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← Tinnitus UK

2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report and Unaudited Accounts 2024-2025

Contents

4

Reference and administrative details

6

A message from our Chair

7

Overview of the year

8

Who we are

9 Our values

10 Our strategy

11 Impact

11 Acknowledgements

13 Structure, governance and management

2

14

17

19

20

22

24

26

27

Risk management and compliance

Financial review

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

Independent examiner’s report

Statement of financial activities

Balance sheet

Statement of cash flows

Notes to the financial statements

3

Reference and administrative details

Charity registration number Charity registration number 1011145
Company registration number 02709302
Patron The Duchess of Devonshire
President Don McFerran
Vice
President		 Sandy Grimes
Trustees
and
Directors
(including
new
Trustees
from
2025/26)		 Pierre Espinasse Chair From 21/05/2025
Lucy Colenso Interim
Chair		 26/11/2024 -
21/05/2025
Lynne Gillon Chair Resigned 29/11/2024
Emma Stone From 29/11/2024
Peter Byrom From 21/05/2025
James Corcoran
Dr Nicola Heron
Dr Veronica
Kennedy
Dr Lucy
Handscomb		 Retired 26/06/2024
Professional
Advisers
Committee
(PAC)		 Dr William Sedley
Dr Chris
Cederroth

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

4

----- Start of picture text -----
Dr Veronica Kennedy
Dr Emma Dickson
Dr James Jackson
Natalie Ronan
11/03/2024-
Robin Greenwood Interim
05/09/2024
Chief
Executive
From
Alex Brooks-Johnson
09/09/2024
----- End of picture text -----

Registered office:

Unit 5, Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield S8 0TB

Independent examiner:

Bourner Bullock Chartered Accountants, 114 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4BE

Bankers:

Unity Trust Bank, 4 Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2JB HSBC Bank plc, 49-63 Fargate, Sheffield S1 2HD

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

5

A message from our Chair

Is a world without tinnitus possible? Change certainly is.

Our new strategy is rooted in the voices of the community. It sets out an ambitious but clear direction: to push forward in the search for answers, while making sure no one is left behind in the meantime. We are strengthening our support services, influencing how tinnitus is understood and treated across the UK, and growing our impact through partnerships and research.

Having recently been appointed Chair of Tinnitus UK, what I know for certain from personal experience is that tinnitus can have a profound impact. For some, it’s life-altering. For others, it becomes something they learn to manage.

We're also prioritising prevention. We want to stop tinnitus before it starts - by raising awareness of hearing health and making sure people understand the risks. This includes reaching younger audiences, event organisers, professionals and policymakers alike.

Too many people are facing this journey without the right support. Through listening closely to those with lived experience, we know how distressing it can be to encounter a healthcare system that lacks the confidence or specialist knowledge to help. People are waiting longer to be seen, often left isolated and overwhelmed. This shouldn’t be happening — and we’re committed to changing it.

Hope is at the heart of our vision. In the process of searching for that future, we will strive to improve the lives of thousands of people living with tinnitus today.

We know change is possible - and together, we’re making it happen.

With gratitude,

Pierre Espinasse Chair of Trustees, Tinnitus UK

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

6

Overview of the Year An update from our CEO, Alex Brooks-Johnson

the team together and delivering the highquality support to people with tinnitus and professionals that we are well known for.

2024/25 has been a year of change and transition. I joined the team in September 2024 and, working closely with the Board of Trustees, quickly set about putting together a new strategy.

We took every opportunity to include as many different perspectives as possible - including maintaining focus on the voice of people with tinnitus as a central component - travelling the length and breadth of the UK to do so. The process itself was very rewarding, and I hope the outcome is a strategy which people feel part of and own.

We have faced five years of consecutive and quite significant financial losses as we have tried to protect the delivery of services in light of reducing revenue. Our aim now is to deliver a break-even performance for 2025/26 and rebuild from there.

We had an excellent Tinnitus Week as we launched our report ‘Ringing the Alarm’, which looked at confidence in hearing health professionals in supporting people with tinnitus. The outcome was significant media coverage with various TV and radio exposure, the highlight being on the BBC Breakfast sofa on BBC One. This really helped raise the profile of tinnitus and of our organisation, and we saw unprecedented levels of engagement through our website and other services.

What struck us very clearly though this time was the disparity in the level of services and support available to people with tinnitus and the stark realisation that for most, their experience of health services is woefully short of what should be expected. This has fuelled our new strategy and drives the team on daily basis to be an organisation picking up this support, striving for better outcomes for people with tinnitus and ensuring we are there for people when they need it.

This year was a difficult year financially and we had to resort to appealing to our supporters and others for immediate and emergency support to enable us to continue to provide our services.

I am delighted to report that thanks to the generosity of many people we were successful, meaning that we could keep

During Tinnitus Week, we ran our first inperson event since lock down as we launched our report at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in central London. We had a full house of over 100 people who enjoyed listening to a wide range of speakers as we explored some of the common themes and issues in our world.

We have been trying hard to refresh and renew our relationships with our key audiences having spent a few years dealing with internal issues. Our Members, our volunteers and our wider group of supporters and advocates, champions and patrons have all reported how much better we have been at communication in this year. There is still room for improvement though, we recognise that, and I look forward to reporting next year on progress as we look to get the organisation back on its feet.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

7

Who we are

OUR MISSION

Tinnitus UK is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting people living with tinnitus, advancing research, and improving public and clinical understanding of this often-misunderstood condition. Every year, we help thousands of people through our helpline, webchat, community events, professional training and evidence-based information. We stand alongside people at every stage of their tinnitus journey - from first experiencing symptoms to learning how to manage life with tinnitus.

We are proud to be a trusted voice, a source of hope, and a catalyst for change.

Our Vision

A world without tinnitus.

We will work towards achieving our vision through:

“I appreciate more than words the passion & importance of this organisation.” Member and Sheffield support group attendee.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

8

Our values

Our work is guided by our four core RISE values

Respect

Integrity

We respect and value every individual, recognising each person's unique contribution and tinnitus experience.

We provide trustworthy, evidence-based information and always act in the best interests of people with tinnitus.

Support

Evolve

We meet people where they are, offering understanding, guidance and care.

We learn, adapt and grow - embracing change to create lasting impact.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

9

Our Strategy – A world without tinnitus.

749,639

Total number of people Tinnitus UK supported in 2024/25

431,205

Visitors to our website seeking information, advice and guidance

12,209

People supported through the helpline

We have a new 10-year strategy which has been created and shaped by the lived experience of people with tinnitus.

We have three strategic objectives, which will drive and inform our work between 2025 and 2035:

We will ensure that people with tinnitus receive the service and support they deserve; timely, person centred, evidence-based support including in-person (regional/community presence) and lead on improving and maintaining quality of tinnitus services across the UK including supporting professional CPD.

We will create a global research and innovation strategy for tinnitus; to find cures, enable better understanding and to improve treatments and support.

We will prevent as many people as possible from getting tinnitus in the first place through campaigning, education and training.

For 2025/26 our key objectives are:

2,866

Operations

Phone calls answered

Services

11,412

Development

Tinnitus UK forum users

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

10

Impact

In 2024/25 we had:

In addition, we have a growing Membership of 1,300 people who we support, and who support us.

In the last financial year, Tinnitus UK reached over 120,000 people online through awareness campaigns, alongside 200+ attendees at in-person events.

Our regular social media activity reached 45,000+ users, and our monthly email newsletters were sent to a mailing list of 35,000 subscribers.

The total number of people Tinnitus UK supported in 2024/25 was 749,639.

In 2024/25, as part of our strategic planning, we created a Theory of Change which has informed the following outcomes which we are now measuring.

We look forward to being able to report on our social impact in more detail next year.

Acknowledgements

At Tinnitus UK, we rely on voluntary donations to allow us to provide vital support to people with tinnitus, and we don’t receive any government or statutory funding. Many of our supporters have tinnitus themselves or truly understand the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives. We are so grateful to everyone who chooses to support us through donations, legacies bequests, grants, and sponsorship.

Thank you so much to every single person who generously answered our call for help during our Urgent Appeal in November 2024 and our Tinnitus Week appeal in February, as well those who regularly support us.

The incredible response from our community has been both humbling and motivating. There is still work to do but we are grateful for all the support we have been shown. Your donations changed the lives of people with tinnitus this year and enabled us to survive a difficult year.

Thank you to all our members for their time, support, commitment and understanding this year.

Grants from Trusts and Foundations underpin our work, allowing us to grow and build a strong base from which we can provide the best support for people with tinnitus. We would like to thank the following Grantmakers for their generous support this year.

11

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

Champniss Charitable Trust Garfield Weston Foundation Helen Roll Charity Hodge Foundation Hospital Saturday Fund The James Tudor Foundation Maria Bjornsen Memorial Fund National Lottery Community Fund

Nationwide Colleague Grant Schroder Charity Trust Swann Morton Foundation The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust The Holliday Charitable Trust The Simpson Charitable Trust The Souter Charitable Trust

A thank you to our corporate members

Tinnitus UK can achieve the greatest impact in collaboration with the hearing care sector.

We would like to thank each of the 35 corporate members from 2024/25, our industry’s professional bodies for their in-kind support, and the following companies whose sponsorship made Tinnitus Week possible:

“Great support group which really made me understand how I’m not alone suffering with Tinnitus. I stopped feeling totally alone with feelings that no one understands me and braver in ‘reintegrating’ with family and friends which I was struggling with. Excellently run by Senior Audiologist Kerry who clearly has a true interest and understanding how debilitating Tinnitus can be.”

Warwick support group attendee.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

12

Governance and Management

Structure, Governance and Management Overview

The Trustees

The Directors of the charitable company (‘the Charity’) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are referred to as ‘the Trustees’.

In accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, one-third of the Trustees are subject to retirement by rotation or, if their number is not a multiple of three, then the nearest number rounded up to one-third shall retire from office at the AGM. Retiring members are eligible for re-election for up to three terms.

Tinnitus UK monitors the development of Trustees to ensure they are provided with training on their role and responsibilities, directed by Charity Commission guidelines.

The Chief Executive meets regularly with the managers in the organisation to action strategic and organisational objectives.

Employees

At the end of 2024/25, Tinnitus UK had 12 staff (2023/24: 13; 2022/23:18), of whom 8 were full time and 4 part time representing an FTE of 10.45 full time staff (2023/24: 11.6; 2022/23: 17).

Volunteers

Volunteers continue to be vital to the effective provision of our services. We currently have 37 active volunteers across the country. Our volunteers carry out various roles including support group leaders, helpline and web chat advisers, befrienders, and administrative support.

The Trustees are responsible for setting the strategy and establishing policies; they met five times during 2024/25.

There are also three sub-committees, to which the board delegates responsibility, for matters related to finance (which met twice in the year), research (which met once), and HR (which met once).

Chief Executive

Authority to conduct Tinnitus UK’s day-to-day activities is delegated to the Chief Executive, who is responsible for ensuring that the agreed strategy and policies are carried out.

To help our volunteers connect with and learn from each other, we have introduced regular online forums for befrienders and support group leaders, with the opportunity to share their experiences and get updates about tinnitus and Tinnitus UK.

We are very grateful for all the work our volunteers do, despite the challenging situations many of them face. We are also grateful for the support group leaders who are not included in our total number of volunteers because they are not official Tinnitus UK volunteers; they do, however, give their time freely in their own communities to support those with tinnitus.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

13

Trustees responsibility statement

Risk Management and Compliance

The Trustees of Tinnitus UK confirm that they regularly review the risks faced by the organisation. A comprehensive Risk Register outlines the risks and mitigations and is completed by the CEO for Trustee review and approval at every Board and Committee meeting.

Key Risks

During the reporting period, Tinnitus UK faced the following key risks:

Funding

Like many charities, Tinnitus UK experienced uncertainty and a reduction in income from fundraising activities, with reductions in grants and donations largely due to external economic pressure and a reducing legacy income.

Staff Turnover

Several key people moved on during the year which posed challenges to continuity and service delivery. The changes in leadership and work culture were the main reasons cited in exit interviews.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

14

Risk Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate these and other risks, the following actions were taken:

Funding Diversification

We continue to build a more sustainable fundraising function and diversification of income streams, including pursuing corporate partnerships, individual giving, event and training income and trust funding to reduce reliance on any single income source.

Culture change programme

A new CEO was recruited and initiatives to support staff wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and development opportunities were introduced or enhanced to improve staff retention and attract new talent. A new approach to embed valuesbased performance has been introduced by the new leadership team.

Integration with Operations and Strategy

Risk management is embedded into the charity’s day-to-day operations and strategic planning processes. All major projects and decisions are assessed for associated risks, and appropriate mitigation measures are incorporated into implementation plans. Regular reviews of operational risk are conducted at management and Board levels, ensuring proactive oversight and responsiveness.

Internal Controls and Monitoring

A comprehensive system of internal controls is in place to monitor and manage financial, operational, and compliance risks. These controls are reviewed regularly and include:

These measures ensure that Tinnitus UK maintains high standards of governance, accountability, and transparency in delivering our mission.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Tinnitus UK is fully committed to compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. In the year under review, we confirm compliance with:

“Thank you for existing. Thank you for your holistic approach to this 'condition'. Thank you for reassuring me when I was in crisis. I have joined your organisation and the forum. Thank you and keep going.” Member

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

15

Policies and Procedures

Tinnitus UK operates within a robust framework of policies and procedures that support ethical practice, operational consistency, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. These policies guide our day-to-day work, ensure the protection of our stakeholders, and promote accountability at every level of the organisation.

Key Organisational Policies

The following key policies are in place and form the foundation of Tinnitus UK’s governance and operations:

Policy Reviews and Updates

During the reporting year, all core organisational policies underwent a scheduled review and policies were updated to reflect the latest guidance from the Charity Commission, changes in legislation, and emerging best practices in the sector. This included strengthening our data protection protocols and revising the Volunteer Code of Conduct to reflect changes in hybrid and remote engagement.

Training and Awareness

To ensure that policies are effectively implemented and understood:

“I truly appreciate the time you took to explain the connection between tinnitus and anxiety, and to offer so many helpful suggestions and resources. It means a lot to know that I’m not alone in dealing with this and that there are supportive tools and people available to help.” Service user

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

16

Feedback and complaints

Our website outlines our process for complaints, timescales for responses and details of how to escalate an unresolved complaint to the Chief Executive and Trustees. We did not receive any fundraising-related complaints during the year.

The deficit for the year was £244,630 (2024: £442,709).

Investment policy

The investment policy of Tinnitus UK is to maximise the total return without undue risk and having regard to the operating requirements of the Charity and the reserves policy.

Our approach to safeguarding

We work hard to safeguard people living with tinnitus.

The Services Team regularly meets to confidentially review Tinnitus UK’s interactions with service users and their specific cases and have mechanisms in place to bring these people into the reach of more specialist crisis responders.

Our Safeguarding Policy was rewritten in 2024, a monthly improvement check-in with a counsellor to review cases has been implemented and mandatory safeguarding training is undertaken by all staff and volunteers.

In 2024/25, we had one safeguarding incident and 72 suicidal ideation reports in that period, and one case where the adviser contacted an external body due to concern over the wellbeing of the caller they had spoken to. These are logged in a safeguarding and suicidal ideation log, and the safeguarding policy is followed to ensure necessary action is taken where possible.

Financial Review

At the year end restricted reserves were £27,908 (2024: £66,651) and unrestricted reserves were £173,825 (2024: £379,712).

In practice, whilst kept under constant review, this means that funds are currently held in long- and short-term interest- bearing deposit accounts with UK banks and building societies or managed investment funds, seeking to achieve the maximum possible rate of return.

Reserves policy

The Trustees operate a policy of retaining sufficient reserves in restricted funds without compromising the availability of those funds. They must be available for the purposes originally intended as and when they are required.

The Trustees aim to maintain unrestricted reserves at a level equivalent to no more than a year’s unrestricted expenditure and no less than three months.

The policy also requires the Charity to hold at least three months of the unrestricted reserves as cash or cash equivalents (investments). It also requires that investments should not constitute more than 50% of the total of cash and cash equivalents.

It is their view that, given the elevated level of legacy volatility, it is important to have sufficient reserves to support the Charity whilst it seeks other funding sources.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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The current level of unrestricted reserves represents just over two and a half months of unrestricted expenditure, which is below the minimum level set out in the policy. The Trustees continue to monitor this position closely.

Financial Statements

The Directors present their report and the examined financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Directors have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

Trustees’ responsibilities statement The Trustees (who are also Directors of Tinnitus UK for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report (including the Strategic Report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each fiscal financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they which give a true and fair view of the situation state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

“I want you to know what an important part your organisation has and are playing in that healing. My sister found you whilst I was in the depths - and I joined - I am learning - I watched your webinar yesterday on stress and tinnitus (very useful and I am already adopting strategies suggested to good effect). But apart from all the information it is the feeling of being accompanied that is SO valuable. I just so wanted to encourage you - as I sit here this morning - feeling calm and more confident of my ability to enjoy life - and to say THANK YOU." Forum user

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Disclosure of information to the Examiners

As far as the Trustees are aware:

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website.

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In approving the Trustees’ Annual Report, we also approve the Strategic Report included therein, in our capacity as company Directors.

On behalf of the Board,

“I woke up early one morning not long after the tinnitus had begun and was desperate for help then I found the local tinnitus help group on my phone so I contacted them by text straight away looking back now some 18 months later I believe that this first step was the most important step towards recovery and acceptance. I received a response from someone in the group within 10 minutes. I had been in the depth of despair and that wonderful response gave me hope and strength to believe that I could overcome this. I knew it would take time but today tinnitus lives with me but doesn't control and define me and I am now really enjoying my life again and my retirement. Thank you, Southsea Tinnitus Support Group”

Support group attendee

Pierre Espinasse | Chair

8th October 2025

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Independent Examiner’s report to the members of Tinnitus UK

I report to the trustees (who are also Directors for the purpose of company law)on my examination of the financial statements of Tinnitus UK (‘the charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, Statement of Cashflows and related notes.

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this 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 charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements.

The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of charitable company you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in

accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the charitable 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.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

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aa
Russell Joseph | ACA
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For and on behalf of:

Bourner Bullock Chartered Accountants 114 St Martin’s Lane Covent Garden London WC2N 4BE

Date: 8th October 2025

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

21

Statement of financial activities

Note Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 2025 total
£		 2024 total
£
Income
Donations and legacies 3 364,553 64,000 428,553 341,775
Charitable activities 4 177,955 - 177,955 131,340
Other activities 5 38,568 - 38,568 1,000
Investments 6 4,211 - 4,211 10,339
Total income 585,287 64,000 649,287 484,454
Expenditure
Raising funds 8 (207,535) (39,990) (247,525) (256,158)
Charitable activities 7 (547,687) (60,326) (608,013) (625,529)
Other activities 9 (35,952) (2,427) (38,379) (45,475)
Total expenditure (791,174) (102,743) (893,917) (927,162)
Net (losses) on
investments		 - - - -
Net expenditure 9 (205,887) (38,743) (244,630) (442,709)
Transfers between funds - - - -
Net movement in funds (205,887) (38,743) (244,630) (442,709)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought
forward		 20 379,712 66,651 446,363 889,072
Total funds carried
forward		 20 173,825 27,908 201,733 446,363

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Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Balance sheet

Company registration number 02709302

Company registration number 02709302
Note 2025 £ 2024 £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 14 17,500 20,000
Tangible assets 15 - -
Total 17,500 20,000
Current assets
Debtors 16 57,925 61,203
Cash in bank and in hand 156,108 481,430
Total 214,033 542,633
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 (29,800) (116,270)
Net current assets 184,233 426,363
Total assets less current liabilities 201,733 446,363
Charity funds
Restricted funds 20 27,908 66,651
Unrestricted funds 20 173,825 379,712
Total charity funds 201,733 446,363

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Pierre Espinasse | Chair

8th October 2025

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Statement of cash flows

Statement of cash flows
Note 2025 £ 2024 £
Net cash flow from operating activities 21 (329,534) (127,488)
Cash flow from investing activities
Interest received 4,212 10,339
Dividends received - -
Net cash flow from investing activities 4,212 10,339
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents		 (325,322) (117,149)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 481,430 598,579
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 156,108 481,430

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

a. General information and basis of preparation

Tinnitus UK (the Charity) is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity. The address of the registered office is given in the information on page 3 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity’s operations and principal activities are set out in the Trustees’ Report.

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 , the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently

applied to all yearspresented unless otherwise stated.

b. Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity; these funds 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 Charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

c. Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements continued

Legacies are recognised at a point that they are quantifiable and there is reasonable certainty that they will be received. On occasion legacies will be notified to the Charity, but it may not always be possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed.

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the Charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred. Such income is recognised net of VAT.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property funds. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend income is recognised when the Charity’s right to receive payment is established.

d. Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:

Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grant.

Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside the control of the Charity.

e. Support costs allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative costs and payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity.

Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Premises overheads and other overheads have been allocated on the following basis: The time spent on activities was calculated by reference to a typical four-week period for all staff.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

28

Notes to the financial statements continued

Overhead has been attributed based on the hours spent on each area of activity.

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

The analysis of these costs is included in Note 8.

h. Stock

Stock is stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing stock to its present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the first-in, first-out formula. Provision is made for damaged, obsolete and slowmoving stock where appropriate.

i. Provisions

f. Intangible assets

Intangible fixed assets are stated in the balance sheet at cost less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their useful life as follows:

Trademarks: 10% on cost per annum.

Provisions are recognised when the Charity has an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount can be reliably estimated.

j. Leases

Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

g. Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. The capitalisation policy is to capitalise all individual assets having a cost of £1,000 or greater.

k. Financial instruments

Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments.

l. Employee remuneration

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Fixtures and fittings:33% on cost per annum.

The Charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

m. Tax

The Charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of Schedule 3 of

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements continued

the Charities Act 2011 and is

considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

The Charity is not VAT registered and all expenditure is inclusive of VAT charged.

n. Debtors

Debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the Charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

o. Creditors

Creditors are classified as current liabilities if the Charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date, otherwise they are presented as non-current liabilities. Creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

p. Going concern

The Trustees have made enquiries of management, reviewed the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for a period at least 12 months beyond the date these accounts were approved.

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity remains a going concern and the financial statements have been prepared on that basis accordingly.

2. Significant judgements and estimates

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

In the Trustees’ opinion, the only significant judgement relates to the amortisation of the intangible fixed assets.

The annual amortisation charge for intangible fixed assets is sensitive due to changes in useful economic lives and residual value of the assets. The carrying amount is £17,500 (2024: £20,000) and incurring amortisation of £2,500 (2024: £2,500).

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

30

Notes to the financial statements continued

3. Income from donations and legacies

2025 £ 2024 £
Gifts and donations 132,845 100,687
Legacies 179,708 130,505
Grants 116,000 110,583
428,553 341,775

4. Income from charitable activities

2025 £ 2024 £
Membership income 63,481 85,549
Meetings and conferences 114,474 45,791
177,955 131,340

5. Income from other trading activities

2025 £ 2024 £
Other 38,567 -
Advertising - 1,000
38,567 1,000

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

31

Notes to the financial statements continued

6. Income from investments

2025 £ 2024 £
Bank interest 4,211 10,339
4,211 10,339

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities 2025

Activities
undertaken
directly £		 Support
costs £		 Total £
Membership and support activities 121,424 17,653 139,077
Awareness and events 410,797 30,600 441,397
Project costs including research 24,470 3,069 27,539
556,691 51,322 608,013

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities 2024

Activities
undertaken
directly £		 Support
costs £		 Total £
Membership and support activities 160,606 54,558 215,164
Awareness and events 276,087 42,544 318,631
Project costs including research 86,904 4,830 91,731
523,597 101,932 625,529

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements continued

8 Analysis of expenditure on raising funds 2025

Activities
undertaken
directly £		 Support
costs £		 Total Funds
2025 £
Membership and support activities 57,948 27,190 85,138
Awareness and events 100,446 47,132 147,578
Project costs including research 10,080 4,729 14,809
168,474 79,051 247,525

Analysis of expenditure on raising funds 2024

Activities
undertaken
directly £		 Support
costs £		 Total Funds
2024 £
Membership and support activities 93,669 43,437 137,106
Awareness and events 73,043 33,872 106,915
Project costs including research 8,292 3,845 12,137
175,004 81,154 256,158

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements continued

9 Analysis of expenditure on other activities 2025

Activities
undertaken
directly		 Support
costs		 Total £
6,188 7,013 13,201
10,726 12,156 22,882
1,076 1,220 2,296
17,990 20,389 38,379

Analysis of expenditure on other activities 2024

Activities
undertaken
directly		 Support
costs		 Total £
Membership and support activities 12,747 11,593 24,340
Awareness and events 9,940 9,040 18,980
Project costs including research 1,128 1,027 2,155
23,815 21,660 45,475

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

34

Notes to the financial statements continued

10 Allocation of all support costs 2025

Support cost Note Basis of
allocation		 Raising
funds £		 Charitable
activities
£		 Other
actvities
£		 Total £
Governance 8.1 Time spent 18,929 31,721 510 51,160
Premises costs 8.2 Floorspace 11,246 18,845 303 30,394
Other costs 8.3 Time spent 48,876 35,697 19,579 104,149
79,051 86,263 20,389 185,703

Allocation of all support costs 2024

Support cost Note Basis of
allocation		 Raising
funds £		 Charitable
activities
£		 Other
actvities
£		 Total £
Governance 8.1 Time spent 13,947 29,281 1,791 45,019
Premises costs 8.2 Floorspace 10,156 21,294 1,310 32,760
Other costs 8.3 Time spent 57,052 51,357 18,559 126,968
81,155 101,932 21,660 204,747

The time spent on activities was calculated by reference to a typical four-week period for all staff.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025 35

Notes to the financial statements continued

10.1 Analysis of governance costs

Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total
funds
2025 £		 Total
funds
2024 £
Accountancy fees 43,013 - 43,013 33,061
Trustee meeting expenses and office
costs		 174 - 174 1,139
Staff salaries 7,974 - 7,974 10,819
51,160 - 51,160 45,019

10.2 Analysis of premises costs

Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total funds
2025 £		 Total funds
2024 £
Rent, rates and utilities 23,409 - 23,409 25,651
Insurance 5,190 - 5,190 5,132
Cleaning 1,795 - 1,795 1,977
30,394 - 30,394 32,760

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

36

Notes to the financial statements continued

10.3 Analysis of other costs

Amortisation
Bad debts
Bank charges and
investment costs
Health & Safety
Inventory write off
IT software and support
Legal & professional fees
Repairs & renewals
Staff salaries		 Unrestricted
funds £		 Restricted
funds £		 Total funds
2025 £		 Total funds
2024 £
2,500 - 2,500 2,500
681 - 681 4,740
2,707 - 2,707 3,656
1,053 - 1,053 1,964
- - - 756
38,681 9,991 48,672 48,149
11,223 72 11,295 21,619
- - - 198
37,241 - 37,241 43,385
94,086 10,063 104,149 126,968

10.4 Net income for the year

Net income is stated after crediting /(charging) 2025 £ 2024 £
Operating lease rentals (16,200) (16,200)
(16,200) (16,200)

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements continued

11 Governance costs (see note 10.1)

2025 £ 2024 £
Trustee expenses 174 947
Independent examiner’s remuneration (see note 11) 980 2,500
Other 50,006 41,572
51,160 44,719

12 Trustees’ and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

During the financial year, a leadership group comprising of the Head of Communications, Business Development Lead, the Operations Manager plus the Chief Executive (including a temporary Interim Chief Executive) met regularly. This group represents key management personnel. The total remuneration for five individuals including associated employer’s national insurance was £200,595 (2024: £131,330)

The reimbursement of Trustee expenses was as follows:

2025 number 2025 £ 2024 number 2024 £
Travel and subsistence 1 174 2 947

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

38

Notes to the financial statements continued

13 Staff costs and employee remuneration

The average monthly number of employees and full-time equivalent (FTE) during the year was as follows:

2025 number 2025
FTE		 2024 number 2024
FTE
Raising funds 4 4 4 4
Charitable activities 8 7 8 8
12 11 12 12

The total staff costs and employee benefits was as follows:

2025 £ 2024 £
Wages and salaries 360,743 491,293
Social security 30,798 13,631
Defined contribution pension costs 17,781 18,190
409,322 523,114

The number of employees who received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 from the charity during the year was as follows:

£60,000 - £70,000: 1 employee (2024, none).

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

39

Notes to the financial statements continued

14 Intangible assets

Trademark £
Cost or valuation:
At 1 April 2024 25,000
Additions -
At 31 March 2025 25,000
Amortisation:
At 1 April 2024 5,000
Charge for the year 2,500
At 31 March 2025 7,500
Net book value at 31 March 2025 17,500
Net book value at 31 March 2024 20,000

The amount of amortisation was recognised as an expense within support costs £2,500 (2024: £2,500).

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40

Notes to the financial statements continued

15 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and fittings £
Cost or valuation:
At 1 April 2024 67,350
Additions -
Disposals (1,905)
At 31 March 2025 65,445
Depreciation:
At 1 April 2024 67,350
Charge for the year -
Elimination on displosal (1,905)
At 31 March 2025 65,445
Net book value at 31 March 2024 and 2025 -

16 Debtors

2025 £ 2024 £
Trade debtors 3,032 29,645
Other debtors 54,893 31,558
57,925 61,203

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41

Notes to the financial statements continued

17 Creditors

2025 £ 2024 £
Trade creditors 10,116 59,698
Other tax and social security 4,901 5,511
Grants payable - 19,690
Accruals and deferred income 11,718 27,172
Other creditors 3,065 4,200
29,800 116,270

18 Leases

Operating leases - lessee

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2025 £ 2024 £
Within one year 16,200 16,200
Later than one and not later than five years 133 16,333
16,333 32,533

The amount of non-cancellable operating lease payments recognised as an expense during the year was £16,200 (2024: £12,150).

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

42

Notes to the financial statements continued

19 Deferred income

Total £
At 1 April 2024 21,500
Additions during the year 4,008
Amount released to income (21,500)
At 31 March 2025 4,008

20 Fund reconciliation

Unrestricted funds

Balance
at 1 April
2024 £		 Income
£		 Expenditure
£		 Gains/
(losses)
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
at 31
March
2025 £
Unrestricted 379,712 585,287 (791,174) - - 173,825

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

43

Notes to the financial statements continued

Restricted funds 2024/25

Balance at
1 April
2024 £		 Income
£		 Expenditu
re £		 Gains/
(losses)
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
at 31
March
2025 £
Research projects
General Research 10,429 - - - - 10,429
Other funds
Tinnitus Support
Services		 2,011 27,000 (29,011) - - -
James Ivor Jones
Memorial Fund		 8,770 - (8,770) - - -
Shapiro Prize 1,650 - - - - 1,650
Daniel Ballinger
Memorial Fund		 210 - - - - 210
Helpline Appeals 2,248 18,000 (20,248) - - -
National Lottery
Reaching
Communities		 41,333 - (26,966) - - 14,367
Nationwide - 10,000 (8,748) - - 1,252
Helpline costs - 9,000 (9,000) - - -
66,651 64,000 (102,743) - - 27,908

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the financial statements continued

Fund descriptions

a. Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds are those received for the furtherance of the aims and objectives of Tinnitus UK but with no additional restriction on how these funds can be applied.

b. Restricted funds

General Research

These are specific or general medical or healthcare research funds made up of legacies and donations specifically for the purpose of commissioning research into tinnitus.

This includes our Biobank project which will create a biological database containing data from people with tinnitus.

Tinnitus Support Services (Information Management)

This fund was received to deliver the Charity’s helpline. During the year, further funding has been recognised to develop the helpline with a view to restructuring and improving the helpline service including appointing designated helpline staff and widening the availability of helpline services.

James Ivor Jones Memorial Fund

This fund was created through the fundraising efforts of Mr Jones’ family and friends. The funds will be used to support people with tinnitus (on helpline and through our other services) and to investigate the links between tinnitus and hyperacusis, hypersensitivity, anxiety and depression.

Shapiro Prize

A prize of £250 is awarded each year for the published research paper by a UK based author most likely to result in improved treatment or public awareness of tinnitus. The Marie & Jack Shapiro Prize is intended to encourage researchers, public communicators and others to develop an interest in tinnitus and to recognise their efforts.

Daniel Ballinger Memorial Fund

This fund was created as a result of a fundraising appeal in memory of Daniel Ballinger. The majority of the fund will be used to fund research into neural plasticity in tinnitus and hearing loss.

National Lottery Reaching Communities

This fund supports tinnitus support in the form of groups and other support services in the Southwest region.

Helpline Costs

This fund is for successful funding applications specifically to support and develop the helpline function.

Nationwide

This fund was to contribute to volunteer and helpline training and to conduct an independent social value review of our services.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

45

Notes to the financial statements continued

Unrestricted funds

Balance
at 1 April
2023 £		 Income
£		 Expenditure
£		 Gains/
(losses)
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
at 31
March
2024 £
Unrestricted 569,449 394,261 (705,031) - 121,033 379,712

Restricted funds

Balance
at 1
April
2023 £		 Income
£		 Expenditure
£		 Gains/
(losses)
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
at 31
March
2024 £
Research
projects
General
Research		 220,655 70 (73,459) - (136,837) 10,429
Other funds
Tinnitus
Support
Services		 29,166 46,542 (87,876) - 14,179 2,011
James Ivor
Jones Memorial
Fund		 8,770 - - - - 8,770
Shapiro Prize 1,650 - - - - 1,650
National Lottery
Community
Fund Digital
Project		 52,149 - (60,797) - 8,648 -
Daniel Ballinger
Memorial Fund		 210 - - - - 210
Support groups
Bedfordshire		 2,850 - - - (2,850) -

46

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

Notes to the financial statements continued

Balance
at 1
April
2023 £		 Income
£		 Expenditure
£		 Gains/
(losses)
£		 Transfers
£		 Balance
at 31
March
2024 £
Helpline
Appeals		 - 2,248 - - - 2,248
National
Lottery
Reaching
Communities		 - 41,333 - - - 41,333
Chatbot Project 4,173 - - - (4,173) -
319,623 90,193 (222,132) - (121,033) 66,651

21 Reconciliation of net (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities

flow from operating activities
2025 £ 2024 £
Net (expenditure) for the year (244,630) (442,709)
Interest receivable (4,211) (10,339)
Amortisation and depreciation of fixed assets 2,500 2,500
Decrease in stock - 756
Decrease in debtors 3,278 370,689
(Decrease) in creditors (86,471) (48,385)
Net cash flow from operating activities (329,534) (127,488)

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47

21. Pension and other post-retirement benefits

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the period was £17,781 (2024: £16,564).

22. Financial commitments

There were no financial commitments at the year-end other than operating leases disclosed at Note 17.

23. Related party transactions

During the year one of the Trustees, Lucy Handscomb, was reimbursed £174 (2024: £462) for lecturing services provided at Tinnitus UK online supported events.

Tinnitus UK | Year ended 31 March 2025

48

Tinnitus UK

Unit 5, Acorn Business Park Woodseats Close Sheffield, S8 0TB

Helpline 0800 018 0527 Email info@tinnitus.org.uk Website tinnitus.org.uk

Registered charity number: 1011145 | Registered in England Company limited by guarantee number: 2709302

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