OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-07-31-accounts

Registered number: 1702793 Charity number: 516400

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited Independently Examined Accounts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

Prepared By: Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES

D Hunt Rev E Cain W Johnstone (deceased 20 April 2024) K Lindop (resigned 18 December 2024) L Lock S St V Fitzgerald (Chair) Rev P Saltmarsh (Deputy Chair) Rev G Morgan C Lee D Gayle (appointed 18 December 2024)

SECRETARY

D Hunt

REGISTERED OFFICE

Unit House Speke Boulevard Liverpool L24 9HZ

COMPANY NUMBER

1702793

CHARITY NUMBER 516400

BANKERS

Lloyds Bank plc, Co-operative Bank plc

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER - Julie Guinan FCCA

Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House

page 1

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH

page 2

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

CONTENTS
Page
Report of the Trustees 4
Independent Examiner's Statement 36
Statement of Financial Activities 38
Balance Sheet 39
Notes to the Accounts 40 to 50
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 51

page 3

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31/07/2024

The trustees intend that this annual report also serves as the Statutory Directors' Report.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activities of the charity in the year under review were the advancement of learning and the relief of poverty.

STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

___ A1 Status and Governance ___

Speke Training & Education Centre (STEC) is a Registered Charity (516400) and is constituted as a Company Limited by Guarantee (Company No. 1702793). The Council of Management of STEC is comprised of the Trustees of the Registered Charity who also serve as the Directors of the Company Limited by Guarantee. Within this report, the term Trustee also constitutes the term Director and vice versa. Similarly, the terms Company and Charity are treated as one and the same.

The Council of Management holds the primary responsibility for deciding organisational strategy, the adoption of policies and the employment of staff who may deliver and support activities consistent with the objects of the Charity (as set out in Section B). From time to time, the Council of Management recruits new Trustees and the criteria to determine such appointments are based upon the qualities and merits of the applicant in respect of potential or capacity to support the Charity's strategic development or operational continuous improvement.

Collectively, therefore, the Council of Management of Speke Training & Education Centre consists of Trustees / Directors with particular knowledge of:

page 4

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Trustees have formally declared their eligibility to serve Speke Training & Education Centre both as Directors under the terms of the Companies Act 2006 and as Trustees under the eligibility criteria of the Charity Commission for England & Wales as set out in the Charities Act 2011.

Section B (Objectives and Activities) of this report sets out the charitable objects of STEC. These are summarised as The Relief of Poverty and The Advancement of Learning. In pursuit of these objects, the Council of Management is empowered to:

page 5

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

STEC has striven to realise the above charitable aspirations during the financial year August 2023 to July 2024 by delivering:

Boulevard Business Services Ltd

STEC's subsidiary company, Boulevard Business Services, remained dormant from a trading perspective. STEC owns the entire share capital comprising two £1 ordinary shares. STEC has increased the number of BBS Ltd Directors from the STEC Charity Trustee / Director cohort with the intent of achieving 100% alignment and with a 90% alignment achieved to date.

___ A2 Structure of Speke Training & Education Centre ___

Focusing upon the two charitable goals of Advancing Learning and Relieving Poverty, STEC retains a structure with two departments. The first department advanced learning through the delivery of Community Learning (now termed Tailored Learning) and the second focussed upon Property Services Administration. Whilst the latter underpins the STEC Community Learning contract delivery through its administrative offer, it additionally delivers a Premises Management Service connecting directly to the Poverty Relief Charitable purpose through the designation of STEC's premises as a Community Anchor Hub - all supported and sustained by a mixed economy tenant and partner cohort.

STEC's Community Learning broadly divides into three curriculum themes of Employability, Digital Inclusion, and Health & Wellbeing. This is complemented on-site by the delivery of wider curricula offered by partner learning providers (e.g. ESOL which is delivered as a Progression by Workers Educational Association and Liverpool Adult Learning Service).

To advance learning, STEC employed a Head of Curriculum (with Tutorial duties) and two full time tutors around this core. A cohort of sessional specialist tutors affords STEC's curriculum the flexibility to evolve in order to remain responsive to the needs of the local community, the local authority neighbourhood structure and local employers.

STEC's operation of a community anchor building offered managed office space for rent or conference facilities for hire. The on-site mixed economy accommodates over twenty-five organisations / activities with the majority of these being charities or not for profit organisations. In addition to Premises Management, STEC has provided Payroll Services to local charities. The rich diversity of community organisations on-site generates a range of social outcomes relieving poverty and improving quality of life for members of local communities which STEC serves (Orchard Food bank, Liverpool Talking Newspaper, The Original Swap Shop, THRED CIC - a user led organisation for adults living with dementia, The Harris Club for the Disabled in Speke, Attitude Performing Arts Group, Speke Community Centre CIO, Merseyside Dementia-Friendly Radio ) This is designated the STEC Social Space which protects and nurtures local initiatives which would otherwise struggle to serve their respective communities / beneficiary cohorts.

page 6

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ A3 Management ___

STEC's organisational structure comprised the Chief Executive Officer, Mark Ord, with overall responsibility for strategy and day to day management of the centre.

The Council of Management met on the basis of a minimum eight-week cycle with meetings scheduled more frequently if required. Council Meetings were furnished with comprehensive Chief Executive's, Head of Curriculum and Finance Reports. However, each Chief Executive's Report cross-referenced to more detailed Appendices. This approach has furnished Trustees with both an explanatory synopsis of activities / performance together with more specific detail facilitating deep-dive scrutiny wherever Trustees deem appropriate.

BUSINESS PLANNING AND RISK ASSESSMENT

___ A4 Risk Assessment ___

From the perspective of identification and management of risk, 2023-24 presented different risks to those in previous years with epidemic disruptions caused directly by Covid somewhat diminishing although more unpredictable vicarious impacts upon people and society and upon education provision were experienced.

The Charity invested in continuing improvements within its premises to achieve compliance in the contexts of health and safety, safeguarding and equality. Buildings occupancy is an ever-present consideration with the challenge to ensure that the charity can recover the premises costs.

In STEC's own operational contexts, evolving contracts post-Brexit presented risks stemming from the final cessation of ESF Support on 31 March 2023 and the transition to UK-funded programmes (at a reduced level) through United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund - UKSPF channelled through Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. This risk was itself exacerbated by the United Kingdom Government delaying support by one year causing the Combined Authority to provide continuation funding. The incoming Labour Government has committed to a further twelve month continuation of UKSPF but any change in Government Policy constitutes a risk which the Trustees must assess and plan for.

Ofsted Inspection had taken place in 2023 together with Matrix Accreditation which was renewed in 2024.

STEC Trustees' strategy for risk reduction is to increase the diversity of income streams. The strategy has invested in the twin track approach of public sector contract delivery and self-generation of income through social enterprise activities largely based on the premises. Although this strategy seeks to reduce risk and achieve longer-term sustainability Trustees are fully aware that no strategy is without risk - the decade of Austerity and most recently the impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the reality that public sector contracting, social enterprise activities, (and indeed all activities requiring a premises to deliver from) have been impacted by constraints outside of STEC's control, which can undermine endeavours to achieve stability and longer-term sustainment. Trustees have been obliged therefore to continue to risk assess all activities, sources of income and contracts. In addition, because of the significance and range of public sector funding reductions and / or service reviews ushering in many structural changes both in terms of contracting organisations and key personnel, the Trustees have felt it is essential to be frequently briefed and have accordingly been furnished with details of national strategy changes and local authority developments as the initial section in each Chief Executive's Report. This provides context both for strategic planning and early response to operational change where required. Strategic decisions of importance have been required of Trustees determining the most effective way to deliver the Mission of the Charity in such difficult circumstances. Whilst The Council of Management have been guided by prudent business strategies with adequate controls for risk reduction, the seven years between 20162023 presented opportunities for investment in what became a freehold asset through significant public sector capital grant assistance and dedication of the charity's own reserve to achieve accessibility for all and better green

page 7

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

sustainability on-site.

Trustees intend that this investment should underpin growth in profile and in sustainable activities.

In conclusion, Trustees have ensured that all activities undertaken or facilitated by STEC are consistent with the two Charitable Objects of Relieving Poverty and Advancing Learning whilst constantly seeking new opportunities and innovative approaches for success and sustainment.

___ A5 Contracts ___

Trustees sign a Declaration of Interest at the commencement of each Council of Management Meeting. There were no contracts in which any Trustee/Director is or was materially interested either during or at the conclusion of the financial period 2023-24.

In addition, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, there was no Trustee Remuneration during the period covered by this report.

In the preparation of this report, Trustees / Directors have taken advantage of the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

___ Section B Our Intent (Objectives & Activities) ___

Speke Training & Education Centre (STEC) aims to relieve poverty and advance learning. Within these broad charitable aspirations, STEC is primarily a charity of place because the goals of this charity and the activities which pursue these goals are integral to the area which the charity serves. Speke Training and Education Centre's Objects and Mission were initiated in the early 1980s by residents of Speke who sought a response to the acute levels of unemployment experienced by local Merseyside communities at that time with particular concern over the lack of opportunity for young people in Speke, Garston and Netherley.

Section B of this Trustees' Report requires an overview of the activities which the charity has sought to undertake during the financial year 2023-2024. The composition of the Council of Management seeks to ensure that STEC should remain an active servant to the communities with the degree of self-determination to respond to changing needs of residents, households, community groups, charities and indeed small businesses. During the past forty years, the communities served by STEC have been successively afflicted by unemployment, multiple deprivation, local government austerity and Covid-19 . The Trustees have been determined that in an hour of dire need, STEC should always remain steadfast in its charitable service to its core communities (primarily Speke but also Garston and Belle Vale).

In order to provide meaningful context to Section B and thus demonstrate value and impact of STEC's operations as set out in Section C, the Trustees have in recent years incorporated within the report a short history and description of the area in which the charity operates as it is both relevant and important to consider the socio-economic profile of Speke, thus providing important context to this report.

page 8

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ B1.1 The Communities we Serve - background ___

The establishment of the satellite township of Speke and the massive growth of population from under 400 in 1931 to 25,000 in 1961 took place within a planning context which balanced housing with employment and educational opportunity. The industrial belt adjacent to the Speke estate was called the engine room of Merseyside and incorporated representation from the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors.

Location on the urban periphery provided further diverse employment opportunities ranging from Garston Docks, to South Lancashire (particularly Cronton) Collieries to agricultural labouring opportunities. This was further consolidated by the location to the area of the Ford Motor Company. With the general perception that municipal housing was of a high standard, Speke was deemed a good place to live and to work.

This optimism was shattered in the 1970's and 1980's with the decimation of the local industrial base including closure of significant employers Dunlop and Triumph. Once the balance between employment and residence was fractured, the position of Speke as a peripheral suburb undermined the capacity of local residents to access areas of new or wider opportunities especially because the community suffered low car ownership levels. Therefore Speke's entrenched and protracted high levels of unemployment (which reached 60% in some parts of the area in the 1980's and 1990's) was responsible for causing deprivation across a broad range of indicators such as earnings/poverty, education, skills/qualifications, health, crime and housing.

When Merseyside's economy was identified as requiring European Objective One assistance because of the malaise of the sub-regional economy in 1994, Speke Garston was highlighted as the first priority regeneration area in Liverpool with the warning from Bob Lane, the Director of the Speke Garston Development Company that Regeneration would be a marathon not a sprint.

In 2004, Liverpool ward boundaries were changed and this placed Speke alongside St Mary's ward (Garston) to form a new Speke Garston ward (one of thirty wards across the city of Liverpool). Population growth necessitated the separation of wards under the 2023 Liverpool City Council reorganisation which followed the Caller Report.

___ B1.2 Ward Profiles ___

The May 2023 political transformation of Liverpool replaced thirty established wards with sixty four new wards as part of which Speke Garston was separated into two wards namely Speke and Garston but with some boundary extensions at the north end of Garston ward.

page 9

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

page 10

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

In conclusion, it is clear that deprivation has been protracted but it is also clear that the Speke Garston community is resilient, the population is growing and that whilst more endeavours are required for STEC to support, there is also much to take pride in.

B 2 OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

The Objects of Speke Training & Education Centre (STEC) are set out in Section 3 of the Memorandum of Association.

The Objects of Speke Training & Education Centre commit the charity:

The Trustees attach due regard and importance to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit and enshrine this guidance at the heart of all strategic planning and operational activities.

However the Goals of the Charity are crystallized into two broad purposes:

Relieve Poverty and Advance Learning.

___ B.2.1 Relief of Poverty ___

Trustees have for some time interpreted poverty in a multi-faceted sense comprising deprivation of finance, food, fuel; health inequalities (evidenced by life expectancy in poorer areas such as Speke),mental health challenges, social isolation / loneliness, digital deprivation and poverty of aspiration. Therefore Trustees are also clear that responses to poverty may take many different forms and require multiorganisational partnerships to make an impact. They are strategically determined that the enjoyment of their freehold on the STEC site should be directed to the relief of poverty within the communities the charity serves. This is manifest in the concept of the STEC Social Space which allows ten community-supporting charities or community groups free space either as donated office / studio or donation of rooms free on the basis that the groups' social contribution is of equal value to the financial contribution requested of tenants on the Social Enterprise Business Model. Ten organisations benefit as do their service beneficiaries from the STEC Social Space.

page 11

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

STEC aims to challenge poverty both through direct interventions (such as supporting economically inactive / unemployed or underemployed people towards or into employment or by promoting workplace advancement amongst those in employment) through hosting advice and guidance on-site for debt relief and benefits advice or through facilitating poverty-relief initiatives such as Orchard Food banks and The Original Swap Shop. STEC has developed its site as a multi-activity Community Anchor Hub with over twenty diverse mixed-economy partners as tenants, service deliverers and conference customers. Trustees advocate that STEC must always be a welcoming and safe place where individuals, families, community groups and local businesses can be supported and where local capacity can be built. In doing so, the Social Enterprise model also provides for STEC's own sustainability so that whilst STEC has a social space for those services which would struggle to contribute, for most charities and businesses it is both just and equitable that they contribute to the sustainment of the mixed economy and of STEC as a buoyant charity.

___ B.2.2 Advancement of Learning ___

Trustees have embraced three themes for learning:

Trustees justify their Clarity of Purpose or Intent for STEC's Community Learning Programmes because of the high levels of disengagement, economic inactivity, unemployment, underemployment, digital deprivation and the need for programmes promoting resilience and mental well-being. As stated above these issues are exacerbated by the peripheral geography of Belle Vale, Speke and Garston Wards at the southern extremities of the city of Liverpool.

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Section C Implementation and Impact 2023-24

___ C1 Relief of Poverty ___

Trustees recognise that poverty has many manifestations not only defined as relative / absolute poverty. Whilst 2023-24 was again dominated by acute anxiety about the three Fs (Financial, Fuel and Food) and poverty, nonetheless, many residents had to cope with other forms of deprivation such as health inequalities, learning disabilities / sensory deprivation or factors generally undermining their quality of life such as social isolation, digital deprivation and above all, poverty of aspiration. Trustees have been obliged to ensure stability for STEC and at the same time provide continuity of community support services on-site. During the lockdown and its aftermath simply being there to serve and support people and being open for business was one of the most significant contributions that any charity could make especially when many organisations were accused of being absent or aloof from the lives of those they were established to serve and support.

page 12

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ C1.1 STEC's Social Space ___

The following charitable and community partners were supported by Trustees to impact the charitable aspiration of Poverty Relief;

i) Liverpool Talking Newspaper

This charity, based at STEC since 2002, was in its fortieth year when lockdown struck and was denied an anniversary celebration in September 2020. The Trustees and Volunteers recognised that many beneficiaries living with visual impairments were suffering isolation already which would be exacerbated if the Talking Newspaper ceased. They took the decision that when safe to operate from STEC, they would resume the delivery of services. Whilst the format changed, including musical recitals and local history lectures, the impact was extremely positive amongst over two hundred beneficiary listeners. The courage and endeavours of the Liverpool Talking Newspaper were recognised on 8th September 2021 by the presentation by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth II of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award which any charity can achieve and has been a source of satisfaction and pride not only to STEC Trustees but also to the wider Speke Community. STEC and another tenant donated the space for the recording studio and administration centre and provided wider capacity-building support.

ii) The Original Swap Shop

This unique non-money economy project is now in its twelfth year. The Original Swap Shop volunteer team accommodated at STEC provide a safe and managed service both for the receipt of donations including baby items such as cots, cribs, Moses baskets, adult clothing and household items and for the attraction of hundreds of families in need per year who attend the weekly sessions. Donations of all sizes increased substantially during 2023-24 with more than twelve hundred beneficiary attendances. STEC provided the outlet space and a number of areas for storage. The project has a positive social media presence and has been featured in the Liverpool Echo and The Guide publication and reported on BBC Radio Merseyside.

iii) The Orchard Foodbank

STEC Trustees moved the Independent food relief charity The Orchard into STEC Social Space in 2023 having moved to STEC as a fully contributing tenant in 2019. During a crisis in food supply charity founder Trustee Alan McCarthy and fellow Trustees were purchasing substantial volumes of food for weekly distribution to residents of Speke and Garston. In this situation, it appeared somewhat incongruous that the impact of these charitable donations should be diluted by room rental charges.

iv) The Harris Club

page 13

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

In 2024, Speke's oldest charity established by Harry Harris in 1969 to support Disabled Adults in the Community, decided to de-register as a charity but continue as a community club STEC's Social Space had enabled the charity to survive Covid 19 and the closure of Speke's Community Centre inside Parklands. The Harris Club have accessed STEC's Social Space for monthly Monday Committee meetings and for socials every Friday evening 7pm to 10pm. This supports constructive recreation and reduces isolation for twenty local residents with disabilities. It is worth acknowledging that had the STEC Trustees not embraced the principle of Access For All (epitomised by the installation of a lift), the accommodation of the Harris Club at STEC with all of its social value contribution to the quality of lives of local residents would never have been possible as all members suffer mobility impairments.

v) Speke Community Centre CIO

The impact of the lockdown and the lock out from Speke's Community Centre in Parklands necessitated the establishment of a new organisation to support older residents of Speke. In June 2020, STEC supported a group of local residents to establish Speke Community Centre CIO, a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation with the purposes of reducing isolation and health inequalities in Speke. STEC has provided administrative space and support, a registered office facility, technical support and capacity-building including fundraising During 2023-24, this has provided a local grants regime to challenge isolation and reduce health inequalities funding residents' excursions, meals, keep warm costs and foodbanks. Local veterans, churches and a well-being hub were also supported.

vi) Attitude Performing Arts Group

Emerging from the Covid Lockdowns and the de facto closure of Speke Community Centre in Parklands denying them access to their rehearsal space, Attitude Performing Arts Group was in danger of not being able to continue. They accessed STEC's Social Space every Saturday afternoon switching to Wednesday nights in 2024. This made rehearsals possible facilitating performances at Valley Theatre in Belle Vale, the Unity Theatre and the Epstein Theatre where they won an award. This supported over twenty local young residents in constructive recreation and confidence building.

vii) Merseyside Dementia-Friendly Radio

In spring 2024, Trustees extended an invitation to the Trustees of Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio to establish a DAB Radio Studio in STEC under the auspices of STEC Social Space. Having effectively been without accommodation, this offer of free space has enabled this innovative initiative to support listeners mainly amongst the dementia community and their families. However with an array of respected local radio personalities such as Roger Phillips, Roger Hill and Charles Lambert, the audience is far likely to be more extensive.

viii) Manwell CIO

page 14

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

This male mental health charity has been welcomed to hold its meetings and utilise STEC as its registered office. Whilst the practical nature of its activities are largely outdoors and not delivered at STEC, nonetheless STEC Trustees have been happy to provide the foundation of a stable base for a range of valued wellbeing outcomes across Liverpool City Region.

ix) THRED CIC

This is a dementia support organisation which used STEC to host fortnightly Friday afternoon socials. Two principles dictate the work of THRED a) it is entirely led by people living with dementia and b) the activities are designed to prove that living with dementia can be fulfilling, intellectually stimulating and eventful. Besides meeting at STEC every two weeks, highlights of the year 2023-24 included an appearance on BBC Breakfast News, a feature on Japanese TV, a study conducted by Exeter University and receiving support from Speke Commie CIO to write and perform a new Christmas Song in 2023 proving that dementia sufferers can be creative not simply nostalgic.

x) Pitr Budr Albanian Heritage School

In spring 2024, two Garston residents established an Albanian Heritage School for British children of Albanian Heritage. The Saturday afternoon cultural and language activities have proven so successful that the Albanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland has visited twice – accompanied by The Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp.

___ C.1.2 Relationship and Impact between Advancement of Learning and Relief of Poverty ___

Section C2 describes in detail how STEC's main activities can reduce poverty. There are certain themes, activities and outcomes which will make a direct difference as follows - these transcend all three STEC Learning Themes

page 15

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ C.1.3 Community-Supporting Tenants at STEC ___

The following tenants (following a standard business model) provided community services which have made impacts upon improving the quality of the lives of local residents and challenging various manifestations of poverty:

___ C.1.4 Community Services Offered from STEC ___

This service focuses upon employability and removal of barriers to progression.

Councillor Surgeries resumed for the first Friday each month (Councillor Mary Rasmussen) of Speke Ward.

page 16

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

These strands of support in terms of advice and guidance are as important as the other projects because (as with learning) they offer longer-term routes out of poverty rather than the immediate alleviation offered by foodbanks and Swap Shop.

___ C2 The Advancement of Learning ___

During 2023-24, STEC delivered courses determined by the charity's three strategic themes of:

The Trustees of STEC formally record their gratitude for the support and encouragement of the following contracting bodies for their understanding of these evolving challenges as contractors attempted to fulfil works under these new realities.

___ C.2.1 Liverpool Adult Learning Service - Community Learning Programmes ___

The STEC Community Learning offer 2023-24 comprised two spatial projects which delivered STEC's three themes (Employability, Digital Inclusion and Health & Wellbeing). The two projects were:

The total target was thus 440 new adult learners.

page 17

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

In 2023-24 these two projects embraced the historic community networks which had supported successful engagement and delivery in previous years. Engagement can be a challenge especially in the two most deprived wards of the South Liverpool suburbs so Partnerships were critical to the STEC model of delivery for engagement and widening participation within these two wards. Quality, Credibility, Reputation and Community Trust with such partners and with learners were of equal importance.

STEC Trustees extend enduring camaraderie and gratitude to the following partners who made successful community learning a reality through their support for STEC and active delivery of partnership activities during the academic year 2023-24:

- Speke Garston Ward Partnerships

STEC's main partner in Speke Garston has been South Liverpool Homes and The Reach in Parklands Library. Collaboration involved i) Monthly Skills Passports for Speke Garston residents ii) Thursday Digital Surgeries for SLH tenants

Five Children And Families Trust; Garston Children's Centre; St Aidans and All Saints The Place To Be; Noah's Ark, Speke; We Are With You (formerly Addaction); Garston Jobcentre; Stockton Wood CP Primary School and latterly Speke Parents Group; St Ambrose RC Primary School; Middlefield Primary School; Speke Adventure Playground; Gemini Boxing Club; Employability Solutions, Garston; Speke House (Launchpad Veterans Accommodation & Support) ; Abbey Care Domiciliary Services, Speke; Ranelagh House; Garston Air Unlimited, Speke and Otterspool Adventures

- Belle Vale Ward Partnerships

Netherley Youth & Community Initiative; Belle Vale Forum; SCCYP / St Cyril's Club; Belle Vale Children's Centre; Woodlands Community Centre; Dolan Court, Belle Vale Community Fire Station

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and School; Happy House Day Nursery; Gateacre Comprehensive School; ACE; Manwell; St Mark's Parish.

St Gregory's RC Primary School; Belle Vale Jobcentre; Lee Valley Millennium Centre; Valley Hub; Lee Valley Pensioners; Joseph Williams Mews (Riverside Housing Association); Garden Lodge Care Home; Company Matters 4 U.

- Thematic Partnerships

Tom Harrison House (Veterans);

Transforming Choice (Recovery);

page 18

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Homebaked CIC;

Kitty's Laundry;

Sahir House;

Pagoda Arts Centre.

___ C.2.2 Community Learning Intent, Implementation and Impact ___

The awarded contract required engagement and recruitment of 270 adult learners for Speke Garston and 170 for Belle Vale which totals 440 learners. The ward residential minimum threshold was 70%. Contracts were awarded on September 1st 2023 This was earlier than in the previous years and within three weeks, OfSTED conducted a full inspection - followed a week later by Matrix assessment.

___ C.2.2.1 OFSTED Inspection ___

The full inspection in September 2023 focussed upon Liverpool Adult Learning Service but with significant scrutiny of sub-contractors thus involving STEC. The Lead Inspector spent time at STEC and STEC staff and learners were interviewed. The service was graded as follows:

Overall Effectiveness - Good

Quality of education - Good

Behaviour and Attitudes - Outstanding

Personal Development - Outstanding

Leadership and Management - Good

Adult Learning Programmes - Good

A letter from Head of Adult Learning, Elaine McCausland stated:

Hi Mark and all at STEC,

It was great to see you last week and to have a catch up with you and the really good work that you and the team do out in South Liverpool and surrounding areas / wards. During our recent Ofsted Inspection, I heard some amazing feedback from the inspection team, at the evening feedback meetings, about how your work really does help to change people's lives; truly transformational. I don't need the inspection outcome to tell me that though... our quality visits and learners tell us all the time that you are making a real difference. Adult and community learning is an enabler... and capacity builds beyond the classroom. We know that many of your learners go on to work in and around our local neighbourhoods, giving back..adult learning is an amazing service in the heart of the community. Please pass on my thanks to all the team, who work every day to help make a difference. I look forward to continuing to work with you over the coming year and working together.

page 19

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Best wishes, Elaine.

___ C.2.2.2 Matrix Accreditation ___

One week after Ofsted, STEC was awarded the 2023 Matrix Award for information, advice & guidance (iag) with extremely complimentary and positive comments:

The difference the IAG makes to recipients and the overall impact Recipients of IAG benefit from a range of outcomes including identifying appropriate courses, improving employability prospects, completing courses, entering employment, setting further development goals and developing social contacts and activities. Case studies are often produced and published to highlight the achievements and progress of learners. Some of these outcomes (notably engagement in courses, completion of courses and passing qualifications) are robustly reported upon as part of funding providers' requirements. IAG makes a positive impact upon organisational performance of funded contracts. The effectiveness of IAG is considered in the organisation's evaluation of attendance, enrolment levels, learner retention and pass rates and numbers of learners entering employment or engaging in further learning. Targets are set by commissioners and STEC monitors and reports on performance against targets either monthly or quarterly depending on funder requirements. For example, in the year to date, the target of completing 440 learners in community learning by October was almost met by July, with 95% of the target satisfied. In the academic year 2022- 23, pass rates of 100% were recorded in First Aid courses, and ranged from 95% to 99% for Nutrition, Food Safety and Health and Safety courses. In 2021-22 Include-IT delivery, 37 of 181 learners progressed into jobsearch or employment (one below target), 16 previously unemployed learners progressed into employment and 41 learners progressed into education”

The report continued:

What is working particularly well:

A number of strengths / areas that are working particularly well were identified during the assessment, which are detailed below.

page 20

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ C.2.2.3 Curriculum Distribution ___

Skills Passports 34.4%

Driving Theory 12.8%

ESOL 08.7%

Skills for Care 00.9%

Employability Sub-Total 56.8%

Love Lash Lift 16.6% Build Your Confidence (Woodwork) 10.7%

Glass Engraving 04.6%

Pyrography 04.1%

Wonderful Me (Mindfulness) 03.4%

Wellbeing Sub-Total 39.4%

page 21

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Thematically, STEC's Learning Theme of Digital Skills had been delivered on a complementary basis through the ESF / National Lottery Building Better Opportunities Programme. (see 5.1 below). This was funded by UKSPF from April 2023.

STEC's participation in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Economies for Healthier Lives Programme The Health Foundation had initiated greater analysis and tracking of learner choices as a social barometer of priorities in the lives of local residents. The interesting phenomenon post-Covid was the significant augmentation in learning opportunities under STEC's Wellbeing intent whether this be conditioned by a desire for inner strength and resilience (as per Mindfulness) or by a desire for diversionary education Love, Lash, Lift; Pyrography; Glass Engraving, Creative Writing and Women's Woodwork.

- 2021-22:

Employability 78%; Wellbeing 22%; Digital 0% (all covered by Include-IT Mersey)

Employability 52%; Wellbeing 45%; Digital 03%

It is worth noting that during this year, Wellbeing actually overtook Employability as option of choice before this balanced back to the status quo for STEC.

- 2023-24:

Employability; 56.8%; Wellbeing 39.4%; Digital 03.8%

In terms of Impact, the following outcomes were achieved:

Employment (Full-time / Part-Time / Job Transition and Self-Employed) 38.04%

Volunteering in local charities 26.65%

Progression to Other Courses 35.51% Some learners may have more than one progression such as a job with learning or volunteering with learning. In the main, learning progressions were arranged with Liverpool Adult Learning Service and Workers Educational Association (WEA) .

Most of the programmes were non-accredited with awarding body data not applicable but the main exceptions were Skills Passport comprising accredited short courses with Royal Society for Public Health with the success rate ranging from 98.1% - 100%. Top Green Status was also afforded to STEC by British Computer Society (BCS) with 100% attainment for EDSQ and Quality Assurance standards praised.

page 22

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ C.2.2.4 Equality Outcomes ___

i) Engagement of BAME Learners

Target 15%; Achieved 23%

ii) Engagement of learners with Disabilities

Target 25%; Achieved 48%

iii) Engagement of Male learners (under represented in Liverpool)

Target 30% and achieved 26% still an area to improve but 2% improvement from 2023

___ C.2.5 United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund Include -IT Mersey ___

- C.2.5.1 Intent

This Digital Inclusion programme was funded by United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund through Liverpool City Region Combined Authority sub-contracted to Voluntary Organisations Learning Association (VOLA). It succeeded the Include-IT Mersey Programme funded through ESF and National Lottery which delivered Digital Inclusion between 2017 and 2023. In terms of Intent, the shift to the auspices of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority allowed a refocus upon the purity of promotion of Digital Inclusion and whilst skills and economic outcomes were still reflected, a broader interpretation of eligibility opened the door for third age learners and indeed anybody aged 16+ to enrol (much more so than under Building Better Opportunities). This reflected more closely Mayor Rotheram's commitment to Digital Inclusion in his manifesto statement that - No-one should be left behind.

Whilst the contract involved a two year delivery until March 25, during this reporting period between August 23 and July 24, the Include-IT Mersey Project proceeded at an outstanding pace in terms of engagement and outcomes so that against the two year target of 47 eligible learners, STEC had achieved 45 learners by the end of year one (constituting 96%).

Another feature of this project was that with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's wider geographical footprint, there was a requirement to engage Knowsley learners in addition to Liverpool learners. This was in itself more challenging because STEC traditional territory focuses on South Liverpool.

- C.2.5.2 Implementation

Two staff delivered in a range of locations - STEC, Lee Valley Millenium Centre, Woodlands Community Centre and Dolan Court.

page 23

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The delivery and implementation of Include IT-Mersey under UKSPF built upon the proven successful model for digital learning applied within Building Better Opportunities. Based upon STEC's South Liverpool Digital Inclusion Strategy - We are where you are - it comprised the following elements: i) 72 hours intensive guided learning and practice ii) Learn My Way plus enrichment (based upon personal priorities) iii) Digital Jobsearch iv) Access to progression to EDSQ where appropriate v) Drop-in Sessions for reinforcement and to practise application of digital skills vi) Designation of outreach locations in the community vii) Delivery in outreach locations – nontraditional learning venues such as community halls and tenant centres viii) Leverage of digital equipment into such community venues ix) Development of staff and volunteers in venues to become informal digital champions x) Linkage of new venues to City Region and National Digital Networks for their sustainability.

- C.2.5.3 Impact

Measurement of impact must be set in the context of time apportionment against a two year programme. However given that the benefit of project completion in March 2025 produced results exceeding 140% of targets, these were the results in July 2024:

Starts 96% of overall targeting and 46% in excess of time apportioned targeting (July 2024)

Successful completions 78% of overall target and 38% above target to July 2024

Progressions 74% of overall and 24% of target to July 2024

___ C2.6 The Progress Partnership (TPP) ___

This new programme aimed at connecting economically inactive residents of Liverpool City Region to the labour market as measured by participation in education, jobseeking or moving into employment. This was funded through UKSPF and was sub-contracted by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to Voluntary Organisations Learning Association (VOLA). This South Liverpool arm of the project was a collaborative between STEC and South Liverpool Youth Hub (managed by Employability Solutions Ltd) . STEC's contribution to the project was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer acting as a Key Worker. The role required a diverse range of activities including:

The project required a dynamic and innovative approach to challenging the barriers to progression faced by people who are economically active because of:

- Health Problems

- Mental Health Conditions

page 24

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The STEC response has provided the following solutions:

page 25

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Although the project only delivered in the final 33% of the reporting period August 2023 - July 2024, engagement targets were exceeded by 17.5% with STEC delivering 50% of engagements and outcomes.

An independent evaluation is scheduled to report imminently and as the project has been renewed by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, this will feature in the next Director's report.

___ C3 STEC Social Enterprise ___

STEC Tenants (not STEC Social Space):

page 26

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ C3.2 STEC also hired conference and training rooms to the following organisations ___

___ C3.3 Payroll Services for Charities and Community Groups ___

Payroll administration support was provided to the following organisations:

C 4 COMMUNITY SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

___ C4.1 STEC Social Space___

Based on the concept that within STEC's Social Enterprise Model, tenants should contribute to shared site costs, the STEC Social Space, provides free accommodation and capacity-building for organisations and projects which STEC's Trustees deem worthy of such support because of their community contribution and social impact. This has expanded from its inaugural designation for Liverpool Talking Newspaper and now numbers ten organisations and projects as follows:

___ C.4.1 Social space Full Time Office / Studio Donation ___

page 27

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Total in-kind value £10,752

___ C.4.2 Social Space Donated Weekly Sessional Support ___

Total in-Kind value £9,140

Social Space in-kind value £19,892

During the period August 2023 - July 2024 STEC actively supported partner organisations in community regeneration work. On one level, this involved working at Board Level or Advisory Committee thus providing strategic support and in other contexts working collaboratively on an operational basis.

This support has taken place both in respect of charitable organisations such as Five Children and Families Trust, Voluntary Organisations Learning Association (VOLA) and Netherley Youth & Community Initiative. On other levels, STEC worked with South Liverpool Homes to bring community and other organisations together to implement the South Liverpool Homes Reach facility in Parklands Library.

STEC maintained a very special relationship with Workers Educational Association (WEA) supporting the work of the North West Regional Committee as it evolved to the Liverpool City Region Local Advisory Panel.

STEC worked closely with Liverpool In Work, Ways To Work, Households Into Work Programmes, National Careers Service and SWAGGA health network

Partnerships are valued by STEC as being of primary importance in positioning the STEC resource as a central community facility and promoting a range of outcomes for local people whilst supporting the sustainability of the local third sector within which STEC continued to play an important role. Reciprocally however, given the challenge of engagement targets, the local partnerships provide a mechanism for reaching new learners via community conduits.

page 28

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

STEC has also provided training initiatives for the local voluntary sector focussing upon:

___ C5 Investing in Thematic Zoning ___

Trustees during 2023-24 agreed to build upon the reclamation of the rear of Unit House which had been purposeless for over six years and transformed into a Memorial Garden within a Wellbeing Zone on-site. During the year, this was enhanced by the conversion of depot space to become a well-being hub and yoga studio again under the theme of Wellbeing on-site. Finally dialogue with Sir Terry Leahy provided endorsement for designation of a suite of six offices on the Ground foloor of Unit House as the Sir Terry Leahy Business Suite.

- C.5.1 Frances Hunt Speke Community Memorial Garden

This community resource was opened in October 2023 by Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP and the Worshipful Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mary Rasmussen. Funded in the previous year by the Community Landfill Trust and Veolia Environmental Trust plus STEC direct support and some private donations, the opening event was attended by Andrew Brown of Veolia Environmental Trust and 150 local residents and representatives of 27 charitable / community organisations based in Speke who had supported the community during the forty years of STEC's charitable service (1983 – 2023). It is appropriate that the Complementing local war memorials and faith-based gardens of remembrance, this celebration of Speke's rich history of charitable endeavour is unique in its concept and a fitting tribute to STEC's former Chair, Frances Hunt whose life's work symbolised all that is positive about the community and the people of Speke.

- C.5.2 Rise Up CIC

In April 2023, STEC was informed by Liverpool Street Scene Ltd that budgetary constraints meant that the depot space in the Unit House Annex could not be retained. This area had a long and purposeful history but always as a workshop / depot (Steering Wheels Project, South Liverpool Homes Community Caretakers, Enterprise Depot and Liverpool Street Scene Depot. Trustees therefore opened broad consultations on possible new uses. Trustees decided to endorse a proposal from three on-site tenants as Rise Up to advance the theme of wellbeing at STEC.

page 29

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

Investment in this area upgraded the depot to accommodate three holistics studios for massage / acupuncture / Reiki, a kitchen, toilet and a large yoga studio. This was opened by former World Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion, John Conteh on January 24th 2024 and is now delivering a diverse range of services on-site some in partnership with Speke Community Centre.

- C.5.3 Sir Terry Leahy Business Suite

Dialogue was established in autumn 2023 to celebrate Sir Terry's success having started life in the Belle Vale area of Liverpool. He agreed to this request and STEC upgraded six offices to become a mini-business centre for more established small businesses. The upgraded rooms were named in honour of local residents who had excelled in their art in the way Sir Terry Leahy has:

PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES

___ D1 Alignment of Principal Funding Sources of STEC to the Charitable Objects ___

During the period 2023 - 2024, STEC entered into, or delivered contracts with a number of organisations whose objects were demonstrably congruous with STEC's Mission. Income earned from these contracts was expended as per the Charity's Objects and the Mission Statement. These contracts are detailed below and are connected to the aspect of the Charity's activities as set out in the Mission Statement and Section B above on Objectives and Activities:

- D1.1 Liverpool City Council Adult Learning Service

This programme provides STEC with the means to engage a diverse cohort of local citizens and enables STEC to promote its three themes of learning - Employability, Digital Inclusion and Well-being. In short, this is the major source for STEC to achieve its charitable goal of advancing learning.

page 30

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The Community Learning Programme reflects the City of Liverpool priorities which focus upon employment and employability within the strategic Liverpool City Plan. Well-being of residents features too and Digital Inclusion is a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Priority. Through this funded activity, STEC can advance education and relieve poverty.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

D5 Financial Position of STEC: August 2023 - July 2024

In the year ended 31 July 2024, total incoming resources available for charitable application were £315,421 (2023 £384,411). Total outgoing resources were £371,220 (2023 £386,742).

The charity had net expenditure of £14,771 (2023 £2,827) on the unrestricted fund. The movement on the restricted fund was net expenditure of £41,028 (2023 net surplus £496).

The reserves at 31 July 2024 are £549,139 (2023 £563,910) unrestricted and £835,461 (2023 £876,489) restricted.

FUTURE PLANS

___ E1 Into the fifth Decade of Charitable Service ____

The initial part of the year 2023-24 was dedicated to the celebration of STEC's 40th Anniversary of founding. A full fifteen months of events marked this celebration:

page 31

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ E2 Grant Assistance ____

STEC has tended traditionally to aim for contract delivery and social enterprise trading in order to achieve sustainment. Trustees decided that more charitable support should be achieved especially to contribute to the range of activities which STEC delivers without any assistance. A strategic partnership with Merseyside Play Action Council is currently finalising applications to major grant makers to strategically move STEC to within the funded community.

___ E3 Business Links ___

STEC has been a key player under the auspices of Chair Stuart St Vincent Fitzgerald in the establishment of the South Liverpool Business Conversation from spring 2024. This brings together business interests across South Liverpool to collaborate for shared goals within a growing economy. This provides STEC with business links in the hope that such collaboratives may facilitate diversification of future income streams. The major organisations involved are Liverpool Hope University and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. However STEC has itself made a major contribution in organising Business Breakfasts and taking the lead on a South Liverpool Business Celebration with Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Our hope is to formalise this newer aspect of STEC activity to attract income for the benefit of all participating organisations.

page 32

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

___ E4 STEC's Neighbourhood Role ___

STEC has quickly established excellent relationships with the new Liverpool City Council Neighbourhood Team. STEC works closely in Area Ten, Belle Vale, Much Woolton & Hunts Cross and Area Twelve Speke and Garston. Besides the South Liverpool Business Conversation activities delivered with the City Council Business Team, STEC has hosted numerous Neighbourhood Team meetings and Good Help Training which established the 19-24 Conversation - a coalition of the third sector.

In 1995, STEC's Board of Trustees sent a clear message to the Speke Garston Partnership architects of regeneration in the area which invited them to utilise STEC as a vehicle for delivery of their programmes to improve the quality of life in Speke Garston. Thirty years later STEC again remains willing and able to serve the Liverpool City Council Neighbourhood Teams to respond effectively to the needs of the communities we serve.

SHARE CAPITAL

The company is limited by guarantee and as such does not have a share capital.

FIXED ASSETS

Details of the movements in fixed assets are shown in the notes to the accounts.

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS

No political or charitable donations were made during this year.

TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS

The names of the trustees/directors who held office during the year are shown on page 2. No remuneration was paid to any director for their services as a director.

In accordance with the memorandum and articles of association the following directors retire by rotation and being eligible offer themselves for re-election:

RESERVES POLICY

page 33

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The Board plan for activities to make a positive contribution to overheads. The Board aims to establish and maintain its level of reserves in order to guard against contingencies, provide for future maintenance and replacement of assets and resources and to establish a selfsustaining organisation able to manage through any change in training programmes. It was agreed that with transitions in the contractual environment, working capital would be required from these reserves and the Charity has designated £65,000 for development and transitions in short term business plans. The current level of unrestricted funds of £549,139 comprises £65,000 designated funds,£110,972 general free reserves (funds not tied up in fixed assets or designated funds) and £373,167 general unrestricted funds tied up in fixed assets. The level of Free reserves is reviewed and evaluated annually, to ensure its currency and relevance to the needs of the Charity. The free reserves are required for financial stability during future capital development and future capital development will involve investment from reserves.

DAY TO DAY RISK ASSESSMENT

The Board confirm that the day-to-day controls are designed to mitigate the identified risks faced by the charity

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLITIES

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors / trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors 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 charity and of the net incoming or outgoing resources of the charity for that period.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:-

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

page 34

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

CONTRACTS

There were no contracts of significance in which a director/trustee is or was materially interested either during or at the end of the financial year

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

A resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to re-appoint Julie Guinan of Harvey Guinan LLP as Independent Examiner for the ensuing year.

The report was prepared in accordance with the special provisions within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 23/04/2025

S St. V. Fitzgerald Trustee

page 35

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SPEKE TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTRE LIMITED

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31/07/2024 .

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the charity's trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT

The company's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

page 36

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

................................................... Date: 23/04/2025 fobs fran

Independent Examiner Julie Guinan FCCA

Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH 0151 709 7797

page 37

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31/07/2024

Income
Income from generated funds
Income from Investments
Income from charitable activities
Total Income and endowments
Expenses
Costs of generating funds
Expenditure on Charitable activities
Total Expenses
Net gains on investments
Net Income
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assests
Net movement in funds:
Net income for the year
Total funds brought forward
Net funds carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
£
12
271,428
271,440
286,211
286,211
(14,771)
(14,771)
563,910
549,139
Restricted
funds
£
-
43,981
43,981
85,009
85,009
(41,028)
(41,028)
876,489
835,461
2024
Total
£
12
315,409
315,421
371,220
371,220
(55,799)
(55,799)
1,440,399
1,384,600
2023
Total
£
11
384,400
384,411
386,742
386,742
(2,331)
(2,331)
1,442,730
1,440,399

This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities

page 38

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

BALANCE SHEET AT 31/07/2024 BALANCE SHEET AT 31/07/2024
2024 2023
Notes £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 4 1,208,233 1,238,698
Investments 5 395 299
1,208,628 1,238,997
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors (amounts falling due within one year) 6 40,161 45,469
Cash at bank and in hand 212,084 269,236
252,245 314,705
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 7 76,273 113,303
NET CURRENT ASSETS 175,972 201,402
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,384,600 1,440,399
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Unrestricted funds 9
General fund 484,139 498,910
Designated funds 65,000 65,000
Restricted funds 10 835,461 876,489
1,384,600 1,440,399

For the year ending 31/07/2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Approved by the board of trustees on 23/04/2025 and signed on their

behalf by ............................. ae S St. V. Fitzgerald Trustee

page 39

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1a. Basis Of Accounting

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

1b. Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Income from donations and grants including capital grants is included in incoming resources when these are receivable except as follows: When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods. When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the preconditions for use have been met. When donors specify that donations and grants including capital grants are for particular restricted purposes which do not amount to preconditions regarding entitlement this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable.

Voluntary income includes discretionary grants for projects, goods and services where no service agreement or contract exists. Income from donated services and facilities is included in incoming resources 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 when there is no financial cost borne by a third party. Interest is included when receivable by the charity.

1c. Resources Expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable expenditure: Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs: These represent costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the independent examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

page 40

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

1d. Allocation And Apportionment Of Costs

All costs relate to the single activity of the charitable company and are recognised accordingly.

1e. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Designated funds-these are unrestricted funds of the charity which have been set aside to fund a particular purpose of the Charity. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for the specific future purposes or projects.

1f. Depreciation

Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets over their estimated useful lives.

Land And Buildings straight line 2% Fixtures and Fittings reducing balance 15% Equipment reducing balance 15-25%

1g. Pension Costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension charge represents the amounts payable by the company to the fund in respect of the year.

1h. Turnover

Turnover represents the invoiced value of goods and services supplied by the company, net of value added tax and trade discounts.

1i. Government Grants

Government grants are recognised in profit and loss in the year in which they are received.

1j. Investments

Fixed asset investments are shown at cost less amounts written off. Provisions are made for permanent fluctuations in value.

page 41

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

1k. Leasing Commitments

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Assets acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Assets acquired under hire purchase contracts are depreciated over their useful lives. Finance leases are those where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership are assumed by the company. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to the profit and loss account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period.

Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to profit and loss account on a straight line basis.

1l. Preparation Of The Accounts On AGoing Concern Basis

At the time of preparing accounts the trustees have reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The trustees therefore continue to operate the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of accounts. The Trustees confirm that they have considered a period of more than 12 months from the date when the accounts are signed in assessing the going concern and business plans indicate sufficient resources are available to continue trading.

1m. Policy For Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discount due.

1n. Policy For Cash At Bank And In Hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1o. Policy For Creditors And Provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement value amount after allowing for any discount due.

1p. Policy For Financial Instruments

The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

page 42

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

2. DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES

Particulars of employees (including directors) are shown below:

Employee costs during the year amounted to:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
2024
£
167,766
7,006
7,614
182,386
2023
£
151,537
7,375
6,692
165,604

No trustee had any material interest in any contract during the year. No trustee is paid for their services as a trustee.

3. PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS

3. PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS
Pension contributions 2024
£
7,614
7,614
2023
£
6,692
6,692

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £7,614 (2023: £6,692). The amount owing to the pension company at 31 July 2024 was £nil (2023: £nil).

page 43

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 01/08/2023
Additions
At 31/07/2024
Depreciation
At 01/08/2023
For the year
At 31/07/2024
Net Book Amounts
At 31/07/2024
At 31/07/2023
Land
And
Buildings
£
1,561,199
2,008
1,563,207
429,649
43,910
473,559
1,089,648
1,131,550
Fixtures
and
Fittings
£
35,700
17,305
53,005
-
7,950
7,950
45,055
35,700
Equipment
£
395,942
20,255
416,197
324,494
18,173
342,667
73,530
71,448
Total
£
1,992,841
39,568
2,032,409
754,143
70,033
824,176
1,208,233
1,238,698

Included in land and buildings is the building known as Unit House which has been occupied by the charity and has been subject to conversion and improvement as shown in these accounts. All properties are subject to restrictive covenants imposed by the original donor. All assets are used for charitable purposes. The charity had a lease for the term of 999 years from 31 March 2003 for the land and buildings including Unit House and Booth House (now disposed of) from Speke- Garston Developments Limited. The freehold for the land was originally held by North West Development Agency, then the assets transferred to the Homes and Communities Agency and subsequently to Liverpool City Council. The trustees in 2016 have disposed of Booth House and as part of the disposal agreement Liverpool City Council awarded STEC the freehold of Unit House on 30 October 2015 replacing the 999 year lease instigated in 2003.

page 44

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

5. FINANCIAL ASSETS

Cost
At 01/08/2023
Revaluation
At 31/07/2024
Amortisation
Net Book Amounts
At 31/07/2024
At 31/07/2023
6. DEBTORS
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Shares in
group
companies
and
participating
interests
£
2
-
2
2
2
Listed
Investments
£
297
96
393
393
297
2024
£
33,050
7,111
40,161
Total
£
299
96
395
395
299
2023
£
33,944
11,525
45,469
Total
£
299
96
395
395
299
2023
£
33,944
11,525
45,469
45,469

page 45

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
2024
£
5,178
901
70,194
76,273
2023
£
50,715
2,109
60,479
113,303

There is a standard mortgage debenture held in the name of the Charity incorporating a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Charity dated 21.3.96 by the Co-operative Bank.

8. LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Each member gives a guarantee to contribute a sum not exceeding £1, to the company should it be wound up. At 31/07/2024 there were 8 members.

9. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

General fund
Designated Development Fund
Brought
forward
£
498,910
65,000
563,910
Incoming
resources
£
271,440
-
271,440
Outgoing
resources
£
(286,211)
-
(286,211)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
Carried
forward
£
484,139
65,000
549,139

Designated Development Fund

For Development and transitions in the short term business plans and including contingent liabilities.

page 46

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

10. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Restricted Fixed Asset Fund
UK SPF - TPP
Merseytravel
Restricted Fixtures and Fittings Grant
Veolia Memorial Garden Fund
UK SPF - VOLA
Brought
forward
£
836,722
-
-
5,000
33,250
1,517
876,489
Incoming
resources
£
-
13,448
3,500
-
1,750
25,283
43,981
Outgoing
resources
£
(33,639)
(13,448)
(3,500)
(2,333)
(6,806)
(25,283)
(85,009)
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Carried
forward
£
803,083
-
-
2,667
28,194
1,517
835,461

Restricted Fixed Asset Fund

The incoming capital resources this year are from the Liverpool City Regional Combined Authority Special Investment Fund Liverpool South Work and Wellbeing

UK SPF - TPP

Funding for connecting with economically inactive residents.

Merseytravel

Funds for the EHL resident engagement and messaging campaign

Restricted Fixtures and Fittings Grant

Veteran Grant for Capital funds for flooring

Veolia Memorial Garden Fund

Funds for the Creation of a Memorial Garden at STEC

UK SPF - VOLA

Funds for the delivery of Training

11. TAXATION STATUS

The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. Recovery is made if appropriate of tax deducted from income and from receipts under Gift Aid. The charity is not registered for Value Added Tax.

page 47

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

12. GENERAL INFORMATION

Speke Training & Education Centre Limited, a charitable company limited by guarantee, is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales, and has its registered office and principal place of business at Unit House, Speke Boulevard, Liverpool, L24 9HZ. The accounts are stated in sterling, the functional currency of the charity.

The principal activity of the charity is the provision of education, training and regeneration.

13. NET ASSETS BY FUND

Tangible
Fixed Net
Assets Current Total
and Assets
Investment
Restricted funds 835,461 - 835,461
Unrestricted Funds 373,167 175,972 549,139
__ __ __
1,208,628 175,972 1,384,600
__ __ __

14. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

The remuneration of key management personnel was £42,847 (salary, employers NIC and Pension). There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. The average monthly number of employees was

2024 2023
Chief Executive 1 1
Curriculum and Departmentl Managers 2 2
Tutorial Staff/Project Co-ordinators/Assistants 2 2
Administration/Site Services 3 3
______ ______
8 8
______ ______

page 48

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

15. RESOURCES EXPENDED

Cost of operating the Training and Education Centre
Salaries and Staff Costs
Beneficiary and Volunteer Costs
Adult and Community Learning Costs
Other Costs - Administration; Premises; Depreciation and Maintenance
Accounting
Governance Costs
Independent Examination Fee and other direct cost
2024
182,386
1,406
54,239
126,868
3,441
_
368,340
_

2,880
371,220
2023
165,604
6,238
62,337
144,210
2,784
_
381,173
_

5,569
386,742

page 49

Speke Training and Education Centre Limited

16. INCOMING RESOURCES

Restricted
BBO Income Joint Initiative ESF & Lottery Grants
Kickstart, ILM (2020) and Training Equipment Grants
UK SPF - VOLA
Veolia Memorial Garden Fund
UK SPF - TPP
Merseytravel
Unrestricted
Training Sales and Services
Adult and Community Learning
Tenancy Sales and Services
Small Grants and Donations
WEA for training
Dividends
2024
-
-
25,283
1,750
13,448
3,500
_
43,981
_

5,538
156,780
108,110
1,000
-
12
_
271,440
_

315,421
2023
43,044
7,556
14,033
33,250
-
-
_
97,883
_

12,331
158,400
100,659
10,971
4,156
11
_
286,528
_

384,411

page 50