Onwards & Upwards
Our mission is to free ex-offenders from the cycle of reoffending by creating jobs that change lives for good. We are creating a suite of companies in which to employ ex-offenders, bringing employment rates up & re-offending rates down. By creating best-in-class products and services and shining a light on our staff, we will also help shift business attitudes towards employing ex-offenders.
Activities & Mission
Our mission is to free ex-offenders from the cycle of reoffending by creating jobs that change lives for good. We are creating a suite of companies in which to employ ex-offenders, bringing employment rates up & re-offending rates down. By creating best-in-class products and services and shining a light on our staff, we will also help shift business attitudes towards employing ex-offenders.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 5% of UK Crime and Justice charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 109). How is this calculated?
Higher than 6% of UK Crime and Justice charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 3% of UK Crime and Justice charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £1,212,487 | £1,066,622 | £674,515 | £400,900 | £260,151 | 17 / 32 |
| 2024 | £623,582 | £418,464 | £343,543 | £271,775 | £62,338 | 3 / 12 |
| 2023 | £251,794 | £237,340 | 0 / 3 | |||
| 2022 | £139,050 | £86,847 | 0 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Onwards & Upwards
What does Onwards & Upwards do?
Our mission is to free ex-offenders from the cycle of reoffending by creating jobs that change lives for good. We are creating a suite of companies in which to employ ex-offenders, bringing employment rates up & re-offending rates down. By creating best-in-class products and services and shining a light on our staff, we will also help shift business attitudes towards employing ex-offenders.
How much income did Onwards & Upwards report in 2025?
Onwards & Upwards reported total income of £1.21m and reported expenditure of £1.07m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Onwards & Upwards?
Onwards & Upwards has a program ratio of 55.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 5% of UK Crime and Justice charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 109 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Onwards & Upwards registered as a charity?
Onwards & Upwards was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 13 May 2021 as charity number 1194457. It has been registered for 5 years.
Who runs Onwards & Upwards?
Onwards & Upwards is governed by a board of 5 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Onwards & Upwards operate?
Onwards & Upwards operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Onwards & Upwards a registered charity?
Yes — Onwards & Upwards is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1194457.
Details
The Lewisham Centre
Lewisham
London
SE13 6JP
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated