THE ENGLISH SANGHA TRUST LIMITED
The main object is the furthering the teaching of the Buddha in the UK. The Charity's main activity is the development, maintenance and upkeep of two Theravada Buddhist monasteries in the UK. These provide focal points for members of the public to learn or deepen their understanding of Buddhism. Typical activities include meditation classes and retreats, public talks and formal ceremonies.
Latest income
£2.2m
Latest spending
£1.6m
Registered
1965
Accounts read
FY2025
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net income of £494,956 for the year ended 31 March 2025, driven by significant legacy income and donations. The trustees confirm that unrestricted general funds stood at £1,379,602, which is above the stated policy target of approximately £1,326,000, and they have a reasonable expectation of continuing in operational existence.
What the accounts disclose
Fundraising cost ratio: 0.0% of fundraised income, as disclosed
“The Charity incurs no fundraising costs.” — page 9
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Reserves policy: sufficient to cover any budget deficit in the coming year, plus the equivalent of the greater of (i) approximately six months' typical expenditure or (ii) two years' core essential costs (held: £1.4m)
“The Trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed to tangible fixed assets should be sufficient to cover any budget deficit in the coming year, plus the equivalent of the greater of (i) approximately six months' typical expenditure or (ii) two years' core essential costs, assuming that it is reduced but not nil income.” — page 8
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Payments to trustees: Trustee Juan Serrano received discretionary payments of £4,784. Trustee Caroline Leinster received fees of £19,060 from subsidiary Amaravati Developments Limited.
“There are no related party transactions during the year (2024: nil) except for discretionary payments made to Juan Serrano (Trustee until 7 December 2024) totalling £4,784 (2024: £4,556). Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).” — page 37
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Trustee Juan Serrano received discretionary payments.
“There are no related party transactions during the year (2024: nil) except for discretionary payments made to Juan Serrano (Trustee until 7 December 2024) totalling £4,784 (2024: £4,556). Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).” — page 37
“Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Trustee Caroline Leinster received fees from subsidiary Amaravati Developments Limited.
“There are no related party transactions during the year (2024: nil) except for discretionary payments made to Juan Serrano (Trustee until 7 December 2024) totalling £4,784 (2024: £4,556). Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).” — page 37
“Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Charity purchased construction services from subsidiary Amaravati Developments Limited.
“There are no related party transactions during the year (2024: nil) except for discretionary payments made to Juan Serrano (Trustee until 7 December 2024) totalling £4,784 (2024: £4,556). Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).” — page 37
“Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Charity received Gift Aid donation from subsidiary Amaravati Developments Limited.
“There are no related party transactions during the year (2024: nil) except for discretionary payments made to Juan Serrano (Trustee until 7 December 2024) totalling £4,784 (2024: £4,556). Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).” — page 37
“Caroline Leinster (Trustee) received fees received from Amaravati Developments Limited, the charity's subsidiary company, totalling £19,060 (2024: £18,540).”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Year-over-year changes
- Reserves position vs the charity's own policy moved from "below" (FY2024) to "above" (FY2025).
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Total income
£2.1m
Total spending
£1.6m
Reserves (reported)
£1.4m
Employees
4
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (28/11/2018)
Trustees
- JOHN PETERS STEVENSchair
- Brigitte Burnett
- CAROLINE LEINSTER
- KAZUKO KAWAMURA
- Kathleen Lazenbatt
- NICHOLAS CARROLL
- SHARRON SUM-CHEE CHAN
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £2.2m | £1.6m |
| 31/03/2024 | £3.0m | £1.2m |
| 31/03/2023 | £1.7m | £1.1m |
| 31/03/2022 | £1.7m | £1.0m |
| 31/03/2021 | £11.9m | £804k |
Common questions
Is THE ENGLISH SANGHA TRUST LIMITED financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net income of £494,956 for the year ended 31 March 2025, driven by significant legacy income and donations. The trustees confirm that unrestricted general funds stood at £1,379,602, which is above the stated policy target of approximately £1,326,000, and they have a reasonable expectation of continuing in operational existence. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by HaysMac LLP.
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- WAT SRI INTRA ATULA
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Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE ENGLISH SANGHA TRUST LIMITED | £2.2m | — | 0 | above | 0.0% | no doubt |
| THERAVADA MONASTIC TRUST | £2.0m | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| SATIPANYA BUDDHIST TRUST | £123k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE BUDDHIST SOCIETY TRUST | £257k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| WAT SRI INTRA ATULA | £122k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| Tu An Temple UK | £126k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |