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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Charity Registration no 1103917

Financial Statements and Reports

For the year ended

31 March 2021

The Pinetree Centre Durham Road Birtley Co Durham DH3 2TD

North Regional Association for Sensory Support

1.	Reference and Administrative Information	Page 3
2.	Structure and Governance	Page 4
3.	Trustees Report	Pages 4 to 9
4.	Independent Examiner’s Report	Page 10
5.	Statement of Financial Activities	Page 11
6.	Balance Sheet	Page 12
7.	Notes to the Accounts	Pages 13-16

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Reference and Administrative Information

Name:

North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Charity No: 1103917 Trustees/Directors: Councillor Michael McNestry (Chair) Rosalind Copeland (Vice Chair)

Honorary Treasurer: Alan Brown Registered Address: The Pinetree Centre Durham Road Birtley Co Durham DH3 2TD Bankers: Barclays bank plc 51 Moseley Street Manchester M60 2AU Independent Examiner: Kate Tully FMAAT FCIE AATQB 20 Ennerdale Crescent Winlaton Blaydon on Tyne NE21 6PS

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Structure and Governance

As laid down in the organisation’s constitution, the governance arrangements remain the same. The management committee and its elected members undertake the general management responsibilities of the association’s function. These members are put forward by individual local authorities as active cabinet/council committee members. A general council meets twice yearly at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and at a half yearly meeting. Both events are open meetings as well as conducting essential business relating to the election and selection of officers, ie Chair, Vice Chair, and Honorary Treasurer. These positions have a duration of three years unless any position is vacant or opposed by general committee members. In the event of such a situation, an Extraordinary General Meeting needs to be called.

In addition, the association also has an Executive Committee and an Advocacy/Welfare Rights service sub-committee. Their meetings are Chaired by Executive members elected from within the association’s membership. Meetings of the Executive are held four times a year with other committees and sub committees synchronised throughout the year.

Trustee’s Report for the year ended 31[st] March 2021

History, Objectives and Activities/Background

The North Regional Association for Sensory Support (NRASS) was formed in September 2004 because of a merger of the North Regional Deaf Association (NRDA) and the North Regional Association for the Blind (NRAB). NRASS, as it is known, is a registered Disability Confident Charity in its own right.

Service Contracts

Currently NRASS provide Advocacy & Welfare Rights Services in the following Local Authority areas within the North East of England:-

Gateshead
Hartlepool

Aims & Objectives

The aims and objectives of NRASS are embodied in the Charity Commission Scheme. The aims being by improving services we intend to, wherever possible, eliminate discrimination and prejudice by providing an Advocacy/Welfare Rights service to people with a Sensory Impairment. In addition, the organisation, if needed, will support Local Authority members to fulfil their obligation under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

The objectives being to promote independence, further education opportunities, social integration and a general well-being of all Sensory Loss people in the North regions. Furthermore, the association seeks to improve services wherever possible, to use our influence to provide a better quality and equality of life for people who are Deaf, Deafened, Deafblind, Dual Sensory Loss and Hearing Impaired.

Public Benefit Statement

The Association focus their attention to the needs of people with a sensory loss at the same time as examining new legislation, innovation, developments and standard setting for agencies that provide services. They have been instrumental in influencing necessary changes in benefits or regulations that help improve the quality of life for people and providing essential equipment wherever necessary. This in turn benefits the local economy and adds to improvements in the quality of life for all as set out in our Aims and Objectives.

Management and Governance Arrangements

As laid down in the organisations constitution the governance arrangements remain the same. The Management Committee and its elected members undertake the general management responsibilities of the association function. These members are people put forward by individual Local Authorities as active Cabinet/Council Committee Members. A general council meets twice each year, at the Annual General Meeting and at the half-yearly meeting. Both events are open meetings as well as conducting essential business relating to election and selection of Officers, i.e. Chairperson, Vice Chair and Honorary Treasurer. These positions have duration of three years, unless any position is vacant or opposed by General Committee Members. In the event of such a situation, an Extra Ordinary Meeting needs to be called.

In addition, the Association also has the General Council, an Executive Committee and an Advocacy/Welfare Rights Service Sub-Committee. Executive Members elected from within the Associations membership chair these meetings. Meetings of the Executive are held four times a year with other Committees and Sub-Committees synchronised throughout the year.

Staffing

At the end of the financial year the association engaged one full time freelance Service Manager and two part time Advocate/Welfare Rights Officers.

The staff group operate in the areas of Gateshead and Hartlepool, these being the Local Authorities funding the service.

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Vacant positions are advertised to the public in the local/national press, social media and local Job Centre Plus Offices inviting applications from all individuals within the local/national community. Representatives from the nominated committee members and the Service Manager undertake interviews.

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year, which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and its financial activities for that year. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to:-

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statement.
Prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Association will continue in operational existence.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The financial policies and procedures set up by the management committee are designed to provide a consistent accounting/financial framework and internal control by encapsulating best practices within the organisation.

The trustees approve the policies and procedures and are those, which are best, suited to present a true and fair view of the organisations financial affairs and to maintain robust internal controls. They are also intended to ensure that the organisation can meet external requirements of corporate governance.

The overriding principle of the organisations financial reporting and financial control is one of prudence. As such, where areas of judgement are required, they should always err on the side of caution. A fundamental financial responsibility is the management and the minimisation of risk.

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

The financial statements are required to be drawn up in accordance with UK legislation. It is incumbent upon senior personnel to be conversant with these requirements and with developments to standards and any legislative changes to ensure that these are applied as appropriate.

Full and open disclosure of financial information by the divisions within the organisation is a fundamental prerequisite. Therefore, full co-operation should be afforded to visits from internal audit or any other financial review.

Financial Review and Reserves as of the 31[st] March 2021

In the financial year ended 31st March 2021 NRASS generated income of £66,100 and expenditure totalled £62,200. It follows there was a surplus of £3,900.

New funding in the year accounted for almost £13,000 from donations highlighted elsewhere in the Report.

At the year end the bank balance had risen to £4,900 ahead of the starting point on 1st April 2020 by £4,000.

After some difficult years this outcome has helped to provide a cash cushion to ensure the services NRASS provides may be maintained at all times. Achievements

In previous years, we have reported on a number of financial challenges requiring focus and action. During 2020-21, NRASS has been able to source grant income to help aid financial recovery plans. NRASS can now begin to focus on a new strategy for the next financial year.

NRASS has continued to deliver its services, offering Advocacy, Information and Advice to a high standard and, as such, have had an impact on the lives of the service users who are D/deaf, Deafened, Deafblind or have hearing loss. All of the NRASS staff are proud of the quality of the service we have provided over the past year and especially so given the enormous strain caused by COVID-19. The charity is indebted to the staff who have continued to deliver in the face of personal and professional stress and uncertainty.

NRASS have continued to provide advocacy, advice and information to our catchment group across the Gateshead and Hartlepool regions. Our staff have delivered the service through a range of remote services to ensure it could continue to deliver and meet demand during the pandemic. Like many charities, NRASS has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and has been required to manage immediate risks and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

The management of the service has focused on the primary areas of the health, safety and welfare of our staff and the people we support in our support services. At the time of writing, our actions have been successful although we are under no illusions that this crisis is over and this will remain a focus for the Trustees and the Executive Committee for some time to come.

As a result of a slightly stronger financial position, NRASS has been far more resilient to external events than we would otherwise have been but COVID-19 has presented further challenge and uncertainty. We do not know the long-term economic outlook but, having utilised financial support, managed costs and sought to sustain income, we believe that we are well placed to weather this storm.

We were delighted to receive a number of generous donations from Charitable Trusts and Foundations including:-

The Community Foundation £ 4,450.00 CAF £ 5,400.00 Neighbourly Community Fund £ 400.00 REEDS Grassroots £ 2,000.00

Performance

NRASS has managed 401 referrals over the period April 2020 to March 2021, with 929 contacts on behalf of service users. The number of new service users who have approached NRASS for support totals 15. Over the whole period with additional enquiries from 16 potential clients from outside of our funding contract areas. We continue to handle 91 on-going active cases.

The age range of our service user ranges from 18-100+. The largest number of service users were in the 51 to 60 age band with an overall total of 234 service users utilising the service (up 27 on last year’s figures). The vast majority of the service users being ‘Profoundly Deaf’.

The gender figures attending the service being as follows:-

Male: 91

Female: 142 Deaf Groups: 1

Moving forwards, it would be useful for local services to co-ordinate and work together to support our sensory loss community. Thereby helping and encouraging them to utilise whatever technology is available for them to engage with support groups, their peers and advice agencies so that they are not disadvantaged any further. NRASS aim to ensure that it is able to continue to deliver essential support by effectively managing the risk of infection by implementing appropriate contingency arrangements should an outbreak impact our services further and to ensure that we can maintain sufficient staffing levels to operate safely.

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Looking to the future NRASS will be liaising closely with both representatives from Gateshead Council and Hartlepool Council to balance risks to control infection within communal areas and implement safety procedures for the delivery of direct services as soon as it is possible.

………………………………… (Chairman – Councillor M McNestry) Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Dated: 31st March 2021

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Independent Examiners Report

Report to the trustees of North Regional Association for Sensory Support on Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 set out on pages 12 to 17.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity's gross income does not exceed £250,000.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Kate Tully FMAAT FCIE Date 30 September 2021

Signed

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association
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Kate Tully is a Fellow Member of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners and a Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support Statement of Financial Activities

(incorporating the income and expenditure account)

for the year ended 31 March 2021

Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £	Total Funds £	2019-20
		Funds
		£
50 0 66,078 0 15 0 0	50 66,078 15 0 0
		150
		53,581
		235
		8
		0
66,143 0	66,143	53,974
312 0 61,905 0 0 0	312 61,905 0

		216
		59,929
		0
62,217 0	62,217	60,145
3,926 0	3,926	(6,170)
800 0	0 800
		6,970
4,726 0	4,726	800

The notes on pages 12-17 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Balance Sheet

as at 31 March 2020

Note Current Assets Prepayments 4 Cash at Bank and In Hand Total Current Assets Liabilities Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 5 Creditors Amounts falling due after one year Total Assests The Funds of the Charity: Unrestricted income funds Restricted income funds TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS	20-21 Funds £ 0 4,976	19-20 Funds £ 0 1,050
	4,976	1,050
	(250) 0	(250) 0
	(250)	(250)

	4,726	800
	4,726 0	800 0
	4,726	800

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf:

………………………………… (Chairman – Councillor M McNestry) Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Dated:

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the period ending 31 March 2021

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 January 2015) – Charities SORP (FRS 102).

North Regional Association for Sensory Support 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 note(s).

Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
• the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability

Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Capital Grants are released over the economic useful life of the asset to which they relate

Resources Expended and Liabilities

Resources expended have been analysed using a natural classification.

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Taxation

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

Fixed Assets

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of all fixed assets, over their expected useful lives. It is calculated at the following rate:

Computer Equipment 25% straight line Other Office Equipment 15% reducing balance

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

2 Funds

The Charity has one fund, an unrestricted general fund comprising accumulated surpluses and deficits which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity that have not been designated for other purposes.

Analysis of Income and Expenditure 2020-21

Income and Endowments from: *Donations and Legacies* Donations Precepts *Charitable Activities* Advocacy Service Contracts Grants Other Amounts receivable for equipment purchases *Other Trading Income* Fundraising *Investment Income* Bank Interest Earned Total	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 50 0	Total 2020-21 £ 50 0	Total 2019-20 £ 50 0
	50 0	50	50
	52,578 13,500 0 0	52,578 13,500 0 0	52,578 13,500 0 0
	66,078 0	66,078	66,078
	15	15	12
	15 0	15	12
	0	0
	0 0	0	0

	66,143 0	66,143	66,140
			0 16,433 0 0 0 0 4,191 0 0 22 505 275 0 200 2,955 24,581 312
Expenditure on: *Charitable Activities - Advocacy Service* Advertising and Promotion Staff Costs and Related Expenses Consultants Fees/Travel Expenses Training Coronavirus/PPE Costs Subscriptions/Affilliations/Licences Management and Committee Expenses Insurance Interpreters' fees Miscellaneous Printing, stationery and postage Office Rent/Rates Small Equipment Computer/IT Costs Telephone/Broadband *Raising Funds*	16,433 4,191 62 409 43 505 275 200 2,955	0 16,433 0 4,191 62 409 0 0 0 43 505 275 0 200 2,955	0 16,433 0 0 0 0 4,191 0 0 22 505 275 0 200 2,955
	25,073 0	25,073	24,581

	312	312	312

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Charitable Activities - Head Office

Total

*Charitable Activities - Head Office* Accountancy/IE Fees Advertising and Promotion Computer Costs Equipment Meeting expenses Printing, stationery and postage 357 Staff Costs and Related Expenses 32,494 Coronavirus Costs 46 Consultants Fees/Travel Expenses Maintenance/Refurb Telephone/Broadband Interpreters' fees Insurance 882 Office Rent/Rates 207 Office Utilities Miscellaneous Archive Storage Costs 1,344 Independent Examiner's Fee Subscriptions/Affilliations/Licences 258 IT Security and IT Costs 1,244 Depreciation of office equipment 36,832 0 Total 62,217 0	*Charitable Activities - Head Office* Accountancy/IE Fees Advertising and Promotion Computer Costs Equipment Meeting expenses Printing, stationery and postage 357 Staff Costs and Related Expenses 32,494 Coronavirus Costs 46 Consultants Fees/Travel Expenses Maintenance/Refurb Telephone/Broadband Interpreters' fees Insurance 882 Office Rent/Rates 207 Office Utilities Miscellaneous Archive Storage Costs 1,344 Independent Examiner's Fee Subscriptions/Affilliations/Licences 258 IT Security and IT Costs 1,244 Depreciation of office equipment 36,832 0 Total 62,217 0
Accountancy/IE Fees Advertising and Promotion Computer Costs Equipment Meeting expenses Printing, stationery and postage Staff Costs and Related Expenses Coronavirus Costs Consultants Fees/Travel Expenses Maintenance/Refurb Telephone/Broadband Interpreters' fees Insurance Office Rent/Rates Office Utilities Miscellaneous Archive Storage Costs Independent Examiner's Fee Subscriptions/Affilliations/Licences IT Security and IT Costs Depreciation of office equipment	357 32,494 46 882 207 1,344 258 1,244	0 0 0 0 0 357 32,494 46 0 0 0 0 882 207 0 0 1,344 0 258 1,244 0	0 0 0 0 0 299 33,364 0 0 0 882 187 0 0 1,344 0 1,244 0
	36,832 0	36,832	37,321

	62,217 0	62,217	62,214

3 Fixed Assets

There are no fixed assets of material worth at this time

4 Debtors and Prepayments

There are no debtors or prepayments at this time.

Prepayments	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £	2019-20 Total £	2018-19 Total £ 2,025
	0 0	0	2,025

5 Creditors

Creditors
Creditors and accruals	Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 250	2019-20 Total £ 250	2018-19 Total £ 250
	250 0	250	250

Charity No. 1103917

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North Regional Association for Sensory Support

6 Employed Staff

Employed Staff
Gross Salaries and benefits in kind Pension Costs Total Staff Costs	2020-21 £	2019-20 £
	48,927	48,927
	48,927	48,927

3 part time staff were employed during this period no-one received remuneration of £60,000 or more.

7 Cash at Bank and in Hand

Business Savings Business Current Petty Cash	0 4,937 39
	4,976

8 Trustees Expenses

The Trustees were paid no remuneration (2020-21:£nil) nor travel expenses (2019-0:£nil) during the year.

Charity No. 1103917

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2021-07-31-accounts

North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Charity Registration no 1103917

Financial Statements and Reports

For the year ended

31 March 2021

Contents

Reference and Administrative Information

Structure and Governance

Trustee’s Report for the year ended 31[st] March 2021

History, Objectives and Activities/Background

Service Contracts

Aims & Objectives

Public Benefit Statement

Management and Governance Arrangements

Staffing

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

Performance

Independent Examiners Report

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

Basis of independent examiner's report

Independent examiner's statement

for the year ended 31 March 2021

Balance Sheet

as at 31 March 2020

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf:

Dated:

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the period ending 31 March 2021

1 Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

Incoming Resources

Resources Expended and Liabilities

Taxation

Fixed Assets

2 Funds

Analysis of Income and Expenditure 2020-21

North Regional Association for Sensory Support

Charitable Activities - Head Office

3 Fixed Assets

4 Debtors and Prepayments

5 Creditors

6 Employed Staff

7 Cash at Bank and in Hand

8 Trustees Expenses