COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 02578918 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1045841 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2025 CARSTON ETL Chartered accountants 1 st Floor, Tudor House 16 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF119LJ Wales Council of the Blind Company Llmlted by Guarantee Financlal Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directorfs report) Independent examinevs report to the trustees Statemenl of financial activities (induding income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position 18 19 20 Notes to the financlal statements Page 1 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Directorfs Report) Icontlnu•dJ Year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees, who are also th8 directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial stslements of the charily for the year ended 31 March 2025. Chairfs report l am delighted to report that Wales Council of the Blind has re￿iVed an additional year of Welsh Government funding and is recognised as a key organisation here in Wales. We look forward to discussing future sustainab18 funding over the coming year. WCB has a responsibillty to bring the sector together. A great 8xample of this is the work of the Wales Vision Forum in developing its website. This web resource contains useful information about looking after your eyes, what to do if you have difficulties with your eyesight, and the organisations that can supporl you. The Wales Vision Forum is an informal group of local, regional and national charities who have worked together to produce this resource. Whether you just need to know about maintaining good eye health or need to understand more about significant eye problems. or talk to others with similar problems and concerns, this site will point you to the help you need. The site will also be used by our optometrists across Wales to signpost their patients to vision rehabilitstion and to charities in your community. We hope that this will have direct benefit to our members as we should see an increase in referrals. We hope that this will increase membership to our local societies. For many years, WCB has led on a series of reports hlghlighting the critical role of vision rehabllltation. l am especially proud to see this work progressing and that we now have coverage in all local authorities across Wales. More local authorities are recognising the need to train vision rehabilitation specialists, also known as Rehabilitation Officers for the Vision Impaired, with five qualifying this year and upwards of ten to be enrolled over the next two years. The trustees are grateful to our staff and volunteers for all their work, and it is a real privilege to see first-hand the collaboration b8tween our members. We continue to provide our core information services by providing a wealth of information to professionals and people with sight loss through Sylw, social medla and Perspectif. I am particularly proud of the support we offer smaller local societies but remain concerned that their membership numbers are dwindling. We will explore reasons why and look to increase referrals through the new Wales Vision Forum website. Finally. I would like to thank my fellow trustees for their work and support during this time. Janice Powers Chairperson Page 2 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (¢ontinUodJ Year ended 31 March 2025 Reference and administrative detalls Registered charity name Wales Council of the Blind Charity registratlon number 1045841 Company registration number 02578918 Prlnclpal offlce and registered office Hastings House Fitzalan Place Unit 3.1 Cardiff CF24 OBL The trustees Mr Peter Curtis Mr Brian Mawby Mrs Miriam Wright Ms Janice Powers Ms Julie Thomas Mr Brian J Hobart Dr Rhianwen Stiff Mr8 Michelle Wall Mrs Helen Simon Mr Malcolm John Nicholas (Retired 7 February 2025) Company secretary Owen J Williams Independent examiner Farzana Ahmed FCCA Carston ETL 1 st Floor, Tudor House 16 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF119LJ Page 3 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Objectlves and actlvitles Wales Council of the Blind's charitable objects are "to promote the welfare of blind and partially sighted persons, and th8 prevention of blindness" Wales Council of the Blind (WCB) is the independent umbrella agency for vision impairment in Wales representing blind and partially sighted people and the clubs and societies who support them. Our independence enables us to act as an impartial observer, advocate, intermediary and evaluator for this complex, diverse group of organisatlons and services. In carrying out our Gharitsble objectives, services to people with sight loss are improved. We gather the opinions and views of people with sight loss through groups and consultation. We put their voice at the centra of what we do, reporting on their views to the people who are responsible for the services that help them. We also act as an agency to direct people to these services. giving them impartial advice and choice. The trustees confimi that they complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have du8 regard for the Charity Commission's guidance on public ben8fit. Our work over the last year has focussed on three strategic priorities.. 1) Information services 2) Network support 3) Service improvement WCB upholds the following principles throughout our work: Beneficiaries first Integrity Openness Honesty Accountability Trust Page 4 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continu¢d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achlevements and performanc8 Information services Wales Vlslon Forum W8bslt8 A major communications milestone this year is the development of the Wales Vision Forum (WVF) website, based on the Eye Care Support Pathway. It offers tailored resources for professionals and individuals with sight loss, aligned with specific stsges of the pathway (e.g. hospital appointments, living well with sight loss). Resources are hosted on Perspectif, curated by the forum to ensure relevance and encourage further exploration. The site was announced at the Wales Eye Care Conference and went live in August 2025: wviw.walesvisionforum.or .uk. Sylw Bulletln Sylw is a weekly email bulletin, also available monthly In accessible formats. It is distributed to a total of 3,328 readers, including 452 who receive it in alternative formats. The bulletin reaches all eye clinics and now features a dedicated section for children and young people. supporting ongoing research into barriers to accessing Low Vision Service Wales (LVSW). "I love the new format includlng the section for Children and Young People (CYP), thank you!11 Parent Perspectif Bulletin Thls newsletter updates LVSW practltioners on database changes. Recent editions covered Certificate of Vlsion Impairment (CVI) and registration. Upcoming themes include community transport, loneliness and social isolation, and children and young people's engagement with LVSW. Perspectif Information Portal Perspectif is a searchable database of services, providers, resources, and events. Key features include: Keyword and postcode search Glossary with service links Events calendar Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) optometrist search Mobile-friendly contact links Page 5 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorfs Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Developments In Perspect Loneliness and soclal Isolation and children and young people. Two research projects into Loneliness and Social Isolation and children and young people access to LVSW respectively have led to the creation of tailored entry points into the Wales Vision Forum website. Quick Pathways by Health Board A set of pages provide direct links to ServI￿S by local health board 8r88: Aneurin Bevan UHB Betsi Cadwaladr UHB Cardiff and Vale UHB Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB HyNel Dda UHB Powys THB Swansea Bay UHB Tralnlng Module A training module for using Perspectif has been created and is available online: Perspectif HOW-TO Guide. 5)LVSW Signpostlng Project LVSW-accredited optometrists are listed on Perspectif, filling the gap left by the discontinued Wales Eye Care Service website. NHS 111 is expected to list practices soon. We are hoping to add mobile providers of Wales General Ophthalmic Services (WGOS) 1 (Eye Examination I Sight Test) and WGOS 2 (Examinations for urgent eye problems). Presentations have been made to optometrists across Wales to promote Perspectif. LVSW Domlclllary Servlces Only 27 LVSW providers currently offer domiciliary assessments across Wales - a significant drop due to: 1. Serrfices not resuming post-pandemic 2. Practitioner retirements 3. Optometry reform making home visits unfeasible Perspectif has been updated to reflect this. 'When I show patients Perspectif - it has transfonned their lives." LVSW Practitioner. Page 6 Wales Councll of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (eondnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 CVI Leaflets and Perspectif Referrals Two CVI leaflets now refer patients to Perspectif: 1.'Su ort for Parents and Famllles of Children with Vlslon Im with CVI letters to families. airments, _ sent 2. 'What next? Your ulde to D AMD and flndln advlce Informatlon and su ort - distributed lo patients with CVI(W} in primary care. These have led to increased enquiries. WVF members agreed that WCB'S telephone number and support webpage will be the only contact in the revised CVI tient leaflet updated as part of Optometry Reform. These leaflets can be found on WCBS Perspectif portal. Social Prescrlblng As part of Optometry Contract Reform, a social prescribing document was created. Resources, including Perspectif, are now linked from the NHS 'Eye Care Wales, website. The aim is to support holistic care across conditions. Perspectif is recognised as the sector's central access point and will be referenced in WGOS4 patient guides and the Eye Care Support Pathway resource on the WVF website. Leaflets with QR codes wlll help palients access relevant services easily. Communlcations and Media Soclal Media: Facebook and Instagram remain active; Twitterlx is no longer actively used. Accesslble Medla: Materials are produced in large print and audio fonnats. Distribution: Newsletters and papers are produced sent to the members of several local organisations, including Visual Impairment Merthyr Tydfil, Visual Impairment Breconshire, Radnorshire Association for the Blind, Ceredigion Association for the Blind, and the Macular Society. Partnerships: Accessible materials have also been produced for the Royal Society for Blind Children. Page 7 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trusteas. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) f¢ontlnu Year ended 31 March 2025 Network Support Wales Vlslon Forum Wales Council of the Blind has a responsibility to bring the sector together through various forums. Many of these are managed by WCB. WCB chairs and manages th8 Wal8s Vision Forum, bringing together local, regional and national sight loss organisations to share best practice, coordinate efforts, and reduce duplication. Themed meetings covered transport, employment, optometry reform, and more. The Forum advocated for sirnplified Companion Bus Pass eligibility. Awarding a Companion Pass to anyone who has a certificate of vision impairment would remove any requirement to "assess" an individual's situation and allow them to choose whether or not they need a companion for each journey. This is in line with the Social Model of Disability, which is endorsed by Welsh Government, and our commitment to social inclusion. In addition, official notlfication from DVLA that an individual can no longer drive, would be sufficient. Task & Flnlsh Groups 1. Optometrylophthalmology Reform: Ensures patient concerns are voiced at Eye Care Collaboration Groups and Welsh Government led commlltees. Prlmary Care Needs Assessments: WCB contributed third sector and Vision Rehabilitation dats to each Health Board. Third sector organisations are ideally placed to maintain patient wellbeing while the patient is awaiting monitoring, treatment and surgical appointments. They can help maximise independence and confidence to keep people living well at home, reducing the demand on unscheduled care services. A high volume of secondary eye clinic referrals into the third sector will come via Eye Care Liaison Officers, embedded within clinics. In primary care, WGOS3 low vision optomelrists are trained to idenlify patient needs and have knowledge of the services available to patients. 2. The Wales Eye Care Support Pathway and slgnposting to the thlrd sector through WGOS4: WGOS4 optometrists have guidance to signpost into services depending on answers to a short sequence of questions. WCB is leading on work to create a sector-wide website that will include a landing page for WGOS4 patients, along with a web resource to signpost patients to third sector services and support, vision rehabilitation, low vision, and other resources (see above). Page 8 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (continuod) Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Vlslon Rehabilitation.. This group has met more frequently as we sought opinion on our report 'Recognising the role of the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, and possible funding ideas for future work (see section on service improvement below). We continue to update progress on the good practice guidelines through the main forum meeting and will meet in May to discuss Social Care Wales, consultation on revising their practice guidance for the Codes of Professional Practice. WCB and Guide Dogs meet regularly to advance this work. WCB'S Director provides monthly updates to National Clinical Leads on the work of the forum. WCB also chairs the Welsh Government's Patient Eye Health Advisory Group, which advises on WGOS standards, service development, population needs, and communications. Meetings are held quarterly with broad ￿presentatIon across sectors. WCB participates in the Ophthalmology Clinical Implementation Network (CIN) and Eye Care Collaboration Groups (ECCGS), collaborating with RNIB and NHS leaders to address patient concerns. In March, WCB and WVF members presented evidence to Ihe Health and Social Care Committ88 Inquiry into Ophthalmology Ser+iices in Wales, focusing on: 1. Strategy: Support for regional centres of excellence, with calls for clear fundlng, timelines, and accountability. 2. Patient Experience: Emphasis on lived experiences, Including delays in treatment and communication. 3. Safety: Highlighted injection delays. 4. Workforce & Infrastructure: Stressed the need for adequate staffing and transport for patients. 5. Dlgltal Transformatlon: Urged fast-tracking of a national Electronic Patient Record (EPR) to streamline referrals, reduce repetition, and improve clinician capacity. 6. Health Inequalltl8s: Called for urgent funding and development of equitable services. WCB and RNIB also raised concerns about transport access for patients with sight loss, recommending that Non-Emerggncy Patient Transport Service eligibility be expanded to include vision impairment. Page 9 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (contlnu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Geographlc Atrophy Pllot WCB attended a Senedd roundtable on the challenges of Geographic Atrophy (GA) in Wales. With 5,000 patients potentially needing 30,000 injections annually, concerns were raised about the limited number of trained injectors. Clinicians support an NHS- led service but stressed the need for planning. WCB wrote to the Cabinet Secretary to ask: How increased referrals will be managed What steps are being taken to prepare for new GA treatments How timely injections will be ensured. given current delays wlth Wet AMD Concerns continue to be raised via the CIN. Vlslonary and Other Networks WCB represents Wales on Visionary's UK forum, attending four meetings and sharing updates with Welsh members. Local societies contribute to VWF discussions and receive free Visionary membership. WCB'S Director stepped down as Chair but remains a trustee and helped appoint a new Welsh representative. WCB also participates in multiple networks to ensure the voice of people with sight loss is heard, including: Wales Rehabilitation Officers Forum. Disability Equality Forum and Disability Rights Taskforce. ECCGS (Hywel Dda, Cardiff & Vale). SENCOM Partnership Board that looks at service improvement for children and young people in education across Gwent. Ophthalmology Clinical Implementation Nelwork (CIN). Children and Young People Partnership meeting. Patient Advisory Group. Hospital to Community: the value to stakeholders of community low vision optometrists and providing certification of vision impairment in cases of dry age-related macular degeneration. ASSIST project steering group (supporting older people with vision impairment). Page 10 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorfs Report) (contlftu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Supportlng Local Organlsatlons WCB visited five volunteer-led groups and continues to support local socielies through: Committee participation and governance support. Accessible media and newsletters. Website management for Ceredigion Association for the Blind, and WROF. Perspectif WCB maintains the P8rsp8Ctif portal, ansurlng services and contacts are up to date. It's listed on the Eye Care Wales website and used by LVSW practitlon8rs. Reglonal Forum Our Regional forum in West Wales, provide a platform for individuals with slght loss to share views and influence WCB'S agenda. 2 meetings were h81d, and the following topics were discussed: Sight Loss Councils WCB is introducing Thomas Pocklington Trust Slght Loss Council in Wales. A part- time post has been advertised, and local action groups will feed into the council as part of a two-year pilot. Health Board Update WCB shared updates on Optometry Reform, including a case where an independent prescrib8r provided timely treatment for macular degeneration. Feedback from Ceredigion highlighted strong collaboration between VRS and LVSW practitioners. Service Feedback and Improvements Sensory Loss Checkllst Our West Wales group reviewed Hywel Dda's Sensory Loss Friendly Self- Assessment Checklist and expressed interest in reestablishing a sensory loss group in West Wales. Guide Dogs Concerns were raised about declining service quality, fewer dogs being trained, and long wait times. Page 11 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnu Year ended 31 March 2025 Low Vlslon Servlce The group discussed outdated magnifiers. WCB will inform LVSW recipients about equipment retumlrecycling options and is working with LVSW on a scheme for retuming aids through 'Articles for the Blind,. Secondary Care Experlences Users reported: Glangwill Hospital stops answering calls after 12pm No artificial eye service in Pembrokeshire (patients must travel to Cardiff) Poor communication around appointments and waiting lists Lonellness and Isolatlon WCB shared the Wales Vision Forum website as a resource to help reduce social isolation among people with sight loss. It supports collaboration, seNlce plannlng, and access to inclusive environments. Prlmary Care Update The group received updates on WGOS community services. Members shared positive experiences with high street opticians, including LVSW and independent prescribing. Page 12 Wales Councll of the Bllnd Company Llmlted by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrectorfs Report) (contlnuod) Yèar énded 31 March 2025 Service Improvement Vlslon Rehabllltatlon Workforce WCB'S report 'Addressing a Workforce Crisis in Wales, highlighls a growing crisis: demand for Vision Rehabilitation Specialisls (VRS) is rising due to an ageing population, yet in recent years, we have seen a decline in the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist workforce needed to provide the right level of support to this growing cohort. Due to the system being under-resourced, too many blind and partially sighted people are not receiving vision rehabilitation support in a timely manner. This shortfall in support increases the pressure on other services in health and social care, and many local authorities have no clear plans for workforce renewal. WCB, working with members of the WVF, has published a report 'Recognising the role of the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist,. The Wales Vision Forum is calling for Welsh Govemment to ensure all blind and partially sighted people can access the support they need to live life to the full. Adequate social care is fundamental to well-being, and for people with the sight loss it is about thriving, not just surviving. We need national oversighl of services to ensure they are consistently delivered to the required standard. WCB received funding to: 1. Revlew Good Practlce Guldellnes - aligning with national standards and adding sections on commissioning and transition 2. Develop a Vision Rehabllitatlon Charter - outlining service expectations, including rehabilitation 3. Explore Regulatlon - scoping what fomial regulation could look like in Wales Presentations on the scarcity of rehabilitation workers were delivered to the Directors of Social Services and at the Wales Eye Care Conference. Recruitment is challenging due lo limited training availability - only one university offers the qualification. WCB was asked to draft a business plan for national VRS provision. The plan outlined training needs but leaves hiring decisions to local authorities. An all-wales post is proposed to lead on assessments, outcome measures, referrals, supervision and mentoring. Campaigning and Strategic Work We are collaborating with RNIB and WROF on an RNIB campaign for timely access to rehabilitation, sharing case studies and offering strategic input. Page 13 Wales Councll of the Blind Company Llmlted by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrectorfs Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Welsh Rehabllltatlon Offlcers Forum WCB continues to support WROF, providing secretariat support. WCB'S Director is also the Treasurer. WROF held quarterly meetings and endorsed the need to r8fr8sh good practice guidelines at its July AGM. Referral Pathways WCB received RNIB funding to develop a Wales-specific Eye Care Support Pathway, highlighting LVSW. IAndF members contributed to the WGOS4 patient guide and booklet. The pathway will be integrated into a new website (www.walesvisionforum.org.uk), dynamically linked to Perspectif. QR codes on leaflets will guide patients to relevant pages, with anonymous tracking of engagamant. A Steering Group will oversee the site, which supports WGOS4 and WGOS5 third sector referral requirements. Research Projects 1. Lonellness and Isolation (Apr 2024 - Mar 2025) Funded by the Vlsion Foundation, thls study explores how LVSW pr8Ctitioners identify and manage loneliness and social isolation in patients with sight loss. The output of our study will be; Recommendations for methods of identifying loneliness and isolation in people who access the LVSW. A proposed resource package for LVSW practitioners in the management of people at risk of loneliness and isolation who access the LVSW. A published report in peer reviewed journals, shared with stakeholders and Welsh Government. 47 practitioners have completed questionnaires; data analysis is underway. Post- research, WCB will consult users and organisations to shape Perspectif improvements. Page 14 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Directorfs Report) (conlinued) Year ended 31 March 2025 2. Children and Young People Accesslng LVSW (Aug 2024 - Jul 2026) Funded by the Powell Family Foundation, this project will consist of two interlinked streams of work: 1) Development of the Perspectif portal to meet the needs of chlldren, their families and professionals in finding support from which they would benefit. 2) A research project 'exploring the barriers for children accessing the low vision service Wales.. Pending ethical approval, the study will begin with baseline data analysis, followed by interviews and focus groups with children, families, educators, VRSS, habilitation specialists, and optometrists. Broadly, tOPiC8 covered will include: knowledge of the LVSW; experience of the LVSW; experience of having accessed or having been slgnposted to support services; percelved barriers and enablers for children accessing the LVSW; and possible interventions to improve access to the service. The leaming from these results will: 1. be used to design and implement interrfentions with the aim of increasing access to the LVSW for children. 2. further inform th8 development of the Perspectif portal. Both research projects will promote the continued use of P8rspectif, and the broad range of support and services provided by the third sector on Wales. Wales Eye Care Conference 2024 The theme this year was Eye Health Care in Walas: new service models and patient experiences. 133 people attended. A keynote speech came from Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. Page 15 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontlftu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Flnancial rovl8W With the ending of the financial year, the board of trustees report a year-end surplus fiRaAG1￿ of £64,816 (2024: deficit £11,005). Welsh Government funding has continued throughout the year. WCB reserves policy is fully met and we have sufficient funds to plan for the future. Unrestricted funds at year-end were £235,727 (2024: £212,069) with free reserves of £ 35,159 (2024: £18,877). Investmont Policy Under articles of assoclatlon the charlty has the power to make any Investment which the trustees see fit. The present policy is to keep an amount that represents short term operating requirements in liquid deposits (bank deposit accounts) and place the balance in the hands of a professional investment broker, to invest in wide range of fixed interest and equity funds. During the period 2015116 the charity invested £200,000 with Quilter Cheviot as part of a Discretionary Managed Portfolio at a lower to medium tolerance of risk. WCB'S investment objective is to grow the capital of Ihe portfolio, as well as generating some degree of income. At the year-end WCB'S managed portfolio was valued at £196,150. This was a net gain of £5,804 on the previous year. This will continue to be invested. Reserves Pollcy The Trustees have considered carefully the purpose of any reseNes Wales Council of the Blind has or might have in the future. The stated aim of the reserves policy is to allow for unforeseeable events. This could be anything from replacing essential office equipment, to the sudden loss of funding. The amount should be sufficient to pay for stsff redundancies and outstanding liabilities. Reserrfes should be maintained at a level of 6 months operating costs of the core organisation. In addttion, we may need to recognise any longer-term grant I project commitments and to settle the finances accordingly. Reserves should exclude funding that has been restricted for other specified use. Reserves should be invested in a safe, low risk environment that maintains the capital invested and where possible provides a level of return on those funds. The policy is reviewed annually by Trustees, or more frequently as necessary. Page 16 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (¢ontlnu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 Plans for future perlods WCB received Welsh Governmenl funding of £150,000 for this period and has been awarded an indicative grant for the following year 2025126 of up to £105,000. We will produce a final report on our loneliness and social isolation project funded by the Vision Foundation and drawdown a final payment of £2,821.20. We were also awarded a 2-year grant to carryout research that will enable more children to access Low Vision Service Wales. This entails research to identify the barriers and C￿ating an accessible online resource through Perspectif via the new Wales Vision Forum website. The grant for 2025126 is £28,597. We are a partner In a Wa18s-wld8 project led by the Royal Society for Blind Children called 'Eye Connect Cymru,. The project provides vision impaired children and young people and their families with a range of support and activities across Wales. WCB will receive a grant for 2025126 of £7,725. WCB will lead on establlshing a Sight Loss Council for Wales and receive a grant of £45,000 from Thomas Pockllngton Trust. We will appoint a Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, and th8 project should begin in July. Structure, governance and management Governlng Document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee and as such is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company was incorporated on 31 January 1991 under the Companies Act 1985 and registered as charity on 18 April 1995. Recruitment and Appolntment of the Management Committee The directors of the company also serve as trustees of the charity and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Trustees are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting. Casual vacancies are filled by the Management Committee and ratified at the next Annual General Meeting. Each member of the Management Committee has agreed to guarantee the company's debts for the amount of £1 each. All new Trustees are given induction training via the issuing of our organisational policy and procedures book and WCB offers to arrange for Trustees to have the opportunity to attend Truslee training provided by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) should they wish. Trustees are able to contact the Council's secretary if they wish to have specific advice or guidance on any policies or procedures. WCB provides Trustees with indemnity insurance to the value of £500,000. Page 17 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (eonllnu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 The staff and volunteers Owen Williams is the Director at Wales Council of the Blind. He provides senior management to WCB and helps plan and deliver strategic direction to the sector. Richard Bowers is our Communications Officer, and he manages WCB'S communications and has developed and updates 'Perspectif, our online information portal. Our Engagement Offlcer, Rebecca Phillips. facilitates and organises the Regional Steering Groups, as well as enables the voice of people with sight loss to be heard. WCB has a dedicated team of volunteers who we would like to thank, providing invaluable support to the organisation around infonmation gathering, keeping our database up-to4ate and updating our social media feed, collating the material for newsletters, providing help with fundraising. answering the telephone, and providing advice. Thank you, Ann, Dewi, Alan and Valmai for your continued support. We would also like to thank Bethan Smale our bookkeeper for all of her hard work. Small company provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption. The trustees, annual report was approved on 17th December 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by.. Signed Trustee Name: Janice Powers Page 18 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Wales Council of the Bllnd Year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Wales Council of the Blind ('the charity,) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparalion 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 of my examination of your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examlnation I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement 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 thal in any material respect: 1. accounting records were nol kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act., or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. 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 consid8r8d as part of an independent examination; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statemenl of Recommended Practice for accounting and r8POrting by charities. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the 8X8min8tion to which attantion should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. arzana Ahmed FCCA Independent Examiner 1st Floor, Tudor House 16 Cathedral Road Cardiff CF119LJ Dated: tq-Ii>l yms Page 19 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of FinanGial AGtlvltles (Includlng Income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2025 2025 Unrestricte Restricted d fvnds funds 2024 Total funds Total funds Note Income and endowments Donations and legacies Investment income 19,437 205,919 225,356 131,956 4,423 4.423 5,406 23,860 205,919 229,779 137,362 Total Income Expendlture Expenditure on raising funds: Costs of other trading activities Investment management costs Expenditure on charitable activities 642 642 848 2,727 2,727 3,647 941 164,760 165,702 152.716 4,310 164,760 169,071 157,211 Total èxpendlture Net gains on investments 12 4,108 4,108 8,844 Net incomel(expendlture) and nat movement in funds 23,658 41,159 64,816 (11,005) Reconclllatlon of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 212,069 235,727 212,069 223,074 41,159 276,886 212,069 The ststement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 22 to 35 forni part of these financial statements. Page 20 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Position 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Investments 18 19 4,417 196,150 200,567 2,846 190,346 193,192 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 20 23,444 59,066 82,510 3,822 20,650 24,472 Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln one year Net current asset8 21 6,191 5,595 76,319 276,886 276,886 18.877 212,069 212,069 Total assets less current Ilabllltles Net assets Funds of the charlty Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 41,159 235,727 276,886 212.069 212,069 Total charity funds 23 For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audlt under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors, responsibilities: The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been p￿pared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. The statement of financial position continu8s on the following page. The notes on pages 22 to 35 fom part of these financial statements. Page 21 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Flnancial Position {contlnu•d) 31 March 2025 These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for Issue on 17th December 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by.. . Signed . Signed Trustee Name.. Janice Powers Trustee Name: Brian Hobart Company registration number: 02578918 The notes on pages 22 to 35 form part of these financial statements. Page 22 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 1. General information The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Hastings House, Fitzalan Place, Unit 3.1, Cardiff, CF24 OBL. 2. Statement of compliance These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ihe Republic of Ireland,, the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan￿ with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. 3. Accounting polici88 Basls of preparatlon The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Going concern After making reasonable enquiries and having considered the impact of the economic downturn and other factors on Ihe financial performance of the charity and its current performance, the Trustee's believe that the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable purpose, will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements Judg8mants and kèy sources of astlmatlon uncertalnty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Page 23 Wales Council of the Blind Company Llmlted by Guarant80 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (continu•dJ Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Accounting policies f¢onilnu•d) Fund accountlng Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the purposes of the charity. Unrestricted funds include a revaluation reserve representing Ihe restatement of investment assets at market values. Designated funds are unrestrlcled funds eamiarked by the trustees for specific purposes. Restricted funds are subjecled to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by th8 donor. Incomlng resources All incoming resources are induded in the statement of financial activilies when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: income from donations or granls is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable, and its amount can be measured rellably. legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established. income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted. Page 24 Wales Councll of the Blind Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (contlnu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Accountlng pollcles (conllnu•d) Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activits'es to which it relates: expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, 8vents, non-charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs Incurred by a charity in undertaking activities thal further its charitable aims for the benefit of ils beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expenditure that Is nelther related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single 8Ctivity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis. Tangibla assets All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Fixed assets are not capitalised where Ihe cost is below £100. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Office equipment 250/0 reducing balance Investments Unlisted equity investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently measured at fair value. If fair value cannot be reliably measured, assets are measured at cost less impairm8nt. Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in income or expenditure. Page 25 Wales Councll of the Bllnd Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (continvod) Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Accountlng pollcles (eonllnu Debtors and credltors recelvablel payable wlthln one year Deblors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. Flnanclal Instruments A financlal asset or a financlal Ilabllity Is recognlsed only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing Iransaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequenuy measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Where investments in shares or preference shares are publicly traded or Iheir fair value can otherwise b6 measured reliably, the investment is subsequ8ntly measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment. Deflned contrlbutlon plans Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in fvture payments or a cash refund. 4. Llmlted by guarantee Each member of the Board of Trustees has undertaken to guarantee the Council's debts to the sum of £1 each. Page 26 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limlted by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements (contlnuodj Year ended 31 March 2025 5. Donations and legacies Total Funds 2025 Unrestricte Restricted d Funds Funds Donatlons Donations and bequests Grants Welsh Govemment Local Authority grants Wales Council for Voluntary Action Thomas Pocklington Trust Vision Foundation - Fight for Sight The Powell Family Foundation 2,314 2.314 150,000 150,000 3,018 983 3,018 983 28,212 27.707 28,212 27,707 other donations and legacies Other income 13,122 13,122 19,437 205,919 225.356 Totsl Funds 2024 Unreslricte Restricted d Funds Funds Donations Donations and bequests 3,978 3,978 Grants Welsh Government Local Authority grants Wales Council for Voluntary Action Thomas Pocklinglon Trust Vision Foundation - Fighl for Sight Th6 Powell Family Foundation 105,000 105,000 1,485 875 5,756 1 ,485 875 5,756 Other donatlons and legacles other income 14,862 14,862 21,200 110,756 131,956 Page 27 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statsments fwitlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 6. Investment income Total Funds un￿striCte 2025 d Funds Total Funds 2024 Unrestricte d Funds Income from listed investments 4,423 4,423 5,406 5,406 7. Costs of other trading activitles Total Funds Unrestricte 2025 d Funds Total Funds 2024 Unrestricte d Funds Fundraising costs 642 642 848 848 8. Investment management costs Total Funds Unrestricte 2025 d Funds Total Funds 2024 Unrestricte d Funds Portfolio management 2.727 2,727 3,647 3,647 9. Expenditure on charitsble activities by fund type Total Funds 2025 Unrestricte Restricted d Funds Funds Promoting Welfare Support costs 824 117 143,752 144,576 21,008 21,126 164,760 165.702 941 Totsl Funds 2024 Unrestricte Restricted d Funds Funds Promots'ng Welfare Support costs 21,319 110,756 132,075 20,641 20,641 41,960 110,756 152,716 Page 28 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststements (contlnuv Year ended 31 March 2025 10. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type Activities undertaken direclly Total funds Total fund 2025 2024 Support costs Promoting Welfare Govemance costs 144,576 17,193 161,769 149,118 3,933 3.933 3,598 21,126 165,702 152,716 144,576 11. Analysls of support costs Analysis of support costs Total 2025 Total 2024 Staff costs General office Governance costs 14,683 2,510 3,933 21,126 14,683 2,510 3,933 21,126 14,264 2,780 3,598 20,642 12. Net gains on investments Total Funds Unrestricte 2025 d Funds Tolal Funds 2024 Unrestricte d Funds Gainsl(losses) on listed investments 4,108 4,108 8,844 8,844 13. Net Incomel(expendlture) Net incomel(expenditure) is stated after chargingl(crediting): 2025 2024 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 1,129 799 Page 29 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlnv•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 14. Independent axamination fees 2025 2024 Fees payable to the independent examiner for: Independent examination of the financial statements 2,520 2,520 15. Staff costs The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows: 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Employer contributions to Pension plans 118,944 114,347 7,648 7,014 5,360 3,255 131,952 124,616 The average head count of employees during the year was 3 (2024: 3). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows: 2025 2024 Project staff No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 durlng the year (2024: Nil). Key Management Personnel Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £45,634 (2024:£43,560). 16. Trustee remuneratlon and axpenses No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees. All trustees are entitled to claim reimbursement of the cost of attending meetings, no trustees were reimbursed during the year (2024: £nil) for travelling costs to attend meetings. Page 30 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2025 17. Transfers between funds Designated funds of £12,500 were transferred to the general fund during the year. 18. Tangible fixed assets Equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions 28,118 2,700 30,818 28,118 2,700 30,818 At 31 March 2025 Depreclatlon At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 25,272 1,129 26,401 25.272 1,129 26,401 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 4,417 2,846 4,417 2,846 At 31 March 2024 19. Investments Cash or cash Listed equivalent investmenl Total Cost or valuatlon At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals Fair value movements 10,266 180,080 190,346 41,638 36,404 78,042 (39,131) (35,997) (75,128) 2,890 2,890 12,773 183,377 196,150 At 31 March 2025 Impalrment At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 12,773 183,377 196,150 10,266 180,080 190,346 At 31 March 2024 Page 31 Wales Council of the Blind Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Ststements (continu•dJ Year ended 31 March 2025 19. Investments (contlnu$d) All investments shown above are held at valuation. Listed investments The aggregate market value of listed investments is £183,377 (2024.. £180,080) and the stock 8xchang6 value is £183,377 {2024: £180,080). Flnanclal assets held at falr value Investments are stated at fair value at the balance sheet date, listed investments are stated at the stock exchange values at the year end. Other investments are valued based on investment performance. The hlstorical cost of investmenls at the year end date is £203,504 (2024: £215,588). 20. Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 19,351 1,272 2,821 23.444 2,550 1,272 3,822 21. Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes Other creditors 133 2,760 2,917 381 146 2,520 2,929 6,191 5.595 22. Penslons and other post retlrement beneflts Defined contribution plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £5,360 (2024: £3,255). Page 32 Wales Council of the Blind Company Llmlted by Guarantee Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (Continu￿) Year ended 31 March 2025 23. Analysis of charitable funds Unrestrlctad funds At 1 Apr 202 Gains At and 31 Mar 2 losses 025 Expenditu re Transfers Income General funds 199,569 23,860 Designated Fund {4,310) 12,500 4,108 235,727 12.500 212,069 23,860 {12,500> (4,310) 4,108 235,727 At 1 Apr 202 Gains At and 31 Mar 20 losses 24 Expenditu re Transfer8 Income General funds 210,574 26,606 (46,455) Designated Fund 8,844 199,569 12,500 223,074 26,606 (46,455) 12,500 8,844 212,069 Page 33 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conlinuodj Yèar ended 31 March 2025 23. Analysis of charitable funds (conllnu•rfJ Restricted funds At 1 Apr 202 Gains At and 31 Mar 2 losses 025 Expenditu re Transfers Income Welsh Government Vision Foundation Flght for Sight The Powell Family Foundation 150,000 {120,000) 30.000 28,212 (23,980) 4,232 27,707 (20,780) 205,919 (164,760) 6.927 41.159 At 1 Apr 202 Gains At and 31 Mar 20 losses 24 Expenditu re Transfers Income Welsh Government Thomas Pocklington Trust 105,000 (105,000) 5,756 (5,756) 110,756 {110,756) Page 34 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (¢onbnu•dJ Year ended 31 March 2025 23. Analysis of charitable funds (contlnued) The Welsh Government grant was received in respect of funding for delivery Infonnation services. network support and Servi￿ improvement for the sight loss sector in Wales. The Vision Foundation - Fight for Sight grant was rec8iv8d towards the National Tackling Loneliness and Isolation Fund. The Powell Family Foundation grant was received to support the project to enable more children and young people to access the Low Vision Service Wales. Thomas Pocklinglon Trust grant was received towards producing a State Of the Nation report on third sector serrfices for blind and partially sighted people. 24. Analysis of net assets b8twa8n funds Total Funds 2025 Unrestricta R8Stricted d Funds Funds Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 4,417 196,150 41,351 (6,191) 235,727 4,417 196,150 82,510 (6,191) 41,159 276,886 41,159 Total Funds 2024 Unrestricte Restricted d Funds Funds Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 2,845 190,346 24,472 (5,594) 212,069 2,845 190,346 24,472 {5,594) 212,069 Page 35 Wales Council of the Blind Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Flnancial Statements (contlnu•d) Year ended 31 March 2025 25. Related parties The charity was under the control of the trustees throughout the current and previous year. No transactions with related parties were undertaken such as are required to be disclosed under FRS 102.