Reglstered number: 01850803 Charity number: 515660 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Annual report 30 September 2024 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) Contents Page R8f8r8nce and administrative detsils Trustees, report 2-14 Trustees, responsibilities statement 15 Independent auditor's report 16-19 Statement of financial activlties 20 Balance sheet 21 Statement of cash flows 22 Notes to the financlal statements 23-40 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain {A Company limited by guarantee Reference and administrative detalls Year ended 30 September 2024 Trustees David Andrew Roper R8b8cca Helen Driver James Simon Olley Michael John Strutt Georgina Alison Robb Gregor Stanley Watson Margaret O'shea Gillian Frances Hillier Siu-wai Ng Thomas Hughes-Hall8tt (resigned 16 July 2024) Company reglstgrgd number 01850803 Charlty reglstered numbar 515660 Roglst•r•d offlc• Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens Woodland Road Durham DH7 9RH Key management team Anne Besford, Chief Executive Lucy Hollins, Creative Direclor Mark Anyan, General Manager Independent audltor UNW LLP Chartered Accountants Cilygale St James. Boulevard Newcastle upon Tyne NE14JE Bankers Barclays Bank plc Holmfirth Huddersfield HD9 2DW Page 1 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report Year ended 30 September 2024 The trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the year 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a trustees, report and a directors, r8POrt under company law. The trustees confirm that th8 Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable companvs governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORPI applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS102) (effectiV8 1 January 2019). Since the company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report requlred of medium and large ¢ompani8s under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Dlrectors, Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted. Objectlves and Actlvltlos Objectlvès More than Just a cholr." we are a communlty wlth a shared passlon for slnglng and the Ilfe-changlng opportunltles It can offer. Our vlslon: Through excellence In singlng, creating music. training and support, we help young p8ople develop the confidence and skills to realise their greatest potential. The Natlonal Youth Cholr Is th8 place to come to for all aspiring slngers who want to be insplred, stretch8d, challenged and nurtured. We want to be a household name, which young people nationwide who love singing together aspire to Join, from the widest range of backgrounds. Our mlsslon: Nurturing talent. reaching new audiences and insplrlng n8w ambitions. Our mission is to build a nurturing nationwide community where young people can explore a diverse range of music, enjoy singing together and share thelr crealivity. We champion the power of singlng, opening up opportunities so that more young people from all walks of life can find and use their voice. To achieve our mission we are.. Strlvlng for excellence In everythlng we do, deliverlng Inspiring, ambltlous and r818vant creative and learning programmes with young people at their heart. Expandlng our reach, opening up opportunities for young singers and emerging professionals from all backgrounds a¢fOSS the UK to develop thelr talent and potential. Raising the publlc profile of Natlonal Youth Choir, our purpos8, values. and the impact of singing, increasing awareness and engagement. Developlng organlsatlonal reslllence. ensuring we have resources. capacity and structures to achieve ambltions and show our impact. Activities for achievlng objectlves Founded in the North of England In 1983, National Youth Cholrs of Great Britain (tradlng as National Youth Choir) has evolv8d from a single choir of 100 outslanding young singers to become a nationwide community and champion for youth singing, standing for artistic excellence, cr8ative diversity, and openness and relevance to all. W8 are driven by the passionate belief thal all childr8n and young people, regardless of indlvidual circumstance, should be able to make music with others. Each one of them should have the opportunity and support to discover and explore their musical potential, achieving excellence at the highest Sevels. Page 2 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain IA company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Over the last ten years, the National Youth Choir has been on a transformational journey, putting young people right at the heart of our community. We have expanded our profile, national reach, educational and creative programmes, and created new pathways in music progression for young people and aspiring professionals. We have taken direct action to be more representative and inclusive, delivering against ambitious aims to open up access and achieve life-changing musical and personal impact for more young people from a wider range of backgrounds. Our creative and learning programm8 now comprises four interconnected strands: l. Educatlon.. Natlonal Cholrs Offering over 900 of the country's most talented singers aged 9 to 25 musical, personal and educational development through intensive residential and online rehearsals and specialist training with professional conductors, musicianship and vocal coaches and guest artists as part of our pathway of national choirs. These choirs are National Youth Choir: 18-25 years (incorporating our elite chamber choir National Youlh Voices)- National Youth Choir- 15-18 years and two ensembles under our National Youth Choir.. 9-15 years umbrella, spllt by gender and voice part. 11. Perfomyance A unique programme of opportunities for participants to create and shar8 music with audiences through a range of creative outputs.. live concerts; broadcasts. festivals., special events,. digital recordings and music videos. This includes ¢(Fcreating and performing new works from a range of leading and emerging composers. We continue to grow 8XClting partnerships and collaborations, bringing our music to wider audiences Over 90,000 peop18 through live performance and ov8r two million people through streams and broadcasts. 111. Leamlng and Engagement Open access opportunities for young people to be Insplred by singlng together, discovering and progressing thelr vocal talenl through joined up regional and national pathways, with a particular focus on engaging young people in areas of higher deprivation and wilh access to fewer creative opportunities. Engaging over 3,500 participanls each year. this programme Comprises strategic partn8rships including our growing SINGI Initiative. We alm to reach more young people from a wid8r range of backgrounds and to create more sustainable singing opportunities in targeted priority areas. IV. Emerglng Professlonals Training programmes supporting exceptionally talented young choral musicians, leaders and composers particularly those under-represented in the sector to develop sustainable music careers. Be￿een 8 and 12 emerging professional musicians are supported each year through our Fellowship, Young Composers and new Young Conductors schemes, developlng skills and creative practice. cr8ating new work and growlng their professional profile and networks. Supporting young people and equipping them with the tools and experiences to fulfil their potential musically, educationally and socially is at Ihe heart of all our work. We aim to lead the way in choral music, developing accessible creative and learning approaches and ambitious, diverse and representative programming. which will inspire, challenge and engage many more young people from all backgrounds and at all stages of their development. Programmes are young people-centred and inclusive, relevanl to and informed by young people themselves, who we value and empower as Cowcreators. National Youth Choir has an agreed slralegic plan for the period 2022 to 2027 setting out our organisational vision, values and strategy. Our agreed aims and objectiV8s are delivered by a dedicated core staffing team, together with a pool of over 130 freelance creative, pastoral and project management specialists. Page 3 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 National Youth Choir is a National Portfolio Organisation and National Youth Music Organisation supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Education, with current three-y8ar funding for the period April 2023 to March 2026 totalling £108,017 per year. Actlvltles undertaken for publlc benefll The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission's guldance on public benefit when reviewing the charltys alms and objectives in planning future actlvltles. Achievements and performance Review of activlties Throughout the year. National Youth Choir has been worklng to deliver against our ambitions to grow our national communlty, becoming even more effective. relevant and impaclful for young people from the widest range of backgrounds. We are bulldlng on strong creative and op8rational foundatlons as we Imp18m8nt our fiv8 year strategic plan 2022-2027. Audltlons We recruit widely for our national choirs, auditioning young people from across the UK to identlfy muslcal potential and passion for singing. Through our open. online auditions programme we saw 623 candidates across 32 days, malntainlng the 100/• increase we saw In the previous year. With the aim of ￿MovIng barri8rs and making our auditions process more accesslble particularly for young people In state education, we developed new target8d workshop auditions, se8lng a further 37 candidates. Through our work to address access and awareness, we continue to see progress addressing issues of under-representation. For example 32.4 /0 of candidates were from Black, Aslan or other ethnically diverse backgrounds, up from 160/0 In 2020. Across all auditions, 750/0 of candidates w8r8 awarded places In one of our national Choirs. Rasldentlals and Tralnlng W8 delivered another busy Pfogramme of rehearsal, training and progression opportunities, including an annual programme of four projects for the flagship National Youth Choir118-25 years), 9 residential courses for our 9-18 choirs. and concerts in venues nationwide. In total we recorded 1,087 participants in membership activities across the year, broadly consistent with the previous year. Highlights Included delivering our first parallel course for memb8rs of the National Youth Choir (9-15 Years), bringing together singers from both of our 9-15 ensembles in Tonbridge. This enabled us to provide opportunities for participants to collaborate wlth each other musically and socially, and the rosidential culminated In two exciting joint perfomiancas. M8mbers of National Youth Choir (15-18 Years) explored diverse muslc - from Eric Whitacre to ABBA - across their three residentials. This included recording Greg Beardsell and Harry Baker's beauliful arrangement of a Jamie Cullum song How Do You Fly, which became our Christmas release for 2024. National Youth Choir {18-25 Years) collaborated with the Young Artists of Slnfonia Smith Square on a perfomance of Faure's Requiem. As well as the usual int8nsiv8 programmes of music and learning, this year all the choirs had the opportunity to take part in audio recording projects, creating new tracks to be released in the coming year on National Youth Choirfs digitsl platforms. Across the year 191 activity sessions were delivered across 69 days by over 130 creative. pastoral and management specialists. National Youth Choir has remain8d committed to ensuring a diverse balanc8 of musical programming and has continued to champion music composed or arranged by artists who have historically been under-represented in the choral music sector. Through member forums and discussions, we encourage our young people to explore the wider context of choral music and deepen their understanding beyond the notes on Ihe page. We now publish our repertoire annually so that other organisations can explore and take inspiration from it. Performances. Commlsslons and Recordlngs During 2023-24 we continued to deliver live and digital performanc8s, showcasing the breadth and brillianc8 of the national choirs and their work to national and international audiences. Page 4 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 The National Youth Choirs performed in 42 live concerts in 2023-24, to a tolal audience of 91,097. This included concerts and showcases at the end of residentials (Saffron Walden, Coventry, York, Ely, Tonbridge, Oxford, Wakefield), as well as collaborations with partners. Singers were invited to perform at th8 Royal Variety Performance in December alongside Samantha Barks and Mel C, for Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales. The National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) also returned to the BBC Proms in in the summer for spectacular performance of Beethoven's 9th SyTnphony by heart, with Aurora Orchestra and the BBC Singers. Digital content across our YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music platforms continues lo reach wider international audience each year. In 2023-24 Ihis included 23 audio and 7 video tracks, wilh new music from the last ￿e1ve months recelving over 131,000 streamslviews. Across our full catalogue, streams and views reached 2.5 million people from 153 countries sustaining the huge increase we saw in th8 previous y8ar. National Youth Choir perfomiances were broadcast across Classic FM. BBC Radio 3, BBC Four and ITV, including a performance on This Morningl National Youth Choir continues to commission and create innovative new choral music by, for and with young people, challenging perceptions of what choral music can be. Our commissions in 2024 were.. 'Word' by Joanna Marsh - a joyful, 8n8rgelic setting of hlp-hop inspir8d vers8 by Patlence Agbabl, premlered at Ely Cathedral by National Youth Choir (18-25 Years). 'Snowdrop' and 'Willow' by Kristina Arakelyan o pieces specifically composad for the changing and unchanged voices of the National Youth Choir {9-15 years) and premiered at Tonbridge Chap81. 'Journey of a Butterfly, by 2023 graduate Young Composer Millicent B James Wakefield by the National Youth Cholr (15-18 years) premiered in Oxford and 8 new pieces by our Young Composers 2024, to be released in January 2025. We continue to receive industry recognition for th8 quality and innovation of our new music programme. Former Young Composer Ben Nobuto won a prestigious Ivor Novello award for his piece Sol, performed by the Fellowship. Leamlng and Engagement Through our national work with schools and communities we aim to inspire more young people from a wider range of backgrounds to discover and develop their voice, challenging the Current inequality of opportunities for high-quality singing in state educalion. We work wlth partners including schools, Music Hubs and music organisations to understand barriers and challenges for young people and to create inGlusive singing programmes and progression pathways that meet local needs. All opportunities are free al the point of access for young participants. Following its launch in 2023, over the last year we have worked to expand and embed SING! a positive, affirming pathway for young people aged 9-14 who enjoy singing, encouraging them to develop skills and pursue their passion. Through a series of fun, accessible and welcoming workshop days over three terms, participanls explor8 a variety of new styles of music and approaches to singing with a team of expert vocal leaders from National Youth Choir. 239 young people took part in SINGI activities, and we launched new programmes in Mansfield and Bolton. Participants reported increased confidence. a sense of achievement and new musical skills and interests. Wider Learning and Engagement activities have included new types of activity working with partner schools and Merton Music Foundation, as well as CPD opportunities. Across the whole programme we engaged and inspired 3,550 young people, family groups, teachers and music leaders. In addition, over 1,000 audience members altended showcase events to celebrate participants, achievements. We reached communities including Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk, London Boroughs and our home region, the North East. We were also delighted to continue to offer opportunities for 20 young people, including national choir members, to develop peer leadership skills through volunteering to support regional learning activities. Page 5 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Professlonal support and development National Youth Choir takes a leading role in shaping the future of the sector by supporting the professional d8V81opment of emerging young choral musiclans. W8 nurture talent from the widest diversity of backgrounds so that choral musi¢ is vibrant, innovative and rel8vant. In 2023-24 we delivered our Emerging Professional Artists programme, launchlng the ninth Fellowship training programme, the sixth Young Composers scheme and a new Young Conductors programme. W8 SUPPOrt ten early career professionals from diverse cultural, geographical and musical backgrounds each year, through hybrid programmes of online and in-person Iraining and mentorship by leading representatives from the choral and wider muslc sector. This included Industry workshops by Steinberg {Dorico software), publish8rs Stainer and Bell, industry body AOTOS and creative retreats support8d by Britten Pears Arts. The tralnee cohort participated In live, recorded and broadcast perfomiances and paid opportunltles to work on National Youth Choir activities. Th8y continued to play a central rol8 in supportlng our commltment to new muslc, undertaking creative collaborations to create and perform eight new pieces by the Young Composers released on an album by NMC Recordings. Access and flnan¢lal asslstance National Youth Choir believes that all young p8ople should have the opportunity to sing, and that access to membership of the national choirs should be on the basis of musical potential and passion. No young person should be prevented from taking part in our programmes becaus8 of their financlal circumstances. All f88s to take part in National Youth Choir activities are subsidised by around a third and we actively and visibly promote the availability of generous financial assistance for young people from lower-income families to support the cost of audition and resldentlal course fees. travel expenses, tickets and other costs. We continue to see a growth in demand for financial assistance awards. In 2013-14 we assisted 115 young people wlth 128 awards., in 2023-24 this has increased to 281 awards made to 147 recipients. The total direct value of these awards was £142,986 a 50/0 increase on the level of awards made in the prevlous year. This represented ess8ntial support for around one in five of our membership and was equivalent to 14.20/0 of our overall income from fees. With the ongoing effects of hlgh inflation and cost of living pressures, we continue to plan for the need to remove financial barri8rs for more young sing8rs. In 2022-23 we reviewed our financial assistance programm& to simplify applications and this year provided an increased level of support, particularly for families with the lowest Incomes. Incluslon and Rapresentation National Youth Choir is committed to building an inclusive, representative and welcoming community and to ensuring that young people from all backgrounds are able to participale in ensemble singing and musical experiences of the highest quality. We have an important, sector-leading role to play as a champion of inclusive practice, influencing wider change in choral music and addressing social injustice. We recognise that we must commit over the long term to see the change we want within the sector. The current priorities in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan for th8 period 2023-2025 are to continuee work to: become more inclusive and representstlve., create and promote a culture of belonging within the organlsation and the wider music sector. be more relevant to young people; and champion best practice so that anyone who wants to be part of the choral music sector is encouraged and supported to maximise their true potential. Page 6 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 To deliver against these priorities this year, we have.. Committing to regular team discussions about EDI issues and approaches., Introduced a clearer structure and new naming across our choirs to support inclusive practice- Pilot8d a new approach to d8liv8ry of National Youth Choir {9-15 years) and engaged members in development of a new approach to evaluation., Expanded targeted auditions with new workshop auditions for young people in state education., Expanded our SINGI programm8s into n8w areas where th8re are fewer slnging opportunlties., Increased financial assistance to offer more support to those who ne8d it most; Developed inclusive recruitment practices for Nalional Youth Choir work and training opportunities. SUCC8ssfully bringing more div8rse p8rsp8CtIV8s and 8xperi8nc8s into our teams: Piloted new diversity and inclusion training., Engaged volunteers from a range of backgrounds on our Campaign Committee, Alumni Champions Committee and as parent volunteers. Delivered an open r8cruitm8nt campaign for new trustees to ensure rapresentatlon In our governance., Participated in national partnerships, conversations and networks to share inclusive practices and identify opportunities for joinl-working. Impact- Changlng Llves Young people are supported to realise their highest ambitions in singing with the National Youth Choir. No matter what their background or future ambitions, every singer is empowered to make a unique contribution to our communlty and walk away with a life-changlng experlence. We firmly believe that the benefits of singing extend far beyond the development of musical expertise. As young people continue to face Incredibly challenging tlmes, singing wlth us supports the growth of skills and attributes Including confidence, aspiration, leamwork, communication and leadership skills, as well as improving health and wellbeing. We enable young people to go out into the world as confident, bright, engaged and empowered individuals who are valuable additions to any organisation or career path, wheth8r or not connecled to music. Th8 feedback we receive from our beneficiaries, partners, stakeholders and alumni provides OVe￿helMIng evidence of these many benefits. Members in 2024 reported an average score of 8.9110 for enjoyment of our programmes and 8.9110 for feeling a sense of belonging to the National Youth Choir Community. 710/0 said that taking part had significantly improved their musical skills and abilities, and 910/0 said Ihat it had positlV81y impacted on their happiness and wellbeing. Qualitative feedback gathered from our young peop18 adds depth to these metrics and is reviewed regularly by staff and trustees and shared with key stakeholders. Prlnclpal sources of fundlng National Youth Choir fundraises from public and private sources by making funding applications to trusts, foundations and public bodies, running public campaigns and regular giving schemes, and soliciting corporate, individual, and legacy donations. Nalional Youth Choir's fundraising is carried out by a specialist in-house development team employed directly by the organisation, with support from other staff members and a small number of volunteers. National Youth Choir is register8d with the Fundraising Regulalor and all fundraising activities comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice. We are open and Iransparent in our fundraising communications and treat donors and supporters fairly and ethically, following best practice in cultivating new supporter relationships. We process personal data in accordance with GDPR and clearly set out how we use personal data in our Privacy Policy, which is reviewed annually. During 2023-24 National Youth Choir did not ￿Ceive any complaints relating to our fundraising activities. The trustees are very grateful to all our funders who have supported the National Youth Choir this year and record their particular thanks to major supporters.. Arts Council England and the Department for Education. ACE National Lottery Project Fund; The Leverhulme Trust- Peler Sowerby Foundation,. The Ofenheim Trust; Gillian Dickinson Trust., PRS for Music Foundation., John S Cohen Foundation; John James Bristol Foundation., and CHK Foundation. We are also pleased to recognise successful ongoing corporate partnerships with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Stainer & Bell and Steinberg Media Technologies (Dorico). Page 7 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 National Youth Choir was successful in securing a range of grants from further regional and national trusts and foundations and the trust88s wish to pay thanks to.. The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Trust, Andor Charitable Trust, Baron Davenport's Charity, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust. The Bagheera Trust, Beerling Foundation, The Belstead Ganzoni Charitable Settlement, The B1￿h Watson Charitable Trust, The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, CHK Foundation, The Earl Fitzwilliam Charitable Trust, Earl of Chester's Fund, The Elmley Foundation, Fenlon Arts Trust, Doris Field Charitable Trust, The Florence Tumer Trust, Fowler Smith & Jones Trust. The Frazer Trust. Hadrian Trust, The HR Taylor Charitable Trust, The John Thaw Foundatlon, The J & S Asqulth Charitable Trust, Lord and Lady Lurgan Trust, M8rcers' Company, Michael Cornish Charitabl8 Trust, The Millichop8 Foundation, The Misses Barrie Charitable Trust, The Mulberry Trust, The Roger and Sarah Bancroft Clark Charitable Trust, The Rowlands Trust. Scarfe Charitable Trust, The Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust, Vaughan Wllliams Foundatlon, V8ronica Awdry Charitable Trust. W. E. Dunn Charltable Trust. Valuable in-kind support was provided during the year by a number of our partners, including Britten Pears Arts (Young Composers, residential retreats)., NMC Recordings (production of Young Composers album)., Royal Albert Hall and ABRSM (fr88 use of their spaces): Stainer & Bell (mentoring and publishlng support) and Steinberg Media Technologies (free Dorico software and trainin9). In December 2023 and March 2024, National Youth Cholr took part in Big Glve Challenges raising funds lo support 50 financial assistance recipi8nts and our Sing. programm8. Over 200 peop18 g8nerously donaled just over £40,000, and we would like to thank them and our two match funders The Big Give Trust and The Emily Fund who matched donations £ for £. The trustees would like to extend their gratitude to all the following people who most generously donated their time or money to National Youlh Choir in 2023-24. We would also like lo thank all our kind supporters who have chosen to remain anonymous. Impresarlo Supporters: Prof. Chrisloph8r Higgins,. Ben Parry., David Roper,. Mr and Mrs D von Preyss. The Bagheera Trust, The Emily Fund Fortlsslmo Frlends.. The Munden Family Forte Friends: The Baker Family; Kieran Cooper; The Felicité Choir. The Hillier Family., Mr and Mrs Holt,. Estate of Mrs Elizabeth A Main; Paul and Susan Mccreesh. Adrian Melrose., Polly Penter. Garth & Lucy Pollard., Bob and Camilla Reid; Michael & Tina Strutt,. Mr & Mrs R Tett., The Wingfield Family., The Whitehead Family Mezzo Forte Frlends.. Bryony Coap8s' Kate Davies., The Delap Family., Katherlne Douglas., Andrew Evans,. Andy Farris,. Julian Forbes., Mr and Mrs Foulkes., The GraftonlLitherland Family,. Catherine Green,. Scott and Simone Green., Christian Grobel; Dominic and Sophie Jones., The Kilpatrick Family., Samara Kirapaty; Felix Leach,. The Marklew Family., Geoff & Jean Mountfield; Janet Reid., Dr. Alan Renwick. Michael Seeney. Malcolm Smith,. Carole Varney. Kat8y Wood; Mike Wright., Fiona Yeomans Alumni Champions Committee.. Tom Appleton., Hannah Berridge: Liz Bingham (née Hurran)., Charlotte Brosnan,. Jessica Coapes. Charlotte Dougan (née Mobbs)., Andy Farris. Anna George (née Tonkin),. Lizzie Hogarth - Chair,. Derri Lewis,. Kate Smith. Georgia Stryder. Amy Thompson; Anna von Preyss Campalgn Committee.. Angela Au; Sir Thomas Hugh8s-Hallett', Helen Kihmm von-Preyss' David Rop8r' Greg Walson- Anne Besford; Tim Croall-, Rob Colbert., Blythe Day., Isobel Froston; Lucy Hollins: Michael Bass; Nic Chalmers; Elizabeth Hogarth., Martin Kaufman (Consultant). Page 8 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (contlnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Flnanclal revlew Flnanclal posltlon The statement of financial activities for 2023-24 shows an overall annual deficit of £164.849. This includes £51,566 increase in the value of invested funds during the year. A deficit was planned and expected due to investment in access and inclusion initiatives and organisational capacity. National Youth Choir has continued lo grow principal income-generating activilies residentials and perfomiances - during 2023-24. Consequently, we saw an increase in earned income from fees and charges and a corresponding increase in the associated expenditure relating to these activlties including venue hires and staffing costs. However, overall residential activity bookings decreased slightly compared to th8 previous year and were below Ihe budgeted target. An increasing proportion of choir members are taking part in one residential rather than t￿0 each year and we know from feedback Ihis is largely due to cosl of living pressures. We have adjusted targets accordingly In 2024-25. but still anticipate significant growih over the period of th8 curr8nt strategic plan. Fundraised income streams from grants and Indlvldual glvlng grew agaln during the year, with the launch of our 'Give All Young People A Voicel, campaign having a positive impact. We r8main hugely grateful for the help and financial support of donors, funders, participants, partners and government, as well as the volunteers on our Campaign Committee. A proportion of the reported annual deficit is consistent with plans to invest designated reserves in key areas of organisalional growth and staffing capacity over the last three years. In particular, this has included an expanded Creative Director role and additional fundraising capacity. National Youth Choir has also continued to respond to ongoing high-levels of inflation through the year and the associaled cost of living pressures facing many of our beneficiaries. In the previous year trustees committed to supporting access and incluslon and reducing the impact of inflation by limiting increases in fees and charges to a rate well below inflation, and Ihis has continued into 2023-24 with incr8as8s remaining 5010 below inflation over 2 years. trustees also committed to offering an increased level of financial assistance support, with the pot increasing by 50/•. Looking ahead. trustees continue to recognise the importance of balancing the carefully planned investment of funds to achieve charitable objectives and organisational resilience, with sustaining a suitable level of cash reserves to provide future security and address any unforeseen challenges. Reserves policy Total reserves at 30 September 2024 were £373,055. Future planning is fundamental to the National Youth Choir's operation. combining the seasonal nature of annual activities with the necessily of planning programmes more than one year ahead, to link with the advance schedules of partner organisations and guest artists. The reserves policy reflecls the need to provide a degree of security to support advance planning over longer timescales, and to provide confidence to stakeholders that plans are soundly based and funded. Trustees have previously agreed the need to hold sufficient reserves to cover a suitable period of salary and other operalional costs as a budget and cash flow contingency in the event of a significant loss of income. A target balance of £410,000 was designated to this purpose, reflecting the equivalent of 12 months, core staffing cost5. Currently this designated cashflow and contingency fund stands at £266,306. This is considered to be a suitable sum to enable National Youth Choir to manage the organisation through exceptional events and cashflow needs, however our long-term aim is to build this fund to the larget balance. A Foundels Fund of £106,749 is r8Stricted to providing financial assistance supporting National Youth Choir members to take part in exceptional activities such as international touring, in accordance wilh donor wishes. All reserves are tied up in designated funds, restricted funds and fixed assets. The National Youth choirfs total free reserves are £nil. Page 9 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limlted by guarant80) Trustees. report {contlnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 A substantial proportion of reserves are required as working capital. which Is the cash held to enable the organisation to meet its commitments throughout the year. The 8xp8ri8nce gained during the period since March 2020, reinforces the need for sufficient reserves to ensure the future of the organisation is sustainable and trustees will continue to review the reserves position on an annual basis. Investments During 2018-19 the trustees agreed to invest a proportion of reserves to provide a longer-term income stream for two key purpos8S'. To support the increasing need for access Initlatives as National Youth Choir widens its reach and raises its profile. To invest In the development of exceptional creative projects and programmes. particularly where sources of Income are not oth8Nise available. Since October 2019 £350.000 in total has been used to invest in the CCLA COIF Charities Investment fund, which comprised the Founders Fund and a proportion of the National Youth Choir's designated budget and cash flow contingency. At 30 September 2024 National Youth Choir holds 1,770 unlts valued at £457,593, an increase of £51,566 over the year. Our policy is to invest for long-term growth, however we are able to sell units to support cashflow needs as required. Golng concern Trustees have given careful consideration to the matter of financial sustainability and the National Youth Choir's viability. Trustees have reviewed a number of different budget assumptions, scenarlos and cashflow projections in setting a budget for 2024-25, which conlinu8S to balance investment in organlsational growth and long-term sustainability. Trustees have also undertaken a detailed assessment of financial and organisalional risks. This means we are Confident in our financial projections and equipped to mitigate risks if they materialise. Trustees agree that the National Youth Choir currently retalns a suitable level of reseryes to help mitigat8 immediate financial pressures and manage anticipated cashflow needs in the coming year. After making appropriate enqulrles, the trustees have a r8asonabl8 expectalion that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existenc8 for th8 foreseeable future. For this reason, Ihey conlinue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Page 10 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain {A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Financial risk management objectives and policies Our management team and Finance Committee robustly monitor financial risks including regular review of a comprehensive budget risk assessment. This ensures appropriate risk mitigation strategies can be implem8nt8d and contingency plans made. Management of risks is underpinned by a strong reserves policy. This approach ensures thal National Youth Choir (as a registered charity and a company limiled by guarantee) meets its legal and charilable financial compliance and probity requirements. The control environment and framework are appropriate for the current and planned future scale of the organisation and assur8 a strong platform of financial governance and control to National Youth Choir funders and stakeholders. To support prudent financial management and mitigation of financial risk, trustees have car8fully consid8r8d and agreed an investment strategy, described above. Plans for future periods By 2030 we want the Nalional Youth Choir to be the go-to organisation for any young sing8r in the country who wants lo be inspired, challenged and nurtijred. We aim to provide unparalleled opportunities for young people from the widest diversity of backgrounds through perfomiance, education and regional, national and international engagement opportunities. We want the National Youth Choir to be a household name that all passionate young singers, from the widest possible range of backgrounds, and from every part of the UK, aspire to join. Strateglc Plan 2022-27 National Youlh Choir trust88s approv8d a new strat8gic plan for the period October 2022 to September 2027 in autumn 2022. The plan sets out a clear and compelling vision and ambition for how we plan to build our community and develop our reach and impact. The plan is based on consultation with audience and stakeholder groups to ensure our plans and priorities ar8 r818vant, inspiring, inclusive and sustainable. Core strategic aims are lo strive for excellence., expand our reach., raise our public profile and develop our resilience. In 2025 we will undertake a mid-term review of the plan and we remain flexible in responding to external factors and their impact on our programme and beneficiaries. In 2024-25 the programme of activities will contribute towards the delivery of th8 stated organisalional and charltable alms and objedives. Courses, Tralnlng and Pmfesslonal Development Eight residential courses are currently planned for 2024-25 for National Youth Choir (9-15 Years) and National Youth Choir (15-18 Years}. Alongside this we will deliver the annual programme of actlvity for National Youth Choir (18-25 Years). We aim to engage at least 1,130 participants across the cholr programmes. We are committed to continuing to refine and develop our creative and leaming programmes, ensuring that our training remains at the forefront of excellent choral practice and is inspiring, re18vant and inclusive. We will be embedding the new approach lo delivery of the 9-15 choirs with joint courses and shared performances, under the direction of a new Principal Conductor. Vve will be further developing our approach lo evaluation of national Choir activities and our quality framework, building on this year's pilot. National Youth Choir (18-25 Years) will und8rtak8 their first int8rnational tour since 2016, travelling to South Africa in spring. Our sector leading development programmes will continue with delivery of the 2025 Emerging Professional Artists, engaging 10 participants in total with a particular focus on developing our support for disabled and neurodiverse musicians. Page11 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain IA company limlted by guarantee) Trustees. report (contlnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Perforn7ances, Commlsslons and Recordlngs Seeking to Continue to offer members unbeatable creative opportunities, we aim to deliver a programm8 of 20 concertslperformances, regular digital racording releases and 2 broadcasts across our ensembles in 2024-25. The programme will continue established partnerships with th8 London Handel Festival and the Royal Albert Hall and a new relationship wilh the BBC Singers.11 will also include the release of the sixth Young Composers album by NMC Recordings. 3 n8w commissionslcollaborations are planned.. one of the UK'S finest musicians, Roderlck Williams OBE will collaborate wilh Natlonal Youth Choir (18-25 years),. Canadian compos8r Sarah Quartel will write for our 9-15 choirs and we will commission one of our graduate Young Composers from 2024 to create a new work for our 15-18 choir. Learnlng and Engagement In 2024-25 we will continue to grow our national work in schools and communities, with a continued focus on expanding the SINGI programme to support young singers and create strong progresslon palhways across five areas, includlng current partnershlps In th8 North East, Greater Manch8Ster and Mansfield, and new partnerships in the West Midlands and with Ark Schools. We will also expand our target8d auditions. This programme Is critical to achieving our aim to expand our reach and open up opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to develop thelr singing and reap the associated benefits. In 2025 we plan to develop plans for new stratagic engagement activities to support slnglng pathways more widely. In total we alm to engage 3,500- 4,000 participants. Access, Incluslon and Representatlon National Youth Choir is comrnilted to being an inclusive and repres8nlative organisation, championing high- quality singing opportunities for all young people. We passionately believe that all chi5dren and young people with the wldest range of backgrounds and regardless of individual circumstance should be able to make muslc with others and have the opportunlty to discover and explore their musical talent. achleving at the highest levels. We will prioritise ongoing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work, taking action to idenlify and remove barriers for potential particlpants, audiences. staff and trustees, so that the National Youth Choir is a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Key activitl8s include a focus on ac¢8ss planning, new auditions approaches, growing our financial assistance programme, developing our work around young people's voice. and taking proactive st8PS to develop a more representative workforce. We will also be developing partnerships with specialist organisations to inform this work and act as critical fri8nds. Budget For 2024-25 trustees have made the strategic decision to set a deficlt budget, with a planned deficit of £75k for the year. This will continue to support our strategic aims to widen our reach and impact and to develop an inclusive community where all young people feel they belong, through investment in financial assistance and Capacity for growth. Trustees are planning for National Youth Choir to retum to a breakeven position in the following year and to grow reserves thereafler. In 2024-25 we will continue to deliver our four-year fundraising campaign, with the aim of raising £2.75 million by 2027. This will support inveslmenl in our learning and engagement and access initiatives. development of creative InitiatlV8s and projects. and support organisational sustainability. Arts Councll England and Department for Educatlon The National Youth Choir will receive fundlng for the period April 2023 - March 2026 as part of Arts Councll England's National Portfolio investment programme and the Departm8nt for Education's National Youth Music Organisations network. We are committed to embedding Arts Council's Investment Principles across the organisation and these principles are aligned with our strategic objectives. Page 12 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain IA company limlted by guaranlee) Trustees. report (contlnued) Year ended 30 September 2024 structure, governance and management Constitutlon National Youth Choirs of Great Britain {Irading as National Youth Choir) was established in 1983 and registered as a charity and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1984. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company, and is governed und8r its Articles of Association, r8newed and revised in 2010. Effecllve govornance The truslees are committed to ensuring th8 8ffective govemance of the National Youth Cholr and In 2023 completed a biennial r8view to ensure voluntary compliance with the Charity Governance Code. Following Ihe review process the trustees were satisfied that the National Youth Choir met the key requirements of the code and identified actions to further enhance the National Youth Choir's approach to governance. The charity is a member of the Cultural Gov8rnanc8 Alliance, a national network championing governance best practice. Recrultment and appolntment of trust•os The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and, under the companls Artic18s, are known as m8mbers of the Board of Iruslees. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Board of trustees are elected lo serve for a period of three years, after which they musl be re-elected al the nexl meeting of trustees. Trustees are elected for a maximum of three cycl8S. The Board of trustees seeks to ensure that its members possess the range of skills, expertise and perspectives required to benefit the diverse range of work the company undertakes. In the event of particular skills, expertise or perspectives being lost due to retirement, a recruitment process is undertaken comprising op8n advertisement alongside targeted approaches to identify appropriate individuals for election to the Board of trustees. Trustee recruitment is led by a Nominations Commitlee, which is a sub-committee of the board. Policies adopled for the Inductlon and tralnlng of trustees On appointment trustees participate in an established induction process and meet with the senior management team to understand the workings of the charity and their roles. All trustees are required lo undertake safeguarding training and further training is provided on an ad hoc basls as and when requlred. Pay pollcy for senlor staff The trustees are responsible for setting the remuneration level for the senior team, which is done taking accounl of th8 financial position of the charlty and prevailing market rates for similar roles. Organisational structuro and decision-maklng The National Youth Choir has a Board of trustees which m8ets quarterly and is responsible for the slrategic direction and policy of the charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily. Any expenses claimed by the trustees from Ihe charity are sel oul in note 8 to Ihe financial statements. The trustees employ a Chief Executive and a CreatlV8 Director as an Executive team, with overall responsibility for a team of creative and operational staff (including the General Manager, Executive Producer. Director of Development, and Head of Communications) lo develop and implement the vision of the charity and its activities. The Board, with detailed work carried out by ils Finance Committee, approves the draft annual budget. The Chief Executive and Crealive Director are afforded full creative and operational control subject to the budgeling limits set by the Board. Page 13 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees. report (continued) Year ended 30 September 2024 Risk management The Board of trustees and the management committee regularly undertake a review of the major risks to which th8 charity is or may be exposed. Where approprlate, systems and procedures have been established to mitigat8 the risks that the charity is facing or mayface. Approprlate policies and procedures are In place to 8nsure compliance with leglslative requirements, which Include employment laws, equality duties, child prot8Ction policies, data prot8Ction policies and health and safety of members, staff, and volunteers. It is National Youth Choir pollcy that 'all persons be accorded full and 8qual consideration on the basis of merit or other relevant, meaningful ¢rit8ria, regardless of any potential source of discrimination., We aim to achieve this by nurturing a culture of mutual respect and trust, fairness and dignity, and positive, inclusive behaviour. Following a compr8hensive review of our safeguarding practlces by NSPCC in 2013, we have prioritlsed 'youth voice,, ensuring that any young person participaling in our programmes has the means and opportunity to express themselves and be heard. To support this the National Youth Choir employs a permanent Head of Safeguarding who Is responslble for delivering a safeguarding training programme to all staff members and volunteers and worklng wilh staff to 8nsur8 appropriat6 future plans ar8 Put in place for young peopl8, 8SP8cially those with protected characteristics where and when required. Dlsclosure of Informatlon to audltor Each of the persons who are trustees at the tlme when thls Trustees, report is approved has confimed that.. so far as that trustee Is aware, there Is no relevant audit information of whlch the charitls auditor is unaware, and that trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit infomiation and to establish that the charitys auditor Is aware of that information. Audllor Pursuant to section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006. the auditor wlll be deemed to be reappointed and UNW LLP will therefore continue in office. Approved by order of the members of the board of twslees on 13 February 2025 and slgned on their behalf by: David Andrew Roper (Chair of Trustees) Page 14 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain IA company Ilmlted by guarantee) Statement of trustees. responslbilities Year ended 30 September 2024 The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Truslees, report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting PractlC8). Company law requires the Irustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the truslees 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 company and of its incoming r8sourc8s and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to- select suitable a￿oUntIng polici8s and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and princip18s of the Charities SORP {FRS 102)- make judgments and accounting estimales that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Slandards (FRS 1021 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in Ihe financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company wlll continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enabl8 them lo ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding th8 assets of th8 company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by.. Davld Andrew Roper (Chair of Trustees) Date.. 13 February 2025 Page 15 Independent auditor's report to the members of National Youth Choirs of Great Britain Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Nalional Youth Choirs of Greal Britain (the 'charilable company) for the year ended 30 S8Pt8mber 2024 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, th8 Balance sheet. the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, 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 'Th8 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, {United Kingdom Generally AC￿pted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements., give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable companYs affairs as at 30 September 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure for the year then ended. have been properly prepared in accordanc8 wlth Unlted Kingdom G8nerally Accepted Accounting Practice., and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basls lor oplnlon W8 conducted our audit In accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) I'ISAS (UK),) and applicable law. Our responsibililies under those standards ar8 further described in the 'Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements, section of our report. We are Independent of the charitable company In accordance with th8 ethical requirements that are re18vant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Stsndard, 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 opinlon. Concluslons relatlng to golng 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 ststements Is appropriat8. Based on the work we have performed. we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or colleclively. may cast significant doubt on the charitable companYs ability to continue as a going concern for a perlod of at least ￿e1ve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the truslees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Page 16 Independent auditor's report to the members of National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (continued) Other Infomiatlon The Oth8r information comprisas the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other infomation contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwlse explicitly stated In our report. we do not express any fomi 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 materlal misstatements, we are required to detemiine whether this gives rise to a mat8rial misstalement In the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a malerial misstatement of this olher information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Oplnlon on other matters prescribed by the Companle8 Act 2006 In oplnlon. based on the work undertaken In the course of the audit: the information given in the Truslees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. the Trustees, report has been prepared in accordance with applicable18gal requirements. Matt•rs on whl¢h w• are roqulred to report by exceptlon In the Ilght of our knowledge and undarstanding of the charitable company and its environment obtalned In the course of the audil. we have not identified material mlsstatements In th8 Trustees, report. We have nothing to report In respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you If, In our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or ertain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made; or we have not received all th8 information and explanations we require for our audit., or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companles regime and tske advanlage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the Trustees. report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic report. Responslbllltles of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, responsibilities statement, 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 detemiine 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 CoMpan￿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. Page 17 Independent auditor's report to the members of National Youth Choirs of Great Brltaln (continued) Audltorfs responslbllltles for the audlt of the flnanclal statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an 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 accordan￿ with ISAS {UK) will always detect a material misstatement wh8n it exists. Misstataments can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to inlluence the economic decislons of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulatlons. We design procedures In line with our responsibilitl8s, Outlined above. to detect material misstatements In resp8Ct of irregularities, Including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.. We identified areas of law and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general and sector experience and through discussions with the directors and other management (as requlred by Auditing Stsndards) and from inspection of the Companls legal correspondence and we discussed with the directors and other managem8nt the policles and procedures in place regarding compliance wth laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our audit team and remalned alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. Firstly, the company is subject to laws and regulations that dir8Ctly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation Ilncluding related companies legislation), distributable profits legislation and taxation leglslation and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement Items, Secondly. the company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non- compliance could have a materlal effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements. for Instance through the imposition of fines or liligation.W8 identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect. health and safety, employment law, data protection. environmental law, safeguarding and child protection and certain aspects of company legislation. recognislng the nature of the charitable companls activities. Audillng Standards limlt the r8quired audit procedures lo identify non-compliance with these laws and regulatlons to enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulalory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these procedures we did not become aware of any actual or suspected non-compliance material to the financial statements. Because of the inherent Ilmltstions of an audit. there Is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial stalements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or r8gulation is remov8d from the events and transactlons reflected in the financial statements. as we will be18ss likely to becom8 aware of instances of nonwcomplianc8. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment. forgery, collusion, omission or mlsrepresentation. A furth8r descriptlon of our responsibllltles for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: ￿.frC.Qr .uklauditorsres onsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditorfs report. Page 18 Independant auditor's report to the members of National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (continued) Use of our r•port This report is made solely to th8 charilab18 companls trustees, 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 slate to the charitable companls trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditorfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest ext6nt permltted by law. we do not acc8Pt or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charilable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Anne Hallowell Bsc FCA DChA (Sonlor Slatutory Audltor) for and on behalf of UNW LLP, Statutory Audltor Chartered Accountants Newcastle upon Tyne 13 February 2025 Page 19 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company Ilmlted by guaranteo) statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) Year ended 30 September 2024 Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Restrlcted fund8 2024 Total funds 2024 Total funds 2023 Note Income from: Donations and18gacies Charitable activities Investments 140,410 985,612 4,504 460.790 601,200 985,612 4,504 563,546 958,470 5,338 Total Income 1.130,526 460,790 1,591,316 1,527,354 Expendltur• on: Raising funds Charitable activities 86,648 1,260,293 86,648 1,721,083 115,108 1,573,717 460,790 Total expendltur• 1,346,941 460,790 1,807,731 1,688,825 Net expendlture before net galns on Investmonts Net gains on investments 1216.415 51,566 (216,415) 51,566 (161.471) 16,941 Net movemont In funds (164,849) (164,849) (144,530) Reconclllatlon of fund8: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds 431,155 (164,849) 106,749 537,904 (164,849) 682,434 (144,530) Total funds carrled forward 266,306 106,749 373,055 537,904 The notes on pages 23 to 40 form part of these financlal statements. Page 20 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Balance sheet At 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Note Flxed assets Intangible assets Tangible assets Investments 10 457,593 406,027 457,593 406,027 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 76,561 18.871 65.812 274,975 95,432 340,787 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 1179,970) (208.910) Net currant Ilabllltles l assets {84,538) 131,877 Total net assets 373,055 537,904 Charlty funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 14 14 106,749 266,306 106.749 431.155 Total funds 373,055 537,904 The trust88s acknowledge their responsibilities for complylng with the requir8m8nts of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements. The financlal statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entlties subject to the small companles regime. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees on 13 February 2025 and signed on their behalf by.. Davld Andrew Roper (Chair of Trustees) Company registration number 01850803 The notes on pages 23 to 40 form part of these financial stalements. Page 21 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company Ilmited by guarantee) Statement of cash flows Year ended 30 September 2024 2024 2023 Noto Cash flows from oporatlng actlvltles Net cash used in operating activitl8S 16 (260,608) (109,443) Cash flows from Inv6Stlng actlvltles Dividends, interests and rents from investments 4,504 5,338 Not cash provlded by Investlng actlvltles 4.504 5,338 Chango In cash and cash equlval•nts In the year Cash and cash equlvalents at the beginnlng of the year (256,104) (104,105> 274,975 379,080 Cash and cash •qulval•nts at the end of the year 17 18,871 274.975 The notes on pages 23 to 40 form part of these financial statements Page 22 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain {A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Accountlng pollclas 1.1 Bas18 of preparatlon of flnanclal statements The financial statements have been p￿pared In accordance wlth the Charltles SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effeclive 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. National Youth Choirs of Great Britain meets the definition of a public benefit enlity under FRS 102. Assets and Ilablllties are Inilially reGognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting pollcy. The financial slatements are prepared In sterling. which Is the functional currency of the charity and are rounded to the nearest £1. 1.2 Company status The company is a company limiled by guarantee, incorporated and domiciled in England. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the company. 1.3 Golng concern As set out in more detail in the trustees report, the trustees have reviewed a number of different budget assumptions, scenarios and cashflow projections in s8tting a budg8t for 2024-25, which continues to balance investment in organisational growth and long-term sustainability. Consequently the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for th8 foreseeabl8 future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 1.4 Income All income, including course fees and grant income, is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Donated goods or services are included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor, where such a cost is quantifiable and measurable. No income is recognised where there is no financial cost bome by the third party. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable. Page 23 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financlal statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Accountlng pollcles (contlnued) 1.5 Expendlture Expenditur8 is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been Included under expense categorles that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Support costs are those costs Incurred directly in support of expenditure on the ob}e¢ts of the company. They includ8 govemance costs, which are those incurred in connection with the administration of the company and compliance with Constitutional and statutory requirements. Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Expenditure on ralslng funds Includes all expenditur8 Incurred by the company to ralse funds for Its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading. Expenditure on charitable activities Is Incurred on directly undertaklng the activitles whlch further the company's obl8Ctives, as well as any associated support costs. All expenditure is Inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. 1.6 Intanglble assots and amortlsatlon Intangible assels are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or valu8 of the asset can be measured reliably. Intangible assets ar8 initially recognised at cost and ar8 subsequently measured at cost n8t of amortisation and any provision for impairment. Amortlsatlon Is provlded at the followlng rates: Softsvare Webslte 5 year straight line basis 3 year straight line basls 1.7 Tanglble flxed assets and depreclatlon All assets costlng more than £5,000 are capitallsed. Tangible fixed ass8ts are carried at cost, net of d8preciation and any provision for impaimient. Depreclation Is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful Iiv8s on the following bases Office equipment 5 year straight line basis 1.8 Investments Fixed asset Investments are a form of financlal instrument and are Inltially recognis8d at their transaction cosl and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impaimient. Investment gains and losses. whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as 'Gainsl{Losses) on investments, in the statement of financial activities. Page 24 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain {A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 A¢¢ountlng pollcles (continued) 1.9 Debtors Trade and oth8r debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 1.10 Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 1.11 Liabilities and provlslons Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Llabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount It has received as advanced payments for the goods or servlces it must provide. 1.12 Ponslon$ Th8 company op8rates a defined Contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year. 1.13 Fund accountlng General funds are unrestricted funds which are avallable for use at the discretion of the trustees In furtherance of the general objectives of the company and whlch have not been desSgnated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been sel aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each d8signat8d fund is set out in the notes to th8 financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by th8 company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each r8Stricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund. Page 25 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Crltlcal accountlng ostlmatès and areas of judgment Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on hlstorical experience and other factors, includlng expectations of future events that are believed to be r8asonable under the circumstances. crftlcal accounting estimates and assumptions: In preparing these financial statements the directors do not conslder there were any slgnificant areas of Judgment that were required in applying the companls accounting policies as set out above. Estlmates included within these financial statements include depreciation and asset Impairm8nts. None of the estimates made are considered to carry significant estimation uncertainty, nor to bear significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrylng amounts of assets and liabllities within the next flnanclal year. Incomo from donatlons and legaGles Unrestrlcted R•strlcled funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Donations Grants Membership fees 97,949 16,875 25,586 21,682 439,108 119.631 455,983 25,586 140.410 460,790 601,200 Donations comprise donations from individuals of £83,272 and from corporate partners of £21,682. Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted funds 2023 Totsl funds 2023 Donations Grants Membership fees 120,836 118.000 20.098 27,964 276,648 148,800 394,648 20,098 258,934 304,612 563,546 Donations comprise donations from indlvlduals of £101,667 and from corporate partners of £31,351. Page 26 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Income from charftable actlvltles Unrestrlcted funds 2024 Total funds 2024 Course f88S Audition fees Sales of merchandise Concert and performing fees Ticket sa18s and contributions - concerts Other Income 866,155 10.204 2,718 15,373 62,865 28,297 866,155 10,204 2,718 15,373 62,865 28,297 985,612 985,612 Unrestrlcted funds 2023 Total funds 2023 Course fees Audition fees Sales of merchandise Concert and performlng fe8S Ticket sales and contributions - concerts Other income 851,070 9,848 1,853 34,726 46,415 14.560 851,070 9.846 1,853 34,726 46,415 14,560 958,470 958,470 Page 27 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limitsd by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Expendlturo on ralslng funds Costs of ralslng voluntary Income Unrostricted fund8 2024 Total funds 2024 Fundraising - other costs Wages and salaries National Insurance Pension costs 9,641 67,393 7,919 1,695 9,641 67,393 7,919 1,695 86,648 86,648 Unrestricted funds 2023 Total funds 2023 Fundraising - other costs Wages and salaries National insuranc8 PensSon costs 25,091 78,707 9,260 2,050 25,091 78,707 9,260 2.050 115,108 115,108 P8ge 28 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Analysls of expenditure by activities Dlrect costs 2024 Support costs 2024 Total funds 2024 Charitabl& activities 1,553,515 167.568 1,721,083 Direct costs 2023 Support costs 2023 Total funds 2023 Charitable adivities 1,423,362 150,355 1,573,717 Analy8ls of dlrect CO8t8 Charltabl• actlvities 2024 Total funds 2024 Staff costs Courses accomodation, music Insurance Travelling expenses Advertising, website, promotion and printing Consulting and trainin9 Offic8 Costs Bank charges 420,616 957,165 6,553 46,917 35,123 9.128 62,285 15,728 420,616 957,165 6,553 46,917 35,123 9,128 62,285 15,728 1.553,515 1,553,515 Pag& 29 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A Company Ilmlted by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Analysis of expendlture by actlvltles (continuod) Analysls of dlrect costs {contlnuod) Charitsble activities 2023 Total funds 2023 Staff costs Cours8s accomodation. muslc Insurance Travelling expenses Advertising, website, promotion and printlng Legal and professional Consulting and tralnlng Office costs Bank charges 361.701 888,022 6,094 42.554 35.432 3,000 17.660 55,206 13,693 361,701 888,022 6,094 42.554 35.432 3,000 17,660 55,206 13,693 1,423,362 1,423,362 Analysls of jupport costs Charltable actlvltles 2024 Total funds 2024 Staff costs Legal and professional fees Rent and rates Govemance costs 131.330 13,676 17,349 5,213 131,330 13.676 17.349 5,213 167,568 167,568 Page 30 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Analysls of expendlture by actlvities (contlnued) Analysls of support costs (contlnued) Charitable activities 2023 Total funds 2023 Staff costs Legal and professional fees Rent and rates Governance costs Amortisation & depreciation 97.719 13.791 21,791 335 16.719 97.719 13.791 21.791 335 16.719 150,355 150,355 Audltorfs r•mun•ratlon 2024 2023 Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the companls annual accounts 9,500 9,220 Fees payable to the companvs auditor In respect of: Other services 1,200 1,000 Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 563,698 51,277 13,978 491,307 46,232 11,898 628.953 549.437 The average number of persons employed by the company during the year was as follows: 2024 No. 2023 No. Average no. of employees 17 16 Page 31 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 staff Costs (contlnuod) The average headcount expressed as full-time equlvalents was: 2024 2023 Staff 13 12 The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60.000 was.. 2024 No. 2023 In the band £60,001- £70,000 In the band £70,001- £80,000 Koy manag•m•nt porsonnol Key management personnel are deemed to b8 those having authority and responsibility, de18gated to them by the trustees for planning, directing and controlling the aclivities of the charity. During 2023124 they were.. Creative Director- Lucy Hollins Director of Development - Robert Colbert Chief Executive - Anne Besford General Manager- Mark Anyan The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £280,139 (2023: £243,489). Trustees. remuneratlon and expen8e8 No trustees receiv8d any remuneratlon during th8 current or prlor year. During the y8ar, one trustee {2023.' on8 trustee) received reimbursed expenses of £1,43412023.. £4.051) In respect of travel and subslstence costs. covering a number of previous years, which was subsequently donated to the charity. Page 32 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 Intanglble assets Software Cost At 1 October 2023 92,496 At 30 September 2024 92,496 Amortlsatlon At 1 October 2023 92,496 At 30 September 2024 92,496 Net book value At 30 September 2024 At 30 September 2023 Page 33 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 10. Tanglble fixed assets Offlce equlpment Cost At 1 Octob8r 2023 15,119 At 30 September 2024 15.119 Depreclatlon At 1 October 2023 15,119 At 30 September 2024 15,119 Net book value At 30 September 2024 At 30 September 2023 11. Flxed asset Inve8tmenl8 Unllsted Inv•stmenls Cost or valuatlon At 1 October 2023 Revaluations 406,027 51,566 At 30 September 2024 457,593 Net book value At 30 September 2024 457,593 At 30 September 2023 406,027 Page 34 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financlal statements Year ended 30 September 2024 12. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 8,996 1,920 65,645 15,477 1,920 48.415 76,561 65,812 13. Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 20,651 32,985 126,334 63,216 30,694 115,000 179,970 208,910 2024 2023 Deferred incom8 at 1 October 2023 Resources deferred during the year Amounts released from previous periods 98,383 109,521 (96,383) 86,748 98,383 186,746) 111,521 98,383 Page 35 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limlted by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 14. Statement of funds Statement of funds - currnnt year Balance at 30 Galn$l September (Losses) 2024 Balance at 1 October 2023 Transfers Inlout Income Expondlturo Unrestrlcted funds Do8lgnated funds General contingency & budget Access and inclusion Inltlatlve Organisational development inltiative 410.000 (143,694) 266,306 7,000 (7,000) 14,155 (14,155 431,155 {21,155) 1143,6941 266,306 Genoral funds General funds 1.130,526 (1,325,786) 143,694 51,566 Total Unrestrlcted funds 431,155 1.130,526 (1,346,941) 51,566 266,306 Page 36 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain IA company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 14. Statement of funds {contlnuod) Restrlcted funds Founder's Scholarship Fund 106,749 106,749 Arts Council England Peter Sowerby Foundation The Leverhulme Trust CHK Foundalion The Offenhelm Charitabl8 Trust Other small grants and donations 149,997 (149,997) 51,243 (51.243) 41,980 10,000 (41,980) (10,000) 7,000 (7,000) 200,570 (200,5701 106,749 460,790 (460,790) 106,749 Total of funds 537,904 1,591,316 (1,807,731) 51,566 373,055 As part of work to develop the current strateglc plan, trustees identified areas where future investment would be needed. 08signaled funds aligned with the mission and priorities were allocated as follows.. Access and Inclusion fund which provides dedicated resources to underpin the delivery of the Equality, Dlversity and Incluslon plan and enable to support costs of sp8cific access needs., Organisalional development initiatSve which support the costs of new staff posts, which will support the growih of more sustainable income streams. Both funds were spend down in 20231124 as expected. NYCGB will continue to seek specific funding new initiatives as the need arises. Page 37 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarante• Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 14. Statament of fund8 {continued) Statement of funds - prlor year Balance at 30 Galnsl September (Losses) 2023 Balance at 1 October 2022 Incom8 Expenditure Unrestrlcted funds Deslgnated funds General contingency & budget CRM I API proje Access and incluslon Inltlatlv8 40th Anniversary inltlatlve Organisational development initiative Brand review initiative 410,000 15,836 30,000 40,000 410,000 (15,836) {23,000) (40,000) 7,000 42,857 4,400 (28,702) {4,400) 14,155 543,093 (111,938) 431,155 General funds General Funds 32,592 1,222,742 {1,272,275) 16,941 Total Unrestrlcted funds 575.685 1,222,742 {1,384,213) 16,941 431,155 Restrlcted funds Founder's Scholarshlp Fund Arts Council England Peter Sow8rby Foundation Esmee Fairbairn Foundation The Lev8rhulme Trust CHK Foundation The Offenheim Charitable Trust 106,749 106,749 108.020 9,375 63,800 3,500 13,000 106,917 (108,020) (9,375) (63,800) (3,500) (13,000) (106.917) 106,749 304,612 (304,612) 106,749 Total of funds 682.434 1.527.354 (1,688.825) 16,941 537,904 Page 38 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company limited by guarantee) Notes to the financial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 15. Analysls of net assats between funds Analysls of not assets between funds - current perlod Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year 350,844 32,299 {116,837) 106,749 457,593 63.133 95,432 (63,133) 1179,970) Totsl 266,306 106,749 373,055 Analysls of n•t assets between funds - prlor p•rlod Unrestricted funds 2023 Restricted funds 2023 Total funds 2023 Fixed asset Inv8Stments Current assets Credilors due within one year 299,278 271,355 (139,478) 106,749 406,027 69,432 340,787 (89,432) (208,910) Total 431,155 106,749 537,904 16. Reconclllatlon of nel movement In funds lo net cash flow from operating actlvltles 2024 2023 Net expenditure for the period las per Statement of Financial Activities) (164,8491 {144,530) AdJu8tments for: Depreciation charges Amortisation charges Gains on investments Dividends, interests and rents from investments Increase in debtors (D8crease) l increase in creditors 883 15.836 (16.941) (5.338) (16,874) 57.521 (51,5661 (4,504) (10,749) (28,940) Net cash used in operatlng activities (260,608) (109,443) Page 39 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (A company Ilmlted by guarantee) Notes to the flnancial statements Year ended 30 September 2024 17. Analysi8 of cash and cash equivalents 2024 2023 Cash in hand 18,871 274,975 18. Analysls of ¢hange8 In net debt At1 October 2023 Cash flows At30 September 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 274,975 (256.104) 18,871 19. Penslon commltments The company operates a defined contribution pensSon scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company In an independently admlnlstered fund. Th8 penslon cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to th8 fund and amounted lo £13,978 (2023: £11,898). Contributions totalling £1,330 (2023., £1,395) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are Included in creditors. 20. Related party transactlons A director at Atom Holdco Limited is a trustee of National Youth Choirs of Great Brftain. Atom Holdco Limited charged National Youth Choirs rental income for use of their office building until they changed premises in April 2024. Rent payable recognised in th8 year is £14,568 (2023: £24,871) and the balance owed to Atom Holdco Limited at year end is £nil {2023'. £5,935>. During the year donatlons totalllng £21,414 (2023: £32,379) were received from the trustees or organisations that trustees had declared an interested in. Trustees expenses have been disclosed separately within note 8. Page 40