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2023-03-31-accounts

Registered number: 02580579 Charity number: 1002424

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE)

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 9
Independent examiner's report 10
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12 - 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 30

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustees L G Montgomery, Chair
W Thompson, Vice Chair
Dr E M Fleming
Dr J Menakaya
J Rouse (appointed 18 April 2023)
J Westlake, Treasurer (appointed 1 August 2023)
Z Warren (appointed 1 August 2023)
A Wileman (appointed 1 August 2023)
K L Tomlin (resigned 1 November 2022)
C Lindsay (resigned 1 August 2023)
Company registered
number
02580579
Charity registered
number
1002424
Registered office
36 Old School House
Britannia Road
Kingswood
Bristol
BS15 8DB
Patrons
Dr Penny Dobson MBE
President
Dr Anne Wright, Lead Consultant, Children's Bladder Service, Evelina Hospital,
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Accountants
Bishop Fleming LLP
Chartered Accountants
10 Temple Back
Bristol
BS1 6FL
Bankers
National Westminster Bank Plc
40 Queens Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1RF
Triodos Bank
Deanery Road
Bristol
BS1 5AS
Chief Executive Officer
J Rayner

Page 1

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act) present their annual report together with the financial statements of ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) (the company) for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the company qualifies as small under section 383, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director's Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.

POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES

ERIC is the only charity in the UK and internationally, dedicated to children and young people’s bladder and bowel conditions. There are more than 900,000 young people in the UK affected by a bowel or bladder problem, that’s at least 2 children in each school classroom across the UK. Sadly, many children suffer in silence for many years before their families find the right help. It is ERIC’s mission to get everyone talking openly about good bladder and bowel health; to empower children and carers with support, information and resources; to contribute to research and policy development and to deliver the best education and advice to all those working with families.

This activity is in support of achieving ERIC’s charitable objects, amended by agreement with the Charity Commission in July 2020 which are for:

ERIC’s vision is for all children and young people to live a healthy and happy life regardless of any bladder or bowel issue.

ERIC’s mission is to get everyone talking openly about good bladder and bowel health; to empower children and carers with support, information and resources; to contribute to research and policy development and to deliver the best education and advice to all those working with families.

This is important as when a child has difficulty controlling their bowel or bladder, it can leave families isolated and unable to talk. Bowel and bladder problems such as bedwetting, constipation, soiling or wetting is embarrassing and can ruin a child or teenager’s life, affecting their education, friendships, confidence & self-esteem.

The ERIC Team

Over the past year staff and volunteer numbers have grown which is largely due to the National Lottery awarding a three-year grant to support the development of ERIC’s services for families.

As at 31 March 2023, there were a total of 18 staff (1 full-time and 17 part-time) making 13 FTE’s. The team was supported by a growing and dedicated band of regular volunteers, standing at 10 people contributing approximately 100 hours per month. Clinical guidance and support is provided by ERIC’s Paediatric Advisory Committee.

Page 2

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

ERIC Family Services

Demand for ERIC’s services has continued to rise over the past year. This is primarily due to the ongoing impact of COVID on children’s delayed development and struggling to become school ready. Challenges within the NHS including the short supply of health visitors and school nurses, barriers for families in accessing GP appointments and general disarray across many children’s community bladder & bowel services has added to the pressure on our services.

To bring about a step change in ERIC’s services, we applied to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund and in June 2022, we were awarded £371,870 over three years to:

Our approach has included establishing a volunteering programme. Led by a new co-ordinator, we have recruited specialist nurses to give their time on the Helpline, and by end of March 2023 we had reached 29 hours per week of volunteer time.

Alongside this our Helpline staff team has grown in order to support this increased demand and develop new ways of engaging with our communities.

For example free-to-access, monthly webinars were introduced in January 2023 and have attracted almost 900 parent/carers to sign up to attend. 100% of parents/carers who completed a survey at the end of these webinars told us they now understand more about their child’s condition.

In line with our priority to make family services accessible to all, we introduced Language line during 2022 enabling Helpline callers whose first language is not English a way of engaging directly with an advisor. We also offer video calls using British Sign Language. Although numbers using the new services are currently low, the feedback has been extremely positive.

Throughout 2022-23, we’ve continued to improve systems that help us to respond to contact from parents and carers. Integration between our telephone system and salesforce database allows the Helpline team to work securely and confidentially from home anywhere in the country.

The difference we make to those we speak to is extremely positive and at the end of March 2023 users who gave feedback directly after a call told us:

We are keen to demonstrate longer term impact so contact parents and carers again three months after their initial contact. At that point:

Page 3

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Increasing our reach and raising awareness of our resources

This year we launched our new website, to provide an improved, easier to navigate site for the families and professionals that use our information and resources.

We undertook a review of all our resources and consulted our community about their preferences for how they want to access our information and support.

This has resulted in a simpler site, which is easier to use on mobile devices and contains information in a far broader range of formats, including more video, podcasts, easy-read and easy-print resources.

Acknowledging the heavy demand on our telephone and email Helpline, we have trialled new ways to provide information and support on our website and across our social media channels, so that more families can access direct support from us, outside of our main 1-2-1 service.

Our community on our main social media channels has grown, with our Facebook community growing by 2,228 followers and a rise of 374 followers on Instagram.

We have continued to collaborate with other organisations engaging with families, offering our expert input and contributions to their online materials in order to increase the number of people we reach. For example, we are proud to have worked with BBC’s Tiny Happy People project, sharing our tips and expertise on potty training.

As restrictions imposed by COVID began to be relaxed, our team was able to start getting out and about again, attending events and raising awareness of our work and the support we can offer to families and their children.

In October, our friendly Wee and Poo Mascots went on a trip to the wonderful Think Tank Science Museum in Birmingham. Their mission was to help families and their children understand more about what healthy wee and poo looks like. Our staff & volunteers spoke to families and gave out handy wee and poo checker charts, with simple advice and tips about how to keep children’s bowels and bladders healthy!

In February 2023 we were delighted to be invited to the annual Loo of the Year Awards and have the chance to talk about how important it is for schools to have clean, well designed toilets that children and young people feel happy to use.

Page 4

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

ERIC Education & Enterprise

ERIC’s commercial activity continues to play an important part in generating income for the charity, comprising 57% of ERIC’s total income in 2022-23.

Our move to delivering training online during COVID has continued to be the preferred way forward for the vast majority of NHS Trusts, with only one face to face training taking place during the year. Specialist children’s bladder & bowel health training was delivered to almost 2200 healthcare professionals across the UK and beyond with 99% rating it as excellent or good.

Training with early years practitioners has been more limited taken up by 162 people. 100% of those attended rated their workshops as excellent or good. Although feedback has been fantastic, we were conscious that take up was low. This led to consultation with the sector about what they needed and a pilot eLearning module is being developed.

The focus of ERIC’s biennial Children’s Paediatric Conference was ‘E quality and Inclusion: Making sure no child is left out or left behind’. Another first for ERIC was to deliver a hybrid conference, which resulted in 340 delegates attending from the UK and internationally and the biggest attendance ever seen! Overall 99% of the in person delegates rated the conference excellent or good whereas just 90% of online delegates felt the same.

During 2023-24 we plan to focus more on the impact of ERIC’s training, demonstrating the difference it makes to confidence and competence of clinical practice.

This year we re-launched our online shop on a new e-commerce platform, Shopify. This has enabled us to provide a smoother shopping experience for our online customers, who are able to browse across the site more easily than our previous e-shop and is a more efficient platform for our staff to manage.

With new features such as Live Chat and an in-built reviews function, we have been able to communicate with our customers more easily and get useful insights about our service and the products we stock.

Despite the difficult financial landscape, sales from our shop have grown steadily over the year and we are building new relationships with suppliers of more tested and trusted products to sell to parents and carers.

Collaboration and Partnership

ERIC strives to work collaboratively at a local, regional and national level to maximise efforts to raise awareness, influence policy and improve quality of services. Of note in during 2022-23 was:

Page 5

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Organisational Development

In March 2022 the Trustees approved the creation of a designated fund for organisational development, and £102,380 was moved from Unrestricted funds into the new designated fund. The purpose of the fund was to enable ERIC to invest in digital services, staff training and database development, so as to improve the quality of services on offer and to enable more people to access those services.

The intention has been to use external consultants and subcontractors to carry out significant amounts of work, and a budget had been set accordingly at the start of 2022-23. However, as the year progressed it became apparent that the great majority of the planned work could be carried out in-house without the need for external support; as a result, the planned work was completed for considerably less cost than had been anticipated. Through 2022-23, a total of £51,565 was spent on organisational development from this fund. The balance of £50,814 was transferred back to unrestricted funds at 31st March 2023, and the designated fund was closed.

The work completed included a revised and updated website with additional information and resources; significant changes to ERIC's database system; integration of database and other online systems; and a programme of staff training.

Fundraising

During the early part of the year, ERIC lost both of our longstanding fundraisers, which created a challenge as we were unable to recruit into either post. This presented an opportunity to look differently at how we effectively raise funds through grants and donations and we are delighted to have secured part-time fundraising consultants time, which is proving to be a good return on investment. We have also combined our individual fundraiser role with a communications and engagement role, which is also reaping dividends so far, improving our relationships with donors and encouraging community fundraising.

The support of Trusts, Foundations and corporate partners continues to be an integral source of support for delivering ERIC’s services. We are enormously grateful to all the organisations that have supported our work for many years and were delighted to secure new grants and donations from Trusts who have supported us for the first time, enabling children and young people to overcome and manage distressing, life-ruining continence conditions.

Page 6

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

GOING CONCERN

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details about the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income

Total income for the year was £720,579. 2% of income was generated from Trading, 39% from Training & Conference and 59% from Fundraising and other activities.

Expenditure

Total expenditure for the year was £707,491. 36% of expenditure was for Trading stock, 56% was for other charitable activities, and 8% for fundraising expenditure.

Summary

A net surplus of £13,088 was recorded.

RESERVES POLICY

Reserve Policy Statement April 2023

ERIC has a reserves policy that is reviewed annually by the trustees. For 2023/24 the trustees agreed a target reserves level of four months' operating costs (including wind up costs), currently set at £211,209. This figure is reviewed by trustees on a quarterly basis. The cash balances of the charity are currently invested in a fixed rate account with Scottish Widows.

In 2022-23 the Reserves Policy included a target of three months' operating costs including wind-up costs, which was set at £158,244. The charity operated with at least this level of unrestricted reserves throughout 2022-23.”

MATERIAL INVESTMENTS POLICY

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association the charity has the power to invest in any way that the trustees see fit.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Strategic, business and operational risks are contained within ERIC’s organisational risk assessment. An updated version of this risk assessment is reviewed by the board of trustees at each of their quarterly meeting, to ensure that the document properly reflects current and future risks; that all mitigating actions identified in the risk assessment are being actioned and are on target for completion; and that residual risks are at an acceptable level with no further mitigating actions needed.

The risk assessment process is also connected to ERIC's strategic planning process, with longer-term risks addressed within strategy planning.

Page 7

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

CONSTITUTION

ERIC was established on 4 November 1988 under the auspices of the Children’s Society and was registered as an independent charity by the Charity Commission with effect from 1 April 1991, Charity number 1002424. ERIC was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 7 February 1991, Company registration number 2580579. ERIC’s registered office is 36 Old School House, Britannia Road, Bristol, BS15 8DB.

The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. At the year-end, there were six trustees of whom all are directors of the charity. The trustees form the Board of Trustees. The paid employees who form the staff team report to the Board of Trustees via the Director. The staff team is responsible for carrying out all areas of the charity’s activities.

METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

New trustees are recruited by open advertisement in line with the charity’s policy on equal opportunities or coopted to fill specialist roles e.g. people with medical or marketing experience. They are formally voted in at the next Annual General Meeting.

POLICIES ADOPTED FOR THE INDUCTION AND TRAINING OF TRUSTEES

New trustees are given an induction pack and are encouraged to undertake external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. All trustees are given opportunities for training on new regulations or changes within the voluntary sector.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DECISION MAKING

The Board of Trustees administers the charity and meets at least four times a year. Where appropriate Trustees have a designated responsibility for areas e.g. safeguarding, finance, HR, legal issues. The Treasurer stood down from the board in October 2021 and trustees were actively looking to recruit a replacement. In the interim, the CEO and Finance Manager, both of whom are experienced in charity finance took a strategic overview as well as managing day to day finances. A new Treasurer Trustee was appointed to the board in August 2023.

Page 8

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

ERIC starts the 2023/24 financial year in a strong position. As reported, the designated fund was used to support organisational development, improve IT hardware and digital processes. This has resulted in efficiencies and importantly, opened our eyes to what more can be achieved with sound investment in resources, enabling stronger service development and delivery. This and funding from the national lottery reaching communities fund has expedited the achievement of many activities within ERIC’s three year strategic plan. As a result the Board agreed to review our strategy earlier than planned and a new three year strategic plan is expected to be launched in January 2024. Although the plan is in development there will be a focus in the following areas:

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

L G Montgomery

Chair of Trustees (in the absence of a Treasurer) Date: 31 October 2023

Page 9

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) ('the Company')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2023.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the Trustees of the Company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

This report is made solely to the Company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed:

Dated:

Chris Trantham FCA

BISHOP FLEMING LLP

Chartered Accountants 10 Temple Back Bristol BS1 6FL

Page 10

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
Charitable activities
7
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
15
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
159,465
-
-
-
159,465
-
129,187
129,187
30,278
4,544
34,822
21,715
34,822
56,537		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
117,489
425,588
17,328
709
561,114
56,557
521,747
578,304
(17,190)
(4,544)
(21,734)
268,284
(21,734)
246,550		 Total
funds
2023
£
276,954
425,588
17,328
709
720,579
56,557
650,934
707,491
13,088
-
13,088
289,999
13,088
303,087		 Total
funds
2022
£
246,787
367,756
-
227
614,770
83,136
501,092
584,228
30,542
-
30,542
259,457
30,542
289,999

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REGISTERED NUMBER:02580579

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
15
Unrestricted funds
15
Total funds		 33,125
53,221
282,692
369,038
(68,315)		 2023
£
2,364
2,364
300,723
303,087
303,087
56,537
246,550
303,087		 15,991
85,878
272,292
374,161
(89,162)		 2022
£
5,000
5,000
284,999
289,999
289,999
21,715
268,284
289,999

Page 12

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REGISTERED NUMBER:02580579

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

L G Montgomery

Date: 31 October 2023

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Bank interest received
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements		 2023
£
10,388
709
(697)
12
-
10,400
272,292
282,692		 2022
£
(8,405)
227
(2,740)
(2,513)
-
(10,918)
283,210
272,292

Page 14

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The charity is incorporated and its registered office is 36 Old School House, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8DB.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.

2.2 GOING CONCERN

The charity has cash resources and the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

They continue to believe the going concern basis of accounting appropriate in preparing the annual financial statements.

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ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.3 INCOME

All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Company has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Company, can be reliably measured.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.

Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the Company's accounting policies.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Company which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

2.4 EXPENDITURE

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Company to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Page 16

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.4 EXPENDITURE (CONTINUED)

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 INTEREST RECEIVABLE

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.6 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION

Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

2.7 STOCKS

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.

2.8 DEBTORS

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.9 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page 17

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

2.10 LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.11 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.12 PENSIONS

The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Company to the fund in respect of the year.

2.13 FUND ACCOUNTING

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 18

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

3. INCOME FROM GRANTS, DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Restricted Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Grants and Donations 159,465 117,489 276,954 246,787
TOTAL 2022 88,450 158,337 246,787
Grants and donations (of £10,000 or more) have been received from the following organisations:-
National Lottery Community Fund (restricted) £97,053

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Corporate
3,500
Family Services
33,469
Other
90
Shop
240,039
Training
148,490
425,588
TOTAL 2022
367,756
INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Income from non charitable trading activities
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Trading income
17,328		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,500
33,469
90
240,039
148,490
425,588
367,756
Total
funds
2023
£
17,328		 Total
funds
2022
£
-
8,637
2,980
233,305
122,834
367,756
Total
funds
2022
£
-

5. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Income from non charitable trading activities

Page 19

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6. EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS

COSTS OF RAISING VOLUNTARY INCOME

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Activity costs
10,623
Bank and finance
219
Governance
55
IT and digital
5,519
Office costs
2,045
Taxes
32
Premises
2,681
Professional fees
1,683
Other staff costs
681
Wages and salaries
29,281
Social security costs
2,034
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
1,704
56,557
TOTAL 2022
83,136		 Total
funds
2023
£
10,623
219
55
5,519
2,045
32
2,681
1,683
681
29,281
2,034
1,704
56,557
83,136		 Total
funds
2022
£
5,877
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
69,751
3,852
3,656
83,136

In 2023 financial statements, administration expenses have been assigned across each charitable activity (including costs of raising voluntary income), whereas these were just shown within "Other" in 2022 financial statements.

Page 20

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Summary by fund type

Corporate
Family Services
Other
Shop
Training
Organisational Development
TOTAL 2022		 Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
-
8,703
128,050
36,668
1,137
5,349
-
252,985
-
154,184
-
63,858
129,187
521,747
88,559
412,533		 Total
2023
£
8,703
164,718
6,486
252,985
154,184
63,858
650,934
501,092		 Total
2022
£
-
176,330
126,678
162,765
35,319
-
501,092

8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES

Corporate
Family Services
Other
Shop
Training
Organisational Development
TOTAL 2022		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
8,703
164,718
6,486
252,985
154,184
63,858
650,934
501,092		 Total
funds
2023
£
8,703
164,718
6,486
252,985
154,184
63,858
650,934
501,092		 Total
funds
2022
£
-
176,330
126,678
162,765
35,319
-
501,092

Page 21

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

ANALYSIS OF DIRECT COSTS

Staff costs
Depreciation
Activity
Bank and finance
Governance
IT and digital
Office
Taxes
Premises
Professional fees
Other staff costs
Miscellaneous
TOTAL 2022		 Corporate
2023
£
4,274
-
146
64
16
1,565
615
9
786
493
200
535
8,703
-		 Family
Services
2023
£
141,154
-
7,149
773
66
6,429
2,549
38
3,228
2,574
820
(62)
164,718
176,330		 Other
2023
£
1,660
3,333
42
25
6
608
239
4
305
192
78
(6)
6,486
126,678		 Shop
2023
£
54,553
-
168,562
4,416
109
10,592
4,269
63
5,318
3,339
1,351
413
252,985
162,765		 Training
2023
£
88,209
-
46,869
2,722
70
6,761
2,656
40
3,395
2,131
862
469
154,184
35,319

Page 22

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)

ANALYSIS OF DIRECT COSTS (continued)

Staff costs
Depreciation
Activity
Bank and finance
Governance
IT and digital
Office
Taxes
Premises
Professional fees
Other staff costs
Miscellaneous
TOTAL 2022		 Organisational
Development
2023
£
41,043
-
156
93
23
16,330
891
14
1,139
715
3,476
(22)
63,858
-		 Total
funds
2023
£
330,893
3,333
222,924
8,093
290
42,285
11,219
168
14,171
9,444
6,787
1,327
650,934
501,092		 Total
funds
2022
£
209,256
3,581
208,599
5,836
-
29,032
13,026
-
14,670
8,001
7,718
1,373
501,092

Where expenditure is directly attributable to an activity, this has been allocated. Administration costs have been pro-rated based on turnover per activity.

In 2022 financial statements, "Training" was split between "Conference and training" and "Campaign activity expenditure".

In 2022 financial statements, "Corporate" was included within "Expenditure on Raising funds" on the face of the SOFA, but has been split out under "Expenditure on Charitable Activities" for 2023 financial statements.

In 2023 financial statements, "Organisational Development" is a new charitable activity, with expenditure coming from designated funds.

In 2023 financial statements, administration expenses have been assigned across each charitable activity, whereas these were just shown within "Other" in 2022 financial statements.

9. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION

The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £3,350 ( 2022 - £2,150 ) , and other services of £3,095 (2022 - £2,325).

Page 23

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2023
£
328,459
20,643
14,810
363,912		 2022
£
260,099
14,274
12,142
286,515

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:

Full-time
Part-time		 2023
No.
1
17
18		 2022
No.
2
13
15

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

Key management personnel received aggregate remuneration of £61,111 (2022 - £58,442).

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL).

Page 24

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

12.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST OR VALUATION
At 1 April 2022
Additions
At 31 March 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022		 Computer
equipment
£
10,742
697
11,439
5,742
3,333
9,075
2,364
5,000

13. DEBTORS

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
46,360
3,565
3,296
53,221		 2022
£
63,458
4,656
17,764
85,878

Page 25

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 April
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods		 2023
£
17,210
8,106
6,014
36,985
68,315
2023
£
50,722
33,135
(50,722)
33,135		 2022
£
32,383
3,056
426
53,297
89,162
2022
£
79,332
50,722
(79,332)
50,722

Deferred income at the year end relates to income received in advance of the courses being delivered on or after 1 April 2023.

Page 26

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Designated Funds - all funds
GENERAL FUNDS
General Funds - all funds
TOTAL UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Information and Helpline
National Lottery Community
Fund
TOTAL OF FUNDS		 Balance at 1
April 2022
£
102,830
165,454
268,284
21,715
-
21,715
289,999		 Income
£
-
561,114
561,114
62,412
97,053
159,465
720,579		 Expenditure
£
(63,858)
(514,446)
(578,304)
(85,823)
(43,364)
(129,187)
(707,491)		 Transfers
in/out
£
(38,972)
34,428
(4,544)
4,544
-
4,544
-		 Balance at
31 March
2023
£
-
246,550
246,550
2,848
53,689
56,537
303,087

Information and Helpline fund was established with grants towards providing direct one-to-one support from our telephone and email helpline.

In spring 2022 the National Lottery Community Fund agreed to fund ERIC’s Helpline for three years, with the first grant payment being received in July 2022. A dedicated Restricted Fund was created to handle all income and expenditure related to this funding.

The trustees agreed to create a designated fund at the start of 2022, to support organisational development including the development of ERIC’s website and database systems. In January 2023 the objectives for this fund had largely been met and the trustees took the decision to merge the remaining balance into Unrestricted Funds and close the designated fund as of 31st March 2023.

Page 27

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15.
STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
STATEMENT OF FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR
Balance at
1 April 2021
£
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Designated Funds - all funds
-
GENERAL FUNDS
General Funds - all funds
237,633
TOTAL UNRESTRICTED
FUNDS
237,633
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Information and Helpline
21,824
TOTAL OF FUNDS
259,457		 Income
£
-
526,320
526,320
88,450
614,770		 Expenditure
£
-
(495,669)
(495,669)
(88,559)
(584,228)		 Transfers
in/out
£
102,830
(102,830)
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 March
2022
£
102,830
165,454
268,284
21,715
289,999

Page 28

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

16. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR

Restricted Unrestricted
Total
funds funds
funds
2023 2023
2023
£ £
£
Tangible fixed assets - 2,364
2,364
Current assets 56,537 312,501
369,038
Creditors due within one year - (68,315)
(68,315)
TOTAL 56,537 246,550
303,087
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR
Restricted Unrestricted
Total
funds funds
funds
2022 2022
2022
£ £
£
Tangible fixed assets 2,377 2,623
5,000
Current assets 19,338 354,823
374,161
Creditors due within one year - (89,162)
(89,162)
TOTAL 21,715 268,284
289,999

RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING 17. ACTIVITIES

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
ADJUSTMENTS FOR:
Depreciation charges
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Decrease in creditors
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES		 2023
£
13,088
3,333
(709)
(17,134)
31,498
(19,688)
10,388		 2022
£
30,542
3,581
(227)
4,976
(24,215)
(23,062)
(8,405)

Page 29

ERIC (EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CONTINENCE) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash in hand
TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		 2023
£
282,692
282,692		 2022
£
272,292
272,292

19. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT

Cash at bank and in hand At 1 April
2022
£
272,292
272,292		 Cash flows
£
10,400
10,400		 At 31 March
2023
£
282,692
282,692

Page 30