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← The Living Paintings Trust

2022-05-31-accounts

Trustees’ Report & Financial Statements

2021-22

A company limited by guarantee No: 03095963 | Registered Voluntary Charity No: 1049103

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers for the Period Ended 31 May 2022

Trustees

Cat Bailey, Chairman Neil Walke, Treasurer (Resigned Apr 2022) Shalin Malde, Treasurer (Appointed Jan 2022) Corienda Brown Sir David Brown (Resigned Aug 2022) Jane Burgess (Appointed Mar 2022) Jane Findlay David Hall Catriona Macritchie (Resigned Jul 2022) Claire Short Tina Jetha (Appointed Nov 2022)

Cat Bailey and Neil Walke/Shalin Malde are members of the Management Committee

Company secretary

Camilla Oldland

Chief Executive

Camilla Oldland

Independent auditor

James Cowper Kreston Audit Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 2 Communications Road Greenham Business Park Newbury RG19 5AB

Trustees appointed

Shalin Malde, Treasurer (Jan 2022) Jane Burgess (Mar 2022) Tina Jetha (Nov 2022)

Bankers

The Edinburgh Royal Mile Branch, 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH

Trustees resigned

Neil Walke, Treasurer (Apr 2022) Catriona Macritchie (Jul 2022) Sir David Brown (Aug 2022)

105b Northbrook Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1AA

CAF Bank Limited

Company details

Company registered number: Charity registered number:

03095963 1049103

PO Box 289, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA

Solicitors

Queen Isabelle House Unit 8, Kingsclere Park Kingsclere Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 4SW

Pitmans

47 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7SR

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Contents

Administrative and Professional Information 1
Report of the Trustees for the Year 1st June 2021 – 31st May 2022
Introduction 5
Our Year 7
The Financial Picture for the year 1st June 2021 – 31st May 2022 15
The Next 10 Years 17
Case Studies 20
Objectives and Activities 24
Our Work Plan 26
Structure, Governance and Management 28
Financial Review 32
Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement 35
Report of the Independent Auditors 36
Statement of Financial Activities 39
Balance Sheet 40
Cash Flow Statement 41
Notes to the Financial Statements 42

Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022 Page: 3

Every six minutes in Every six minutes

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

imagination share engage belonging fun empathy equal footing inclusion [play] thrive read learn understanding

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Introduction

Every day in the UK 250 people are told they are losing their sight. Of these, four are children. For their parents it’s a devastating diagnosis – one that can shatter their vision of parenthood and create uncertainty over their child’s future. How will they be able to share a bedtime story together? Will they be able to follow their school work with their sighted peers? How will they be able to make friends if they can’t join in with the simple things most people take for granted?

These are some of the questions we hear regularly from the families faced with such a diagnosis. With 80% of the information we receive reaching us through our eyes, there are real concerns for the educational and social impact their child’s condition will have on their lives. More than anything, they simply want their children to feel included and grow up with the same opportunities as every other child.

“Thank you for the provision of these books. They really do brighten everyone’s day and provide many happy moments and memories for the whole family.”

Our purpose is to improve the life chances of blind and partially sighted people of all ages by giving them access to the visual world that colours and informs all our lives. Our unique Touch to See books and resources are designed especially for people living with severe sight loss. They contain raised images with audio guides that allow our beneficiaries to explore pictures through touch. From special Touch to See adaptations of illustrated children’s books to tactile-audio resources linked to the national curriculum and covering a wide variety of topical interests, everything we produce is designed to be shared with sighted friends and family. To make sure everyone, wherever

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

“I cannot begin to emphasise how important access to these books is for Audrey to use for pleasure and as part of her learning. They help Audrey, mum, dad and brother easily share a story together. Thank you Living Paintings!”

The last few years haven’t been easy for anybody. COVID-19 had a detrimental impact on so many services for blind children and their families, yet we remained open throughout – ensuring our accessible resources continued to provide pleasure, learning and social interaction. It has been a time when our services have been needed more than ever. Now, in the knowledge that our intervention is highly successful, our focus is on countering the negative impact on the social and educational development the pandemic has had on the lives of blind and partially sighted children.

As a charity, we came out of the pandemic stronger. Our responsibility now is to do more. Through our new 10 year strategy we have big plans to improve our reach so that every blind child in the UK can have equal access to the visual world of pictures, books and learning.

“Thank you so much for everything you do. Living Paintings really do make an extraordinary difference to young people’s understanding of the world. I always say ‘learn to read then read to learn’.

Living Paintings enable our visually impaired students to access reading in a meaningful way.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Our Year

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, this year has been one of continuing growth as we have expanded our services, our reach and our impact. We have welcomed over 1,000 new beneficiaries to our services, met an increased demand of 45% for our Touch to See books and completed a strategic planning process to define our path for the next 10 years. We have also published 14 new Touch to See titles , each with multiple copies, and appointed the new role of Communications and Marketing Manager to help us reach new beneficiaries and supporters moving forward. From January 2022, with careful planning our volunteers slowly returned to working in our library and production departments and with our staff team beside them, they took on new challenges such as learning to use the new accessible, online library system that we had installed at the height of the pandemic.

When times have been tough, it is the clear, unquestionable knowledge that we are helping to change their lives for the better that fuels our determination to achieve excellence and do more. Therefore, it is appropriate to share some of their stories before beginning to report our successful year:

Living Paintings ignited a love of literacy and learning in Matilda.

Stories were a big part of family life for Matilda’s mum, Laura, but as Matilda grew she noticed that her daughter wasn’t engaging.

“With any child you want to spark imagination and share stories – but Matilda wasn’t interested in books or reading and we worried about how this might impact her learning. How would she grow up to cope with everyday life? Discovering Living Paintings changed all that.”

“Now, Matilda loves reading. Being able to feel the pictures helps her understand what the story is all about. Living Paintings has opened her eyes to what a story could be.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

14-year-old Abi uses Living Paintings books every day.

Abi uses Living Paintings books to support her with her school work. For Abi and her mum, Fiona, the books and resources were vital in keeping her engaged with her learning during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“With the books being linked to the National Curriculum, it meant that Abi was able to explore them alongside her online lessons.

During the summer term, the class were learning about artists and we were able to borrow Living Paintings fabulous books on Monet and Van Gough. These really helped explain the artists’ work to her – and she was so inspired she went on to create her own tactile replicas!”

“The service is amazing. It helps with Abi’s development and has given her the ability to be independent in her learning.”

Blind dad, Chris, reads with his sighted son.

“I can use the braille in Living Paintings books to read the story aloud and together we can explore the feely pictures. Now, my son will just pick up a Living Paintings book and bring it over to me when he wants a story – it’s always very impromptu!”

“Living Paintings give us an experience we can both enjoy together. But more than that, it helps create the family bond that is so important.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Highlights

MORE

During the year, 1,070 blind and partially sighted people were newly books and had the opportunity to join our free, postal library service. people . This has resulted in an increase in total beneficiaries of 13% 17% .

“My little boy adores Living Paintings, and you have opened up his world to suitable age appropriate books. Before, we had to adapt or make do with simple books which didn’t engage my child. Now books are his go-to thing, because you make them accessible to him.”

experience a positive impact too, and we estimate that during the year the lives of 2,000 additional people in this way.

“It has been lovely when sighted class mates want to look at the Living Paintings books my student has because they are so colourful, attractive and accessible to all. Plain braille books are so excluding and only for the VI student. Your resources bring the entire class together. I can’t imagine supporting my visually impaired student without them.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

MORE

Never before have our Touch to See books been more needed. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, we have provided a service that helps blind and partially sighted children overcome the impact of the restrictions on their lives and education.

Much has been written about the delay in educational, social and emotional development of children as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. For blind and partially sighted children the impact is especially severe. Living Paintings has the expertise and service in place to help and we are doing all that we can to make sure we reach as many youngsters as we can.

“Living Paintings books give her confidence and reassurance that there are very few obstacles that she cannot overcome, especially when there are fabulous resources like these. She has the knowledge that y ” no matter what, she'll be just fine! year on year increase in demand for our Touch to See tailo ~~r~~ -made loans in the last 12 months. Virtually

impacting the lives of the people around them. As with all good reads, our special books will have often been read over and over again during each loan.

In total our library completed 20,000 transactions . This is an extraordinary achievement considering that for six months we were without the army of volunteers who support us in the library on a regular basis.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

MORE impact

Throughout the year we continued to conduct our extensive monitoring and evaluation processes. This included our annual survey of child beneficiaries which was conducted during the challenges of COVID-19. The resulting Children’s Impact Report (published January 2022) delivered yet another set of outstanding results. As a charity whose ambition is to combat the effect of social injustice on the lives of our beneficiary group, it is essential that our positive impact builds year ~~-o~~ n ~~-y~~ ear. Therefore, we are delighted that our surveys continue to provide unequivocal evidence of the exceptionally high standards that we maintain.

----- Start of picture text -----
CONFIDENCE ENGAGEMENT WELL-BEING
99% 98% 97%
have improved confidence have an increased experienced a positive
thanks to Living Paintings;
90% significantly. interest in learning. socialising & making friends. change in confidence in
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Key results

----- Start of picture text -----
97%
----- End of picture text -----

;

----- Start of picture text -----
98%
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;

are __ more confident in-. 98% joining in class and discussions;

----- Start of picture text -----
95%
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in taking part in physical activities such as getting involved in playing games.

of children use Living Paintings Touch to See books daily or weekly.

“Living Paintings a break down barriers to accessing specialist reading books. I’m sure we often take it for granted but if Living Paintings wasn’t there we would be missing out on these great learning experiences.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

MORE exciting new Touch to See book titles published

14 new Touch to See book titles — covering a wide variety of subjects, from dealing with anxiety to chemistry experiments, were published during the year:

Superworm

The publication of our Touch to See version of this best-selling picture book, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, coincided with the animated short ~~-f~~ ilm premier on Christmas Day 2021. We made sure that blind children didn’t miss out on the tale of this unexpected hero, and could enjoy an event that has become a Christmas Day family favourite on BBC One.

Stone Age Boy

and has been well-received by teachers and pupils in school. This book is full of fun facts about the Stone Age, as well as our atmospheric descriptions of Stone Age animals and tactile pictures of cave art. Our audio description was read by comedian, children’s author and presenter, David Baddiel who is passionate about inclusion in children’s literature.

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

An important autobiographical story depicting female education campaigner Malala growing up in Pakistan, becoming the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and campaigning on behalf of girls across the world. Published by Puffin as a children’s picture book story, our adaptation is brought to life thanks to the voices of actresses Mina Anwar and Duaa Karim.

The Mega Magic Hair Swap

This best-selling picture book embraces diversity and acceptance. Our audio guide was read by its author and TV personality, Rochelle Humes.

Science Alive! Chemistry Experiments

An explosive tactile resource box containing 5 amazing hands-on science experiments and science explorations. With contributions by leading science educators including by BBC Science presenter Jim Al-Khalili and astronaut Tim Peake who explains how to make and launch your own bottle rocket!

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, Parts 1 & Part 2

A host of stars lent their voices to this two volume book about 13 amazing women who shaped history. Topics include women’s rights activist Emmeline Pankhurst voiced for us by actress Juliet Stevenson, 19th century fossil hunter Mary Anning described by TV presenter Victoria CorenMitchell and award winning scientist Marie Curie guided by actress Imelda Staunton.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Peppa’s Magical Unicorn

We were pleased to add another ever popular Peppa Pig picture book to our Touch to See collection for pre-school blind children, perfect for enjoying at home or in an early years setting. The audio description is read by actress and writer Morwenna Banks, who voices ‘Mummy Pig’ in the hugely popular animated series.

Oi Frog!

Time for some rhyming! This humorous book encourages fun word play with the help of a host of animals. David Mitchell, comedian and writer, lends his voice to the audio description and joins in with the witty word play.

Quentin Blake’s ABC

We’re delighted to publish this much-requested alphabet book, with humorous illustrations by Quentin Blake and atmospheric audio descriptions read for us by children’s author David Walliams.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

book that we published. It has been loved by blind children ever since. This year we decided to create a new edition. The raised images remain the same but our audio description is refreshed and read by Giovanna Fletcher, TV presenter, podcaster, author and actress.

My Monster and Me

Author and much loved ‘Bake Off’ winner, Nadiya Hussain, reads the audio guide for our adaptation of her much-praised first children’s picture book which is designed to help litt ~~le~~ deal with anxiety.

Magnificent Machines That Go Vroom Vroom! Parts 1 and Part 2

From big diggers, tractors and combine harvesters, to fire engines and racing cars – this two part book box resource provides little learners with a host of amazing machines to explore. With the help of Grace Webb, presenter of ‘Amazing Machines’ on CBeebies, and Formula 1 presenter Lee McKenzie, each short audio guide explains how the vehicles work along with fun facts and sound effects.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

20 new titles currently in production

Physical health is supported by books that encompass dance, movement and sport. Sir Mo Farah is getting children warmed up with ‘Ready Steady Mo!’ with our accessible version of his book, complete with a motivational audio guide read by Mo himself. We have a fun fact book about sporting heroes from Formula 1 to football, tennis and athletics. We are also currently working with Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing and Boogie Beebies) to bring her picture book ‘Dance with Oti’ to life, with colourful tactile pictures plus a fun instructional audio guide so that little ones can dance along!

In our ‘Art Book’ for young children we are

encouraging fun, hands-on art exploration. Famous works of art are gently explored and described by a whole range of readers, including Anneka Rice (pictured left in the studio). Each delivery will also come with a free pack of art materials to help mini-makers get creative. For young adults we introduce a snapshot of Rembrandt’s iconic self-

To broaden our work with media and publishing brands we are creating a three-part book series about Doctor Who. Carried out with the support and help of BBC Doctor Who, these exciting resources bring the visual spectacle of the iconic TV series to life. All 14 Doctors are depicted on the raised images along with key alien adversaries, including the Daleks and Cybermen. Special guest appearances are a highlight of the audio guide, with a host of actors who play the Doctors and aliens throughout the show’s history – including Tom Baker (pictured right having a zoom conversation with Louis, one of our library members).

books will exceed our current stock. To prepare for this, we are currently producing three new festive book titles to add to our collection and increasing the number of book copies of four existing titles on the festive theme.

“Living Paintings books have also really nurtured his love of reading and of books. He is proud to be someone who loves books and can get ‘lost in a book’, a phrase that he now totally understands and relates to.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

The Financial Picture for the year 1st June 2021 – 31st May 2022

Our income

Total Income: £491,104

How we spent the money

----- Start of picture text -----
Services
and
for
adults
Children,
young
people
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Total Expenditure: £441,170

Our Fund Balances at 31[st] May 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
£171,956
£191,236
£60,000
£230,406
----- End of picture text -----

Total Fund Balances: £653,598

“I returned my Fashion Now collection yesterday. I am 64 years old and grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. What an amazing trip down memory lane! I was that girl wearing the bib and brace hot pants with platform knee high boots…and the poodle perm! Thank you for

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

MORE about the money

goals in a carefully measured fashion.

lower income for the year and took the necessary steps to reduce expenditure. However, the efforts of our fundraising team have proved highly successful and we have achieved a good income year. The reduction in expenditure for

the year, reflecting our caution, combined with outperforming our income budget has resulted in a year surplus of £49,934. This has been achieved whilst still investing in our strategic growth with the appointment of the new role of Marketing and Communications Manager.

Two highly successful fundraising campaigns boosted income at the beginning and end of the year. We began with Louis (a beneficiary throughout childhood) completing a campaign to raise the money needed to bring the iconic imagery of Doctor Who to life in Touch to See. Louis raised £24,000 and as a result we are producing three amazing Touch to See books covering the Doctors and some of the fantastical characters since the series began in 1963.

At the end of the year, our BBC Lifeline Appeal was broadcast and raised £27,000 across this and the actress Imelda Staunton, tells the story of how upcoming financial year. Our film, presented by Living Paintings work has improved the lives of Matilda (5), Louis (19) and blind mum Alma who uses our Touch to See books to read with her young, sighted children.

YouTube.

fundraising this year. However, over 80% of our income was derived from trusts and foundations. We remain hugely grateful to them for their support which is vital to the financial health of our charity. We will continue to work towards diversifying our income streams in the coming year.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

The Next 10 Years

This year, we conducted a review process in collaboration with representatives from our beneficiary groups, the board of trustees and our staff team. We have made incredible strides blind and partially sighted children this year – but we want to do more. The result was a new 10 year growth strategy, designed to provide the maximum positive impact to those we work with.

Our direction

Key Decisions

•

Knowing how important our work is to the educational and social development of blind and partially sighted children, this will be our focus area for the foreseeable future.

• Growth

However, our current reach is limited. We have decided that we must grow in all areas of our work so we can reach more of the estimated 40,000 blind and partially sighted children and young people in the UK.

•

With over three decades of experience and the trust we have built with our key stakeholders, combined with exciting developments in technology, we are in a unique position to innovate and develop the services we provide.

•

“As a parent, I have used Living Paintings books to help friends and teachers understand my child’s visual impairment. Your service has also helped my son grow in confidence. He now knows that being visually impaired is just a different way of experiencing the world.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Our vision

Our purpose

To improve the life chances of blind children and young people by making the visual world of pictures, books and learning accessible to them.

Our mission

Our values

Every decision we make and action we take will be guided by these principles:

Our ‘products’ are inclusive and accessible. We carry this commitment across everything we do in all departments.

welcome new ideas, we are respectful to our source material and we understand the challenges faced by those we work with.

“Living Paintings are an amazing team of people. Not only are they providing a wonderful service but they’re so invested in the children. I feel lucky we are able to access these amazing books and be part of this community.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Strategy

We will reach blind and partially sighted children from the earliest stages of their development and continue to provide appropriate, engaging and enjoyable resources that will inspire a lifelong love of literacy and learning – right up to adulthood.

positive well-being, our aim is to support blind and partially sighted children and young people to build the strong foundations they will need to take their place in the world.

“Living Paintings books help my daughter associate something she can feel to a story – which would otherwise be meaningless to her. It’s absolutely priceless.”

Strategic pillars

We will bring the joy and wonderment of visiting a library to the remote experience we provide. This will help us increase engagement and create a unique community for our blind and partially

We will expand and diversify our library catalogue by continually adding culturally relevant, innovative Touch to See experiences that respond to the real needs of blind and partially sighted children in order to meet growing demand.

We will grow associated services, such as those for parents and teachers, that enable blind and partially sighted children to successfully engage with our Touch to See experiences.

awareness will enable us to increase the number of blind and partially sighted children that we

and cost effective organisation that is able to scale up to support the growth we will be achieving

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Case studies

Dylan and Tobias

Dylan and Tobias’ mum, Josie, discovered Living Paintings during the COVID-19 lockdown. While Dylan attends a special placement and continued going to school, Tobias was home learning and his visual impairment meant he was struggling to engage with his online lessons. As he began to fall behind his classmates, Josie found Living Paintings when searching for ways to make learning more accessible.

are beautifully made and they were instantly accessible for Tobias with the incredible detail for their

When new loans arrive, Tobias can’t wait to open the box himself to see what’s inside. He’ll arrange the books on his bed in the order he wants to read them – and with the help of the audio guides he can follow the steps to explore them independently. The books capture his imagination and have really developed his creative side. Since joining, he has found a love of drawing and art – copying the raised images.”

Living Paintings books have also helped Dylan discover the magic of stories. Due to Dylan’s additional needs, he can often have difficulty in concentrating and has always found it hard to engage with story time. But Living Paintings provided an activity that brought the family together.

“It was always hard to enjoy books together before, but now we can enjoy those precious moments together as a family. Dylan can engage with the books due to their tactile nature. With his additional sensory needs, being able to feel, trace and interact with the books makes a big difference to his concentration and enjoyment of the story.”

----- Start of picture text -----
“The tactile images help
the stories capture their
imaginations. They seem
to step out of the book and
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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Nell

books since she was three-years old.

Inquisitive young Nell is at an important stage in her life, attending a mainstream school and developing a natural curiosity about the world. Living Paintings books have been vital in helping her fuel her love of learning at school and at home.

Nell loves to read with her grandmother, Marie. With Living Paintings, it’s an activity they can do together, alongside Nell’s little sister, Martha. Marie says:

“I feel that Living Paintings have been there through every stage of Nell’s development. With their tactile pictures, they started out by helping her visualise the stories. She soon

started exploring the books independently with the audio descriptions. Now, they are such useful tools in developing her braille skills during her one-to-one sessions at school. The service has something for every part of her reading journey.”

Nell most recently borrowed our tactile version of ‘Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World’, which was linked to the topics she was learning in class. Little Nell says:

“I listened to the audio again and again to memorise the facts, and really enjoyed feeling over the tactile images! It was so interesting to see what type of clothes they were wearing and finding out about all the things each woman had done.”

“Living Paintings have been there for every stage of Nell’s reading journey.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Case Study: Grace

Little Grace lives with her Mum, Sarah-Jayne, her Dad, and Jess the cat. For the family, Living Paintings have provided an activity they can do together every single day.

“We always have a few Living Paintings books in the house. Grace needs our physical support to access the books, so we pop her on our knees and there, she can access the feely pictures independently. As we have been using the service, we have noticed a great development in Grace. She is able to feel the pictures herself, showing intent when she visually and physically explores them.

Her favourites are the Spot books, as she can feel the short sentences in braille and explore all the little tactile pictures throughout the book as we are reading.

When our nephew comes over, he also loves to get the ‘feely books’ out! It’s something that the two of them can do together. He will sit with her and help guide Grace through the braille and tactile pictures – which is so magical.

As a family, we can’t thank Living Paintings enough for the service they provide.”

“We read Living Paintings books together with Grace every day. We make a big deal of it when they get delivered, and Grace gets so excited to explore her next story.”

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Conclusion

We have been delighted to complete this report on what has proved to be an exciting year full of success. Though there are always challenges as we navigate our way through life as a comparatively small charity with an outsized impact, they change each year. Having emerged from the pandemic we are now faced with an uncertain and difficult economic climate in which to operate and fundraise. However, as is in our nature, we remain uncowed and have an ambitious growth strategy in place. This in part is in response to a very real and immediate need to undo the harm done to the social and educational development of blind and partially sighted children by the impact of the pandemic. We have a responsibility to move on this and the time has to be now.

We hope that our amazing, loyal and generous supporters will stay with us as we work harder than ever to profoundly improve the life chances of many more blind and partially sighted children and young people. Together we will make more difference than ever before.

To end, we offer our thanks to all those who have made the work achieved in the last year possible. We hope we make you proud of your association with Living Paintings and have brought smiles to your faces as you have read our report.

Cat Bailey - Chairman

Camilla Oldland - Chief Executive

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the Living Paintings Trust, known as Living Paintings, set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association are: .

In setting our objectives and planning our activities the Trustees have given careful consideration to

What we do

Living Paintings purpose is to put the life chances of blind and partially sighted children, young people and adults on a par with sighted people by providing them with equal access to the visual world of pictures, books and learning.

We design, create and publish Touch to See books for all ages that make the visual images that colour and inform our lives accessible to blind and partially sighted people. These include raised tactile pictures accompanied by atmospheric, educational and entertaining audio guides. The stories of the pictures and describe their features. In this way, the senses of touch and hearing combine to make up for the missing sense of sight. By including colour images of the topics in the tactile pictures, our books can be shared with sighted friends, family and classmates.

so all visually

gain a feel for the visual world.

For Children

skills by tracing the shapes of the well-loved characters Spot and Peppa Pig, as well as learning to listen and follow simple instructions. Children have fun and develop literacy with our Touch to See versions of best-selling titles such as Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and Stick Man. Our educational range of books tie in to subjects across the National Curriculum and are excellent for homework help, too. We know that most of our young visually impaired members attend mainstream schools, so our resources offer the opportunity for positive, shared learning experiences. In addition our special interest range stimulates a visually impaired child’s own enjoyment and exploration of topics including Dinosaurs, World Music, Seashore and Space.

For Young People

Teenagers and young people can absorb themselves in our collection designed to support and stimulate teen interest areas such as; Fashion, Football, Film, Theatre and Music.

For Adults

With us, adults explore subjects such as British wildlife and the countryside, English gardens, architecture, the history of the teddy bear, history of art, and they can even take a tour of Edinburgh and other cities. They can enjoy all these topics and many more as a member of one of our community , or at home with family and friends.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Why we do it

For children and young people

For adults

These people face challenges of mobility, social inclusion, achieving an education and securing a job. Many are struggling with the harsh realities of the emotional and practical devastation of losing sight at an age when new challenges are not easily met, whilst finding themselves increasingly cut off and with little or no support from severely limited and fast diminishing community services.

hardship. They are likely to have less exposure to social and cultural events, have fewer friends and do less physical activity. Parents and teachers perceive them as performing less well at school than their sighted peers. Not surprisingly, there is evidence to suggest that they are less secure and confident from a psychological perspective. They are more likely to be bullied at school, have concentration or behavioural problems and feel unhappy, downhearted or low.’ RLSB, RNIB and NatCen Social Research 2012

“Reading was a more important indicator of future success than any socio-economic factors” a statement that is key to the importance of our service, as we are enabling and encouraging visually impaired children to learn to read and inspiring an enjoyment of books in doing so.

All experience isolation and exclusion.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Our work plan

Our focus areas for the next 3 years

The following is by no means an exhaustive workplan for the next 3 years. However it provides an insight into some of the activity we will be undertaking in pursuit of our five Strategic Pillars leading to the achievement of our 10 year target.

1.1 Build and implement a Library Community Communications Plan to include all contacts with our library beneficiaries, establishing a ‘clubs’ system for different age groups and delivering a new enrolment process from communications through Touch to See starter packs for different ages.

1.2 Research, monitor and evaluate on an annual basis to ensure our services are relevant, achieving the impact we seek and new developments are beneficiary led. This will enable us create more of the compelling stories that inspire support.

1.3 Establish a network of forums to support the development of new projects to include experts, such as peadiatric opthamologists and those with lived experience.

1.4 Ensure a smooth delivery and returns system for Touch to See resources currently provided through Royal Mail’s Articles for the Blind.

2.1 Publish at least 10 new Touch to See titles a year, each with multiple copies and including subjects aligned with our researched themes such as mental health and wellbeing, engagement with STEM subjects, support of history teaching at Key Stage 2 and diversity.

2.2 Research, develop and pilot ‘Foundation Years’ Touch to See resources and support services for parents. This project, aimed at blind and partially sighted children from babyhood to the age of three, will support physical, cognitive and emotional development in infancy; a time when the foundations for future learning capacity are established and in turn the foundations for lifelong success are created. This is a ‘gateway’ project which enables blind and partially sighted children to gain the

2.3 Research, develop and deliver a service that has stronger relevance to over ; a critical transition point in their development in literacy .

2.4 Research, develop and deliver

.

3.1 Research and establish Wider Support Services Plan . This will encompass essential support to parents. It will tie in with our new ‘Foundation Years’ programme, online peer-to-peer support communities for carers and teachers, and signpost complementary resources and services.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

4.1 Create and implement a communications plan that ensures that to include:

5.1 Continue to collect and disseminate of our work to inspire support from all stakeholders from donors to volunteers.

5.2 Continue to develop an organisation that we need to deliver our growth strategy over the next three years and beyond.

5.3 Create a plan for our hard infrastructure (ie: ) in order to support our growth trajectory whilst ensuring that Living Paintings is a safe place to work. To include installation of in-house brailling facility as an example.

5.4 Develop our by instilling high levels of trust and authenticity through all contact made by different departments from publishers through individual donors.

5.5 Pursue a

strategy that provides the income needed to undertake

5.6 Explore and trial

of Touch to See book production and the use of to deliver the multi-sensory experience.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Living Paintings Trust was formed in 1988. The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission on 15th February 1989 as a charity. On 31st December 1995 the activities of the charity were transferred to The Living Paintings Trust, a company not having a share capital, limited by guarantee. The company is entitled to those exemptions from UK taxation which are available in law to charities. The Trust is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Administration

Trustees

The Trustees are also the Directors of the company. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association at the Annual General Meeting one third of the Trustees retire from

The responsibility for appointing new members of the Board rests with the existing Trustees. The aim is to ensure that the membership of the Board includes people with varied skills and interests and visual impairment and any other expertise which is needed. The Trustees use their extensive networks to source possible new appointees and their details are brought to and discussed at a Trustees’ Meeting. A potential Trustee is then invited to meet with the Chief Executive and talk with two existing Trustees prior to a formal proposal for appointment being made.

The induction and training process is two fold. Arrangements are made to familiarise a new Trustee with their responsibilities using the Charity Commission’s guide ‘The Essential Trustee’ and the Living Paintings Memorandum and Articles of Association. New Trustees are extensively briefed will meet with members of the staff team and some of the many volunteers.

The Trustees have overall responsibility for the work of the charity. They agree policies, strategies Trustees, currently the Chairman and Treasurer, and appropriate staff members which has the budgets and operational issues is reported through the Management Committee to the Trustees on a quarterly and annual basis. The day to day operation of the Trust’s affairs is delegated to the Chief Executive.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Our Trustees

Creative Director and Founding Partner, PinkGreen.

Corie Brown

Visually Impaired. Continuity and TV Announcer, Channel 4 Television. Previously BBC. A disability inclusion champion with lived experience of visual impairment.

(Resigned Aug 2022) Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Chairman of the Bletchley Park Trust Ltd. Previous directorships include Chairman of Motorola Ltd and Chairman of the British Standards Institution. Knighted in 2001 for services to British industry.

(Appointed Mar 22) Chartered FCIPD, senior HR leader, currently Portfolio People Director at People Puzzles. Previously at Sturrock & Robson Group, Bovill and Shell plc.

Head of Programme and Engagement, Dulwich Picture Gallery. Previously at The British Museum, Kenwood House and the National Maritime Museum.

Parent to visually impaired child. Director Strategic Accounts, Tanium. Previously Veritas Technologies and Symantec.

(Appointed Nov 2022) Strategic Customer Business Executive, Amdocs. Business and technology transformation specialist. Formerly Accenture Management Consulting.

General Counsel, William Grant & Sons Ltd. Formerly various including Diageo PLC and McGrigor Donald (now part of Pinsent Masons).

Accountant. Senior Commercial & P&L Manager for New Business Development at Vodafone. Previously at BT & PwC.

currently with Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as Deputy Director, Nuclear and Non-Proliferation Legal team.

Accountant. Strategic Engagement Manager at Vodafone Group. Formerly with Deloitte.

Our volunteers

Volunteers are the key to the creation and delivery of our work and their contribution is what makes it possible to achieve so much with donations received. For the year to 31st May 2022 our wonderful team of volunteers were, in the large part, only able to make their essential, committed contribution to Living Paintings for the second 6 months due to COVID-19. In normal times they number 300+ meaning that our staff to volunteer ratio would be approx 1:40. Unfortunately, due in the accounts. However, in a normal year we calculate their donations of time and expertise to be worth approx £200,000 which clearly shows that they are one of our most valuable assets. Our volunteers undertake a range of tasks, many of which require specialist skills and training. They help with every stage of the production process including research, writing, recording, editing sound recordings, manufacturing Touch to See books, painting feely pictures etc.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

They also undertake the day to day library service transactions, help with fundraising, record keeping and the promotion of Living Paintings. Included in their number are many famous faces who give of their time freely, most often to record the audio descriptions for the Touch to See books. They include Sir Derek Jacobi, Joanna Lumley, Alan Davies, Michael Sheen, Lord Fellowes, Jo Whiley, Fearne Cotton, Dallas Campbell, ESA Astronaut Tim Peake and Sir Robert Winston amongst many more.

Such a team merits a high level of professional support as every Living Paintings activity includes a substantial volunteer component whether at Kingsclere, or working from home. So we go to great lengths to recruit, train and support our volunteers, communicate news to them, and give them the warm welcome they deserve and the gratitude they earn.

Our Patrons

We are delighted to continueto benefit from the patronage of Christopher . Lloyd CVO, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Sir Timothy and Lady Sainsbury Christopher was Surveyor of The Queen’s Pictures 1988 – 2005 and is a former Curator at Christ Church Oxford and the Ashmoleum Museum Oxford. Dame Jacqueline Wilson was the Children’s Laureate 2005-07. She works full-time as a writer and is a best selling, popular children’s author. She has sold over ten million books. Sir Timothy is a former MP and Minister of State. He is a former Trustee of the V & A Museum. Sir Timothy and Lady Sainsbury have been keen supporters of Living Paintings for 25 years.

“I think the very best way to get children to develop a love of books is to share stories with them when they are little. But how can you interest a child in a picture book when they are blind? The answer is through the touch and sound publications that the award winning Living Paintings offer in their free national library - children can feel what The Gruffalo, Winnie the Pooh, Thomas the Tank Engine are like. And because of their unique design the books can be shared – everyone enjoying the story together.”

Our Ambassadors

We benefit from the support of three Living Paintings Ambassadors who have been appointed with the joint purpose of giving them a voice as beneficiaries of our charity and providing positive role models for other people who are experiencing sight loss.

Kali Gilbert is mother of seven-year-old Tayen who loves our Touch to See books. Kali is a great supporter of our work and an excellent spokesperson because she believes passionately in the value of what we do – helping blind children, like Tayen, read and develop a love of picture books. Tayen lost her sight at 18 months and Kali is a ready communicator about the trials, tribulations and joys of being this special little girl’s mother.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Lucy Edwards is a hugely successful visually impaired young person - after becoming an internet sensation a few years ago for her blind beauty YouTube videos, she is now the first blind BBC 1 Radio DJ, a journalist, an award winning content creator and a Pantene brand Ambassador. In her words she is ‘changing how the world views blindness’, through her videos and posts on her influential digital platforms. Lucy’s Instagram has 113K followers and she supports Living Paintings through

Post and Guardian. As well as blogging about fashion and beauty, Emily advocates for improved accessibility in children’s books and has an MA in English Literature from Goldsmiths University. Visually impaired herself, Emily champions our work for blind children and young people on her successful Instagram, sharing news of our new book publications and campaigns. Emily advocates for improved accessibility in children’s literature, pursuing her keen interest in space, and studying for her MA in children’s literature at Goldsmiths.

Risk Management

of the major risks which the charity may encounter, and the establishment and enhancement of procedures to mitigate these identified risks. The principal risk remains that of maintaining current levels of income. Steps that have been taken to mitigate this risk include the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive database providing weekly, monthly and annual reporting and which drives our fundraising efforts alongside the creation of a fundraising strategy which includes the development of new income streams. Trustees are satisfied that adequate systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to our major risks, in particular financial and operational risk. During Covid-19 the charity has undertaken regular risk assessments following ever-evolving government and WHO guidelines.

Key Management Personnel Remuneration

The Trustees consider the Board of Trustees and the Senior Management Team as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day to day basis. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Details of Trustee expenses and related party transactions are disclosed in notes 7 and 19 to the accounts.

The pay of the Senior Management Team is reviewed annually and is normally increased in accordance with average earnings. The remuneration is reviewed to ensure that it is fair and not out of line with similar roles.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Financial Review

while expenditure was £441,170 giving a surplus of £49,934 for the year.

Income

This year we raised £491,104. We receive no statutory funding and are entirely dependent on voluntary donations. We are reliant on donations from grant making trusts to fund the majority of our work and we are grateful to all those trusts who supported us again or for the first time during the year. They are listed on pages 39 - 51.

  1. Donations and gifts of £138,693 for the Unrestricted Fund (as defined on page 39). These donations support our core work of operating a free library service to blind and partially sighted people in Britain and Ireland.

  2. Donations and gifts of relates to the production of library service to members.

The Trustees have set the budget for 2022/23 which targets a modest 5% increase in income. Only a small amount of our income is promised in advance therefore the support of our donors is absolutely crucial to our ability to continue our services which have never been more needed.

Expenditure

we are making into our new Strategic Growth Plan. Budget expenditure for 2022/23 is higher again for the same reason.

Operating Surplus

We achieved an operating surplus of £49,934 for the year.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Our Fund Balances at 31[st] May 2022

For clarity, the trustees agreed to designate the capital element within the Unrestricted Fund

Our Reserves Policy

discretionary expenditure. The management team proactively work to maintain reserves above the policy threshold through routinely monitoring the funding position combined with the on-going set above the policy threshold, there are clear procedures in place to assess the situation and determine whether mitigating actions are required to recover the position. The Trust is pleased to report that the policy aim has been achieved with a closing General Reserve of £191,236.

Our Donors – Trusts and Foundations

Living Paintings is entirely dependent on voluntary donations, listed below are some of the organisations which made grants:

BBC Children in Need The Valentine Charitable Trust The Norton Foundation The Shears Foundation The Dorothy Hay-Bolton Charitable Masonic Charitable Foundation The Weinstock Fund Trust The Underwood Trust The Hutton Foundation The Mackintosh Foundation The Edward Gostling Foundation The Helen Hamlyn Trust The Gerald Palmer Eling Trust (previously The ACT Foundation) Berkshire Community Foundation Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust National Lottery - Community Fund The Shoe Zone Trust The Hedley Foundation (Awards for All) Kent Community Foundation The Fence Club Trust Fund The Patrick and Helena Frost The Barbara Ward Children’s Leicestershire and Rutland Foundation Foundation Community Foundation Woodroffe Benton Foundation The Lawson Trust (formerly The The Hugh Fraser Foundation The Eveson Charitable Trust Raymond and Blanche Lawson The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable The Cotswold Primrose Charitable Charitable Trust) Trust Trust Swire Charitable Trust Hampshire County Council - Leader’s The R S Macdonald Charitable Trust The Sobell Foundation Community Grants Scheme The Primary Club Miss Agnes H Hunter’s Trust Cambridgeshire Community Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sandra Charitable Trust Foundation Community Foundation Lancashire Foundation Rees Jeffreys Road Fund

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Suffolk Community Foundation The Tompkins Foundation The Portishead Nautical Trust The Shanly Foundation The Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust The Wixamtree Trust The Headley Trust The Walter Guinness Charitable Trust The Leslie Mary Carter Charitable Trust The Brian Mercer Trust The Patricia Routledge Foundation Scott Bader Commonwealth Ltd Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust Outhwaite Charitable Trust The Syder Foundation Barnwood Trust Baron Davenport’s Charity The Chalk Cliff Trust Fowler Smith and Jones Charitable Trust Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust The Sackler Trust Gloucestershire Community Foundation Aylesford Family Charitable Trust The Rainford Trust Maecenas The George A Moore Foundation The Joseph and Annie Cattle Trust The Hemby Trust The Sylvia and Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust The Robert Clutterbuck Charitable Trust The Rubin Foundation Charitable Trust The Sir James Roll Charitable Trust

P F Charitable Trust

John James Bristol Foundation The Alice Ellen Cooper-Dean Charitable Foundation The Boshier-Hinton Foundation Normanby Charitable Trust The Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust The Inverforth Charitable Trust The Christopher H R Reeves Charitable Trust R G Hills Charitable Trust The Norman Family Charitable Trust The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust The Godinton Charitable Trust The G C Gibson Charitable Trust A W Gale Charitable Trust Michael Watson Charitable Trust Marshgate Charitable Settlement Harford Charitable Trust The Jenour Foundation Cruden Foundation Limited Breakaway Charity Committee- In Aid of Handicapped Children The Walker Trust The Macfarlane Walker Trust John Watson’s Trust The Englefield Charitable Trust Marsh Christian Trust The W. M. Mann FoundationThe Marjorie and Geoffrey Jones Charitable Trust The Gibbons Family Trust The Jessie Spencer Trust The Joseph Rank Benevolent Fund The Goodman Trust Douglas Arter Foundation The Wise Music Foundation (Formerly The Music Sales Charitable Trust) The Stephenson James CT

Ormonde Foundation The Gilbert & Eileen Edgar Foundation Melton Mowbray Building Society Charitable Foundation The Augustine Courtauld Trust The Dumbreck Charity The Sir James Reckitt Charity The Helen Jean Cope Charity The J Reginald Corah Foundation Fund The Bartle Family Charitable Trust Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust The Arthur Williams Charitable Trust The Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust The Lady Forester Trust The W E Dunn Trust Oakdale Trust Anne Herd Memorial Trust The Devon Educational Trust Eddie Dinshaw Foundation Gloucestershire Disability Fund Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund The Ammco Trust The Farrer-Brown Charitable Trust The Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust The Proven Family Trust The Langtree Trust Laura Elizabeth Stuart Memorial Trust The Florence Turner Trust Anthony and Deirdre Montagu Charitable Trust The Fitton Trust The Charles Ruddock Trust Limited J A Floyd Charitable Trust Fist Fast First Foundation Blakemore Foundation

Additionally, we received highly valued gifts made by friends to Living Paintings and beneficiaries. We also received invaluable support in kind from organisations, individuals.

To each and every person, group, business and grant making trust who have supported us this year we extend the greatest of thanks. It is their generosity that makes our work possible.

Camilla Oldland - Chief Executive

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement

The Trustees (who are also directors of The Living Paintings Trust for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable

and explain the charitable company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of Information to Auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees’ report is approved has

Auditor

Designated Trustees will propose a motion re-appointing the auditor at a meeting of the Trustees.

Cat Bailey - Chairman

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of the Living Paintings Trust

Opinion

in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have

Conclusions Relating to Going Concern

are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other Information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report, other than the financial statements and our Auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are Required to Report by Exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate,

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Living Paintings Trustees Report & Financial Statements to 31st May 2022

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non ~~-~~ compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud, were as follows:

Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor’s report.

Use of Our Report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Michael Bath BSc FCA DChA (Senior statutory auditor) for and on behalf of

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

2 Communications Road, Greenham Business Park, Greenham, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6AB.

Date: 22 February 2023

Living Paintings Statement of Financial Activities Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31 May 2022

Page: 39

Statement of Financial Activities Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31 May 2022

Restricted Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
2022 2022 2022 2021
Note £ £ £ £
INCOME FROM:
Donations 3 352,411 138,363 490,774 509,343
Investments - 20 20 36
Other income 4 - 310 310 5,506
TOTAL INCOME 352,411 138,693 491,104 514,885
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds - 48,236 48,236 41,663
Charitable activities 5 327,240 65,694 392,934 354,600
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 6 327,240 113,930 441,170 396,263
NET INCOME 25,171
24,763		 24,763 24,763
49,934		 118,622
Transfers between funds - - - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 25,171 24,763 49,934 118,622
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward 146,785 456,879 603,664 485,042
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 171,956 481,642 653,598 603,664

The notes on pages 42 to 51 form part of these financial statements.

ANALYSIS OF FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 MAY 2022

Unrestricted Fund £
General reserve 191,236
Designated Fund: Strategic Growth Fund 60,000
Designated Fund: Property & fixed
assets for use by charity 230,406
481,642
Restricted fund
Funded projects awaiting completion 70,548
Library fund 101,408
171,956
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 653,598

Living Paintings Statement of Cash Flows Page: 40 for the Year Ended 31 May 2022 ee

Balance Sheet as at 31 May 2022

2022 2021
Note £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 10 230,406 226,431
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 11 29,328 7,948
Cash at bank and in hand 440,524 386,883
469,852 394,831
CREDITORS:
amounts falling due within one year 12 (46,240) (17,598)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 423,192 377.233
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 653,598 603,644
NET ASSETS 653,598 603,664
CHARITY FUNDS
Restricted funds 13 171,956 146,785
Unrestricted funds 13 481,642 456,879
TOTAL FUNDS 653,598 603,664

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 20/02/2023 and signed on their behalf, by:

~~-~~ Cat Bailey Chairman

Shalin Malde Treasurer

The notes on pages 41 to 51 form part of these financial statements.

Living Paintings Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 May 2022

Page: 41

Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 May 2022

2022 2021
Note £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities 15 69,349 67,466
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (15,728) (3,973)
Investment income 20 36
Net cash used in investing activities (15,708) (3,937)
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year 53,641 63,529
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 386,883 323,354
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 16 440,524 386,883

The notes on pages 41 to 51 form part of these financial statements.

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 42

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Living Paintings Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The Trustees have considered current levels of cash and unrestricted reserves, together with free cash flow and the results of post balance sheet fundraising. The Trustees also note that the charity owns its freehold property, which is unmortgaged. Based on this review the Trustees believe that the financial statements have been prepared appropriately on the going concern basis.

1.3 Company status

The Living Paintings Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The liability of the members of the company is limited by their guarantee to contribute £1 each towards the liabilities of the company in the event of liquidation.

The Living Paintings Trust is a charity incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales with registered number 03095963 and charity number 1049103. The charitys registered office is Queen Isabelle House, Unit 8 Kingsclere Park, Kingsclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 4SW.

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

1.5 Income

All income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 43

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Company has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Company, can be reliably measured.

The recognition of income from grants is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the company which is the amount the company would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.6 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the a use.

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the company and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the company's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.

Library materials are only of benefit to blind and partially sighted people and therefore are of very low commercial value. As such they are expensed in the year rather than being treated as a capital asset for ongoing use in the charity.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 44

1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

All assets costing more than £100 are capitalised by the Trust.

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Long term leasehold property - 50 years - straight line basis Office equipment - 5 - 10 years - straight line basis Computer equipment - 3 years - straight line basis

1.8 Interest receivable

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

1.9 Debtors

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

1.10 Cash at Bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.

1.12 Financial instruments

The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2. JUDGEMENTS IN APPLYING ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Tangible fixed assets (see note 10)

Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values, where appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. Residual value assessments consider issues such as the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 45

3.
INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Restricted
funds
2022
£
Donations
352,411
Legacies
-
Total donations and legacies
352,411
Total 2021
164,900
4.
OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES
Restricted
funds
2022
£
Insurance income
-
Covid-19 grants
-
-
Total 2021
-
5.
GOVERNANCE COSTS
Restricted
funds
2022
£
Governance Auditors' remuneration
-
Consultancy fees
-
-
6.
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY EXPENDITURE TYPE
Staff costs
2022
£
Raising funds
38,147
Costs of raising funds
38,147
Direct charitable expenditure
264,397
Expenditure on governance
-
302,544
Total 2021
265,097		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
138,363
-
138,363
344,443
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
310
-
310
5,506
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
6,700
784
7,484
Other costs
2022
£
10,089
10,089
120,633
7,484
138,206
131,166		 Total funds
2022
490,774
-
490,774
509,343
Total funds
2022
£
310
-
310
5,506
Total funds
2022
£
6,700
784
7,484
Total
2022
£
48,236
48,236
384,930
7,484
440,750
396,263		 Total funds
2021
£
499,243
10,100
509,343
Total funds
2021
£
-
5,506
5,506
Total funds
2021
£
5,300
1,187
6,487
Total
2021
£
41,663
41,663
348,113
6,487
396,263

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 46

7. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

This is stated after charging:

2022 2021 £ £ Depreciation of tangible fixed assets: - owned by the charity 11,753 13,362 Interest on loans - 1,968

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2021 - £NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2021 - £NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses (2021 - £NIL).

8. AUDITORS' REMUNERATION

2022
£
Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates for the audit of the
company's annual accounts
6,700
STAFF COSTS
Staff costs were as follows:
2022
£
Wages and salaries
276,434
Social security costs
20,347
Other pension costs
5,763
302,544
The average number of persons employed by the company during the year was as follows:
2022
No.
Production
3
Fundraising and publicity
3
Administration and management
2
Library
3
11
The number of higher paid employees was:
2022
No.
In the band £60,001 - £70,000
1		 2021
£
5,300
2021
£
240,773
17,555
6,769
265,097
2021
No.
3
2
2
3
10
2021
No.
1

9. STAFF COSTS

The key management personnel of the charity comprise Trustees and the Senior Management Team. The total employee benefits ( but excluding national insurance contributions) of the key management personnel were £70,920 (2021: £63,860).

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 47

10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1 June 2021
Additions
At 31 May 2022
Depreciation
At 1 June 2021
Charge for the year
At 31 May 2022
Net book value
At 31 May 2022
At 31 May 2021		 Long term
leasehold
property
£
340,510
-
340,510
126,234
6,810
133,044
207,466
214,276		 Office
equipment
£
59,808
11,606
71,414
52,225
1,876
54,101
17,313
7,583		 Computer
equipment
£
57,802
4,122
61,924
53,230
3,067
56,297
5,627
4,572		 Total
£
458,120
15,728
473,848
231,689
11,753
243,442
230,406
226,431

The leasehold premises comprise 2 leases each of 999 years calculated from 29th September 1986 each at a rent of £100 per annum.

11. DEBTORS

Trade debtors
Other debtors - prepayments
Accrued income		 2022
£
711
4,565
24,052
29,328		 2021
£
711
4,081
3,156
7,948

12. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 June 2021
Resources deferred during the year		 2022
£
6,267
5,383
3,083
31,927
46,660
2022
£
-
23,421
23,421		 2021
£
4,027
3,987
4,379
5,205
17,598
2021
£
-
-

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 48

13. STATEMENT OF FUNDS

STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR

Designated funds
Designated fixed asset fund
Strategic growth fund
General funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Funded projects awaiting completion
93
Library fund
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 June
2021
£
226,431
60,000
286,431
170,448
170,448
456,879
92,858
53,927
146,785
603,664		 Income
£
-
-
-
138,693
138,693
138,693
112,743
239,668
352,411
491,104		 Expenditure
£
(11,753)
-
(11,753)
(102,177)
(102,177)
(113,930)
(135,053)
(192,187)
(327,240)
(441,170)		 Transfers
in/out
£
15,728
-
15,728
(15,728)
(15,728)
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 May
2022
£
230,406
60,000
290,406
191,236
191,236
481,642
70,548
101,408
171,956
653,598

STATEMENT OF FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR

Designated fixed asset fund
Strategic growth fund
General funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Funded projects awaiting
completion
Library fund
53,92
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 June 2020
£
147,976
-
147,976
172,185
172,185
320,161
101,769
63,112
164,881
485,042		 Income
£
-
-
-
180,764
180,764
180,764
169,221
164,900
334,121
514,885		 Expenditure
£
(10,545)
-
-
(122,501)
(122,501)
(133,046)
(89,132)
(174,085)
(263,217)
(396,263)		 Transfers
in/out
£
89,000
60,000
149,000
(60,000)
(60,000)
89,000
(89,000)
-
(89,000)
-		 Balance at
31 May 2021
£
226,431
60,000
286,431
170,448
170,448
456,879
92,858
53,927
146,785
603,664

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 49

SUMMARY OF FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR

Balance at
1 June 2021
£
Designated funds
286,431
General funds
170,448
456,879
Restricted funds
146,785
603,664
SUMMARY OF FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR
Balance at
1 June 2020
£
Designated funds
147,976
General funds
172,185
320,161
Restricted funds
164,881
485,042		 Income
£
-
138,693
138,693
352,411
491,104
Income
£
-
180,764
180,764
334,121
514,885		 Expenditure
£
(11,753)
(102,177)
(113,930)
(327,240)
(441,170)
Expenditure
£
(10,545)
(122,501)
(133,046)
(263,217)
(396,263)		 Transfers
In/out
£
15,728
(15,728)
-
-
-
Transfers
In/out
£
149,000
(60,000)
89,000
(89,000)
-		 Balance at
31 May 2022
£
290,406
191,236
481,642
171,956
653,598
Balance at
31 May 2021
£
286,431
170,448
456,879
146,785
603,664

Funded projects awaiting completion consist of numerous funds of varying sizes covering specific projects in line with the charity's objectives for instance the creation and manufacture of new Touch to See book titles and the salary costs of the Touch to See Book Club Programme Manager.

The Library Fund comprises multiple donations made specifically towards the costs of providing the Library Service free of charge to blind and partially sighted beneficiaries.

Management accounting procedures quarterly track the movement in each individual restricted fund. They provide the necessary information to ensure that the appropriate balance is held in each account in order to complete the projects and thus meet the restrictions imposed by the donors.

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 50

14. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR

Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total Funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
230,406
230,406
Current assets
195,377
274,475
469,852
Creditors due within one year
(23,421)
(23,239)
(46,660)
171,956
481,642
653,598
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total Funds
2021
2021
2021
£
£
£
Tangible fixed assets
-
226,431
226,431
Current assets
146,785
248,046
394,831
Creditors due within one year
-
(17,598)
(17,598)
146,785
456,879
603,664
RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2022
2021
£
£
Net (expenditure)/income for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
49,934
118,622
Adjustment for:
Depreciation charges
11,753
13,362
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
-
4,894
Investment income
(20)
(36)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(21,380)
28,017
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
29,092
(97,363)
Net cash provided by operating activities
69,349
67,466
ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
2022
2021
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
440,524
386,883
Total
440,524
386,883		 Total Funds
2022
£
230,406
469,852
(46,660)
653,598
Total Funds
2021
£
226,431
394,831
(17,598)
603,664

15. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

16.

Living Paintings Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2022

Page: 51

17. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT

Cash at bank and in hand At 1 June 2021
£
386,883
386,883		 Cash flows
£
53,641
53,641		 At 31 May 2022
£
440,524
440,524

18. PENSION COMMITMENTS

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £5,763 (2021: £6,769). At the year end, pension contributions of £650 (2021: £3,416) were outstanding.

19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year, a donation of £36 was received from 1 Trustee (2021: £20).

20. CONTROLLING PARTY

There is no overall controlling party.