Agenda item

The Committee was informed that the year-end report had been presented to the Finance, Resource, Risk and Audit Committee (FRRAC) and the APTL Board at their respective meetings in July. Members noted that the Audit Partner had also presented the audit findings report at those meetings.

It was reported that feedback from the discussions was reflected within the FRRAC Chair's verbal update, including the recommendation that the respective Letters of Representation be signed by the Chairs of the APTL Board and Trustee Board following consideration of the Financial Statements.

The APTL Chair’s report will be provided as a verbal update due to the proximity of the meetings, under the exempt section of this meeting.

Members noted that the Trust had strengthened its strategic partnerships during the year, including the appointment of the BBC Concert Orchestra as Alexandra Palace’s first Associate Orchestra and the establishment of Haringey Music Service’s permanent base at the Palace. The Committee also noted strengthened relationships with Matchroom Sports and the Professional Darts Corporation, including securing the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace until at least 2031.

The Committee heard that partnerships with a range of cultural, heritage and educational organisations continued to support programme delivery, skills development and heritage initiatives across the estate.

Members noted that the Creative Learning programme had expanded significantly, supported by multi-year funding from the Matchroom Sports Charitable Foundation. Participation in learning programmes increased to approximately 13,500 people, with activities including the Biblio-Buzz Children’s Book Award, outdoor learning programmes, environmental education projects, support for older residents through Café Palais, and creative opportunities for young people.

The Committee noted the continued success of youth development initiatives, including the Young Creatives Programme and Young Actors Company, which supported pathways into the creative industries and enabled the development of new performances, exhibitions and industry opportunities.

Members recognised the significant contribution of volunteers across the Park and Palace. It was reported that approximately 87 volunteers contributed over 4,400 hours during the year, supporting heritage, education, fundraising, gardening, events, tours and community engagement activities.

The Committee expressed appreciation for the continued support of donors, trusts and foundations, whose contributions had supported restoration projects, learning programmes, archive cataloguing and community initiatives. Members noted the introduction of new supporter and patron giving schemes and the completion of a new ten-year Strategic Plan to guide the organisation’s future development and financial sustainability.

Members heard that progress continued in delivering the People Strategy, with ongoing investment in staff development, wellbeing and organisational culture. Achievements included the launch of the organisation’s first apprenticeship programme, increased mandatory training completion rates and updates to employment policies.

The Committee noted continued progress in preserving and promoting the Trust’s archives and heritage collections through external funding, archive cataloguing projects, academic partnerships and public heritage programmes, including talks, tours and research opportunities.

Members further noted that the Park and Palace had hosted a substantial programme of events during the year, attracting significant visitor numbers across concerts, theatre productions, sport, exhibitions and community events. Highlights included major music performances, the World Darts Championship, the Fireworks and Drones Festival, Kaleidoscope Festival, theatre productions and BBC broadcasts.

The Committee heard that the Ice Rink, food and beverage outlets and visitor attractions had continued to perform strongly, while new income-generating opportunities had been introduced through the refurbishment of the Boathouse Café and the creation of premium hospitality facilities.

Members also noted that Alexandra Palace had received external recognition for excellence in accessibility, customer experience and event delivery, including achieving Platinum status from Attitude Is Everything and receiving a number of industry awards and nominations.

The Committee noted the governance arrangements of the Trust, including the role of Haringey Council as Corporate Trustee, the responsibilities of the Trustee Board and APTL Board, and the ongoing programme of trustee induction, training and governance oversight.

RESOLVED:

1.    Approved the Draft Annual Report and Financial Statements

2.    In case of any further minor amendments, delegated powers for a final approval and signing off the Annual Report and Financial Statements to the Chief Executive and Chairs of the Trustee and APTL Boards.

3.    Delegated powers for the Chair of the Trustees to sign the Letters of Representation