COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 02939840
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Charity Number 103903
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
As I conclude my first year as Chair of The Neurological Alliance, I’m filled with both gratitude and optimism for the future. The past year has been one of collaboration, learning, and advocacy. I have been inspired by the strength and dedication of our members, whose passion for improving the lives of people with neurological conditions is truly remarkable. Through your support, we’ve been able to make significant strides in raising the profile of neurological conditions within the political sphere.
Prior to the general election being called, we supported members and people affected by neurological conditions to engage in the development of key government initiatives, such as the NHS England Neuroscience Transformation Programme, the Major Conditions Strategy and the revitalised Rare Conditions Strategy for England.
Crucially, many members have told us that they are finding it increasingly difficult to influence local decision makers (such as Integrated Care Boards). In response, we have developed new tools and information to support members to campaign locally, and sought to encourage ICBs to prioritise services for people affected by neurological conditions. Nationally, we have encouraged and challenged NHS England to ensure that ICBs have the resources they need to understand care for people affected by neurological conditions in their patch, and how the sector can help them improve.
One of the highlights of the year was our #NeuroChampion campaign for the UK general election. It was an impressive collective effort, mobilizing nearly 1,000 people across the UK to reach out to over 2,200 parliamentary candidates and call on them to improve workforce and services for people affected by neurological conditions. We ensured that neurological conditions were a part of the election discourse, helping prospective MPs understand the critical importance of improving services for the one in six people in the UK living with neurological conditions. The election of 12 Neuro Champion MPs stands as a testament to our work, and they will be vital allies as we push for further change.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to work with these MPs and continue advocating for the muchneeded improvements in care, support, and services for our community. Our call for a UKwide Neuro Taskforce remains a priority.
A key focus for the coming year is the expansion of My Neuro Survey, our national neurological patient experience survey. This initiative continues to inform vital service improvements and policy changes. This year’s survey will be our most ambitious yet, with an expanded focus on carers and a roll-out in the Republic of Ireland for the first time. We hope to capture an even broader range of voices, ensuring our data reflects the true diversity of our community and strengthens our advocacy efforts.
The Trustee Board has gone through more change this year. I’d like in particular to thank our departing trustees Marc Smith (Brain and Spine Foundation), and Chris James (MNDA), Dr Ralph Gregory (Independent Trustees) and, David Garmon-Jones (Independent Trustee), who have dedicated so much time and wisdom during their time on the board. A particular thanks, of course, to my predecessor, David Martin (MS Trust), who made it so easy to pick up the role as Chair, leaving a strong, collegiate board and executive.
In closing, I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome and invaluable insights I’ve gained from our members during this first year. Together, we have made significant progress, and I am confident that the year ahead will bring even greater achievements. Thank you for your ongoing support; we are stronger together, and I am excited about all we will accomplish in the coming months. Cath Stanley, Chair, The Neurological Alliance
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered charity name The Neurological Alliance Charity registration number 1039034 Company registration number 02939840 Registered office The Junction Station Road Watford WD17 1EU Independent Examiner Martin Bailey FCA Goodman Jones LLP Chartered Accountants 1[st] Floor, Arthur Stanley House 40 – 50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN Accountants Godfrey Wilson 5th Floor, Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Metro Bank PLC One Southampton Row London WC1B 5HA
The trustees present their report and independently examined financial statements for The Neurological Alliance for the year 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. The report and financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the report and financial statements. The report and financial statements will be laid before the members of the charity at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on 28 November 2024. In preparation of this report, the trustees had regard for the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
1. Our objects
Our principal objectives, as derived from the objects set out in our Articles of Association, are to advance the education of the public in all matters concerning neurological disorders by carrying out research and investigation into preventative procedures, treatment and the needs and care of persons affected by neurological conditions, and publishing the useful results thereof, and the relief of those persons in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who are receiving or have received treatment for neurological conditions.
We are the only collective voice for over 100 national charities, professional bodies, regional organisations and corporate organisations working together to transform treatment, care and support for people affected by neurological conditions.
“The Neurological Alliance brings communities together. Symptoms often cross over and people find themselves battling the same issues within different neurological conditions. Why fight it alone when we can fight it together? A collective voice is a much louder voice.”
Rhys, co-production group member living with superficial siderosis and hydrocephalus .
2. What we set out to do in 2023-2024
Our vision, mission and strategic goals are as follows:
-
Vision: Every person affected by a neurological condition can access the right treatment, care and support at the right time.
-
Mission: To harness the energy and passion of the neurological community to ensure public policy in health reflects the realities of living with a neurological condition, so that everyone can access treatment, care and support whenever they need it.
Our goals:
-
Public policy and practice reflects and supports the realities of living with a neurological condition.
-
People affected by neurological conditions and our members are heard and have influence.
-
We are a strong, diverse organisation that delivers change.
Our values:
-
Bold: We will not hesitate to speak truth to power, rooted in the experiences of people with neurological conditions.
-
United: We unleash the power of our collective community.
-
Inclusive: We listen to and celebrate the diversity of the neurological community. We work with anyone who shares our vision.
-
Leading: We are the voice on issues relating to access and experience of healthcare for people with neurological conditions.
-
Expert: We deliver evidence that changes minds and policy.
The Annual Report of the Trustees for 2023/24 is set out under our three strategic goals:
Goal 1: Public policy and practice reflects and supports the realities of living with a neurological condition
“The alliance has helped me to make a difference to people's lives and the way in which neurological conditions are addressed in the UK, not just for people living with the neurological condition that I have but for people who live with lots of different neurological conditions. I'm part of the change that I want to see happen.”
Trishna, co-production group member living with multiple sclerosis.
We have continued to take every opportunity available to secure much needed health service improvement for people affected by neurological conditions.
In particular, we have continued to engage with the NHS England neuroscience transformation programme, which is setting out a range of new resources for Integrated Care Boards to effectively commission adult neurology and neurosurgery services. As a member of the programme board, we have sought to ensure these resources reflect the experiences of people affected by neurological conditions and provide a comprehensive model of care. Through this programme, new resources have been developed to improve the data available to commissioners and providers about their neurosurgery and neurology service, as well as new evidence on health inequity in access to services.
We also played an active part in planning and delivering the first ‘National Neurology Transformation Meeting’ organised by the Neurology Academy. The meeting had representation from all but seven of the country's integrated care boards (ICBs), and many were managers and commissioners interested in improving services. Our CEO, Georgina Carr, presented findings from My Neuro Survey 2021/22 at the meeting, and another National Neurology Transformation Meeting is planned for 2025.
We continued our engagement around the Major Conditions Strategy in 2023/24, supported by ongoing dialogue with relevant officials in the Department for Health and Social Care. In September 2023 we used our Q3 Policy Group meeting to facilitate member engagement with Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) officials working on the strategy, including the policy lead, providing a forum for members to share their views and insights with senior civil servants.
The alliance also supported the department in setting up two listening and engagement sessions directly with people affected by neurological conditions. 13 adults, children, young people and parents/carers participated across two sessions in October 2023. We played a leading role in ensuring our members and wider community were heard and influenced the development of the previous government’s flagship health policy, ensuring it reflected the realities of living with a neurological condition.
We were invited to join the Rare Disease Strategy Patient Advisory Group for the first time, playing a central role in the development of the 2024 England Rare Disease Strategy.
Working with members of our Rare Conditions Subgroup we provided feedback on two drafts of the strategy and were involved in three meetings with colleagues and key DHSC officials. Our feedback on the need to ensure people affected by neurological conditions are not denied access to mental health support was included in the strategy and advice was circulated to all NHS England systems.
We have continued to play an active role in the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) Services Committee. The Committee includes regional representation from across the UK. The committee has focussed on updating job planning guidance, identifying areas of best practice neurology care and developing a new report on workforce need and provision. We have been particularly active in the latter piece of work, with a new report on this anticipated in 24/25.
We received restricted funding to develop a new MS service improvement tool, which follows the success of our epilepsy tool (published in 2023). The tool provides support to commissioners and providers to identify key pieces of evidence to plan their service, drawing on resources from our membership and beyond. The tool will be published in 2024.
We continued to support the publication of new clinical optimal pathways this year. In January, we published new optimal clinical pathways of care for epilepsy and neurological autoimmune diseases, and crosscutting pathways for neurogenetics and rehabilitation for adults with neurological conditions. These now sit alongside other clinical pathways for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), headache and facial pain, movement disorders, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Pathways for mental health, neuromuscular conditions and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) will be published in 2024.
Many members told us how difficult they were finding it to navigate health and care reforms, in particular the development of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). As a result, we developed a suit of new ‘explainers’ on health and care reforms. These include information on ICBs, Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs) and ICSs and information about how neuroscience services will be commissioned in the future. Members have found these tools particularly useful, and we will continue to keep these resources updated as the health and care system changes in England.
Collaboration as part of the informal long term conditions mental health coalition continued – ensuring neurological conditions are represented alongside other specialties. We supported a successful backbench business debate application, securing a Westminster Hall debate on mental health and long term conditions in May 2024. My Neuro Survey data was included in the briefing for parliamentarians and referenced by the debate lead, Peter Dowd MP.
Our Policy and External Affairs Manager, Sam Mountney, retained his position as a co-opted member of the RCPsych Neuropsychiatry Faculty Executive. Alongside contributing to quarterly meetings, we attended an in-person strategy day, informing future priorities of the faculty and providing vital community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) and patient perspectives.
Goal 2: People affected by neurological conditions and our members are heard and have influence
“The alliance is someone in your corner fighting for and with those who have neurological conditions, an opportunity to have your voice heard and acted upon.”
Jeanette, co-production group member living with FND.
We launched our #NeuroChampion campaign to coincide with the 2024 UK General Election, asking people affected by neurological conditions and members of the public to write to their prospective parliamentary candidates using an e-action before the general election on 4 July, and ask them to commit to improving workforce and services for people affected by neurological conditions in the next Parliament.
The overall aim of the #NeuroChampion campaign was to secure the support necessary from MPs elected at the election and the next government to deliver a Neuro Taskforce during the next Parliament. Almost 1,000 people took the e-action, reaching 2,222 candidates in 451 constituencies, putting neurological conditions firmly on the agenda in Parliament, ensuring MPs understand the impact of these conditions and the need for action to improve treatment, care and support for the one in six people in the UK who have a neurological condition.
In total, 12 Neuro Champions were elected, providing a solid basis for our future campaigning and continued calls for a Neuro Taskforce.
Many thanks to the neurological community and our member organisations for backing the campaign. Particular thanks go to the MS Society for hosting the e-action and providing the Engaging Networks platform to make the e-action possible.
Alongside the e-action, we wrote to the leaders of the three main political parties in England ahead of the general election setting out the case for a Neuro Taskforce and calling on them to support establishing a taskforce if they were to form the next government.
Ahead of launching the latest iteration of My Neuro Survey in July 2024, we secured £11,000 of restricted funding to develop and deliver a series of listening and engagement exercises to better understand the current and potential role of patient experience data and insights in service improvement.
During March and April 2024, we carried out a series of three roundtable discussions and four semi-structured interviews with voluntary community and social enterprise (VCSE) colleagues, NHS stakeholders (including commissioners, managers and system leaders) and healthcare professionals. Alongside being used to inform various phases of My Neuro Survey, key findings will be published in a summary report in September 2024 along with a focussed literature review carried out by the Patient Experience Library.
We’d like to thank all those who contributed their time and insights, along with our sponsors who together made this project possible.
Alongside this timely project, we developed the next iteration of My Neuro Survey. For the first time ever, we are partnering with The Neurological Alliance of Ireland to conduct the survey. We are thrilled to be able to expand the survey again, and of course to work again with the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance (NINCA), Neurological Alliance of Scotland and Wales Neurological Alliance on this important initiative. Another first – we have developed a new survey for friends and family of people affected by neurological conditions (also known as ‘carers’).
Our huge thanks to every person affected by a neurological condition, healthcare professional and charity colleague who took the time to review questionnaires and promotional materials ahead of launch on 22 July 2024. Results will be launched in spring/summer 2025.
We have continued to work closely with the Brain and Spine Foundation to deliver NeuroLifeNow, a real-time survey which aims to provide routine patient experience data to
support service improvement and positive public policy change. To date, more than 8,000 people have shared their experiences through the platform. We worked with the Brain and Spine Foundation to give new resources to our membership to promote the platform. Together, the NeuroLifeNow team published four new reports in 2023-24.
An important part of our work is to provide opportunities for members to discuss relevant topics and to engage with issues affecting the sector. During the past year Policy Group has considered the Major Conditions Strategy with representatives of DHSC, received an update from Geraint Fuller on progress with the Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, and in the early summer the group heard from Rich Watts, Deputy Director of Policy, Strategy and Innovation at NHS England about the Outpatient Recovery & Transformation Programme. We were pleased to welcome Frankie Bowyer, of the MS Society, who joined as co-chair alongside Charlotte Gerada, who has been on maternity leave.
The Rare Conditions Subgroup continued to meet, and to discuss the England Rare Conditions Action Plan, responding quickly to the consultation on the 2024 plan. The group also heard from Lucy McKay of Medics 4 Rare Diseases and Sue Farrington who is leading the work on the development of quality standards. Two members of the group, Sue Millman of Ataxia UK and Andy Barrick of the MSA Trust led a session looking at how best to tackle the isolation experienced by people with rare conditions and sharing members experiences.
We are implementing a communications strategy that supports our wider goals, creating opportunities for representatives of member organisations and people affected by neurological conditions to work together, be heard and ensure public policy reflects the realities of living with a neurological condition. We continue to work towards fully embedding co-production into all aspects of our of our work, from recruitment to campaigning.
As part of this, people affected by neurological conditions and now actively involved in producing communications and providing direction, focus and feedback on our activities and campaigning in a way they have not previously been. As well as supporting the continuation of the #BackThe1in6 campaign, members of our co-production group have had a key role in both shaping the call to action behind the #NeuroChampion campaign in the run-up to the general election as well as sharing their experiences and creating resources to support the campaign itself, including emails to supporters and videos that have become some of our most viewed content on YouTube. To further embed co-production and support the roll-out of My Neuro Survey 2024, a communications action group comprised of representatives of member organisations, people affected by neurological conditions and representatives of organisations beyond the alliance is also being recruited.
Our audiences continue to grow slowly across all social media platforms upon which we are active (LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram), and the number of people who subscribe to receive our newsletter is steadily increasing. Uncertainty remains over the ongoing stability of X, as some organisations and individuals move away from the platform. X remains our largest audience in total with approximately 7,000 followers, while LinkedIn is our fastest growing audience.
This year the confidence and knowledge of our team around co-production has grown and our culture has shifted. Colleagues describe how “co-production activities feel very different from last year because everyone is thinking about co-production from the get-go now. ” and how “our members have increased confidence in co-production and in the alliance as a whole, I feel, because of our greater understanding of co-production.”
The foundations for this were laid in 2021/2022 which saw the positive impact co-production had on the #BackThe1in6 campaign, and has continued to have a positive impact on all our
activities since. Our commitment to embedding involvement and genuine co-production is felt by the people we’re involving too. As one member of the Back The 1 in 6 co-production group said, "We thought this would be a week or two of consultation and that would be that: we didn't expect to still be going 18 months later.”
In May, we appointed an Involvement Lead who joins us two days a week as part of a joint role with member organisation MND Association. This role provides a strategic focus and helps shape our approach to involvement and deliver our involvement road map 2023-2024 to further embed lived experience and the involvement of our community in shaping our work.
Six members of our Back The 1 in 6 co-production group have continued to support our work in a number of different ways, including supporting our #NeuroChampion e-action, developing our approaches to equity, diversity and inclusion, advising on the accessibility of My Neuro Survey 2024 and planning our communications around the survey roll-out.
Alongside broadening they types of activities that have involved people with lived experience, we have also broadened the pool of people we are involving. In May we introduced an interim co-production payment policy, which has supported the involvement of people across our work, including the participation of 17 people with lived experience who had not previously engaged with us in this way. Alongside this, we are actively working to refine this policy and understand how it can be applied to its greatest affect in helping to remove barriers to participation, addressing power imbalances and valuing the diversity of knowledge and experience of the people involved in co-production.
One member of the Back The 1 in 6 co-production group said: “I suffered a traumatic brain injury. Many neurological conditions like this are hidden. Hidden disabilities can cause the biggest problems and every day is a challenge. It’s only when you start working with other people that you realise there are people with other neurological conditions, often hidden or invisible, living all over the UK and facing the same challenges as me. The Neurological Alliance is tackling these issues on a national level. Supporting them is therapeutic as you are able to put your personal, unfortunate, experiences to good use.”
As we move forward, a key focus is to proactively improve the experiences of the people taking part in co-production, while measuring and evaluating the benefits to them as individuals, which might include increased knowledge, confidence and skills, an improved sense of wellbeing and a reduction in isolation, or a stronger sense of community connection.
Work has commenced (and is due to complete this year) to co-develop an involvement network, or community of people with lived experience which will allow us to listen to, engage and involve our wider community as well as provide opportunities for them to connect. Alongside this we'll refine our approach and model for involvement to make sure the lived experiences, knowledge and skills of our community are embedded meaningfully and impactfully throughout our work.
Goal 3: We are a strong, diverse organisation that delivers change
“Often living with a neurological condition can make you feel you are a lone voice. It’s only when you meet others in the same situation that you realise that you are not alone. Working
together makes you feel stronger. Together we are stronger and by being stronger we can bring about change.”
Jeanie, co-production group member living with hereditary spastic paraplegia.
We continue to recruit new members. From July 2024 to June 2024 the board approved ten applications for membership. These include British Home, CASK Research, Cure Parkinsons, Essex Neuro Network, FaceBlind, Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust (Harry’s Hat), Headway, MS Together, NF2 Biosolutions, and Naseem’s Manx Brain Tumour Charity.
Our annual membership survey provides the chance for members to comment formally on the strengths of the alliance and to give us suggestions about what we can improve. It was notable in March 2024 that 23% of the responses came from charities representing rare conditions. As always all of our membership was represented in the survey including professional bodies (associate members), and industry supports. 84% said they felt engaged with the alliance and 94% were satisfied or very satisfied with their membership.
This year, we adjusted the question about value of membership to include the option of a neutral response following feedback on the previous year’s survey (excellent value/good value/neutral/poor). The majority of respondents (24) said the alliance represents excellent or good value (77%). Six chose the neutral option, including a reciprocal member (reciprocal members do not pay a fee).
Members say we are good at ‘representing the neuro sector and raising awareness’ and at ‘providing expertise in policy, campaigning and influencing’. Among the suggestions for improvement were people wanting more collaborations and an even greater sense of community. The last point related to the usefulness of our in-person AGM.
We continue to roll out new practices and support a working culture that embraces and celebrates equity, diversity and inclusion. In particular, we are now signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme, and have reviewed our trustee and staff recruitment practices to promote greater inclusivity.
We have sought to improve the diversification of our income, recognising pressures on both the voluntary sector and our corporate sponsors. This included recruitment of a consultant fundraiser to support this work, and this will be a continued focus in 2024/25.
“The alliance is where people affected by neurological conditions and member organisations come together to influence change for the neuro community and make a positive change towards a better future supporting their realities. I feel it is important that policies and practices support, with as much information on people's day-to day-experience to ensure they are getting the right care. Being a part of the co-production group allows me to influence these changes for the better, with people with neurological conditions at the heart of it.”
Rebbecca – co-production group member living with MS.
3. Our structure, governance and management
3.1 Trustee selection
We are governed by a Board of Trustees, made up of a minimum of three and a maximum of 14 people nominated by our members, recommended by our trustees and then elected by our members.
In advance of each AGM, all members are invited to send in their nominations to the board for available elected trustee posts. Details of the trustee candidates are then circulated to all members and votes are made by ballot at the AGM or sent in advance to the Chair using a proxy form; each member organisation is entitled to one vote, placed at the AGM.
After completing a three-year term, each trustee will stand down from the board. Trustees who have completed only one term may stand for re-election; those who have served two consecutive terms must stand down for one year before they may stand again for the board.
On joining the alliance board, all new trustees undertake a tailored induction programme. The trustees, who are also directors for the purpose of the Companies Act, who served during the year, are listed in section 5.1.
3.2 Structure
We are a company limited by guarantee (no 02939840) and a registered charity (no 1039034). We are governed by Articles of Association and Byelaws. Our main activity is to secure the highest standards of care and treatment for every person affected by a neurological condition.
Our Board of Trustees is responsible for our governance and strategy and meets every quarter. Our Chief Executive is responsible for implementing the strategy and reports on its progress at the board meetings. The Chief Executive reports directly to and is supervised by the Chair. They speak and meet regularly to discuss alliance business.
Communication, both formal and informal, between trustees and staff is frequent and effective.
3.2.1 Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Caroline Davies | Administration and Membership Officer (From October 2019 – present) |
| Georgina Carr | Chief Executive and Company Secretary (from January 2020 – present) |
| Jessica Mansel | Involvement Lead (February 2022 – July 2023, May 2024 – present) |
| Miranda Lloyd | Communications and External Affairs Officer (March 2021 – present) |
| Sam Mountney | Policy and External Affairs Manager (June 2021 – present) |
3.2.2 Members
Full membership
Full membership is open to national voluntary (non-statutory, non-profit) organisations who represent people affected by neurological conditions, including friends, families and carers. In addition to the full benefits of membership, these organisations have a right to vote at the AGM, have the right to nominate a trustee and an opportunity to influence our strategic direction. Subscriptions are income assessed.
Affiliate membership
Full affiliate membership is open to Regional Neurological Alliances operating on a nonstatutory, non-profit basis. Affiliate members pay a subscription rate which is not income assessed.
Associate membership
Associate status is open to professional associations and statutory authorities. Associate members play an active part in the alliance but do not have the right to nominate a trustee or vote at the AGM. Subscriptions are income assessed. Regional Associations of Neurological Organisations can also be associates. They are staff led groups and will pay a subscription rate which is not income assessed.
Corporate supporter status
Corporate supporter status is open to for-profit organisations. Corporate supporters cannot vote at the AGM or nominate a trustee.
Reciprocal membership
Reciprocal partners are normally umbrella organisations whose aims and objectives match well with those of the alliance. They cannot vote or influence our strategic direction.
Members 2023 – 2024
| Members | ||
| 3 Million Steps | www.3millionsteps.org | |
| Alex TLC | www.alextlc.org | |
| Ataxia UK | www.ataxia.org.uk | |
| Autistica2 | www.autistica.org.uk | |
| Batten Disease FamilyAssociation | www.bdfa-uk.org.uk | |
| Behcets UK | www.behcetsuk.org | |
| The Brain and Spine Foundation | www.brainandspine.org.uk | |
| The Brain Charity | www.thebraincharity.org.uk | |
| Brain Research UK | www.brainresearchuk.org.uk | |
| British Polio Fellowship | www.britishpolio.org.uk | |
| Cavernoma Alliance UK | www.cavernoma.org.uk | |
| CASK Research Foundation | www.caskresearch.org | |
| Childhood Tumour Trust | www.childhoodtumourtrust.org.uk/ | |
| Covid Aid3 | www.covidaidcharity.org | |
| CMT United Kingdom | www.cmt.org.uk | |
| CSF Leak | www.csfleak.uk | |
| Cure Parkinson's Trust1 | www.cureparkinsons.org.uk | |
| The DaisyGarland | www.thedaisygarland.org.uk | |
| Different Strokes | www.differentstrokes.co.uk | |
| Downs Syndrome Research(DSRF) | www.dsrf-uk.org | |
| Dravet Syndrome UK | www.www.dravet.org.uk | |
| Dystonia UK | www.dystonia.org.uk | |
| EpilepsyAction | www.epilepsy.org.uk | |
| EpilepsyResearch Institute UK | https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk | |
| Face Blind1 | wwwfaceblind.org.uk | |
| FD UK | www.familialdysautonomia.co.uk | |
| FND Action | www.fndaction.org.uk | |
| FND Dimensions | http://fnddimensions.org | |
| FND Hope | www.fndhope.org |
| GAIN (Guillain-Barré and Associated InflammatoryNeuropathies) |
www.gaincharity.org.uk | |
|---|---|---|
| Global Brain InjuryAwareness | ||
| Glut1 DeficiencyUK | www.glut1deficiency.org.uk | |
| Harry's Hat1 | www.harrys-hat.org | |
| Headway1 | www.headway.org.uk | |
| Hereditary Brain Aneurysms Support (HBA Support) |
www.hbasupport.org | |
| Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Support Group |
www.hspgroup.org | |
| Huntington's Disease Association | www.hda.org.uk | |
| IIH UK | www.www.iih.org.uk | |
| Intractable Epilepsy | www.www.intractable.org.uk | |
| Matthew’s Friends | www.www.matthewsfriends.org | |
| Migraine Trust | www.migrainetrust.org | |
| Motor Neurone Disease Association | www.mndassociation.org | |
| MS Together1 | www.mstogether.org | |
| Multiple Sclerosis Society | www.mssociety.org.uk | |
| Multiple Sclerosis Trust | www.mstrust.org.uk | |
| Multiple System AtrophyTrust | www.msatrust.org.uk | |
| Myaware | www.myaware.org | |
| Myelopathy.org2 | www.myelopathy.org | |
| NarcolepsyUK | www.narcolepsy.org.uk | |
| Naseems Manx Brain Tumour Charity1 | www.naseemsmanxbraintumourcharity.co.uk | |
| The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Development Foundation |
www.nationalbrainappeal.org | |
| National Tremor Foundation | www.tremor.org.uk | |
| Nerve of MyMS | www.thenerveofmyms.org.uk | |
| Nerve Tumours UK | www.nervetumours.org.uk | |
| Neuro TherapyNetwork | www.neurotherapynetwork.org.uk | |
| NF2 Biosolutions1 | www.nf2biosolutions.org/nf2-biosolutions-uk- europe |
|
| OvercomingMS | www.overcomingms.org | |
| Pans Pandas UK | www.www.panspandasuk.org | |
| Parkinson's UK | www.parkinsons.org.uk | |
| Pernicious Anaemia Society (PAS) | www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org | |
| Polio Survivors Network | www.poliosurvivorsnetwork.org.uk | |
| PSP Association | www.www.pspassociation.org.uk | |
| Restless Legs Syndrome UK1 | www.www.rls-uk.org | |
| Ring20 Research and Support UK CIO | www.ring20researchsupport.co.uk | |
| Shift.MS | www.shift.ms | |
| Spotlight YOPD | spotlightyopd.org | |
| SUDEP Action | www.sudep.org | |
| Sue Ryder2 | www.sueryder.org | |
| TimothySyndrome Alliance | www.timothysyndrome.org |
| Tourettes Action | www.tourettes-action.org.uk | |
|---|---|---|
| Transverse Myelitis Society | www.myelitis.org.uk | |
| Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK | www.tna.org.uk | |
| UK Acquired Brain InjuryForum | www.ukabif.org.uk | |
| The World-Wide Fellowship of Polio Warriors |
||
| Associates | ||
| Association of British Neurologists (ABN) |
www.theabn.org | |
| Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) |
www.acpin.net | |
| British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) |
www.biasp.org | |
| British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (BSPRM) |
www.bpna.org.uk | |
| Division of Neuropsychology (British Psychological Society) |
www.bps.org.uk/networks-and- communities/member-microsite/division- neuropsychology |
|
| The British and Irish Association of Stroke Physicians (BIASP) |
www.biasp.org | |
| Neurology Academy | www.in-pa.org.uk | |
| Independent Neurorehabilitation Providers Alliance (INPA) |
www.neurologyacademy.org | |
| Corporate supporters | ||
| AbbVie | www.abbvie.co.uk | |
| Angelini Pharma | www.angelinipharma.com | |
| Biogen | www.biogen.uk.com | |
| Boston Scientific2 | www.bostonscientific.com | |
| Sanofi Genzyme | www.genzyme.co.uk | |
| Lundbeck2 | www.lundbeck.com/uk | |
| Merck Serono | www.merckserono.co.uk | |
| Novartis | www.novartis.co.uk | |
| Pfizer | www.pfizer.co.uk/science/pfizer-in-the-uk | |
| PTC Therapeutics2 | www.ptcbio.com | |
| Roche | www.roche.com | |
| Sandoz | www.sandoz.com | |
| Teva UK Limited | www.tevauk.com | |
| UCB Pharma Ltd | www.ucb.co.uk | |
| Affiliates | ||
| Bolton Neuro Voices | www.boltoncvs.org.uk | |
| Essex Neurology Network1 | www.community360.org.uk/blog/essex- neurology-network |
|
| Hampshire Neurological Alliance | www.hampshireneural.org.uk/index.html |
| Merseyside and Cheshire Neurological Alliance |
www.neurosupport.org.uk | |
|---|---|---|
| Neuro Key (formerly Tees Valley, Durham, and North Yorkshire Neurological Alliance)2 |
www.na-tvdny.org.uk | |
| West Berkshire Neurological Alliance | www.wbna.co.uk | |
| Reciprocal members | ||
| Genetic Alliance UK | https://geneticalliance.org.uk | |
| National Voices | https://www.nationalvoices.org.uk | |
| Neurological Alliance of Ireland | www.nai.ie | |
| Neurological Alliance of Scotland | www.scottishneurological.org.uk | |
| Neurological Alliance of Wales | www.walesneurologicalalliance.org.uk | |
| Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance |
-
New members in 2023 – 24
-
Ceased members in 2023 – 24
-
Organisation closed in 2023 – 24
3.2.3 The way we work
As a membership organisation, our whole ethos is to work in partnership. We work across the neurological community to identify common priorities for people affected by neurological conditions and then seek to influence, shape and support policy development to reduce inequalities, enhance their outcomes and, where possible, help them live for longer and in better health. Our activities are therefore based on a clear and shared sense of purpose. We work with the trustees, the Policy Group and Policy Steering Group to determine our strategy and plans.
3.2.4 The Policy Group
Any member of the alliance can be part of the Policy Group. The group’s purpose is to:
-
Build collective ownership of the alliance beyond staff and trustees and to promote team-working across the member organisations
-
Provide a forum for policy, campaigns and public affairs staff of member organisations to share information and provide mutual support
-
Feed into The Neurological Alliance policy development process
-
More closely align member organisations’ priorities with the collective needs of the alliance; and
-
Ensure that all member organisations, large and small, can contribute to the work of the alliance.
3.2.5. Policy Group Leads
Charlotte Gerada Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Huntington’s Disease UK, Co-Chair (May 2023 – present)
Frankie Bowyer Senior Policy Officer, MS Society, Co-Chair (November 2023 – July 2024)
3.3 Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks. A risk management strategy, reviewed annually, is in place. We also have a risk-based reserves policy which mitigates one of our main financial risks. Accordingly, the trustees seek to ensure a minimum reserve equating to one third of the income from the highest band members and one third of the income from corporate supporters to enable them to manage and mitigate such a loss over a reasonable time period.
4. Public benefit
Our work benefits people affected by a neurological condition and those who represent them. Sections 1 and 2 of this report set out our objectives, report on our activities and successes, and set out our plans for the current financial year.
The trustees consider that they have complied with their duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission. The trustees have considered this matter and concluded:
-
That the aims of the organisation continue to be charitable
-
That the aims and the work done give identifiable benefits to the charitable sector and both indirectly and directly to individuals in need
-
That the benefits are for the public, are not unreasonably restricted in any way and certainly not by ability to pay
-
That there is no detriment or harm arising from the aims or activities.
5. Reference and administrative details
The alliance is a registered charity (1039034) and company limited by guarantee (02939840) registered in England. The alliance's registered office was, from 21[st] September 2019, The Junction, Station Road, Watford, WD17 1ET.
5.1 Trustees and the nominating organisation
| Aneeta Prem | TNA UK (appointed Nov 2023) |
|---|---|
| Alison Fuller | Epilepsy Action |
| Amanda Swain | UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum |
| Lucy Taylor | MS Trust (appointed Nov 2023) |
| Cath Stanley | Huntington’s Disease Association |
| Chris James | Motor Neurone Disease Association (stepped down May 2024) |
| David Martin | MS Trust (stepped down November 2023) |
| Richard Evans | Motor Neurone Disease Association (appointed May 2024) |
| Kripen Dhrona | British Polio Fellowship (Treasurer) |
| Marc Smith | Brain and Spine Foundation (Vice-Chair) |
| Rob Music | Migraine Trust |
| Sarah Rawlings | MS Society (re-appointed Nov 2023) |
| Victoria Wareham | Dystonia UK |
During the year the board, again, co-opted three independent trustees with the aim of achieving greater diversity on the board in terms of the professional backgrounds of members. The co-opted trustees are:
| David Garmon-Jones | Appointed February 2018, re-appointed February 2021. Stepped down May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Ralph Gregory | Appointed February 2018, re-appointed February 2021. Stepped down May 2024. |
| Adine Adonis | Appointed May 2024 |
| Gideon Schulman | Appointed May 2024 |
| Mike Dilley | Appointed May 2024 |
5.2 Professional advisors
| Bankers | CAF Bank Ltd, PO Box 289, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA Metro Bank PLC, One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA |
|---|---|
| Accountants | Godfrey Wilson, 5th Floor, Mariner House, 62 Prince Street, Bristol,BS1 4QD |
| Independent Examiners | Goodman Jones LLP, 1stFloor Arthur Stanley House, 40-50 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4RN |
6. Finances
6.1 Investment
Article 5.1.23 empowers the Alliance, with advice from a financial expert, to invest the funds of the Alliance as it sees fit, with consideration of the the suitability of investments and the need for diversification.
6.2 Subscriptions
Subscription rates are determined by the organisational income of each member and associate. Subscriptions for affiliate members are at a fixed rate.
6.3 Reserves policy
A reserves policy was agreed by trustees during 2024. This policy is a risk-based policy, to reflect the reality that any reduction in income or increase in costs would take place over a period of time.
Having considered the risks, trustees consider it prudent that reserves should be maintained in order to cover the loss of income from one third of the significant income sources. This equates to approximately £66,000.
At the end of the year cash reserves of £106,389 were held, of which £19,075 (22/23: £4,241) were restricted. This is £40,389 above the level of reserves the trustees calculate are required.
6.4 Financial position
Income from membership subscriptions decreased slightly in the year to £95,885 (22/23: £95,952). In parallel, unrestricted corporate funding from Industry Reference Group members decreased from £149,225 to £132,486.
We also received generous support from Novartis, Merck, Roche, Biogen, the MS Trust and MS Society to develop a new MS Service Improvement Navigator Tool, totalling £15,000.
Overall, there is a deficit of £4,365 (before transfers) on the unrestricted funds (22/23: surplus of £38,877) and a surplus of £14,834 (before transfers) on restricted funds (22/23: deficit of £993). This leaves an overall surplus of £10,469 (22/23 surplus of £37,884) for the year.
6.5 Trustees’ responsibilities statement
The trustees (who are also directors of The Neurological Alliance for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’ Annual 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 financial year, which give a true and fair view of the 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:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102);
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
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.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
-
there is no relevant information of which the charitable company’s independent examiner is unaware; and
-
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
6.6 Independent examiners
At the AGM in November 2023, members agreed to delegate responsibility for selecting The Neurological Alliance’s Independent Examiners for the forthcoming year and 2023-2024 accounts to the Board of Trustees.
The board decided to appoint Goodman Jones LLP to be our independent examiner for 2023-24.
6.7 Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees,
Cath Stanley
Chair, Board of Trustees Date: 02-12-24
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Neurological Alliance ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity'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 (enter body here), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Page 19
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 02-12-24
Martin Bailey FCA Goodman Jones LLP 1st Floor, Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN
Page 20
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 4 Charitable activities 5 Investments 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 301 241,910 1,747 243,958 5,635 242,688 248,323 (4,365) 91,679 (4,365) 87,314 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - 24,860 - 24,860 - 10,026 10,026 14,834 4,241 14,834 19,075 |
Total funds 2024 £ 301 266,770 1,747 268,818 5,635 252,714 258,349 10,469 95,920 10,469 106,389 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,166 302,723 770 304,659 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 266,775 266,775 |
||||
| 37,884 | ||||
| 58,036 37,884 95,920 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 23 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 21
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 02939840
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Debtors | 11 | 53,258 | 27,040 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 64,306 | 76,836 | ||||
| 117,564 | 103,876 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | ||||||
| year | 12 | (11,175) | (7,956) | |||
| Net current assets | 106,389 | 95,920 | ||||
| Total net assets | 106,389 | 95,920 | ||||
| Charity funds | ||||||
| Restricted funds | 13 | 19,075 | 4,241 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | 87,314 | 91,679 | |||
| Total funds | 106,389 | 95,920 |
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ Catle Staley
Cath Stanley
Chair of Trustees
Date: 02-12-24
The notes on pages 23 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 22
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
1. General information
The Neurological Alliance is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Its charitable objects are set out in the Trustees’ Report. Its registered office address is The Junction, Station Road, Watford, WD17 1EU.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements are presented in Sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity and monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest £.
The Neurological Alliance meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
2.2 Company status
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named in the Trustee report section 5.1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the Charity.
2.3 Going concern
The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts and are of the opinion that the Charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of these accounts. The Trustees of the Charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern.
2.4 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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 costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Page 23
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Subscription income is invoiced in line with the financial year and recognised in the period to which it relates.
Corporate support represents amounts invoiced in the year.
Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
2.6 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.
2.7 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Page 24
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.7 Expenditure (continued)
Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.9 Cash at Bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.10 Liabilities and Provision
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.
2.11 Operating Leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities incorporating Income and Expenditure Account on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
2.12 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
Page 25
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
In the opinion of the Trustees, there are no significant areas of estimation, uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.
4. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Donations 301 Total 2023 1,166 |
Total funds 2024 £ 301 1,166 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,166 |
|---|---|---|
5. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Corporate support 133,319 Subscriptions 95,885 Projects 12,706 241,910 Total 2023 267,178 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - 24,860 24,860 35,545 |
Total funds 2024 £ 133,319 95,885 37,566 266,770 302,723 |
Total funds 2023 £ 171,226 95,952 35,545 302,723 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 26
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
6. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Interest income 1,747 Total 2023 770 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,747 770 |
Total funds 2023 £ 770 |
|---|---|---|
7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Policy Development 59,857 Members Activities 182,831 242,688 Total 2023 230,237 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,174 8,852 10,026 36,538 |
Total 2024 £ 61,031 191,683 252,714 266,775 |
Total 2023 £ 78,278 188,497 266,775 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 27
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Policy Development Members Activities Total 2023 |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 32,479 188,034 220,513 238,411 |
Support costs 2024 £ 28,552 3,649 32,201 28,364 |
Total funds 2024 £ 61,031 191,683 252,714 266,775 |
Total funds 2023 £ 78,278 188,497 266,775 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2024 £ 151,982 9,932 9,052 170,966 |
2023 £ 156,847 10,725 8,847 |
|---|---|---|
| 176,419 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Employees | 4 | 5 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | ||
| In the band £60,001 | - £70,000 | 1 | 1 |
Key management personnel remuneration, including employer's NIC and pension contributions, incurred by the Charity in the year totalled £79,996 (2023: £77,193).
Page 28
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).
During the year ended 30 June 2024, expenses totalling £NIL were reimbursed or paid directly to Trustee (2023 - £NIL to Trustee).
11. Debtors
| Due within one year Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 18,443 34,815 53,258 |
2023 £ 11,661 15,379 |
|---|---|---|
| 27,040 |
12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 6,890 2,763 1,172 350 11,175 |
2023 £ 3,430 - 456 4,070 |
|---|---|---|
| 7,956 |
Page 29
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| 13. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Unrestricted funds General Funds - all funds Restricted funds NNAG Pathways Epilepsy Tool Neurolifenow Outpatient Transformation Total funds |
Balance at 1 July 2023 £ 91,679 719 1,020 2,500 2 4,241 95,920 |
Income £ 243,958 - 15,000 9,860 - 24,860 268,818 |
Expenditure £ (248,323) - - (10,026) - (10,026) (258,349) |
Balance at 30 June 2024 £ 87,314 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 719 16,020 2,334 2 19,075 |
||||
| 106,389 |
Page 30
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
13. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds - all funds Restricted funds NNAG Pathways Epilepsy Tool Neurolifenow Outpatient Transformation Total funds Restricted funds represent the following: |
Balance at 1 July 2022 £ 52,802 5,234 - - - 5,234 58,036 |
Income £ 269,114 - 9,015 12,500 14,030 35,545 304,659 |
Expenditure £ (230,237) (4,515) (7,995) (10,000) (14,028) (36,538) (266,775) |
Balance at 30 June 2023 £ 91,679 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 719 1,020 2,500 2 4,241 |
||||
| 95,920 | ||||
NNAG Pathways - events and activities to support the development of an epilepsy pathway.
Neurolifenow - funds received for a real-time survey which aims to provide routine patient experience data to support service improvement and positive public policy change.
Epilpesy Navigator Tool - a tool developed to provide a range of resources to support service development.
Outpatient Transformation - funds to provide improvements to outpatient services and resources.
Page 31
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Current assets 98,489 Creditors due within one year (11,175) Total 87,314 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Current assets 99,635 Creditors due within one year (7,956) Total 91,679 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 19,075 - 19,075 Restricted funds 2023 £ 4,241 - 4,241 |
Total funds 2024 £ 117,564 (11,175) 106,389 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 103,876 (7,956) 95,920 |
15. Pension commitments
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £9,052 (2023 - £8,847).
Contributions totalling £1,172 (2023 - £456) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
16. Operating lease commitments
At 30 June 2024 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Not later than | 1 | year | - | 9,000 |
Page 32
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
THE NEUROLOGICAL ALLIANCE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
17. Related party transactions
Other than disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements, there were no related party transactions requiring disclosure during the current or previous year
Page 33