 12.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the PREVIOUS reporting period Fund 1¥4ames Purpose And Re- strictions Fund balances brought- fonvard Income Fund balances Carried fonvard end1- ture Transfers Syrian R¢fiJg¢e Project {ESOLI Literacy & Nu- meracy) Monies are restricted for use on strickd Fund8 of the pro- -595 20,736 -20,860 719 Res¢ttiement Pro- R¢- gramme (ESOL. stricted Ollline study Funds skills & Family honiework sup- port) Monies are restricted for use on the rwjning ofth¢ pr gramme 38,686 -29,473 9,213 Afghall RefiLgee Project (ESOL & mental health awareness) Monies are restri¢ted for use on the rUT]llg ofthep stiicted 2.115 -1.719 2,396 Other funds Nla Nla 803,675 338,984 -310,569 -719 831,371 Total Fund5 805,195 400,406 -362,621 842,980 -1

Birmingham Ethnic Educ&tloll And Advisory Service Trust Notes to the accounts (continued) Period ended 315t August 2025 Note 13: Tr8nsaetions with trustees and related parties 13.1 Trustee remuneration and benefits None of the ttvstees have been paid any remunerdtion OT receiva any otber benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity. 13.2 Trustees, expenses During the year £32 (2024 - £879) for reimbursement of DBS checks kn connection with the Charity were paid to 2 TnteeS (2024: 6 Trusfres). 13.3 Transactlons Ivith related parties There have been no r¢lated paty transactions in the reporting period. -17-

`Contents`	`Page`
`Annual Report`	`1-2`
`Independent Examiner's Report`	`3-4`
`Income Statement`	`5`
`Balance Sheet`	`6`
`Notes to the accounts`	`7-17`

	`Number of students`	`Number completing`	`Number achieving`
		`courses`	`qualifications/part`
			`qualifications`
`Pre-entry learning`	`20`	`20`	`20`
`Entry level`	`159`	`159`	`159`
`accredited courses`

		`Restricted`		`Prior`
	`Unrestricted`	`income`	`Total`	`year`
	`funds`	`funds`	`funds`	`funds`
	`£`	`£`	`£`	`£`
`Incoming resources (Note 3)`
`Income from:`
`Charitable activities`	`310,702`	`60,792`	`371,494`	`382,171`
`Investments`	`15,902`		`15,902`	`18,235`
`Total`	`326,604`	`60,792`	`387,396`	`400,406`
`Resources expended (Note 4)`
`Expenditure on:`
`Charitable activities`	`280,374`	`70,021`	`350,395`	`362,621`
`Other`
`Total`	`280,374`	`70,021`	`350,395`	`362,621`
`Net income/(expenditure)`	`46,230`	`-9,229`	`37,001`	`37.785`
`Net movement in funds`	`46,230`	`-9,229`	`37,001`	`37,785`
`Reconciliation of funds:`
`Total funds brought forward`	`831,371`	`11,609`	`842,980`	`805,195`
`Transfers`	`2,396`	`-2,396`
`Total funds carried forward`	`879,997`	`-16`	`879,981`	`842,980`