OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-accounts

Sign along th• eommunl¢atlon ehorlty chtsrity no.- IOJ9788 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

Annual Report and Financial Statements

st for the year ended 31 December 2023

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 2023. 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 2023

Contents

Mission Statement page 3
Introduction page 4
Trustees’ Report page 5
Company Information page 12
Independent Financial Examiner’s Report page 13
Statement of Financial Activities page 17
Balance Sheet page 18
Notes to the Financial Statements page 20
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities page 27

2

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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

3

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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 have a learning disability because BSL is too complex. Signalong continues to be used with those who use alternative languages whilst they learn to communicate in English.

Signalong is based on a consistent method of analysing and presenting signs, 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.

FIRST EDITION

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 diagrams, 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.

We also offer Signalong training for learners at Elementary and Beginners, Peer Learning, Introductory and Intermediate level. We currently have 528 pupils enrolled, 492 have already completed their course.

In addition, Signalong produce a wide range of paper and digital resources.

4

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

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.

TO NEED TO CHOOSE TO WANT

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

In January we appointed Annie Gray as Production Officer who is responsible for the production of our manuals and resources. Following training, Annie will also help to support our Tutors with the administration of their courses and registration.

5

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The development of the Android version of the Sign Studio App has been long overdue and was finally completed and launched in June.

The App has over 30,000 downloads in the UK and worldwide. Newly developed signs are added regularly and there is nearly 9, 000 sign descriptions of vocabulary for early years to adulthood.

This manual of sports vocabulary is an invaluable resource for individuals who rely on signing as their primary mode of communication within sporting environments. It is designed to assist sports venues in communicating more effectively with their patrons, as well as aiding coaches, teachers, and participants in sporting activities.

It is important that we strive to include socially disadvantaged individuals, making sure everyone feels welcome and socially connected.

The vocabulary contained in this manual covers a wide range of sportsrelated terms, making it an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the

world of sports. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, this book is sure to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of sports through the use of Signalong.

Due to demand, we have introduced the option of a commissioned license posters. This service is for those who wish to distribute their poster to a large number of staff, parents and service users. The license permits the commissioner to customize the layout and purchase the file allowing them to print the poster and saving costs. In addition, we also offer a digital version where the license holder can place the poster on their website or social media enabling anyone to download and print.

The Signalong Friendly membership scheme is for those who are proud supporters of Signalong and would like to let others know of their commitment to provide a signing inclusive environment. The scheme continues to thrive and we are regularly seeing schools and organisations proudly displaying the logo on their websites, stationery and social media. At the end of the year we had 3 Bronze, 418 Silver and 10 Gold organisations.

6

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

In June, Signalong had an exhibition at the Inspiring Leadership Conference in Birmingham. The event was attended by over 900 decision makers from the West Midlands, Cheshire and Oldham. Many thanks to all of our Tutors who came along to say hello, it was great to see so many of you.

Towards the end of the year we invested in the development of a new online shop which complements our existing website. The new shop allows us to list all of our products including the index pages of manuals, advertise courses and take bookings. In addition, we have valuable access to sales statistics so that we can identify gaps in our offering. A huge thanks to Maxine for her hard work pulling it all together.

We now have the option to add discount codes, gift vouchers and also have a range of merchandise which is proving to be very popular.

7

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

HELLO

We are really excited to reveal that work has begun on the development of an avatar to support Signalong for Babies nursery rhymes manual. The avatar will sign the highlighted vocabulary in the manual accompanied by singing. We will be using local artists to record the vocals, arrange the music and develop the avatar. We anticipate the launch in spring 2024 and we are planning on attending several baby themed events throughout the year to promote the video, Signalong for Babies courses and identify additional Trainers to deliver our courses.

We were delighted to welcome our Tutors to regional conferences in Swindon, Leicester, Essex, Norfolk, Scotland and Guernsey. However, many of our regular venues used to host our events have significantly raised their daily delegate rate. This has resulted in identifying alternative venues and new locations for some conferences.

Training

Senior Tutors delivered 13 Tutor Training courses throughout the year in Carmarthen, Dorset, 2 in Scotland, Oldham, Norwich, Guernsey and 6 online courses. By the end of the year we had trained an additional 76 new Tutors.

Our Tutor network delivered 204 Foundation courses, 36 Introductory and 480 Workshops training over 7,689 participants. The total number of registered Tutors currently stands at 510.

We welcomed 2 experienced Tutors as Senior Tutors, Danielle Campbell who is based in Edinburgh and Nikki Duhig in London to deliver our Tutor Training courses. We would like to say a big thank you and best wishes for the future to one of our long-standing Senior Tutors, Rosie Dickens, who retired at the end of the year.

Charitable Fund

Signalong operate a charitable fund and 2.5% of our annual income is allocated to 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.

In 2023 Signalong donated £6,716 in manuals, posters, Sign Library subscriptions and reduced training fees.

8

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Financial

----- Start of picture text -----
MONEY
----- End of picture text -----

Sales of published materials decreased slightly on the previous year but income from training and conferences increased. Our advertising budget was increased to raise the profile of the charity and we will continue to build on this in 2024.

With the significant increase in the cost of living, the board of trustees awarded staff a generous 10% increase in salary.

Comparison 2023 over 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Donations Training & Publications Online Investment/Misc Total Income
Conferences Subs/DVD/CD Income/ Grants
Actual 2023 Prior Year 2022
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
INCOME SPLIT 2023 INCOME SPLIT 2022
Donations Donations
Training & Conferences Training & Conferences
Publications Publications
Investment/Misc Income/ Grants Online Subs/DVD/CD
3,158 0 34 Investment/Misc Income/ Grants
157 [639] 90
66,163
68,217
185,894 167,840
----- End of picture text -----

9

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Financial Overview

Investment Policy

The board of trustees have adopted a policy of investing surplus monies in risk appropriate funds. Following a thorough review of potential providers, a suitable investment company was selected to manage the investment process.

Reserves Policy

TO SAVE

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 £59,381. This has once again been achieved. Signalong used their income to support the running costs of the charity in 2023 and did not need to access the reserve fund.

10

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Plans for the Future

In 2024 we will strengthen and grow the charity by increasing demand for training and looking to recruit additional Senior Tutors by advertising outside of our Tutor network. We will also seek to identify additional Tutors in new areas of the country by offering free online Signalong taster sessions to reach a new audience. Participants will then be invited on paid online courses at a reduced fee.

We aim to be the no 1 digital sign supported communication system in the UK by developing new digital resources. We will look to increase membership of the Sign Library by uploading more videos and through the Apple and Android Apps using paid advertising on social media. Development of pdf books of vocabulary found in popular stories will begin in the spring and be offered for sale as a download on the new shop. Our avatar will be launched to promote Signalong for Babies courses and to recruit more Trainers at several main events across the UK.

We will increase brand awareness by the sale of merchandise and attending national conferences and exhibitions across the UK.

We are very conscious of our carbon footprint and we will strive to reduce our carbon footprint by using less plastic raw materials in our products. We want to build on our current statistics of 39% saving to 60% kg of C02e and maintain 0 kg to landfill.

Where possible, we will email certificates to avoid printing but the cost of certificates will see a small increase as will Tutor Training fees.

Following the success of the Sports for All manual, we will be developing a football manual. We will seek sponsorship from local football teams to enable us to offer the finished manual free of charge.

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.

The board have, as always, invaluable to the smooth operation of the charity. The Chairman, John Franklin, has continued to advise and provide support in IT and also to the CEO who meet regularly. Nigel Stancliffe has been instrumental in providing guidance for the investment committee and monitoring expenditure and credit control. Michelle Songest has ensured that we follow HR policies and procedures and Andy Evans has contributed to the development of the charity from an educational perspective. We also value the input of experienced Signalong Tutors Bev McCue, Jonathan Tate and Shahnaz Ashraf.

11

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

The charity is organised so that the Board meets regularly to manage its affairs. Board meetings have been 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 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 445.

12

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY = fie. &- 7%

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES ae 2 Se 7 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 TE Se Se

at STRATEGIC REPORT |= Si ebucie pt! heart Financial review ser Training Senior Tutors delivered 13 Tutor Training courses throughout the year in Carmarthen, Dorset, 2 in Scotland, Oldham, eT a) yes ce Setthetomrwreh Norwich, Guernsey and 6 online courses. By the end of the year we had trained an additional 76 new Tutors. wie mare ie oa cel erga oe alee pndi “geerete me Our Tutor network delivered 204 Foundation courses, 36 Introductory and 480 Workshops training over 7,689 ect participants. The total number of registered Tutors currently stands at 510. Ee “_ POelTT tene eeeoeey a F We welcomed 2 experienced Tutors as Senior Tutors, Danielle Campbell who is based in Edinburgh and Nikki Duhig in ms 0el pt ee BS To, eo, eS we 2p et Se oe London to deliver our Tutor Training courses. We would like to say a big thank you and best wishes for the future to one of our long-standing Senior Tutors, Rosie Dickens, who retired at the end of the year. oea elieee SiotML eeEp etoeeeishe a, Soe i re ee . Investment policy and objectives pret4 Men “2708ST Following an audit of risk, a suitable company was identified and entrusted with our investment in several endowment The board of trustees have decided to invest funds, surplus to our reserve fund, using a management company. a2 oe" Te eeA 2 ee=a - -etee spt funds. Se Reserves policy M e* ‘eetn bet have considered the charity's need for reserves in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission. They Whilst smaller organisations are less likely to hold up to three months reserves than larger organisations, the Trustees She.=e TRos inligtenheer d Eeees ome onoeertBwoae| 2 Sdetalaeee ee ee eePu te we consider that the charity should endeavor to maintain general funds of an amount approximating to three months' direct eee Me = ie ge i ee at running costs. This has once again been achieved. Signalong used their income to support the running costs of the eg ee ee ow charity in 2023 and did not need to access the reserve fund. Ii —Swee oe© Seee ewee 2 ereee eee ee Oe Oe s\n ee

Future plans I In 2024 we will strengthen and grow the charity by increasing demand for training and looking to recruit additional wr ody py Sie Senior Tutors by advertising outside of our Tutor network. We will also seek to identify additional Tutors in new areas peeTr te Na atOegeley Ana phy )awk TP aeSa = Beea re - > om | ot Se of the country by offering free online Signalong taster sessions to reach a new audience. Participants will then be invited a Oe eet on paid online courses at a reduced f . Pe oeSea pectanges.Gsles ete eens| ie St TAs je et se Be Seee resources. We will look to increase membership of the Sign Library by uploading more videos and through the Apple and Android Apps using paid advertising on social media. Development of PDF books of vocabulary found in popular We aim to be the number one digital sign supported communication system in the UK by developing new digital a Shereee aeealleeeeedeee eteeeeee e !ee) eleaeeeereee |te aesee)Se 2ea ee,ve e iDaoe oOcsx= me stories will begin in the spring and be offered for sale as a download on the new shop. Our avatar will be launched to pig FU «4 ee ee, ee ae co ae See | e promote Signalong for Babies courses and to recruit more Trainers at several main events across the UK. e e t Wie oteeegt a ee ee ee, ee eC We will increase brand awareness by the sale of merchandise and attending national conferences and exhibitions across 1 the UK. Se ee ee, oF i ae ayee We are very conscious of our carbon f A tprint and we will strive to reduce our carbon f tprint by using less plastic raw materials in our products. We want to build on our current statistics of 39% saving to 60% kg of C02e and maintain 0kg ‘el to landfill. ——. ee erele e* dt Oe edeee teeaee oe ee ee eea ee- | Where possible, we will email certificates to avoid printing but the cost of certificates will see a small increase as will tea wo ee ce ee ee eS a eeto es i sie Tutor Training f i oT 7. a s.

Following the success of the Sports for All manual, we will be developing a football manual. We will seek sponsorship etee eele2 oe Sw mettle el alee et “SE "ed fh-E from local f Pe cote tball teams to enable us to offer the finished manual free of charge. ee oe! oe . i e) r eo2 oe RS STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - as Pe LS. a Oo Seite Governing document Oe al in The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up on the 26 April 1994. It is governed by a 2, Se eget, at oS ee ey ee Tene” Samal: Memorandum and Articles of Association. This is managed on a day to day basis by a Chief Executive Officer. Bd acy lee Ss ee ad ca gee ae om brave1 Ricoe ise on

13

A) SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY OSE SL SLee | ee REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Me esiat Sa e ianoe ®t ehely=. LA

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT » we, <8, 3 ot frie 2 “ys “ha Recruitment and appointment of new trustees ee ae So[de] Fwy Advice for trustees published by the Charity Commission is given to new board members and new guidance is notified ose a” ate eT hl om" po iei ae “Wn a“ ee CY me “el and made available at Board meetings. Board members have free access to all members of staff to ensure that they can ** -. Fil der force a ee ee es ee so wee (Boor? Oh 4 * ee ms =i be fully aware of the activities and methods of the charity. There is an identified need for further input to the Board from = = M ri fe ee tt =e! ee[ee] ee es = he i @. Tt people outside the field of special needs, although these have proved difficult to recruit. In the event of such people ng =«"4 a Ce ee ee ee - fee, “Hg wy being appointed to the Board, a programme of familiarization with the charity and its work will be put into effect, and Ce dk | me ae - "th oF ‘ar the Charity Commission advice will be given to them. gyeraet ee Organizational structure The charity is an Association of Members, the business of which is governed by the Board who may exercise all powers agt ltee oea TAee st ee nae ee peWe ale 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 lariesi a A ao Ve<1 “iaee& a eek=a) eenFe| % "te4 > =ct aeGeeg mt2k=F ceattaoo ws. members of the Board are set out in the section of this report entitled "Directors". a-Ame. Fah, = eo — a =e4 Cpe Membership of the charity is by subscription, and all registered Signalong Tutors are automatically enrolled. Current ee, op ernest ms a er Pe ee hee Tle membership stands at 445. cm eeee pay The charity remains reliant on its main asset, it's intellectual property; the library of signs and the techniques of how they eete ee[Se][ ei][ee] a A ke are catered to our members' needs and taught by our Tutors. eM 7 SE SNC ee mR Ba! Te The board have, as always, invaluable to the smooth operation of the charity. The Chairman, John Franklin, has ee i ee ee a ie tells el A a Seees Se ee continued to advise and provide support in IT and also to the CEO who meet regularly. Nigel Stancliffe has been an instrumental in providing guidance for the investment committee and monitoring expenditure and credit control. to SteeleFl tf”“Leet cok. Sort2”?“~~ * Eo5 4ee 2 ors 4 Mids 1h i Tea = il et Michelle Songest has ensured that we follow HR policies and procedures and Andy Evans has contributed to the Pes (aS gO mae." 4 <2 a D™ eeeoe oS aemi oS),Sip votes,Mate S. SEE“ERfitAtelheBe fh development of the charity from an educational perspective. We also value the input of experienced Signalong Tutors i Bev McCue, Jonathan Tate and Shahnaz Ashraf. rl oee™ ' ire i reed 2) = a re ek ee ee | The charity is organised so that the Board meets regularly to manage its affairs. Board meetings are held quarterly with < > -—o ie - Ye Pet ta 8 uP oa ha Ag ei| OE ic -¥ Poa Ff an oo the implementation of a Code of Conduct to the Board of Trustees to ensure that they respect and uphold the values of ee ee ees Speke rt Aes ee St dee oO” Signalong. Wtiag

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS ee ion a ee Registered Company number i ee ee 02922636 (England and Wales) a .—T i a _

Registered Charity number** “90 LF: 1039788 Te

Registered office aa en SE 1 Old Winery Business Park Se

Cawston rE ee

Norwich a at Norfolk

NRI0 4FE ri

Trustees ae A Evans

J Franklin (Chair) Sp td if pa M Songest ~ 7 Oo a B McCue N Stancliffe ~~ = J Tate F

S Ashraf iin"

Company Secretary es ot Qt T Goode Ads

14

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner Mr L Clifton FCCA Stephen Hill Partnership Limited 139-141 Watling Street Gillingham Kent ME7 2YY

Bankers

CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill A venue West Malling Kent

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 24 April 2024 and signed on the board's behalf by:

T Goode - Secretary

15

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 31 December 2023.

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 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect ofmy 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 201 I Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of FCCA which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention m 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.

Mr L Clifton FCCA Stephen Hill Partnership Limited 139-141 Watling Street Gillingham Kent ME7 2YY

24 April 2024

16

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

ST A TEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds fund funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 34 34 90
Other trading activities 2 252,057 252,057 236,214
Investment income 3 3,158 3,158 639
Total 255,249 255,249 236,943
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 39,887 39,887 58,387
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
Governance costs		 177,905
2,680		 177,905
2,680		 147,315
2,554
Total 220,472 220,472 208,256
Net gains on investments 9,529 9,529
NET INCOME 44,306 44,306 28,687
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 202,270 202,270 173,583
TOT AL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 246,576 246,576 202,270

The notes form part of these financial statements

17

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds fund funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 8 17,257 17,257 12,317
Tangible assets 9 2,766 2,766 3,036
Investments 10 140,529 140,529
160,552 160,552 15,353
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 11 13,547 13,547 15,951
Debtors 12 20,294 20,294 24,261
Cash at bank and in hand 90,648 90,648 200,926
124,489 124,489 241,138
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 13 (38,465) (38,465) (54,221)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 86,024 86,024 186,917
TOT AL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES 246,576 246,576 202,270
NET ASSETS 246,576 246,576 202,270
FUNDS 14
Unrestricted funds 246,576 202,270
TOTAL FUNDS 246,576 202,270

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 4 77 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued ...

18

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 DECEMBER 2023

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

were The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

J Franklin (Chair) - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

19

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY ee eaa ee Sl

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS et Se. ee a, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Be Eeoe

1. : ACCOUNTING POLICIES a Se

mom Basis of preparing the financial statements eae hg le Ailes tne The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS I 02, have been mS) oc “nae omehpe ow fold ae Pe Cee ea o_o prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement i et a of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial he i 1k al fer Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective I January 2019)', rer Teas cols es iee ee Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of sar Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost aDateei,wy k=S e ote<= awh SeFin_: Seae eeeeeg eeSa e rasSim: _! CE convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. en)el ee ee be| fee Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions Saehe— REee ee we tn The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of aS elee eHa ee iern le)ee alaeee a,a wae Ireland': ee the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows. a yell) 8 ae Income — All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it el i ee ed ee ee a ee ee Po is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. oe eee, oe[eee,] 8 0 0 ‘ns Turnover is the amount derived from the provision of goods and services and is stated after trade discounts, other 1M pe ee ee et eresr Fe oO ee a, pee sales taxes and net of VAT. ee Expenditure -~ Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the [4m oe charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and Oo the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has “. - ee orei metre5 alI =Eens OeSSeeESee ofEeSeLeeREee iSo rsa4?et eeat aOneewe ygmf Be64J| been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly m= ;— + ‘a hb-us om - SS ee eee re ime “an ~ys B attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of Feeof wm Bee - wg in! ee ely! Ge ee = um ‘sro me = resources. FT oS Support costs oe fe Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable ae ee ee pe nd tee == ee ae ee[oe] eet activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which are s See tog PE ns 0 ey ee lg those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory Si a ae requirements. ee e rS ane dees Oe eee ee os * ee ee

Allocation and apportionment of costs ems ea Pe, a 2

Expenditure is classified under the appropriate activity headings. OA 6 -we )& Ey ae wf a-_ it “9! Costs of raising funds is comprised of a 2% apportionment on total staff, administrative and office costs. ‘tl, 3971, ofoe = ds no Se) a od fe

ee Other trading activities expenditure includes the costs related to the development, publication and sale of books, i eh ee e en Le[a] hs [Lee manuals and resource packs, as well as the costs for training courses and conferences. tee, ee Fe a ©) Oe oe beSET Cee Expenditure on charitable activities includes the staff, administrative and office costs associated with activities a eee pe ee ee aSe et undertaken to further the purposes of the charity. me ae de i ee

T= Support costs includes a 4% apportionment on total staff costs. OW eee Se ee

Development costs oe 01 ee Development costs, being the amounts paid to third parties in relation to book development, is being amortised =Oe a ee ke ok evenly over its estimated useful life of ten years. Beee ee

Computer software boeC ones enitien 5 Computer software, being the amounts paid to third parties in relation to website development, is being In* ww 2 oo a ee wlae th. the bh oe oe r we amortised evenly over its estimated useful life of five years. 2 om ny =“ aar ' a ee ~_

continued ... stew

20

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - 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 1s limited to £1 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.

2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2023 2022
£ £
Training and conferences 185,894 167,840
Sale of publications 66,163 68,217
Other income 157
252,057 236,214

continued ...

21

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

2023 2022
£ £
Investment income 3,158 639

4.

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/( expenditure) is stated after charging/( crediting):

2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 1,176 1,075
Hire of plant and machinery 2,797 2,970
Development costs amortisation 5,060 4,060

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 3 1 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

6. STAFF COSTS

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

2023 2022
Average number of employees 5 4
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
No employees received £60,000 per annum or more.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds fund funds
£ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 90 90
Other trading activities 236,214 236,214
Investment income 639 639
Total 236,943 236,943
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 58,387 58,387
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
Governance costs		 147,315
2,554		 147,315
2,554

7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

continued ...

22

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023		 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES- continued COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES- continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds fund funds
£ £ £
Total 208,256 208,256
NET INCOME 28,687 28,687
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 173,583 173,583
TOT AL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 202,270 202,270
8. INT ANG IBLE FIXED ASSETS
Development
costs		 Computer
software		 Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 January 2023 40,831 3,000 43,831
Additions 10,000 10,000
At 31 December 2023 50,831 3,000 53,831
AMORTISATION
At 1 January 2023 28,514 3,000 31,514
Charge for year 5,060 5,060
--
At 31 December 2023 33,574 3,000 36,574
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 17,257 17,257
At 31 December 2022 12,317 12,317
--

continued ...

23

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and
fittings		 Computer
equipment		 Totals
£ £ £
COST
At 1 January 2023 3,002 7,987 10,989
Additions 222 684 906
At 31 December 2023 3,224 8,671 11,895
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023
Charge for year		 2,190
258		 5,763
918		 7,953
1,176
At 31 December 2023 2,448 6,681 9,129
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 776 1,990 2,766
At 31 December 2022 812 2,224 3,036
10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Unlisted
investments
£
MARKET VALUE
Additions 140,529
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 140,529
At 31 December 2022

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

11. STOCKS

STOCKS
2023 2022
£ £
Paper and packaging 2,565 1,940
Books and resource packs 10,982 14,011
13,547 15,951

continued ...

24

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
£ £
Trade debtors 16,328 20,295
Prepayments and accrued income 3,966 3,966
---
20,294 24,261
---
---
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
£ £
Trade creditors 1,412 4,476
Social security and other taxes
Accruals and deferred income		 9,084
27,969		 8,777
40,968
38,465 54,221

13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

to Deferred income for the year ended 3 I December 2023 amounted to £26,969 (2022 £39,967). This relates tutor registration f s invoiced in advance for the next year.

14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.1.23 in funds 31.12.23
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 202,270 44,306 246,576
TOTAL FUNDS 202,270 44,306 246,576
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 Gains and
losses		 Movement
in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 255,249 (220,472) 9,529 44,306
TOTAL FUNDS 255,249 (220,472) 9,529 44,306

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
At 1.1.22 in funds 31.12.22
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 173,583 28,687 202,270
TOTAL FUNDS 173,583 28,687 202,270

continued ...

25

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL ST A TEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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

Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 Movement
in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 236,943 (208,256) 28,687
TOTAL FUNDS 236,943 (208,256) 28,687

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

Net
movement At
At 1.1.22 in funds 31.12.23
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 173,583 72,993 246,576
TOTAL FUNDS 173,583 72,993 246,576

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

Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 Gains and
losses		 Movement
in funds
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted Funds 492,192 (428,728) 9,529 72,993
TOTAL FUNDS 492,192 (428,728) 9,529 72,993

15. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 3 I December 2023.

26

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations 34 90
Other trading activities
Training and conferences		 185,894 167,840
Sale of publications 66,163 68,217
Other income 157
252,057 236,214
Investment income
Investment income 3,158 639
Total incoming resources 255,249 236,943
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Staff costs		 2,978 2,460
Telephone 9 13
Postage and stationery 88 75
Computer costs 223 471
Computer equipment 18 16
3,316 3,035
Other trading activities
Books 3,490 11,425
Training and conference costs 14,780 14,862
Repairs and renewals 1,474 1,350
Computer expenses 11,192 23,088
Subscriptions 575 567
Development costs 5,060 4,060
36,571 55,352
Charitable activities
Staff costs 145,930 120,541
Rental of photocopier 2,797 2,970
Rent and rates 14,156 14,202
Insurance 1,521 1,692
Light and heat 755 138
Telephone 470 526
Postage and stationery 4,320 3,692
Advertising 4,660 690
Sundries 801 1,005
Bad debts 63
Carried forward 175,473 145,456

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

27

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY

SIGNALONG THE COMMUNICATION CHARITY
DETAILED ST A TEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3 I DECEMBER 2023
2023 2022
£ £
Charitable activities
Brought forward 175,473 145,456
Training costs
Fixtures and fittings		 258
258		 287
Computer equipment 900 772
Bank interest 1,016 800
177,905 147,315
Support costs
Governance costs
Accountancy fe s
Legal and professional fees		 1,111
1,569		 1,037
1,517
2,680 2,554
Total resources expended 220,472 208,256
Net income before gains and losses 34,777 28,687
Realised recognised gains and losses
Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset investments 9,529
Net income 44,306 28,687

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

28