Registered number: 1702793 Charity number: 516400
Speke Training and Education Centre Limited Independently Examined Accounts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
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 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES
D Hunt Rev E Cain J. Cummings (appointed 25 April 2025) 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, TSB Bank
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER - Julie Guinan FCCA
Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Report of the Trustees | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Statement | 33 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 35 |
| Balance Sheet | 36 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 37 to 47 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 48 |
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31/07/2025
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:
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The local communities served by STEC - primarily the Speke, Garston and Belle Vale wards within South Liverpool - with focus upon evolving demographics
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The Area, its Regeneration and Community Sustainability
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Training and Education
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The Community, Voluntary & Faith Sector
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Social Enterprise
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TRUSTEES' REPORT
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Welfare to Work
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Anti-Poverty Initiatives
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Local Economy
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Small Business Support
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:
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Enter into contracts with National or Local Government Departments / Agencies (e.g. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council), Colleges of Further Education, Local Regeneration Partnerships and other facilitative bodies.
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Apply to Trusts and other charitable grant-making bodies for support in delivering programmes of community learning and employability.
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Appoint qualified and competent staff in order to deliver programmes effectively and with quality as determined by the company's policy and practice in employment.
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Deliver a robust programme of continuing professional development in order that employees of the Charity may remain current and skilled whilst pursuing the furtherance of the Charity's objects and at the same time benefit as employees and citizens from the work of the Charity.
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Support the local communities in which the Charity practices through community development and facilitation services, education and employment interventions and environmental improvement projects.
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Promote the wider community, voluntary and faith sector through networking and partnership.
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Contribute to local business growth through the provision of workforce development programmes, managed office space, conference/meeting facilities, ICT support services, business administration, payroll services and employment linkage to assist recruitment.
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Promote the ideals and aspirations of sustainable and inclusive social and economic regeneration.
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TRUSTEES' REPORT
- Approve, publish, and review policies which comply with legislative and quality requirements and recommendations.
STEC has striven to realise the above charitable aspirations during the financial year August 2024 to July 2025 by delivering:
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Community Engagement and Support Projects
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Learning & Skills Programmes
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Business Support Services.
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. Within the Community Hub STEC has established the Social Space offering free accommodation to community groups and charities which are valued for their important social contribution and are worthy of STEC's free accommodation. During 2024-2025 The Social Space comprised Orchard Food bank, Liverpool Talking Newspaper, The Original Swap Shop, Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio, Attitude Performing Arts Group, Speke Community Centre CIO, Manwell and Piotr Budh Albanian Heritage School. Two other groups THRED CIC and the Speke Harris Club concluded activities during the year. The STEC Social Space protects and nurtures these initiatives which would otherwise struggle to serve their respective communities / beneficiary cohorts.
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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.
BUSINESS PLANNING AND RISK ASSESSMENT
___ A4 Risk Assessment ___
The Trustees felt that risk to the charity in 2024-25 had evolved to be very different from the risks faced in the previous five years which included the management of major site upgrades (the SIF investment, Frances Hunt Speke Community Memorial Garden) alongside the unprecedented challenges steering the charity through the Covid pandemic and aftermath years. With the post-Covid renewal and normalisation of society comes a reversion to more standard risks. These are in three main categories based upon the success of maintaining a staff team cohesively for four decades resulting in an ageing workforce (average age is 50) and a building which despite enjoying significant investment can still require major structural improvements to ensure activities are accessible to all, operate under health & safety guidelines and ensure safeguarding of users of the building. The other major risk is based around funding transition as certain established funding streams conclude and the new Government launches promised programmes. Trustees take seriously their responsibilities to regularly risk assess the charity's situation.
Ofsted Inspection had taken place in 2023 together with Matrix Accreditation which was renewed in 2024 and again 2025.
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 2024-25.
In addition, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, there was no Trustee Remuneration during the period covered by this report.
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TRUSTEES' 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 2024-2025 in order to fulfill the charitable purpose. 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 and anti-social behaviour. It is true that improvements are manifest statistically where Speke is moving away from the position of highest deprivation, however East Speke has been selected as requiring Pride of Place investment. Throughout these decades, Trustees remain steadfast that STEC should fulfil 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.
___ 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.
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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.
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In 2024/5, Speke remained the third most populous Liverpool electoral ward with 14,340 residents, just ahead of Belle Vale (13,653) but behind Norris Green and Kensington & Fairfield. However geographically, Belle Vale, Speke and Garston are more peripheral than Norris Green or Kensington & Fairfield so distance from certain democratic and support structures and services together with concentrated indices of deprivation impacted larger actual numbers of residents.
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The impact of Covid has been evident in life expectancy although slight reductions were experienced from a zenith of 77.42 years in 2018 to 77.32 in 2019 and then 74.81 in 2020. Speke ward now shows 75.6 years, contrasting with life expectancy in a more affluent ward such as Church, where the life expectancy was 84.86 years in 2020.
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The percentage of children in poverty exceeds the Liverpool average and is above twice the national average.
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Multiple Deprivation is diminishing in respect of IMD Tables and Speke ward which on more than one occasion held the dubious position of comprising the most deprived areas in England and Wales, is now tenth most deprived ward in Liverpool.
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Speke now has the fifth highest Universal Credit claimant count of sixty-four new wards in Liverpool. There is a long history of unemployment exceeding city and national levels and the unemployment rate is approximately 3% above the Liverpool rate whilst youth unemployment at the same time was nearly three times the city and national levels. Universal Credit can create a statistical ambiguity between unemployment and employment as it provides a mechanism for flexible working patterns. However of the Universal Credit cohort in Speke Garston, 37.79% were in employment which sits between the Liverpool rate of 35.32% and the national rate of 39.25%. This can be viewed positively although Universal Credit per se is evidence that either through patterns of instability or wage levels, the progression from households out of poverty is likely to be slow and tortuous. Underpinning this, the workforce analysis, illustrates a low proportion (13.3%) of residents employed in professional occupations / managers (in fact the second lowest in Liverpool) whilst reciprocally there is a higher than average representation of elementary occupations (31.5%) the highest in Liverpool for this indicator. This undermines continuity or stability of employment, frequency of agency casual contracts, inter-generational poverty of aspiration and actual poverty.
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Speke and Garston were however reunited within the Liverpool City Council devolution structures to 13 neighbourhoods and during 2024-5 Area Twelve comprised both wards under a Neighbourhood Manager and Team. Belle Vale together with Much Woolton and Hunts Cross was Area Ten
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In business terms, Area Twelve commands the third highest representation of business in Liverpool and if Area Ten is included, this rises to second highest representation of businesses in Liverpool.
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Census 2021 illustrated a changing national and city-wide demographic with 23% of the city identifying as other than White English / British. In Speke Garston there has been a trend towards increasing ethnic diversity so that 14.9% in the Census identify as non-White English / British from 9.1% in 2011 (10.1% in Belle Vale from 6.5% in 2011). In linguistic terms, the city-wide cohort of residents whose first language is not English is just under 10,000 with a quarter of these not being able to speak English well or very well. If this was applied to the new Speke ward, it indicates a potential ESOL requirement of around 500 people. However, the need for ESOL in Speke Garston was itself dramatically impacted by the arrival of two hundred Afghan Refugees housed in a local hotel following the massevacuation from Kabul in August 2021 and this has constituted a local need for STEC's Trustees and Management to respond to quickly between 2021 and 2023 when the closure of the bridging hotel resulted in the wider dispersal of the families.
Most recently, Speke was selected for both Cradle to Career Success investment and East Speke was designated a Trailblazer Pride of Place estate.
All in all, it is clear that deprivation has been protracted but it is also clear that the Speke and Garston communities are resilient, the population is growing and that whilst more endeavours are required for STEC to support, there are countless reasons for pride.
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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:
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To advance education and relieve need (poverty) amongst young and other unemployed persons resident in the defined area, through the provision of training facilities, the promotion of employment opportunities and the development of vocational skills.
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To support any related charitable purpose directed to the benefit of people affected by unemployment, the advancement of learning, relief of poverty and the improvement of the environment.
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To assist, through training education and promotion of employment opportunities, the development of beneficiaries as positive members of their communities and good citizens.
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To contribute through training, empowerment and provision of resources to the regeneration of Merseyside in general and Speke Garston in particular.
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. However this itself supports the Social Space as outlined in Section 1.
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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:
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Raising Employability and Compliance
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Promoting Digital Inclusion
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Improving Well-being
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.
C IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT
Section C Implementation and Impact 2024-25
___ C1 Relief of Poverty ___
Trustees recognise that poverty has many manifestations not only defined as relative/absolute poverty. While 2024-25 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. To a great extent, being trusted by community members as a go to place for advice, guidance, signposting or very practical help such as food or clothing provides testimony to the efficacy of STEC in this respect.
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___ C1.1 STEC's Social Space ___
During 2024-25 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 for the receipt of donations including baby items such as cots, cribs, Moses baskets, toys, 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 2024-25 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
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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 2024-25, this 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.
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viii) Manwell CIO
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.
viiii) 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.
___ 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
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Employment Outcomes
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Qualifications
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Recruitment initiatives (Skills Passports)
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Linkage to Volunteering opportunities
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Progression to higher level courses
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Digital Skills
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Improved Confidence
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Better Employability
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Improved Language (ESOL), maths and English
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Improved attitude to learning and work
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Better capacity for family support
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- Being more active within the community
___ C.1.3 Community-Supporting Tenants at STEC ___
The following not for profit tenants adhering to a standard tenancy relationship with STEC provided community services which have made impacts upon improving the quality of the lives of local residents and challenging various manifestations of poverty:
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Children Heard And Seen provided support to families impacted by parental imprisonment
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Franchising Works provided free advice, guidance and training on self-employment to local residents
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Rise up Wellbeing Hub CIC provided wellbeing services
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Amanda's Day Service / Home from Home CIC offered social care and recreational activities for older adults. They relocated to Halewood in September 2024.
___ C.1.4 Community Services Offered from STEC ___
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SWAGGA (16 GP Practices) Social Prescribing Teams
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Liverpool In Work / Ways To Work (Three times each week)
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.
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 2024-25, STEC delivered courses determined by the charity's three strategic themes of:
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Increasing Employment
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Promoting Digital Skills
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Improving Wellbeing
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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.
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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
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Liverpool City Council Adult Learning Service
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National Lottery Community Fund / European Social Fund (until 31-03-24)
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VOLA / Sefton CVS for United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF)
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Workers Educational Association
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The Good Things Foundation
___ C.2.1 Liverpool Adult Learning Service - Community Learning Programmes ___
The STEC Community Learning offer 2024-25 comprised two spatial projects which delivered STEC's three themes (Employability, Digital Inclusion and Health & Wellbeing). The two projects were:
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Community Learning for Speke and Garston (Target and Achieved 270 learners)
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Community Learning for Belle Vale (Target and Achieved 170 learners)
The total target was thus 440 new adult learners.
- Partnership
In 2024-25 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 2024-25:
- Speke and Garston Ward Partnerships
STEC's main partners in Speke and Garston are South Liverpool Homes (The Reach) in Parklands Library. We also partner:
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
Liverpool City Council Neighbourhood Team Area 12; Five Children And Families Trust, Garston Children's Centre, St Aidans and All Saints The Place to Be, St Ambrose RC Parish, We are With You (Formerly Addaction) which became CGL River in April 2025, Garston Jobcentre, St Ambrose RC Primary School, Middlefield Primary School, St Christopher's RC Primary School, Stockton Wood County Primary School, Speke Adventure Playground, Gemini Boxing Club, Employability Solutions, Speke House (Launchpad Veterans Accommodation and Support) Abbey Care Domiciliary Services, Speke ARCH, Speke Hall (National Trust).
- Belle Vale Ward Partnerships
Liverpool City Council Neighbourhood Team Area Ten, Netherley Youth and 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, Lee Valley Millennium Centre, Belle Vale Jobcentre, Standguide, St Gregory's RC Primary School, OLA Primary School, Norman Pannell Primary School, Belle Vale Primary School, Lee Valley Pensioners, Riverside Housing, St Stephens and St Mark's Parish Community, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Happy House Day Nursery; Gateacre Comprehensive School, ACE.
- Thematic Partnerships
Tom Harrison House (Veterans)
Transforming Choice (Recovery)
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 2024.
___ C.2.2.1 OFSTED Inspection ___
The last 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:
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
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.
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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
-
All learners interviewed reported feeling safe while undertaking their programmes. For some, this was in stark contrast to their feelings about society generally before joining a STEC programme; they had become disenfranchised with the national and local support infrastructure. This is particularly pertinent given the high proportion of vulnerable adults that engage with the service. Management recognises that feeling safe is an important enabler for service recipients
-
An overt culture of wellbeing was evident. Learners and partner organisations felt that STEC were proactively promoting and achieving a sense of wellbeing. Many learners described how the support provided by STEC had improved their mindset and self-esteem and given them motivation to improve lifestyle and aspirations for work and learning. Staff also feel positively encouraged and supported to develop their mental well-being and resilience. Leaders (Trustees), Managers and Staff all proactively foster positive wellbeing in all their dealings with recipients, partner organisations and each other
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The impartiality and confidentiality of IAG support and staff integrity are recognised discreetly by recipients. Because recipients see for themselves that staff act diligently and in the interests of recipients, they tend to come forward and ask for support
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Partnership relationships are strong and collaboration is widespread. STEC are constantly monitoring the local support landscape to identify and engage with organisations that share their interest in community support. Funding agencies value the reach the organisation has into local communities and service recipients benefit from extensive and reliable signposting and referrals
-
STEC demonstrates an altruistic attention to individual recipient needs, staff are diligent, attentive and patient in identifying needs not only at the beginning but throughout as needs evolve
___ C.2.2.3 Curriculum Distribution 2024-25___
Course Title Number % % Shift from 23-24
- Course Intent: Employability
Skills Passports 187, 42%, +9
ESOL 59, 14%, +5
Driving Theory 51, 12%, -1
- Course Intent: Digital
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025 TRUSTEES' REPORT
Essential Digital Skills 39, 9%, +9
- Course Intent: Wellbeing
Build Your Confidence (Woodwork) 27, 6%, -5
Love Lash Lift 22, 5%, -12
Glass Engraving 18, 4%, -1
Skin Within 11 Viva Spanish 11, 3%, +3
Mindfulness 10, 2%, +2
___ C.2.2.4 Economies for Healthier Lives___
STEC's participation in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Economies for Healthier Lives Programme had resulted in a number of practical interventions:
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Zoning the site with wellbeing areas such as the Frances Hunt Speke Community Memorial Garden and Rise Up Wellbeing Hub
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Introducing new curricular and cross-curricular options such as Nutrition for Health and new Wellbeing Options
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Developing and monitoring the Learning Barometer measuring the thematic priorities to learners
This barometer of Learner preference traces the primacy of Wellbeing alongside Employability.
Employability 56% in 2024 vs 68% in 2025
Digital UK SPF 9% in 2025
Wellbeing 44% in 2024 vs 23% in 2025
The significance of this tracking especially post-COVID is that in 2023, Wellbeing themed Programmes surpassed Employability themed Programmes. This has now returned to more traditional thematic choices in learning perhaps as the labour market has become more challenging for jobseekers.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
In terms of Impact, the following outcomes were achieved:
Progression
Employment (Full-time / Part-Time / Job Transition and Self-Employed): Target 15%, Actual 25%
Volunteering in local charities: Target 15%, Actual 20%
Education: Target 30%, Actual 55%
Progression to Other Courses
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) .
___ C.2.2.4 Equality Outcomes ___
i) Engagement of BAME Learners
Target 19%; Achieved 26.4%
ii) Engagement of learners with Disabilities
Target 30%; Achieved 41.3%
iii) Engagement of Male learners (under represented in Liverpool)
Target 30% and achieved 29.5% increased by 3.5% from 2024
___ 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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
Whilst the UKSPF Programme was originally earmarked to deliver Include-IT Mersey until March 25, the incoming Labour Government extended this to March 2026 (although this will then conclude the programme). The STEC contract has excelled on all levels in terms of engagement and quality of delivery. The targets were exceeded (149%)
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. However classes were delivered in Huyton Library with provision then transferring to Kirkby post-year end.
- C.2.5.2 Implementation
Delivery took place in STEC, Lee Valley Millennium Centre, Woodlands Community Centre in Netherley, Dolan Court in Belle Vale and Belle Vale Community Fire Station. This project was delivered by two staff specialising in ICT and digital inclusion.
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) 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 – non-traditional 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
It was regarded as a great bonus that Include-IT Mersey was extended beyond March 31st 2025 and it has allowed the project the continuity of delivery to reach 149% of profiled targets The impact recorded in the original evaluation of 2023 has been maintained and indeed expanded into new areas.
___ C2.6 The Progress Partnership (TPP) ___
This 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:
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The project required a dynamic and innovative approach to challenging the barriers to progression faced by people who are economically inactive because of:
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Health Problems
-
Mental Health Conditions
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Incapacity for independent travel
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Living outside of the welfare and tax system
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Homelessness
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Substance or Alcohol Addiction
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Offending Patterns /history of imprisonment
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No work history because of historic family / caring duties (returners to the labour market)
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Skill deficiencies in independent living (basic cookery skills)
The STEC response has provided the following solutions:
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Information, Advice & Guidance
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Mentoring
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Travel buddying
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Interview support
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Sourcing education courses (basic cookery, ESOL, Computer Courses)
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Making the links between applicants and colleges
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Making the links with other support services (National Careers Service, Liverpool In Work, SWAGGA Social Prescription)
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Ensuring safety and safeguarding of participants (working with Whitechapel / Housing Options, referral to South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Project)
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Accessing state benefits correctly
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
-
Accessing specialist health advice and services
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Providing access to diversionary activities to promote physical and mental wellbeing (e.g,. Manwell football and winter cricket sessions with Liverpool Cricket Club)
-
Involving local councillors and MP where necessary
This was the first full year of delivery 2024-2025 and the project exceeded all its targets which were included in an independent evaluation conducted by Matt Ball. Two case studies were featured including Dawid and Nara. As an example of the breadth of TPP's activities we can share Dawid's story from the Evaluation Report. He had become economically inactive through a serious health condition. He was also technically homeless and sofa surfing with relatives. TPP helped him with i) benefits ii) housing applications iii) linkage to free private sector advice on his health which was offered within their CSR commitment iv) Computer Courses and v) Employability Courses. It will be some time before health allows him to resume work but he is undertaking education and volunteering and pronounced; STEC has been such a blessing.
___ C3 STEC Social Enterprise ___
STEC Tenants (not STEC Social Space):
-
Amanda's Day Service - Social Care - CIC (relocated September 2024)
-
CK Equine - Equestrian Equipment - Micro
-
Franchising Work - Enterprise Support - Not for Profit Organisation
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IPC - Pest Control - SME
-
Rise Up CIC
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Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP - Politics - Public Sector
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Maestro Music Academy - Music School - SME
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Nails by Christine - Nails Studio - Micro
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QED- Renewable Energy - SME concluded July 2025
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Strategic Ridge Micro-business
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Thermal Mapping & Validation - Pharmaceuticals - Micro
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025 TRUSTEES' REPORT
- Children Heard And Seen - Charity
___ C3.2 STEC also hired conference and training rooms to the following organisations ___
-
Liverpool City Council Area 12
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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cradle to Career
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Workers' Educational Association (WEA)
___ C3.3 Payroll Services for Charities and Community Groups ___
Payroll administration support was provided to the following organisations:
-
The Minibus Agency
-
ARCH
-
Speke Children's Environment Committee (Speke Adventure Playground)
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 ___
-
Liverpool Talking Newspaper
-
The Orchard Foodbank
-
The Original Swap Shop
-
Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio
Total in-kind value £10,752
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
___ C.4.2 Social Space Donated Weekly Sessional Support ___
-
Speke Community Centre - The Commy CIO (registered office)
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Manwell CIO (registered office)
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The Harris Club for the Disabled (Friday evening socials until July 2025)
-
Attitude Performing Arts (Wednesday evening writing and rehearsals)
-
THRED CIC - Dementia support group (up until December 2024)
-
Piotr Budr - Albanian Heritage School (Saturday afternoons)
Total in-Kind value £9,140
Social Space in-kind value £19,892
- Community Partnerships
During the period August 2024 - July 2025 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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
STEC has also provided training initiatives for the local voluntary sector focussing upon:
-
Free Compliance Training in Health & Safety, First Aid, Food Safety for community groups
-
Fire Safety Assessment and Training
-
Bi-Annual Prevent Duty Workshops in partnership with Liverpool City Council Prevent Education Team
-
Support for local refugees (Syrian groups, Kurdish, Afghan and Hong Kong families)
___ C5 Investing in Thematic Zoning ___
Trustees during 2024-25 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.
PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES
___ D1 Alignment of Principal Funding Sources of STEC to the Charitable Objects ___
During the period 2024 - 2025, 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:
- D2 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.
The Community (Tailored) 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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
- D3 Sefton Council for Voluntary Service - STEC actively supports the Voluntary Organisations Learning Association (VOLA) and has participated in the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund for two separate projects namely Include -IT Mersey and The Progress Partnership.
Include-IT Mersey is opening opportunities for older learners who are digitally excluded and may face a multiplicity of barriers to progression. Effectively STEC is the (outer) South Liverpool delivery partner for SCVS in this project which aligns very closely with STEC's objectives of relieving digital poverty through education.
The Progress Partnership (TPP) funded engagement and support of economically inactive Liverpool City Region residents. For decades, STEC has undertaken such engagement because charitably, it is the right thing to do in the community. The Progress Partnership recognises and supports these endeavours.
- D4 All funded activities including social enterprise income generated from premises, were aligned to the charitable goals of Speke Training & Education Centre.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
D5 Financial Position of STEC: August 2024 - July 2025
In the year ended 31 July 2025, total incoming resources available for charitable application were £388,681 (£315,421 in 2024 ). Total outgoing resources were £427,733 (£371,220 in 2024).
The charity had net income of £284 (£14,771 expenditure in 2024) on the unrestricted fund. The movement on the restricted fund was net expenditure of £39,338 (£41,028 in 2024).
The reserves at 31 July 2025 are £549,423 (£549,139 in 2024) unrestricted and £796,123 (£835,461 in 2024) restricted.
FUTURE PLANS
___ E1 Into the fifth Decade of Charitable Service ____
The future plans for the direction of the strategy are set out as follows:
-
Continue to deliver successful Tailored Learning Contracts
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Manage a stable but ultimately positive transition from UKSPF funding post March 2026
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Increase the income from charitable grant makers such as National Lottery and Garfield Weston Foundations
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
-
Establish new funding streams e.g. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Refugee Support Migration Partners
-
Further consolidate links with South Liverpool business
-
Maximise on-site income streams through buildings occupancy and cross-sectoral partnerships (as epitomised by Viktvs)
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:
-
Carie Lee
-
Rev Gareth Morgan
-
Lynn Lock
RESERVES POLICY
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 £549,423 comprises £65,000 designated funds, £125,837 general free reserves (funds not tied up in fixed assets or designated funds) and £358,586 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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
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:-
-
Select suitable accounting policies, and then apply them consistently;
-
Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
-
Observe the methods and principles of the charities SORP
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.
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
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
TRUSTEES' REPORT
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 17/12/2025
S St V Fitzgerald (Chair) Trustee
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
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 31/07/2025 .
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
-
the accounts do not accord with such records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
................................................... Date: 17/12/2025
Harvey Guinan LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 17 Mersey House Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road Liverpool Merseyside L19 2PH 0151 709 7797
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31/07/2025
| 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 £ 21 302,035 302,056 301,772 301,772 284 284 549,139 549,423 |
Restricted funds £ - 86,625 86,625 125,963 125,963 (39,338) (39,338) 835,461 796,123 |
2025 Total £ 21 388,660 388,681 427,735 427,735 (39,054) (39,054) 1,384,600 1,345,546 |
2024 Total £ 12 315,409 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 315,421 | ||||
| 371,220 | ||||
| 371,220 | ||||
| (55,799) | ||||
| (55,799) 1,440,399 |
||||
| 1,384,600 |
This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
| BALANCE SHEET AT 31/07/2025 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 4 Investments 5 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors (amounts falling due within one year) 6 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 7 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CAPITAL AND RESERVES Unrestricted funds 9 General fund Designated funds Restricted funds 10 |
83,350 224,598 307,948 115,594 |
2025 £ 1,152,677 515 1,153,192 192,354 1,345,546 484,423 65,000 796,123 1,345,546 |
40,161 212,084 252,245 76,273 |
2024 £ 1,208,233 395 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,208,628 175,972 |
||||
| 1,384,600 | ||||
| 484,139 65,000 835,461 |
||||
| 1,384,600 |
For the year ending 31/07/2025 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 17/12/2025 and signed on their behalf by
............................. S St V Fitzgerald (Chair) Trustee
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31/07/2025
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 |
2025 £ 177,773 9,162 8,063 194,998 |
2024 £ 167,766 7,006 7,614 |
|---|---|---|
| 182,386 |
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
Pension contributions
| 2025 £ 8,063 8,063 |
2024 £ 7,614 |
|---|---|
| 7,614 |
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 £8,063 (£7,614 in 2024). The amount owing to the pension company at 31 July 2025 was £nil (2024: £nil).
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 01/08/2024 Additions At 31/07/2025 Depreciation At 01/08/2024 For the year At 31/07/2025 Net Book Amounts At 31/07/2025 At 31/07/2024 |
Land And Buildings £ 1,563,207 2,974 1,566,181 473,559 43,929 517,488 1,048,693 1,089,648 |
Fixtures and Fittings £ 53,005 - 53,005 7,950 7,951 15,901 37,104 45,055 |
Equipment £ 416,197 9,559 425,756 342,667 16,209 358,876 66,880 73,530 |
Total £ 2,032,409 12,533 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,044,942 | ||||
| 824,176 68,089 |
||||
| 892,265 | ||||
| 1,152,677 | ||||
| 1,208,233 |
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.
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Speke Training and Education Centre Limited
5. FINANCIAL ASSETS
| Cost At 01/08/2024 Revaluation At 31/07/2025 Amortisation Net Book Amounts At 31/07/2025 At 31/07/2024 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 £ 393 120 513 513 393 2025 £ 6,846 76,504 83,350 |
Total £ 395 120 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 515 | ||||
| 515 | ||||
| 395 | ||||
| 2024 £ 33,050 7,111 |
||||
| 40,161 |
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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 |
2025 £ 8,966 2,662 103,966 115,594 |
2024 £ 5,178 901 70,194 |
| 76,273 |
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 31/07/2025 there were 8 members.
9. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
| General fund Designated Development Fund |
Brought forward £ 484,139 65,000 549,139 |
Incoming resources £ 302,056 - 302,056 |
Outgoing resources £ (301,772) - (301,772) |
Transfers £ - - - |
Carried forward £ 484,423 65,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 549,423 |
Designated Development Fund
For Development and transitions in the short term business plans and including contingent liabilities.
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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 £ 803,083 - - 2,667 28,194 1,517 835,461 |
Incoming resources £ - 54,197 2,000 - - 30,428 86,625 |
Outgoing resources £ (33,588) (54,197) (2,000) (500) (5,250) (30,428) (125,963) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - - |
Carried forward £ 769,495 - - 2,167 22,944 1,517 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 796,123 |
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.
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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 | 796,123 | - | 796,123 |
| Unrestricted Funds | 357,069 | 192,354 | 549,423 |
| __ | __ | __ | |
| 1,153,192 | 192,354 | 1,345,546 | |
| __ | __ | __ |
14. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
The remuneration of key management personnel was £44,969 (salary, employers NIC and Pension). There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. The average monthly number of employees was
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive | 1 | 1 |
| Curriculum and Departmentl Managers | 2 | 2 |
| Tutorial Staff/Project Co-ordinators/Assistants | 2 | 2 |
| Administration/Site Services | 4 | 3 |
| ______ | ______ | |
| 9 | 8 | |
| ______ | ______ |
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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 |
2025 194,998 1,009 70,196 157,316 1,414 _ 424,933 _ 2,880 427,733 |
2024 182,386 1,406 54,239 126,868 3,441 _ 368,340 _ 2,880 371,220 |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
2025 - - 30,428 - 54,197 2,000 _ 86,625 _ 6,055 156,600 132,682 6,698 - 21 _ 302,056 _ 388,681 |
2024 - - 25,283 1,750 13,448 3,500 _ 43,981 _ 5,538 156,780 108,110 1,000 - 12 _ 271,440 _ 315,421 |
|---|---|---|
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