With the adverse effects of the pandemic on the next generation now clear, we have dedicated 2022 to consolidating, strengthening and adapting our City Year UK programme to deliver the support that children and young adults need to succeed in a post-COVID world.
Operating across 24 schools in three regions, our ongoing investment in data systems, alongside programme development, has been vital. Measurement and evaluation tools enable us to track and refine our interventions on a daily basis so that our City Year Mentors are best placed to coach pupils to overcome wide-ranging barriers to education and in turn, we can ensure our mentors are career-ready by the end of their City Year.
That continuous cycle of improvement has only been possible thanks to the ongoing commitment of our school partners and donors. We grew our income to £3,103,857, up from £2,768,608 for the financial year ended 2021 and although school funding and fundraising remains challenging, we built new school partnerships, particularly in Greater Manchester and diversified our donor base. We were also delighted that 2022 saw the return of our first Gala Dinner for five years, engaging over 120 supporters in the importance of our work, and their contribution to it.
Given the current economic climate we have carefully sought best value for money with all expenditure and adopted a hybrid home working model for office based staff to keep office costs down, while also ensuring that our staff are supported. In addition, half of our staff were able to undertake additional work-based learning or apprenticeships, with support from Credit Suisse’s apprenticeship levy.
Net incoming resources for the year ended 31 July 2022 were £33,445, resulting in unrestricted funds of £427,292 and restricted funds of nil.
Looking ahead to 2023, we will continue to pursue our unique, integrated approach to help pupils furthest from opportunity and diverse young adults achieve their potential. We will aid social and emotional learning, as well as curriculum catch up in schools, and ensure that our City Year Mentors leave with the ‘stand out’ skills and experience that will equip them for any career.
