General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust
Analysis
General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in Loughborough. It was registered in April 1971, 55 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training and economic/community development/employment, which this site groups under community and economic development. It says it makes grants to individuals, provides advocacy/advice/information and sponsors or undertakes research.
In the financial year ending December 2025, General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust reported income of £491k and spending of £751k, spending 153% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income fell from £1.7m to £491k (-71%), an average of -27% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income dropped by 84%. Over the whole period it spent 109% of the income it received.
Among 1,869 England and Wales charities whose main cause is community and economic development and that reported income, General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust sits at the 85th percentile: it is larger than about 84% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 90th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Old Boat Corner Community Association Limited (£485k), Young People First (Midlands) (£493k) and The Berin Centre (£478k).
Data notes from the register: Spending has exceeded income in each of the last three reported years, so the charity has been drawing on reserves or other funds.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Other 100%
In the charity's own words
The principle object of the Trust is to provide educational courses and seminars for the individual members of the trade unions who are affiliated to the General Federation of Trade Unions, and undertake research work for the affiliated trade unions. It also produces publications and carries out project work in support of these activities and for the wider benefit of the community.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Old Boat Corner Community Association Limited | East Sussex | £485k |
| Young People First (Midlands) | Leamington Spa | £493k |
| The Berin Centre | Wallingford | £478k |
| Centre for Thriving Places | Bristol | £494k |