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2020-12-31-accounts

Annual Report 2020

Registered company number: 02922636 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number: 1039788

Annual Report and Financial Statements

st for the year ended 31 December 2020

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2015).

SIGNALONG

1 Old Winery Business Park Cawston Norwich Norfolk NR10 4FE

www.signalong.org.uk

Annual Report 2020

Contents

Mission Statement page 3
Introduction page 5
Trustees’ Report page 8
Company Information page 15
Independent Financial Examiner’s Report page 17
Statement of Financial Activities page 20
Balance Sheet page 21
Notes to the Financial Statements page 23
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities page 30

Annual Report 2020

Mission Statement of

SIGNALONG The Communication Charity

Signalong is committed to empowering children and adults with impaired communication to understand and express their needs, choices and desires by providing vocabulary for life and learning

Aims

Signalong strives to achieve this

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Annual Report 2020

Introduction

Signalong is a sign-supported communication system designed for children and adults who have speech and language difficulties. Most users have learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders, but the system is available to anyone who needs signing, including those with physical disabilities or hearing impairment. Increasingly, Signalong is being used with children who are deaf and also have a learning disability

because BSL is too complex. Signalong continues to be used with learners who have English as an additional language.

It is based on a consistent method of analysing and presenting signs, mostly drawn from British Sign Language, which enables users to select vocabulary relevant to their own situations. This avoids the need to constantly update sign vocabulary by attending further classes where many of the signs taught will be redundant and quickly forgotten through lack of use. By focusing on skills and providing a large library of 9,000 signs, Signalong is cost- effective and represents good value for money. In addition, the Signalong methodology of handshape, orientation, placement and movement enables you to translate idiosyncratic signs in a consistent manner.

Signalong was first published in 1992 at a Kent school for children with severe learning difficulties and its founders were two teachers and a speech and language therapist. Due to its success, Signalong became a registered charitable company limited by guarantee in 1994.

The sign vocabulary is supported by picture and symbol resources, and the charity actively co-operates with expert organisations and individuals in the field of education, IT and child protection to increase the range of resources available. Its publishing activities are supported by a growing national network of registered Tutors and a free sign research and advice service for users.

Signalong provides a range of training courses including Workshops, Introductory, Foundation, Foundation Extension, Signalong Training Assistant and Tutor Training for those who wish to train others. In addition, Signalong produce resources to assist those with communication difficulties and English as an additional language.

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Annual Report 2020

A Life Dedicated to Helping Others

On April 11[th] 2020 Gill Kennard, co-founder and driving force of Signalong died. Her health had steadily deteriorated following treatment for breast cancer in 2011 and in the end her 5[th] bout of pneumonia was too much for her body to bear.

Gill was born in 1946 in London, the second of 4 children. As a teenager she was deeply interested in dance, and qualified as a ballet tutor at entry level. She wanted to become a primary teacher and in 1964 she went to the new Christ Church College in Canterbury, one of only the second student cohort. At college she developed an interest in early language development, which was to stand her in good stead in her later career.

Gill at the launch of "Taking A Stand" in 2009. Sitting next to her is Jonathan Shaw MP, then Minister for Disabled People

She began her teaching career at Parkwood Primary School in Rainham, Kent, in 1967 and remained in touch with one of her former pupils right up until her death. She later moved on to teach at Byron Road Infants, and accepted a secondment to an autistic assessment unit. While there she taught herself basic Makaton (there were no courses locally at the time) and found a niche in special education. The post was, however, temporary and it was not until 1982 that she was able to begin teaching at Fulmar Road SLD school in Strood. There she developed a good working relationship with Thelma Grove, the Speech Therapy Manager for Medway, and when the school moved to a new site, with a new name and new headteacher this led to a language unit being created with Gill as teacher in charge.

Both Gill and Thelma had trained as Makaton Coordinators but became frustrated at the lack of sign vocabulary and the restrictions placed on the use and teaching of Makaton. This clashed with Gill's deeply held advocacy of helping the students to reach their full potential and following a fraught meeting of Kent Makaton Coordinators in 1990 Gill and Thelma decided to develop their own sign vocabulary based on more modern approaches to language development and the needs and interests of their students.

Using the Derbyshire Language Scheme and the Living Language Programme as a base line they formulated an initial wordlist and with the assistance of the local Deaf Children’s Unit researched BSL signs, some of which had to be adapted for the particular abilities of their students. Taking the Beverley Communication Link as a starting point, they devised a consistent method of describing the actions, and were able to recruit Linda Hall, another teacher at the school, to produce line drawings to illustrate the signs.

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Annual Report 2020

With their experience of the restrictive approach of Makaton their intention was always that whoever needed the signs should have access to them, even when formal training was not available. The first manual was ready in April 1992, and with the school closed for the general election, Gill spent the day photocopying, collating and binding the first 50 copies. The team had intended the system for use just with their students, their families and feeder establishments, but word quickly spread and in July 1992 the Director of Hi-Kent, the local hearing impairment association, placed an order for 200 copies. A mailing to special schools and speech therapy departments produced a response which showed that the Signalong approach of enablement was long overdue.

After the launch of Phase 1 of the Basic Vocabulary Signalong went on to become the largest published vocabulary of illustrated signs in Europe, covering needs from early years up, through independent living and work to coping with bereavement. Almost all of the signs were researched and described by Gill, and she and the team collaborated with others in the field to advance the interests of children and adults with language and communication needs. Gill wrote the training courses which have empowered professionals, carers and families throughout Britain and beyond, and there are versions in French, German, Romanian and most recently Indonesian, where Signalong was officially adopted in 2014.

Gill could have retired in 2006 but stayed on at the helm until 2012. Even then, when the charity was threatened with closure in the following year she helped to rally support for a rescue package which ensured that the charity would continue, working without payment for a further year to ease the path for a new generation.

She was the driving force behind Signalong for more than 20 years, and many thousands of children and adults with learning disabilities and autism have better lives thanks to the work of this remarkable woman – not many can claim to leave such a legacy.

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Annual Report 2020

Objectives and Activities

The principal activity of the charity has always been the engagement in the relief of suffering and the advancement of the education and communication skills of people with learning difficulties and speech, language and communication needs. Signalong is committed to empowering children and adults with impaired communication to understand and express their needs, choices and desires by providing vocabulary for life and learning.

Signalong activities include developing and promoting augmentative communication (manual signs, symbols, picture resources), researching and publishing sign vocabulary, developing appropriate language resources for children with special needs, providing resources to assist literacy and education, teaching communication techniques to anyone living or working with people with impaired communication working with other organisations and individuals in this field and freely offering advice to parents and professionals.

The charity's policies for achieving these objectives are as set out in the mission statement on page 3. The charity is controlled by its governing document, the memorandum and articles of association and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Development

Following consultation with our network of Tutors, we increased the cost of annual reregistration to include unlimited access to the Sign Library from January. In addition, it is no longer compulsory that Tutors deliver Foundation courses but are actively delivering training. All regional conferences going forward will incorporate skills activities to ensure quality control.

We started 2020 full of hope and excitement at launching new products and services when Covid-19 happened. Like many, we thought the virus would be short lived but made immediate plans to protect the charity and its’ future. Good communication became even more important with all the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and the impact of change to those who struggle to communicate their feelings, choices and needs.

We significantly increased our free resources by developing a Covid-19 poster, feelings activities and adding more videos on our YouTube channel.

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Annual Report 2020

Our Tutors found using Signalong and the need to continue to offer training throughout 2020 essential. Like ourselves, Tutors who had not previously delivered training online learned new skills.

“I used Signalong throughout lockdown. I found it a useful way to keep our school community communicating.

When I was at Regency School, I was the assistant headteacher in charge of communication I used Signalong each week through our Twitter and website to teach key signs / signs associated with COVID-19 for example, masks etc and to raise awareness of Themed weeks / National Days.

I also enrolled regency school with the afasic music/communication day last year - and for the weeks leading up to the event I taught the Signalong signs for ‘sunshine in my heart’ I have delivered staff training, as well as introductory course via zoom. And of course, myself and 3JC joined in with your wonderful Christmas play. Signalong has been an invaluable tool uniting our community. Thank you so much”

Merie Eglesfield

“When Covid hit the course was just about to start so I moved the class online using Zoom, which wasn't good but students did miss out on learning. Then we moved back to face to face training following government rules”.

June Battye

“I have loved the different ways I’ve adapted with Signalong over the pandemic…

It started with some short videos on key signs to send out to parents who could use a little help - nothing too overwhelming - as they got used to home schooling… I then ran a 2 hour Zoom workshop for a charity covering all of Scotland - my first attempt at online training! And it worked fine! I then made some videos to support some 1hour workshops for preschool children’s families - that felt really useful. For my church I ran a Zoom workshop on “Signs for Worship” so that - as we were not allowed to sing - people could use a different way to praise (and made a video to support this) I ran a full foundation course online - that too went fine and I learnt lots through it

I’ve almost been MORE active - and definitely more creative - since face to face became impossible to do. But I’ll be glad when we return to face to face!”

Annie Welsh

“I’ve continued to run foundation courses (online on Zoom) - now on the third

Using and teaching signs at "Bubble Club" online workshops - people with Learning Difficulties who put on inclusive club nights - it's given them a lot of time to build up their signing skills over the year - so should be well placed to use them when we get back to having live in-person club nights.”

Neil Thompson

“Just one to one free Zoom sessions for parents and spent time planning for online sessions for parents, family and friends who want to learn to sign. All paid face to face session cancelled midcourse due to covid. Considering online training after more problem-solving Zoom for training.”

Maxine Waith

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Annual Report 2020

Able to train school staff while working from home (school closure) staff usually wouldn't have been able to get time out of class to attend a full foundation course. Using Signalong with pupils & parents in online live lessons. Would still be running zoom training if i wasn't on maternity leave. Hope to start it up again when I'm back at work.

Emma Gray

Over lockdown Sharon Yeoman and myself have: delivered workshops over Microsoft teams, videod ourselves singing and signing the Spanish song "Good Day" for our workplace Conference, made a " Good Friends" video, singing and signing virtually with people we support who are learning Signalong, for Scottish Learning Disability week.

Elizabeth Taylor

Throughout the uncertainty caused by Covd-19, we used our time wisely by adding videos to the Sign Library and updating and improving illustrations in our range of manuals. Phase 1 was also revised with vocabulary no longer appropriate, being removed and entered into the basic vocabulary series either Phase 2, 3 or 4.

Whilst all babies are different and as such develop at their own pace, you can begin to sign with your baby from birth as part of natural communication but they may not start to sign back until they are at least 6 months old. At 9 months your baby is exploring the world around them using appropriate actions such as cuddling a soft toy or banging on a drum.

Babies understand a lot of what you say and may start to cooperate by holding their arms out to be picked up or when you put an item of clothing on them. Although no precise sounds are made, babbling and vocalising are regularly occurring and your baby will use these to demand attention. At this stage babies cannot talk but are beginning to know what they want and that’s when you will see them starting to try replicating your signing.

This programme can continue to grow should you later discover that your child has a speech, language and communication need and you already have a head start on an augmented alternative.

Signalong for Babies was launched in March but due to Covid restrictions on face to face training, it will be relaunched in 2021 together with Signalong for Toddlers.

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Annual Report 2020

The revised 2020 edition of the dictionary reflects changes made in Phase 1- 4. We have been printing these in house at a reduced fee until we place an order with our printers in 2021.

Additional resources were added to Freebie Friday to support home schooling during lockdown and remained accessible throughout the year.

The Signalong Tutor Group on Facebook has been invaluable for Tutors to support each other in their training and experiences during Covid restrictions and now has over 210 members compared to 140 in 2019.

Training

Training courses have taken place in the function room of a local coaching inn where we have the use of a spacious training room and accommodation for trainees. However, several face to face Tutor Training courses were cancelled due to the venue being unable to open. We were still able to deliver hosted courses, at a social distance, in Kettering, Oldham, Dorset and Scotland.

Later in the year, due to the continuing restrictions in place, we started to offer the Tutor Training course online. The success of these courses and demand, has led to online courses being advertised as an option from 2021. We ended 2020 by delivering 7 Tutor Training courses and welcomed an additional 44 Tutors. The total number of registered Tutors stands at 369.

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Annual Report 2020

Many of our Tutors were unable to deliver training courses due to the vulnerability of those they support. Training was down 60 with 123 Foundation courses, 28 Introductory and 150 Workshops training 1582 participants.

For trainees who were unable to purchase the manual used in online training courses or to assist those who were accessing our free online resources, we made the Training Handbook freely available on our website.

On arrival in Oldham for our Regional Conference in March, the first lockdown was announced. With the uncertainty continuing, we decided to put the conferences online for the remainder of the year.

Charitable Fund

Signalong operate a charitable fund and 2.5% of our annual income was given by donating goods and services to those who require assistance with training fees and resources. If you or anyone you know would benefit from a charitable donation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This year, the Signalong Scholarship was given in recognition to the work of the NHS during the pandemic. 9 Speech & Language Therapists and Assistants participated in Tutor Training at a significantly reduced fee.

Financial

The exceptionally difficult economic conditions, caused by the Covid pandemic, had a serious impact on revenues leaving them 20% lower than 2019. This large drop in income was more than offset by swift and effective management action on implementing radical cost reduction procedures ensuring that the charity made a surplus in the year. The successful negotiation of the charity in 2020 is down to the professionalism and dedication of the management and staff in unprecedented circumstances.

Despite Covid-19 and the financial impact on our income, at year end we saw a surplus of £9,996. Sales of publications were 40% down on the previous year, mainly due to the reduced number of training courses delivered. By offering training courses online, we only saw a small decrease in training and conferences.

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Annual Report 2020

Signalong were able to access funding through a Business Support Grant from Broadland District Council of £5,000. It is worth noting that we did not use the Government Job Retention Scheme for any member of staff and there was no reduction in contractual hours.

----- Start of picture text -----
Comparison 2020 over 2019
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Actual 2020 Prior Year 2019
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Income Split 2020 Income Split 2019
7,934
5,000 247 84 164
0
55,581
98,104
125,187
120,565
Donations
Donations Training & Conferences
Training & Conferences Publications
Publications Online Subs/DVD/CD
Investment/Misc Income/ Grants Investment/Misc Income/ Grants
----- End of picture text -----

Financial Overview

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Annual Report 2020

*** Accounts for 31 Dec 2017 31 Dec 2016 have been qualified.**

Financial Summary

The Board of Trustees take the view that the balance sheet has historically underestimated the true value of the charity since its key asset is the intellectual property in Signalong diagrams, descriptions and published resources. The bulk of the intellectual property remains outside the scope of the financial statements, and the internally generated intellectual property which is conservatively valued at £148,138, is not recognised in the statutory accounts (see p.14).

Reserves Policy

Whilst smaller organisations are less likely to hold up to 3 months reserves than larger organisations, the Trustees have considered the charity's need for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. They consider that the charity should endeavor to maintain general funds of an amount approximating to three months' direct running costs, which is now £43,266. This has once again been achieved. Signalong used their income to support the running costs of the charity in 2020 and did not need to access the reserve fund.

Plans for the Future

Progress has been slow in the development of the App and work undertaken on the content management system to link accounts but we are hopeful that they will finally launch in 2021.

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Annual Report 2020

The increase in the annual re-registration to include unlimited access to the Sign Library will remain following positive feedback from our Tutors. Seeing the benefits of the service, Tutors have been promoting the Sign Library and by the end of 2020 we had 3706 users.

The Signalong team have been busy recording videos to upload and aim to have a minimum of 3,000 by the end of the year. Priority will be given to frequently searched signs.

Signalong for Babies will be relaunched with Signalong for Toddlers once restrictions on gatherings indoors have been removed. Additional training courses will be available online for those who are not Registered Tutors. Initially these will be delivered by Senior Tutors but will be offered to our Tutor network as demand increase.

We will continue to offer online training courses using Zoom and Teams until confidence in face to face training returns. Going forwards we will advertise 50% of our courses online, subject to demand.

We will need to identify and invest in a new online payment provider by September 2021 as our existing provider, SecPay, are shutting down their platform. Funding for this will be shown in our budget.

Purchasing of new equipment was put on hold in 2020 but we will be replacing pc’s with laptops to make working from home more accessible and look to switch our existing accounts provider to the cloud-based system.

Organisation and Governance

The charity remains reliant on its main asset, its intellectual property; the library of signs and the techniques of how they are catered to our members' needs and taught by our Tutors.

John Franklin has provided endless IT support and patiently negotiating with our developers in UK and India. Nigel Stancliffe has kept a very close eye on finance and the budget has been reviewed monthly. Michelle Songest continues to advise on HR issues and Andy Evans has kept us up to date with policies and procedures in the educational sector. Bev McCue and Jonathan Tate are experienced Signalong Tutors and Shahnaz Ashraf, who is a speech and language therapist, offers support as required.

Martin Upton resigned from the board in 2020 and we thank him for his contribution to the board and as a valued Signalong Tutor.

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Annual Report 2020

The charity is organised so that the Board meets regularly to manage its affairs. Board meetings have been held quarterly with the implementation of a Code of Conduct to the Board of Trustees to ensure that they respect and uphold the values of Signalong.

Governing Document

The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up on the 26[th] April 1994. It is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. This is managed on a day to day basis by a Chief Executive Officer.

Trustee Induction and Training

Advice for trustees published by the Charity Commission is given to new Board members and new guidance is notified and made available at Board meetings. Board members have free access to all members of staff to ensure that they can be fully aware of the activities and methods of the charity. There is an identified need for further input to the Board from people outside the field of special needs, although these have proved difficult to recruit. In the event of such people being appointed to the Board, a programme of familiarisation with the charity and its work will be put into effect, and the Charity Commission advice will be given to them.

Organisation

The charity is an Association of Members, the business of which is governed by the Board who may exercise all powers of the Association. The Board of Trustees consists of no less than three and no more than ten members and is responsible for ultimate strategic decisions, having regard to advice from the senior management of the charity. The members of the Board are set out in the section of this report entitled "Directors".

Membership of the charity is by subscription, and all registered Signalong Tutors are automatically enrolled. Current membership stands at 409.

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SIGN ALONG THE COMM UNI CATION CHARITY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organizational structure

The charity is an Association of Members, the business of which is governed by the Board who may exercise all powers of the Association. The Board of Trustees consists ofno less than 3 and no more than IO members and is responsible for ultimate strategic decisions, having regard to advice from the senior management of the charity. The members of the Board are set out in the section of this report entitled "Directors".

Membership of the charity is by subscription, and all registered SIGNALONG Tutors are automatically enrolled. Current membership stands at 409.

The charity remains reliant on its main asset, its intellectual property; the library of signs and the techniques of how they are catered to our members' needs and taught by our Tutors.

John Franklin has provided endless IT support and patiently negotiating with our developers in UK and India. Nigel Stancliffe has kept a very close eye on finance and the budget has been reviewed monthly. Michelle Songest continues to advise on HR issues and Andy Evans has kept us up to date with policies and procedures in the educational sector. Bev McCue and Jonathan Tate are experienced Signalong Tutors and Shahnaz Ashraf, who is a speech and language therapist, offers support as required.

Martin Upton resigned from the board in 2020 and we thank him for his contribution to the board and as a valued Signalong Tutor.

The charity is organized so that the Board meets regularly to manage its affairs. Board meetings have continued to be held bi-monthly with the implementation of a Code of Conduct to the Board of Trustees to ensure that they respect and uphold the values of S ignalong.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

02922636 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1039788

Registered office

I Old Winery Business Park Cawston Norwich Norfolk NRI0 4FE

Trustees

A Evans J Franklin (Chair) M Songest B McCue N Stancliffe M Upton (resigned 1.1.20) J Tate S Ashraf

Company Secretary

T Goode

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SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FORTHE YEAR ENDED31 DECEMBER 2�0

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Independent Examiner

Stephen Hill Partnership Limited 139-141 Watling Street Gillingham Kent ME? 2YY

Bankers

CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent

COVID-19

COVID-I 9 has had a significant impact on the current and future activities and operation of the charity. The drastic reduction in sales of publications and training have reduced our finances and subsequently we need to use our reserve fund to continue to function. We will use this period to proceed with future plans to add videos to the Sign Library and launch Signalong for Babies and Toddlers. We are confident that we will be able to continue to fulfil the aims and objectives set out in our mission statement and provide support throughout this pandemic.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 30 June 2021 and signed on the board's behalf by:

T Goode - Secretary

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Signalong The Communication Charity ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 3 I December 2020.

Responsibilities and basis of report

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

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part I 6 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as 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

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

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.

Stephen Hill Partnership Limited Stephen Hill Partnership Limited 139-141 Watling Street

Gillingham

Kent ME72YY

30 June 2021

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SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2020 2019
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds fund funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 247 247 164
Charitable activities
Charitable activities 5,000 5,000
Other trading activities 2 176,146 176,146 223,375
Investment income 3 45 45 146
Total 181,438 181,438 223,685
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 25,394 25,394 37,941
Charitable activities
Charitable activities 146,048 146,048 183,904
Governance costs 4,865
Total 171,442 171,442 226,710
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 9,996 9,996 (3,025)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 120,828 120,828 123,853
TOT AL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD I 30,824 130,824 120,828

The notes form part of these financial statements

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SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

BALANCE SHEET

31 DECEMBER 2020

2020 2019
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds fund funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 8 20,209 20,209 11,810
Tangible assets 9 1,567 1,567 2,511
21,776 21,776 14,321
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks IO 9,138 9,138 5,192
Debtors 11 20,813 20,813 18,266
Cash at bank and in hand 136,820 136,820 143,462
166,771 166,771 166,920
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 12 (57,723) (57,723) (60,413)
NET CURRENT ASSETS I 09,048 109,048 106,507
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES 130,824 130,824 120,828
NET ASSETS 130,824 130,824 120,828
FUNDS 13
Unrestricted funds 130,824 120,828
TOTAL FUNDS 130,824 120,828

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes fo1m part of these financial statements

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continued ...

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 DECEMBER 2020

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30 June 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:

J Franklin (Chair) - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

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SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS I 02, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS I 02) '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 I 02) ( effective I January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company 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':

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Turnover is the amount derived from the provision of goods and services and is stated after trade discounts, other sales taxes and net of VAT.

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.

Support costs

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 are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

Expenditure is classified under the appropriate activity headings.

Costs of raising funds is comprised of a 2% apportionment on total staff, administrative and office costs.

Other trading activities expenditure includes the costs related to the development, publication and sale of books, manuals and resource packs, as well as the costs for training courses and conferences.

Expenditure on charitable activities includes the staff, administrative and office costs associated with activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity.

Support costs includes a 4% apportionment on total staff costs.

Development costs

Development costs, being the amounts paid to third parties in relation to book development, is being amortised evenly over its estimated useful life of ten years.

Computer software

Computer software, being the amounts paid to third parties in relation to website development, is being amortised evenly over its estimated useful life of five years.

continued ...

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SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3 I DECEMBER 2020

I. ACCOUNTING POLICrES - continued

Tangible fixed assets

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

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

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.

Research and development

Expenditure on research and development is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

Leasing commitments

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Company status

The company is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales. The members of the company are the trustees. In the event of the charity being wound up the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to£ I per member of the charity.

Deferred income

The charity provides training and course materials. Where receipts are made in advance of the course and materials being provided the income is deferred until such has been realised.

Government grants

Government grants received in support of the coronavirus pandemic are recognised only when there is reasonable assurance that the entity will comply with any conditions attached to the grant and that the grant will be received.

The grant is recolonized as income over the period necessary to match them with the related costs, for which they are intended to compensate.

continued ...

24

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Training and confrences
Sale of publications
Other income
INVESTMENT INCOME
Investment income		 2020
£
120,565
55,581
176,146
2020
£
45		 2019
£
125,187
98,104
84
223,375
2019
£
146

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/[(] expenditure[) ] is stated after charging/[(] crediting[)]

Net income/(expenditure)is stated afer charging/(crediting ):
2020 2019
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 1,031 1,743
Hire of plant and machinery 3,976 3,981
Development costs amortisation
Computer sofware amortisation		 4,001
600		 2,761
600

s. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 3 I December 2020 nor for the year ended 3 I December 2019.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 3 I December 2020 nor for the year ended 3 l December 20 I 9.

6. ST A FF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

The average monthly number of employees during the yea r was as fllows:
2020 2019
Average number of employees 5 6

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

No employees received £60,000 per annum or more.

continued ...

25

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

7.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
fnds
fund
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
164
Other trading activities
223,375
Investment income
146
Total
223,685
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising fnds
37,94 I
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
183,904
Goverance costs
4,865
Total
226,710
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(3,025)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
123,853
TOT AL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
120,828
8.
INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Development
Computer
costs
sofware
£
£
COST
At I January 2020
27,602
3,000
Additions
13,000
At 31 December 2020
40,602
3,000
AMORTISATION
At I January 2020
16,392
2,400
Charge fr year
4,001
600
At 3 I December 2020
20,393
3,000
--
NET BOOK VALUE
At 3 I December 2020
20,209
At 3 I December 2019
11,210
600		 Total
funds
£
164
223,375
146
223,685
37,941
183,904
4,865
226,7 I 0
(3,025)
123,853
120,828
Totals
£
30,602
13,000
43,602
18,792
4,601
23,393
20,209
11,810

continued ...

26

SJGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

9. TANG IBLE FIXED ASSETS

9. TANG IBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and Computer
fittings equipment Totals
£ £ £
COST
At I January 2020 2,493 5,950 8,443
Additions 98 98
Disposals (985) (985)
At 31 December 2020 2,493 5,063 7,556
DEPRECIATION
At I January 2020 1,127 4,805 5,932
Charge for year 443 588 1,031
Eliminated on disposal (974) (974)
At 3 I December 2020 1,570 4,419 5,989
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2020 923 644 1,567
At 31 December 2019 1,366 1,145 2,511
10. STOCKS
2020 2019
£ £
Paper and packaging 1,482 2,112
Books and resource packs 7,656 3,080
9,138 5,192
11. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2020 2019
£ £
Trade debtors 17,666 14,706
Prepayments and accrued income 3,147 3,560
20,813 18,266

continued ...

27

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2020 2019
£ £
Trade creditors 11,914 1,057
Social security and other taxes 6,359 5,371
Accruals and deferred income 39,450 53,985
57,723 60,413

to Deferred income for the year ended 31 December 2020 amounted to £38,450 (2019 £33,985). This relates tutor registration fees received in advance for the next year.

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in fnds, included in the above are as fllows:
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.20
£
I20,828
120,828
Incoming
resources
£
181,438
181,438
At 1.1.19
£
123,853
123,853		 Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.20
£
£
9,996
130,824
9,996
130,824
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(171,442)
9,996
(171,442)
9,996
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.19
£
£
(3,025)
120,828
(3,025)
120,828

continued ...

28

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 223,685 (226,710) (3,025)
TOTAL FUNDS 223,685 (226,710) (3,025)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

At 1.1.19
£
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds
123,853
TOTAL FUNDS
123,853		 Net
movement
At
in fnds
31.12.20
£
£
6,971
130,824
6,971
[30,824

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

Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds
405,123
TOTAL FUNDS
405,123		 Resources
Movement
expended
in fnds
£
£
(398,152)
6,971
(398,152)
6,971

14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2020.

29

..

..

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Other trading activities
Training and confrences
Sale of publications
Other income
Investment income
Investment income
Charitable activities
Grants
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Staff costs
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Computer costs
Computer equipment
Other trading activities
Books
Training and confrence costs
Repairs and renewals
Computer expenses
Subscriptions
Development costs
Computer sofware
Charitable activities
Staff costs
Rental of photocopier
Rent and rates
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Carried forward		 2020
£
247
120,565
55,581
176,146
45
5,000
181,438
2,568
10
67
9
11
2,665
9,145
7,820
577
426
159
4,002
600
22,729
125,488
3,976
12,625
1,423
830
501
144,843		 2019
£
164
125,187
98,104
84
223,375
146
223,685
2,823
14
97
26
35
2,995
10,669
18,699
798
1,277
143
2,760
600
34,946
129,509
3,981
13,777
1,390
1,024
680
150,361

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

30

. . ..

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATI ON CHARITY

Charitable activities
Brought frward
Postage and stationery
Advertising
Sundries
Relocation costs
Entertainment
Bad debts
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Bank interest
Support costs
Governance costs
Accountancy f s
Legal and profssional fees
Bank interest
Total resources expended
Net income/(expenditure)
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED31DECEMBER2�0		 2020
£
144,843
3,275
132
515
(8,140)
1,069
443
588
907
143,632
896
1,247
273
2,416
l7 I,442
9,996		 2019
£
150,361
4,758
55
3,557
22,082
144
144
596
1,112
1,095
183,904
880
3,752
233
4,865
226,710
(3,025)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

31