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2024-03-31-accounts

Environment Link

Trustees' report and financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Registered Charity Number: 1022675

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Contents of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Page
Legal and Administrative Information 3
Chair's Foreword 4
Report of the Trustees 5
Independent Examiner's Report 26
Statement of Financial Activities 27
Balance Sheet 28
Notes to the Financial Statements 29
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 42

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Legal and Administrative information

Charity number 1022675

Charity Offices

Tramshed Tech Pendyris Street Cardiff CF22 6BH

Trustees

Roger Thomas Chair Jen Anderson Treasurer Beverley Penney Open Spaces Society (Hon. Secretary) Rachel Sharp Wildlife Trusts Wales Natalie Buttriss Woodland Trust Ffion Mitchell Marine Conservation Society (until November 2023)

President

Post vacant

Co-Directors

Karen Whitfield

Susan Evans (until December 2023)

Independent Examiner Henry Lloyd Davies Bevan Buckland LLP Langdon House Langdon Road Swansea Waterfront SA1 8QY

Bankers

Co-operative Bank P.O. Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Chair’s Foreword

Over the last year the Trustees of WEL, in conjunction with our small team of staff, have undertaken a review of the organisational structure that recognises the opportunities we have despite the challenges facing us. A new structure, giving greater clarity for individual roles, was successfully implemented towards the end of the financial year and, whilst these are early days, is showing great promise. Susan Evans, who established and led WEL for many years has, because of her growing family responsibilities, stepped back to lead on business management. The Trustees place on record our immense thanks to Sue for her exemplary service and are pleased that she remains with our organisation.

It is encouraging that, whilst our financial hurdles remain, we have been able to move towards a more sustainable subscription model with the strong support of our members. Members have been able to accept an increase in costs at a time when budgets are extremely stretched, an exemplification of the value that is placed on being a part of the WEL family.

During the year we have also continued to reach out to others who could potentially benefit WEL and themselves through joining the network, and there is ongoing interest from potential new members.

The achievements of the network in this reporting year are detailed in the following pages. As ever, our staff have punched well above their weight in delivering an ambitious work programme. Thanks go to them, my fellow Trustees and all those who actively contribute to our Working Groups. Our environmental crisis is by every measure deepening – WEL’s advice and influence on government policy is of the utmost importance.

Roger Thomas Chair

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Trustees’ Report

The Trustees present their report and Wales Environment Link's financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Organisational Information

Charity name

Wales Environment Link is also known as WEL. Its X/Twitter handle is @WalesLink, and also has a presence on LinkedIn and Toot Wales/Twt Cymru (the Wales server of Mastodon).

Trustees

The Trustees, who are members of the Management Committee, have served throughout the year, unless otherwise stated.

Constitution of the Charity, Trustee selection and governance

Wales Environment Link's constitution was adopted on 1st November 1990 and amended on 8th May 1991, 5th May 1993, 18th June 1997, 10th September 1997, 3rd July 2002, 7th July 2004, 21st November 2012, 10th July 2013, 16th May 2017 and 4th July 2018.

Appointment to the Management Committee is governed by the Trust Deed of the charity, and appointments made either at the Annual General Meeting or, in the case of a vacancy, by agreement of a majority of the member organisations at a Council Meeting.

Council meets twice a year, principally to consider policy matters of relevance to the members. Decisions are made on the basis of consensus; however, where a formal vote is required, decisions are taken by a majority vote of the Full members of the Council.

The Management Committee manages the affairs of the charity and makes such decisions as may be required to ensure the continuing operation of the charity and to address any substantial matters arising in furtherance of the charitable objectives of the charity.

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Management Committee delegates the day-to-day responsibility for the organisation and line management of staff to the Director of Wales Environment Link.

Related bodies

There are four Link networks in the UK:

Each Link is a coalition organisation, set up to complement and add value to the actions of individual members. The Links work together on UK or European-level policy, forming 'Environment Links UK' (ELUK) statements and documents.

Charitable objects

WEL is established, for the benefit of the public, to promote and enhance the conservation, protection, sustainable management, and quiet and responsible enjoyment of the natural and cultural heritage of Wales.

Vision

A thriving Welsh environment for future generations[1]

1 For the purposes of interpretation, “environment” means terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. It includes urban and rural environments and areas of importance for natural heritage, landscape and public access.

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Mission Statement

Our mission is for the WEL network to be the primary NGO sector influencer of environmental policy, legislation and practice in Wales, respected for our members' expertise and advice and at the centre of government decision making.

Strategic Objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Objective 1: A cohesive voice for the environment

Provide a cohesive voice for our members by enabling them to work effectively with governments and statutory sectors as a respected and influential independent advisory network.

KPIs:

  1. WEL is the first point of contact for Government and statutory bodies when looking for representation from the environmental NGO sector.

  2. WEL recommendations are taken up in Committee reports, and Government policy and legislation.

  3. WEL provides timely, well-informed positions and recommendations that influence policy and legislative change.

Objective 2: Building trust, expertise and capacity

Support and nurture the environmental NGO sector by facilitating the development of partnerships, knowledge and expertise, increasing the sustainability of the sector, building mutual trust and enhancing capacity within the membership.

KPIs:

  1. WEL members are provided with effective training on relevant topics to assist them with their collaborative work and influencing. Courses are sought after and members find them useful.

  2. WEL is a valued partner to the other UK Links (collectively known as Environment Links UK / ELUK) and a key participant in other environmental and relevant third sector coalitions, such as Greener UK, Stop Climate Chaos Cymru, the SD Alliance and the Third Sector Partnership Council.

  3. WEL has the capacity and tools to support at least one joint campaign per year on our members' collective key priorities, in a way that adds value to our members' individual campaigning and strengthens the ability to be heard.

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Objective 3: Supporting our members

Develop WEL's role as a key support mechanism for its members, clearly demonstrating the achievements and importance of the network to members, funders and partners

KPIs:

  1. WEL is recognised as a champion for its members

  2. WEL continues to attract new members, and funding from both the Welsh Government, and trusts and foundations.

  3. WEL members value the network's role in keeping them informed about policy and legislative developments, opportunities for partnership working, support mechanisms and funding opportunities.

Objective 4: A strong public profile

Develop WEL's public profile in order to better promote its members' agreed collective priorities, messages and recommendations.

KPIs:

  1. WEL's social media platforms continue to increase their followers and are valued by our members for promoting their work and raising awareness of environmental issues.

  2. WEL's website is a useful resource for those looking for information about WEL, its members, and network positions on policy issues.

  3. Politicians, government officials and staff from statutory bodies know the WEL network, who its members are, what it represents and what it can offer.

Objective 5: A viable network

Maintain a sustainable, efficient and effective network which is financially stable and overseen by sound governance procedures.

KPIs:

  1. WEL members value the network as an important source of timely information, and are able to engage in joint work with the network in a variety of ways (e.g. through email, Basecamp, social media, video/tele-conferencing and face to face meetings and events).

  2. WEL continues to operate with a healthy funding reserve, diverse income streams and has confidence in its financial practices, organisational policies and

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risk management.

  1. WEL has a high staff retention rate with staff members feeling valued and happy with their working conditions.

  2. WEL attracts and retains skilled Trustees, who feel valued by the network.

Statement of Public Benefit

The Trustees of Wales Environment Link continue to pay due regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in relation to our activities, thus complying with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.

All of the objectives of the charity were devised to contribute to the overall purpose of safeguarding and improving the environment, countryside, heritage, habitats, wildlife and biodiversity of Wales. The act of safeguarding and improving these precious resources is intrinsically for the good of the people of Wales, visitors to Wales and also to global citizens. The Welsh environment and the natural and cultural resources it provides play a significant part in supporting peoples' health and well-being in a multitude of ways, from contributing to good mental and physical health, to reducing the impacts of climate change and helping people to adapt to its effects. WEL advocates for a prosperous, low carbon society which supports the sorts of jobs Wales needs for a just transition.

WEL provides a coordinating service for the environmental and heritage voluntary sector in Wales, increasing the sector’s efficiency so that scarce resources are used to greatest effect. The WEL website provides information about WEL's members and its work, including links to all member organisations' websites with their wide range of information available for the public relating to wildlife and countryside issues, including: recreation, health, sustainable development, education and biodiversity. WEL also promotes the work of its members using social media. WEL staff provide support to all member organisations and thus their members, helping to ensure their own objectives are also met, with wide-reaching public benefit.

Review of developments, activities and achievements over the past year

WEL staff supported 6 working groups this year. The groups were, Advocacy, Biodiversity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Land Use, Marine and Species Champions. Group key activities for the year are reported under the KPIs below.

All WEL and Environment Links UK consultation responses, position statements and briefings are available on the WEL website: www.waleslink.org.

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Objective 1: A cohesive voice for the environment

WEL remains the first point of contact for environmental NGOs when Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), or other public or private bodies seek representation from a wide range of environmental NGOs in policy discussions and decision-making processes. In 2023 - 2024, WEL members represented the network on 21 stakeholder groups that were convened by the Welsh Government, NRW, third sector or private sector bodies. A full list of all stakeholder groups is included in Annex 1.

WEL regularly provides written and oral evidence to Senedd Committees on a range of environmental subjects. This year, WEL has provided written and oral evidence to inquiries on biodiversity and the nature emergency (working as both written evidence and a standalone brief for MSs), the Welsh Government Budget for 2024/25, regulation of gamebirds, net benefit in Planning Policy Wales, Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) Bill, Farming Connect and the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill.

We continue to provide secretariat for the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Biodiversity, giving a united front for the eNGO sector and making vital links with Senedd work on biodiversity. WEL members help decide themes, based on Senedd topical issues, upcoming legislation and Welsh Government developments. We also increasingly involve non-WEL members for events (such as the Royal Welsh Show or Senedd drop-in events) to increase our reach and collaboration.

Advocacy Working Group

We supported the Land Use Group’s work on the Agriculture Act by organising a well-attended half-day drop-in session at the Senedd on 3[rd] May, to discuss proposed amendments for Stage 3 of the Bill process in a summary briefing. A dozen members were there to talk to MSs to discuss our asks of: adding ‘restore biodiversity’ to the Bill wording, which resulted in better guidance in the Explanatory Memorandum; concerns around a lack of National Minimum Standards; and improvements on access opportunities (which we also detailed in a blog, after identifying that not many policy makers understood existing access provisions and duties).

During the last few months of the Agriculture Bill process, WEL facilitating weekly comms catch ups for members to share information on both public facing press and

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social media, and 1:1 conversations with MSs and Ministers. Throughout the year, we also continued to use our comms to urge for action on delayed agricultural pollution regulations.

In January 2024, Welsh Labour started their leadership contest for replacing the First Minister. We created a sub group that could move quickly in meetings with the two candidates, and coordinated input to their manifestos, outlining the network’s priorities for the rest of the Senedd term. We also ensured this was promoted on Nation Cymru, as we slowly scale up our communications.

In the summer, WEL held an all-day Advocacy Workshop at Tredegar House, with the location kindly facilitated by the National Trust. Members’ advocacy leads came together to discuss priorities and concluded on WEL being best placed to develop an illustrated ‘high level vision’, that depicted our work on 2030 targets. WEL began to develop these over the following 6 months and beyond, with practical parameters leading to the design of graphics showing healthy and unhealthy farms, rivers and sea. These are ongoing at the time of reporting and will be used for the 2026 manifesto, and potentially other materials.

The Advocacy Group also led on a high level response to the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill, highlighting the increasing powers to Wales over the years, and supporting an increase in the number of Senedd Members.

Over-arching across Working Groups, we also fed into both consultations on the Welsh Government budget for 2024/25, (one informing the Finance Committee’s expectations and the other on the actual budget contents).

Land Use Working Group

WEL’s Land Use Group pushed hard last May to July as the Agriculture (Wales) Bill went through its Stage 3 and passed. We had advocated including the restoration of nature in the wording of the Bill, but the wording remained “maintain and enhance” which we felt was weaker. However, we did persuade MSs of all parties to take forward a robust debate on this issue in Plenary, which resulted in the Welsh Government agreeing to update the Bill’s Explanatory Memorandum to reference the Global Biodiversity Framework, 2030 targets and the intention to restore nature.

In July 2023 WEL supported a cross-sector event on a Consensus for Food, Farming and Nature for Wales, which was well attended by farming groups, eNGOs and

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Welsh politicians and officials. This document was a Wales specific version of the English consensus document that was produced as means of bringing together environmental groups with progressive farming groups and landowners to build consensus on how farming should progress in a sustainable manner for people and the environment. We had speakers from the Wales Organic Forum, Soil Association, and for a discussion on good access practice, Ramblers and British Mountaineering Council.

The outline Sustainable Farming Scheme was published in December 2023 and WEL responded to this consultation in March 2024. The Scheme was not published in its entirety, due to budget constraints, and did not contain information about payment rates, causing concern for both the environmental sector and the farming sector. In June 2023 we signed a joint letter to the Minister for Rural Affairs to call for Glastir funding to be maintained until the Sustainable Farming Scheme was ready to launch. In October 2023 WEL wrote to the Minister with our key asks for the Sustainable Farming Scheme, including a call for payment rates to be higher than those announced for the interim Habitats Wales Scheme, which we felt would disadvantage nature friendly farmers.

WEL continued to engage with politicians on the ETRA and Climate Change Committees on river pollution and the implementation of the 2021 Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations. WEL was disappointed that the Welsh Government has introduced a notification system for farmers wishing to spread more than the statutory level of 170kg/n/h, rather than a properly funded licensing scheme, and we wrote a briefing on this and also met with the Minister for Rural Affairs to raise our concerns. WEL also responded to NRW’s consultation on regulatory fees and charges in January 2024.

Biodiversity Working Group

In April 2023, the group partnered with Healthy Air Cymru for inputting to the Environment (Air Quality & Soundscapes) Bill (now Act). By working with them on the scope of the Bill, WEL was able to input Stage 1 evidence, calling for measures to also focus on agricultural emissions, including targets on ammonia and shorter timescales for Ministers to introduce PM 2.5 (fine particular matter) targets. Our calls were echoed in six of the Climate Change Committee’s recommendations to Welsh Government.

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In May, with the help of planning-focused members, we submitted a response to the Welsh Government inquiry on including ‘net benefit for biodiversity’ in the Planning Policy Wales. With RSPB leading, we also input to an NRW consultation on regulating the release of gamebirds.

In June, we prepared two of our members in giving evidence on a Senedd committee inquiry on ‘Biodiversity and the nature emergency’, and a briefing on the ongoing need for a Nature Positive Bill. We continued to call for the Bill at every opportunity, including during the Legislative Statement and repeated blogs with updated context, as well as supporting Climate Cymru in their own efforts to rally public input. We’ve put more emphasis on ensuring our policy messages are explained in easy to read language, setting out the nature emergency evidence and our COP 15 commitments in blog form.

During the year, we continued to discuss our Pathways to 2030 report with key stakeholders, such as Senedd staff, Natural Resources Wales and the Future Generations Office. It featured in Senedd Research briefings for MSs as well and was mentioned numerous times in Senedd committees and Plenary.

As part of the advocacy work on graphics, we had a series of meetings with policy leads and co-chairs, to best depict concepts like riparian edges along rivers, sustainable habitat management on farms, and sea with sustainably managed ecosystems.

Marine Working Group

The Marine Group continued to share information from individual members’ work, and support with providing advocacy and liaison opportunities with key policy makers. This included a second Ministerial ‘walk and talk’ event in August, with then Climate Change Minister Julie James. WEL arranged a half-day visit to Cwm Ivy in the Gower, resulting in closer relationship building between members, the Minister and her staff. We also facilitated a workshop with Natural Resources Wales in Shrewsbury, to discuss progress on designations, monitoring and local projects.

The group also kept a watching brief on marine litter issues, and we continued to liaise with colleagues across the UK, particularly Reloop, to put pressure on the UK Government to progress their Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) commitment, with glass included in the materials. We have signed multiple joint letters and provided advice on Wales advocacy, linking up other stakeholders with Ministers and interested MSs. We also used our platform to host guest blogs, explaining how the Internal

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Market Act can act as a blocker to environmental policymaking, with the DRS as an example. We helped Reloop to organise a Senedd event in March 2023 to bring their expertise into Welsh discussions and make link with MSs directly.

We also supported our sister Link’s response on banning wet wipes, highlighting it in a blog and letter to Welsh Ministers on the problems they cause and the need to implement in Wales too.

National Park Task & Finish Group

In December, we set up a Task and Finish Group to feed into the development of the new National Park in north-east Wales, steered by the Campaign for National Parks. In this time period, the group was mostly sharing information and preparing communications on ensuring it prioritises nature highly in their initial assessment of boundaries (i.e. paying attention to ecological boundaries like catchments).

Species Champions Project

WEL supported members to run events with their Species Champions. Following the success of a 2022 Senedd event that Wild Fish and Afonydd Cymru ran with their Fish Species Champions, Afonydd Cymru replicated this in July 2023 with a follow up event, focused on developing a Salmon Action Plan with NRW.

In September, we arranged an online engagement workshop and produced new Engagement Guidance for members, to help share best practice and process on liaising with Members of the Senedd. This includes advice on arranging site visits, working with Senedd staff, and how to arrange a policy focused event on the Senedd estate.

In October, we used the Species Champions as a mechanism to promote the latest - State of Nature report, with another drop in for Senedd Members and a photo opportunity with cuddly toys showing the at-risk species in need. This resulted in extra awareness and social media discussion on the State of Nature and coordinated messaging between members on headline statistics.

WEL members remained at capacity in relation to recruiting new Species Champions. However, we did bring in our first reintroduction species, and now have a White-Tailed Sea Eagle Champion, thanks to support from academics working on environmental assessments for a project with Wildlife Trusts Wales.

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Objective 2: Building trust, expertise and capacity

During 2023-24, we continued to make best use of MS engagement on our X/Twitter account, particularly during the Agriculture Bill final stage. Most tweets around this time get between 450-900 impressions, with support from key Senedd Members and committees to boost it. Using it for doing last minute reminders for attendance at events has been very helpful, for both our own and members’ events.

Our work building other platforms has resulted in over 200 following on LinkedIn and 49 on Mastodon, but with better engagement and boosting, despite the small number of followers.

WEL’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group, met 3 times between April 2023 and March 2024. This group works in tandem with Wildlife and Countryside’s EDI Working Group, with members attending WCL meetings for information on subjects that are cross-cutting across all organisations. WEL EDI meetings are a space for organisations to share information about Welsh projects and work practices.

WEL continues to be a valued Environment Links UK (ELUK) partner with regular contact between the ELUK Directors, sharing information and expertise on Link governance and ideas for joint working and funding. WEL continues to work with ELUK on joint reports on wildlife crime and access to justice in the UK, as well as equality, diversity and inclusion.

WEL remains in contact with Stop Climate Chaos and is also part of the Climate Cymru coalition. WEL maintains links with Greener UK by participating in the work of the Devolution Group

Objective 3: Supporting our members

WEL’s Director has continued to participate in the Enabling the Environment Sector stakeholder group, which also includes several WEL members and NRW staff (Chair and secretariat), Welsh Government officials and funders. This group continues to work on ideas to make the environmental NGO sector more resilient.

WEL members regularly tell us how much they appreciate the weekly Newsdirect monitoring service, which provides a wealth of information on Government and Senedd developments, and upcoming Government consultations and Senedd inquiries. WEL's egroups continue to be very active and members are also increasingly using Basecamp to share information directly with other members; we

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have had feedback from members regarding how useful this is. We have also continued to provide advice on member events and advocacy with Welsh Government and the Senedd, particularly assisting members that do not have much Wales-specific capacity.

2023-24 was the second year of a four-year grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the second year of a two-year grant from The Waterloo Foundation, both hugely welcome. We also received a two-year resilience grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has allowed us to work on our financial resilience, internal governance and progress our Diversity Action Plan. We were grateful to receive an extension on funding from WWF Cymru for developing the Pathways to 2030 Report and working on a new set of nature rich/nature poor graphics for future use in WEL policy and the WEL Manifesto. In late February 2023, Welsh Government decided to procure WEL’s services to engage the sector on work relating to the Environmental Governance and Nature Targets Bill, Biodiversity Deep Dive and Nature Recovery Action Plan, as well as input relating to marine planning and policy. Our role is to provide evidence and expert advice on these issues from the sector. We also continued to receive funding from WCVA for our participation in the Third Sector Partnership Council, representing the environmental third sector.

Whilst WEL has improved its financial position during 2023-24, funding remains difficult to find across the sector and WEL is ineligible for many of the funding pots that are available in Wales. It is essential that WEL grows and diversifies its funding if we are to be able to continue to support our members effectively: our members have recognised this in their November 2023 decision to increase income from membership subscriptions and adopt a fairer model.

Objective 4: A strong public profile

More frequent social media use and a focus on improving press engagement has resulted in more articles citing our work, fostering WEL’s reputation as the go-to for comment on environmental issues. We have focused a lot on Nation Cymru as a growing Welsh-focused news source. Examples include:

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

We have also been working on upskilling members and staff on media interviews, so we can have a reliable body of experts ready and confident to give comment on issues as they arise.

Objective 5: A viable network

Council meetings were held as hybrid meetings in both May and November 2023. In May we had a workshop session at Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth to discuss WEL’s services and subscription model and come up with ideas to make the network more sustainable and resilient. In November we had a new member presentation from Coed Lleol/Small Woods and members voted on the adoption of a new membership subscription model for WEL. In addition to this, members discussed the possibility of widening WEL membership eligibility criteria to welcome smaller more local organisations into the network and we had a WEL campaign update.

Most members are now very used to online or hybrid meetings. Working group attendance from across Wales has continued to be good because of travel-free ways to engage with WEL’s work. Our Basecamp service is valued as a way of sharing information and initiating informal discussions directly between members. Our egroup service is used for staff to distribute information, with discussion mainly taking place on Basecamp. This year we have started to see a little more appetite for face-to-face meetings where people can build relationships, as many members’ staff that started during the Covid pandemic have not met each other in person. WEL will continue to find ways to support staff to build relationships across the network.

WEL reserves are reasonably healthy at present. During this year we have secured some new funding commitments that have allowed us to begin preparations for recruiting a new Policy Officer in the next financial year, bringing our staff team back up to 3.3 FTE. Crucially, in November 2023 WEL members voted to change WEL’s membership subscription model to one which is similar to our sister Links in Scotland and England. This model tracks member income more closely and is fairer to organisations according to their size and resources. It will also bring in more core

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income for WEL, placing the organisation on a more sustainable footing for the future. We greatly appreciate the support that our members have given on this crucial part of our income.

Trustees have also undertaken a restructuring exercise in consultation with staff, to ensure that WEL staff can deliver our strategic aims whilst carrying out their roles without undue pressure or risk of burnout.

Trustees look at projected finances at every meeting to identify and manage any risks to the organisation. WEL also maintains a Risk Register which is considered and updated regularly at Management Committee meetings.

Our three long-term members of staff have been in post for several years, demonstrating the network's appeal in providing interesting work and good working conditions despite financial pressures. Our flexible working policies, rewarding length of service with additional annual leave days, and encouraging input and ideas from all our staff, continue to make WEL a desirable place to work. This was demonstrated by staff willingness to work positively as the restructuring process took its course. Staff stay in regular contact through phone and videoconferencing and staff also have the option to use our membership of a co-working space in Cardiff, which provides a pleasant shared modern space for meetings and working alongside colleagues at key times. We understand the importance of keeping this use of office space and homeworking under review to balance the advantages of flexible working with the need to provide support and contact to staff.

Management Committee meetings were held more regularly during 2023-24 as the staff restructuring process was undertaken, with 9 meetings taking place throughout the year.

Trustees and staff are very keen that WEL further improves diversity on our Management Committee. As of March 2024, we had two Trustee vacancies available, as well as co-optee places, and we aim to develop the diversity of our Management Committee through these routes.

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

The members of WEL in the network at the end of March 2024 are as follows:

Full Members (25)

Afonydd Cymru Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust Bat Conservation Trust British Mountaineering Council Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust Bumblebee Conservation Trust Butterfly Conservation Wales Campaign for National Parks Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Coed Cadw / Woodland Trust Freshwater Habitats Trust John Muir Trust Keep Wales Tidy Llais y Goedwig Marine Conservation Society National Trust / Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol Open Spaces Society Plantlife Ramblers Cymru RSPB Cymru Soil Association Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) WildFish Wildlife Trusts Wales WWF Cymru

Associate Members* (4)

Elan Valley Trust Oxfam Cymru Snowdonia Society / Cymdeithas Eryri YHA

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Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Staffing

Karen Whitfield and Susan Evans were part-time Co-Directors of WEL until December 2023. In January 2024 Karen Whitfield became full time Director of WEL.

In January 2024 Susan Evans became Business Manager for WEL.

Liz Smith was promoted to the role of Advocacy and Policy Lead in January 2024.

WEL involvement in the Third Sector Partnership Scheme

The Government of Wales Act placed a statutory duty on the newly devolved government to publish a Scheme setting out how it will promote the interests of the third sector.

The Third Sector Scheme is a statement of the Welsh Government’s intent in their relationship with the Third Sector. It identifies three areas of interest – stronger communities, better policy and better public services – as well as formal arrangements for engagement. It was adopted and published in September 2000. The National Assembly has a statutory duty to set out the scheme in order to demonstrate how it would promote the interests of the voluntary sector.

The Third Sector Partnership Council (TSPC) is chaired by Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice, and is made up of representatives of third sector networks working across 25 areas of third sector activity along with the CEO of WCVA. Each of the 25 categories is represented by a third sector network, which is nominated or elected to their role by the organisations within the specific area of interest. Wales Environment Link is nominated to represent the environment sector.

The main purpose of the Third Sector Partnership Council is to make sure that the principles set out in the Third Sector Scheme are put into practice. It also provides an opportunity for the sector to raise issues of interest or concern. It generally does not discuss issues that relate to only one area of interest (these can be taken up through biannual ministerial meetings) and as a national body it is concerned with issues affecting all of Wales.

As well as being represented on the TSPC, WEL has representatives on the Ministerial meeting groups organised by the WCVA, which run under the auspices of the Scheme. WEL acts as the voice of the environment at all these meetings.

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Support in kind for Wales Environment Link

All members of WEL make a significant and direct contribution of time, skills and resources to the activities of the network: that collaboration is critical to the development of a collective voice. Members’ time is critical to the functioning of the network. Staff from different organisations working together and sharing information greatly benefits the environment sector as a whole. The Trustees wish to acknowledge this contribution and thank the members for their continued support. Staff and volunteers of member organisations gave 4,706 hours of their time to aid the activities of the network during 2023 – 2024, as disclosed in note 8 to the accounts. The time and benefits in kind provided by members during 2023 – 2024 in furtherance of WEL’s work has been valued at £235,725.

Financial review of the year

The statement of financial activities shows that the total funds carried forward from 2023/24 to 2024/25 are £276,271. The Trustees consider this to be a reasonable and welcome figure to carry forward given the continued uncertainty around future grant funding and the need to increase WEL’s staffing capacity during the coming financial year.

At November Council 2023 members voted on a new subscription fee system which will improve WEL’s income from this vital and relatively stable source. The new system will also fairer for members overall, given that subscription costs will be more closely aligned with each members’ individual annual income figure than previously. The full level of increase will come into play over a transition period of 3 to 4 financial years and will result in approximately 40% of our annual income coming from membership subscriptions in future.

WEL will be in a reasonably stable position for the next two financial years. However, we will need to continue to seek income from new sources to safeguard the future functioning of the organisation.

Funders of Wales Environment Link

The Trustees of WEL would like to thank the following for their support:

We received the second payment of our current four-year funding agreement with the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

21

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

We received the final payment of our two-year Waterloo Foundation grant towards WEL's work on post-Brexit environmental governance, agriculture, marine and biodiversity work.

We were grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for agreeing to provide us with a 2-year grant towards our work on ‘Developing a resilient and sustainable network’.

WCVA continued to provide funding through the Partnership Capacity Building Fund to assist WEL's participation in the Third Sector Partnership Council.

As always, a vital part of WEL's core funding came from the WEL members themselves, in the form of their subscription fees.

Reserves and risk policy (developed Autumn 2021)

The figure which Trustees consider to be appropriate and reasonable for the organisation to hold in reserve is between 12 to 18 months’ worth of running costs which equates to approximately £200,000 - £300,000 based on our current, minimal level of staffing. We plan to recruit a new Policy Officer next financial year, which will mean our reserves level will increase in line with increased costs.

The Trustees’ position on necessary reserves takes account of the scarcity of funders who choose to support organisations / networks whose purpose is to work on policy matters in Wales and the UK. It also draws on WEL’s previous experience of losing multi-year support at short notice and consequently having to reduce costs (including staff) by more than 50% with the associated major reduction in operations which support the network of members and their work. It was only through reliance on a good reserve then that closure of WEL was avoided, a risk which Trustees have agreed should not be taken, given WEL’s significant contribution in Wales.

Staffing capacity remained at 2.3 FTE at the end of this financial year and Trustees recognise that we will need to invest some of our reserves towards our goal of increasing staff capacity from next financial year. We continue to maintain a 5-year forecast budget and to monitor the 6-month reserve figure (see below) to manage challenges and track WEL’s actual funding need.

22

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

With the above factors in mind, Trustees aim to retain reserves at a level which ensures a modest degree of sustainability in a challenging and changing financial context.

Guidelines for monitoring critical levels of reserves describe how much capital is required to enable the charity to continue operating under extraordinary circumstances for 6 months, 3 months and 1 month. As employee commitments (including redundancy rights) change, the operating reserves statements are amended.

Going into financial year April 2024 – 2025, the reserve requirements are as follows. To operate for:

These figures are used by the Trustees to assess any potential risk arising to the charity over time. If funds were to fall below the 6 months operations figure, the Trustees would assess whether there would be a need to take additional steps to curtail expenditure and obtain income, or whether it could be reasonably assumed that anticipated income would address any potential short-term cash flow issues.

Trustees plan to review this policy in Autumn 2024.

The total funds carried forward at 31 March 2024 are £276,271. The Trustees consider this to be a reasonable figure to carry forward in the current circumstances, particularly considering the uncertainty hanging over future grant funding opportunities and the fact that WEL needs to reinstate some of its lost staffing capacity next financial year.

Future developments and risk assessment

A WEL Risk Register is maintained, monitored and updated regularly during the year.

Funding availability and capacity remains a very serious concern throughout the sector, with sources of core funding becoming even more increasingly rare. Unrestricted funding for the sector is vital, both to allow us to retain members, and for us to rebuild and maintain long-term capacity and key policy staff at a level

23

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

appropriate to increasing demand. WEL will continue with plans to increase its membership base, identify any new sources of funding, and raise a greater percentage of its income from membership subscriptions. In November 2023, the decision by WEL members to support the move to a new membership subscription model, which will bring in a greater proportion of funds from our membership whilst remaining fair to member organisations of different levels of income, was hugely appreciated. We are pleased to see how much our members value the services that WEL provides.

Trustees are aware of the difficulties some of our members are experiencing whilst continuing to work within the network. In addition to funding concerns, capacity within the sector is being stretched to the maximum.

Despite the continuing difficulties in current times and our staffing level having remained at 2.3 FTE during the period, WEL has achieved a great deal again this year. Once again we can celebrate the strength and mutual support of our trusted network and we have continued to attract the interest of new organisations to the network. The value placed on Wales Environment Link by members and partners remains clearly evident and as a result of the work underway towards making our organisation more sustainable and resilient, we look forward to strengthening our staff base and achieving more for the Environment in Wales during the coming financial year.

Approved by order of the board of Trustees on 7[th] November 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Roger Thomas (Chair)

24

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Annex 1

WEL members were represented on the following stakeholder groups as at 31st March 2024:

25

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Independent Examiner’s Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Wales Environment Link / Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru (the Trust) for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Henry Lloyd Davies Bevan Buckland LLP

Ground Floor, Cardigan House Castle Court

Swansea Enterprise Park

Swansea

SA7 9LA Date: 7[th] November 2024

26

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
FROM
Donations and legacies 2 995 - 995 200
Charitable activities
Charitable activities 4 164,940 - 164,940 219,353
Investment income 3 4,769 - 4,769 1,498
Total 170,704 - 170,704 221,051
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 2,901 - 2,901 2,525
Charitable activities 5
Charitable activities 149,528 2,803 152,331 164,913
Total 152,429 2,803 155,232 167,438
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 18,275 (2,803) 15,472 53,613
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 256,446 4,353 260,799 207,186
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 274,721 1,550 276,271 260,799

The notes form part of these financial statements

27

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds
funds funds		 funds funds funds funds funds funds
funds
Notes £ £ £ £ Notes £ £ £ £ Notes £ £ £ £ Notes £ £ £ £ Notes £ £ £ £ Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 9 3,418 - 3,418 -
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 10 4,842 - 4,842 3,714
Cash at bank 276,964 1,550 278,514 263,795
281,806 1,550 283,356 267,509
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one 11 (10,233) - (10,233) (6,710)
year
NET CURRENT ASSETS 271,573 1,550 273,123 260,799
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT 274,721 1,550 276,271 260,799
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS 274,721 1,550 276,271 260,799
FUNDS 12
Unrestricted funds 274,721 256,446
Restricted funds 1,550 4,353
TOTAL FUNDS 276,271 260,799

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 7[th] November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

J M Anderson (Treasurer) - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

28

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results in the future may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.

continued...

29

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Estimation Uncertainty

The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. Management considers there to be no estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Income

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Subscription income is recognised when paid. When a payment is made for an extended period, it is credited evenly over the period to the SOFA.

Donations and similar incoming resources represent monies received by the charity from charitable donations and gifts. These are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities upon receipt.

Grant income is accounted for on an accruals basis and is shown in the financial statements when the Charity earns the unconditional right to the funds. Grants received for a specific purpose are treated as restricted funds. Revenue grants are credited directly to the Statement of Financial Activities and Capital grants are released over the life of the asset in line with the depreciation policy.

Interest Receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

continued...

30

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

The cost of generating funds comprises those costs associated with attracting grant income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities, both costs directly attributable and indirect support costs. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity.

All costs allocated between expenditure categories are on a basis designed to reflect their resource usage. For some costs this means direct allocation to activities, other costs are apportioned, e.g., by staff time spent on the activity, or another equitable usage measure.

Joint delivery costs are recognised in the period which they are awarded to the extent that they have been expended in accordance with the funding terms and conditions.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charities programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

continued...

31

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost

Computer equipment - 25% on cost

Tangible fixed assets are included at cost less depreciation and impairment. Indication of impairment is reviewed annually, and an impairment review is undertaken where there is an indication of impairment.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined benefit pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. There is no past service deficit liability at the year end.

continued...

32

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments held within a deposit or similar account.

Debtors

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

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due.

Financial instruments

The charity 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.

continued...

33

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2024
2023
£ £
Donations 995 200
Included in Donations above are the following:
Amounts received towards salary costs for an intern
-		 200
employed through Cardiff University’s Internship Scheme
RSPB share of Drop-in Event catering costs 195 -
WCL contribution to EDI film 250 -
SEL contribution to EDI film 250 -
NIEL contribution to EDI film 250 -
Shared voice interview 50 -
995 200
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
2024 2023
£ £
Bank Interest Receivable 4,769 1,498
4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2024 2023
Activity £ £
Partnership Capacity
Building Fund (PCBF)
 Charitable activities 3,501 3,501
Subscriptions - Full
and Associate
 Charitable activities 51,487 53,852
Grants
 Charitable activities 109,952 162,000
164,940 219,353

continued...

34

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

s received, included in the above, are as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation 55,000 77,000
Waterloo Foundation 40,000 40,000
WWF Cymru - 20,000
Welsh Government grant, administered by National 14,952 -
Lottery Heritage Fund
Postcode Lottery - 25,000
109,952 162,000
5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Direct Support
Costs costs
Totals
£ £ £
Charitable activities 133,963 18,368 152,331

6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

Trustees’ expenses (2024: £149, 2023: £210) consists of travel and subsistence costs.

continued...

35

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

7. 2023 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
 funds funds
£ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 200 - 200
Charitable activities
Charitable activities 204,353 15,000 219,353
Investment income 1,498 - 1,498
Total 206,051 15,000 221,051
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 2,525 - 2,525
Charitable activities
Charitable activities 154,266 10,647 164,913
Total 156,791 10,647 167,438
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 49,260 4,353 53,613
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 207,186 - 207,186
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 256,446 4,353 260,799

continued...

36

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

8 . BENEFITS IN KIND

The value of services donated by members in the pursuit of co-operative activities during the year and not included in the Statement of Financial Activities is as follows:

Time and Travel contributed to working groups and
meetings
Time and Travel contributed to the management of
the charity		 2024
£
213,550
22,175
2023
£

232,038

14,200

246,238
235,275

The value of members’ staff and volunteer time contributed to the network in 20232024 has been calculated using National Lottery Heritage Fund volunteer rate guideline figures.

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and
 Computer
fittings equipment Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 April 2023 10,305 2,839 13,144
Additions - 4,198 4,198
At 31 March 2024 10,305 7,037 17,342
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2023 10,305 2,839 13,144
Charge for year - 1,050 1,050
At 31 March 2024 10,305 3,889 14,194
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 - 3,148 3,148
At 31 March 2023 - - -

continued...

37

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024 2023
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 4,842 3,714
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 10,233 6,710
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.23 in funds At 31.3.24
£
 £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 256,446 18,275 274,721
Restricted funds
WWF Cymru Pathways to 2030 3,753 (2,803) 950
WWF Cymru Agriculture Bill Campaign 600 - 600
4,353 (2,803) 1,550
TOTAL FUNDS 260,799 15,472 276,271

38

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Incoming Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 170,704 (152,429) 18,275
Restricted funds
WWF Cymru Pathways to 2030 - (2,803) (2,803)
TOTAL FUNDS 170,704 (155,232) 15,472
2023 comparatives for movement in funds
Net
movement
At 1.4.22 in funds At 31.3.23
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 207,186 49,260 256,446
Restricted funds
WWF Cymru Pathways to 2030 - 3,753 3,753
WWF Cymru Agriculture Bill Campaign - 600 600
- 4,353 4,353
TOTAL FUNDS 207,186 53,613 260,799

continued...

39

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

2023 comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended In funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 206,051 (156,791) 49,260
Restricted funds
WWF Cymru Pathways to 2030 5,000 (1,247) 3,753
WWF Cymru Agriculture Bill Campaign 10,000 (9,400) 600
15,000 (10,647) 4,353
TOTAL FUNDS 221,051 (167,438) 53,613
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
Net
At 1.4.22 movement At 31.3.24
in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 207,186 67,535 274,721
Restricted funds
WWF Cymru Pathways to 2030 - 950 950
WWF Cymru Agriculture Bill Campaign - 600 600
- 1,550 1,550
TOTAL FUNDS 207,186 69,085 276,271

continued...

40

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

ded in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 376,755 (309,220) 67,535
Restricted funds
WWF Cymru Pathways to 2030 5,000 (4,050) 950
WWF Cymru Agriculture Bill Campaign 10,000 (9,400) 600
15,000 (13,450) 1,550
TOTAL FUNDS 391,755 (322,670) 69,085

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024 other than those disclosed in note 5, 6 and 8 of the financial statements.

continued...

41

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS £ £
Donations and legacies
Donations 995 200
Investment income
Bank Interest Receivable 4,769 1,498
Charitable activities
Partnership Capacity Building Fund (PCBF) 3,501 3,501
Subscriptions - Full and Associate 51,487 53,852
Grants 109,952 162,000
164,940 219,353
Total incoming resources 170,704 221,051
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Wages 2,563 2,231
Social security 338 294
2,901 2,525
Charitable activities
Wages 96,495 102,161
Social security 6,042 15,019
Pensions 8,725 9,302
Sundries 70 -
Working Groups 15,214 15,680
Management Committee Expenses 486 210
Staff travel and subsistence 32 41

42

Cyswllt Amgylchedd Cymru / Wales Environment Link

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024

IT Costs 3,607 3,684
Meetings and AGM 566 -
External Liaison - 32
Links Liaison 158 -
NLHF Project 1,518 -
Computer equipment depreciation 1,050 -
133,963 146,129
Support costs
Management
Wages 10,941 10,941
Office Costs 7 63
Rent 3,000 3,137
Staff training and recruitment 673 458
14,621 14,599
Governance costs
Insurance 391 459
Accountancy 3,356 3,726
3,747 4,185
Total resources expended 155,232 167,438
Net income/(expenditure) 15,472 53,613

43