NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM (A company limited by guarantee) REPORT AND FINANCL4L STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Charity Numbw: 1062366 Company Number. 03319947 NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM (A Company limited by guartee}
FllYANCIAL sfATEMElS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Contents Page Report of the Management Committee 3-15 Independent Examiners Report 16 Statement of FÉnancial Activittes 17 Balance Sheet 18 Notes to the financial statements 19-26
NATIONAL RlnlAL TOUR]NG FORIJM MANAGEMENT COMMTEE REPORT YL4R ElED 31 MARCH 2024 Reference and Admfintstrntive Infonnation Charity Name: Other names the charity is known by: Charity registration number: Company registration number: Registered Office and Operational address: National Rural Touring Forum NRTF 1062366 3319947 Good Life Hub, Orchard Barn, Manor Farni Barns, Newbury Hill. Hamstead Norrey& RG18 OTR Trustees and Dirtttors Tom Speight John Laidlaw Dawn Badland Barbara Tremewan Ed O'DriscoII Chris Bridgman Bell Elizabeth Freestone Lindsay Higgins Hannah Prior Nicola Pollard Sita Brand Claire Marshall Chair Res]ed June 2023 Resied September 2023 Company secretary (DAY to day mgttagement) Holly Lombardo (Director Only) Name8 of observers Cassie Catchpol4 Arts Council Englan(L SE Petsr Gregory. Arts Council Wales & Night Out Independent ExamEDer Mrs M Hutchings, Apsleys Chartered Accountants, 21 Bampton Stree¢ Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6AA Bankers Barclays Bank pl4 1-3 Broad StreeL Herefort HR4 9BH
NATIONAL RlnlAL TOURING FORIJM MANAGEMEIYT COMMrrrEE REPORT YEAR ElED 31 MARCH 2024 The tneeS prc5ent their report and the fll]ancial statements ofthe ctwity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Rccommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities- (FRS 102) in pr¢parAng the annual TCPOrt and financial statements of the charity. Objectives and ActAVities: Summary of the objects of the charity National Rural Touring Fonlln is a charitablc company limited by guarantee and set up on 18 February 1997. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of &wciation. Its objects are to fost¢r and promote public education in the arts through the maintenance, improvement and development of knowledge. understandin& appreciation of. and participation the art& in particular at rural and local neighbourhood levels throughout the United Kingdom. Summary of the maiu activities in relation to those object NRTF Mfission To lead on and underpin a diverse. sInable. and collaborative community sector that delivers dynamic, high quality cuEtural perforn]aDces. enhanLW wellbein& and provides equal opportunity for people living in rural and satellite areas. iTF Values Leadership- Playing a leading role in the creative sector to drive growth and equality principles that result in positive cultural change. Resilience & Relevance- driving sectoral stability and development and reacting and responding to cultural change. Quality, Innovation & Ambition- learning from evidence to take calculated risks and make innovative business decisions. Diversity & InCIS1V1ty- generating and enabling the widest possible range of voices and perspectives. Social Impa¢t- mwuring impact of work which brings wider pItive and meaningful benefit to society. Collaboration & Dynamism- cultivating collaborations and partnerships which enhance, empower and respond to sector Challenges. Environmental Sustainability- n1nsing opportunity througb initiatives that reduce carbon footprint and improve sustainability. NRTF Aims Fach of the 4 aims is underpinned by several key objectiv4 which are measurable and time relevant Aim I: NRTF will support rural touring and creative CoMU1tiCS to be collaborative and resilient, ensuring it has the appropriate expertise to meet their evolving need& To support the leaders of organisations in realising their ambitions. Aim 2: NRTF will explore and understand the needs of the sector by using quality data to promote inclusivity. equality and a diverse rdnge of voice5. cultsjral content and training that is reflective of the UKS diverse population. Aim 3: NRTF will demonstratc Sectorial impact through effective research and analysis. the evidence of which h&$ a share of voice at national 11¢Y and communications level. Aim 4: NRTF will be an infiuential. ambitious. and innovative organisation which is fit for purpose in delivering against its mission.
NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Delivery of ASMS Delivery will be undertaken by concentrating on 5 area8 of activity: Membership- to benefiL support and communicate effectively with members. Future InterventioDS- to lead in the Rural Touring sector, to plan and to enable work and projects. Social Impact- to research, to think ambitiously, to explore partnerships, to benefit the rural ecology. Organisation- to ensure NRTF is well ru well led, and that it works fairly and properly. nance- to be sound fmancially and to look for opportunities to incre&8e income where necessary. Publlc benefit: National Rural Touring Forum exists to deliver high quality art experiences that strengthen nwal and other communities: NR Research project CONCERTA (Contributing to Community Enhancement through Rural Touring Arts) show English schemes promots over 2500 events per year. These are distributed rO$S 1,000 venues. Over the1&8t five years. English schemes have jointly delivered 9,500 events to audiences numbering just over 700,OW. Annual average audiences per event sit at a highly consistent 70 to 8 person annual average. The UK approach to rural touring shows what the independent arts sector. public authorities and communities can achieve by working tog&her. it is a model of good practice and value for money in the ontemporary arts world. The trustees have had rewd to the Charity Commission Guidance on Public Benefit and b¢liev¢ this is achieved via the CharAty'S objectives and activities. Aeblevements and Performanee: Stsmmxry of the main aehlevemeDts of the charity during the year National Rural Touring Fonlln (NRTF) netwo. develops and supports the ecosystem that delivers high-quality creative experiences across communities and rural ar in the UK. NRTF aims to strengthen and support rural populations to bring professional work to their venues. NRTF regularly consults with the sector: the findings of which directly inforni the organisation's key priority are&8. Through Consultation At charts and champions nationwide impac( shares national and regional achievements and good news and identifies shared sectoral challenges for which it advocates to policymakers and other infiuentia] stakeholders. NRTF and its members do not under&8timate rural audien¢es. Funding for the arts is still a city-centric issue. travelling to large towns and cities to see productions can be time and financially prohibitive. There are social barriers to some who don't feel as comfortable in larger cuJturaI institutions. Access to the arts is important for everyone in society. It is important that all communities have meaningful engagements with the arts by participating in. or secin& high quality and innovative'perfornianc¢s.
NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM MANAGElItENT COMMirrEE REPORT (coNfINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Achievements ofNRTF's year. listed below. focu5 on areas in th¢ business plan that continue the strategic and developmental role that the organisation is playing in delivering a dynamic thriving rural and community touring sector. These address the areas for development identified in the business plan and underline our recognition that the rural touring network consists of several key constituents including touring schemes. volunt8ry promoters, small scale venues. festivals. librdrie& in and outdoor community spaces, perforn]ing companies and artists and organisations that support touring arts. In Arts Coun¢il England's latest fimding roun beginning in April 2023, NR was made an Investment Principle Support Organisation (IPSO), receiving £154,(M)O per annum through to 2026. In the previous ACE funding round we re1v £88,176 &s a National Portfolio Organisation. Artistlc Partnersbi Edlnburgh Frlnge presentation NRTF attendance at Edinburgh Fringe is aimed at improving voluntary promoter confidence in booking a diverse programme of worK raising Ihe profile of rural touring at the FAlinburgh Fringe professional development sessions, and introducing more divertse and interesting work to the rur touring circuit. Each year, NRIF hosts a free Introduction to Rural Touring event for perfonners, companies and producers. It provides a great opportunity for artists to hear from the rural touring sector and to find out if rural tourings for them. In 2023 NRTF teamed up with World Fringe to deliver evening networking with the two sectors, who shared similar passion and r]tIOn for similarities in the sector. 55 artists and industy proftssionals attendal the event at Fring¢ Central. What ts Rural fouring? Flnd out abot4t ihe benofts and opporftlnilles ofprofessional rural iourlng and working wlth remote Communiti in unwual spaces. Come and discuss ide¢U, Ihoughis, andplans wilh ihe &rpert$. Thls is a chaneefor comp¢7nies, artists andproducers lo network thscuss their work andpolenlially tour the UK The pan¢1 was made up of sector specialists - Holly Lombardo. Danny Pedlar- Take Art (scheme), Jess Huffman - NRTF (projects and how NRTF makes a difference). Tom Speight - NRTF Chair (what is NRTF promoter). Hattie Thom&s- NRIF (Artist perspective), Courtney Beadle - RTDI (Dance project) Brighton Fringe presentation NRTF appeared as part of the Brighton Fringe Professional Development Academy. We focused on how to engage with Rural Touring and the nuanced differences to touring in urban spaces. "Rural Touring UK: How does rural touring work? How can you take part? Gain insights on the benefits and opportunities of professional rural tourin& This is a chance for companies. artists and producers to network. discuss their work and potentially tour the UL" This year in May 2023 the session was run online via Zoorn.
NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM MANACEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT (ColNUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Whol Rural Touring? Find oui abo ihe benefiis and opporthiliu ofprofessional nwal iouring andworking wiih remo¢e commum.ties in unusual spaces. This worhhop waspart ofFringe Academy 25 artists and industy profrss1onS attended the event and over 50 on demand. Part of Brighton Fringe Academy Zoom session. Rural Touring Dance Inftiatlve NRTF joined forces with The Place. Take Art and China Hate back in 2015 to deliver the Rural Touring Dance Initiative (RTDI). This innovative projecL fund by Arts Council England, is helping to increase the quality, quantity and diversity of dance promoted by Rural Touring schemes all over the county. So far, the project has worked with 40 wmpanies, promoting 140 shows to just under 13,000 audience ' members. RTDI was an important and highly beneficial strategic intervention into touring of dance. It built on, and made the best of the existing Infra of. Touring ScheDJes and promoters and systematically addressed the remaining gaps in dance provision in nal are&s. RTDI'epitomises the strategic approach that was behind the introduction of the Strategic Touring programme RTDI started its third iteration mid 2022 with a new project lead from The Place London. The New partners were made up of The Place, NRTF. Take Art. Sonia Sabri Dance and HighIights Rural Touring. The first Artists Lab of this project was held in North Wales and brought together dance artists from the menu, producers, the RTDI & NRTF Teams. RTD12023 -2024 Summary- Shows: Speedwell Danc4 Thutnbelin& Cl]arlotte mclea And. aKa Dance, A Real FictioL Nikki Rummer, Unbroken. Aakash Odedra Company. Little Murn]ur. Extended Play, Donuts. Seven Circles. Club Origami Stats: 79 shows & 3032 Audience Members Annual C nference The annual conference unites stakeholders in rural touring from across the It serves as a platfonn for artists. pnimoters. and rurnl touring schemes to networK share best practices. and Collaborate on enhancing the quality and reach of rural tourin& The Conference features a diverse programme based on a new theme each year, including workshops. panel discussiotLS. and Show& perfonnan¢es, all aimed at fostering Innovatio sustainability and a resilient community within the sector. The conference , proudly promotes and addresses critical issues such as environmcntsl Tesponsibility, sstainablI1ty. diversity, inclusivity and accessibility. (hAr conference is delivered at a competitive and subsidised rate.
NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM MANAGEME[ COMMITTEE REPORT (COIYTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NRTF aspires to be bold in the following artrds: High-quality professional arts experiences suited to local needs and interests Fair partnerships between communities, organisations, artists. and public bodies Creative diversity in artistic Pr0Ming and among our audiences Creative innovation in arts practic4 managemenL and policy Maintaining and developing our unique relationship with thousands of community volunteers Developing an appropriate mindset for NRIF'S role as a strategic and national leader In 2023 the Conference was held in Shrewsbury in June. It w&$ called Integrate. As always what we delivered was ambitious... 3 days of conference 4 different venues inc. a boat an average of100 delegates a day 2 keynote speakers 2 workshops I breakout session artist showcases 4 Ballyhoo artist pitches 4-panel discussions l insta]lation piece I wall(about audio piece A digital showcase 6 meals Who was there? 57 paid guests (60Yo schemes & promoters. 20% artists & perfornjers. 15Yo fimders, producers, arts organisations. 5Yo Other). 50 guests (staff, partÉcipants, board) £4320 of bursaries (16 scheme bursaries, 4 artist bursaries) 400/0 of participants that were included in the programme of this event were diverse andlor had protectsd ¢hara¢teristi¢s based on one or more of the following: disability, gender. rac4 religion or belief, sei and sexual orientation. ommunfieali Ds & Membershi Website NRTF moved its website onto a short-tem) solution platfonn. It has rebuilt functionality and useability for the members and wider sector. A ¢ompTeh¢nsive development plan has en created to guide this process and future developments. It is set to be moved to WordPress next year with training for the team included for in-house usability. Wc a150 undertook a platfornls audit looking at all the systems we use in terms of sustainability, access and incl810
NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM MANAGEMENT COMMThK REPORT (COhlTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Soclal Media NRTF has a new Marketing Coordinator who is managing the newsletter and social media outlets for different purposes- Twitter for live updates on events and general news. Facebook for scheme inforniation and eventy and Instagram for communications to artists. NR1F is buiIding its reach via good quality, valuable content. Vlllage Halls Week NRTF teamed up with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) to celebrate an share the benefit of the UK'S village halls. There was good coverage from schemes in support of the week and good partnership with ACRE. NRTF printed Village Hall Week posters and mail&1 them to all schemes and ACRE members for their venues and members. Membershlp NRTF are well connected to a passionate network of artists perforn)ers, venues. promoters. schemes and partners across the UK who all benefit from ow work. Our network is made up of pro-active, sustainability-focused individuals who live rurally and dedicate their time and ener&y into bringing cultural experiences to their local areffj providing culture and entertainment integral to strengthening rural communiti. Our volunteer-led schemes revitalise village hajls and community centres, bringing joy and a greater sense of belonging and community spirit to the are& Our NRFT memberslbeneficiaries include: 30 rural touring schemes 107 Independent Artists and Promoters 1,650 p¢rforn]ing wups and 331000 audien attendees Measuring success: Through our relationship with Arts Council Englan we are monitored quarterly and measure and record the outputs we achieve against the SMART targets in our 4-year busines5 plan to demonstrate our progre&s towards our charitable aims. We gather qualilative dats on our outcomes by gathering feedback from partners and beneficiarAes we work with and case study interviews with individuals involved in our work with communitie& Member Benefits include trainin& inforniation, and networkin& advice and resources; innovative work, partnerships, and Commissio research and advocacy. grmt schemes and conference discounts. Tralning NRTF regularly provide valuable training to members (at a subsidised Tate) and non-members via our website. We consult with members to contribute ide&s for helpfuvpreferred trainin& and we seek to make this affordable by subsidising where p)ssible.
10 NATIONAL RURAL TOURINC FORIJM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT (Co1INuD) YEARENL DED 31 MARCH 2024 M¢mber Meetlngs NRTF will hold 3 different kinds of online sessions to share expeTtis4 answer questions and open up conversations. Jn total we had over 4(Kl attendances at our events in 202312024. What Next? Rural NRTF nll a What Next? Rural Chapter of the What Nex Culture Movement. This brings all members together in one place. What Next? brings together arts and cultural organisations in the UK to champion and strengthen the role of art and culture in our society. Topics included Equality. Sustainability, Inspiration and Research. NRTF Director is a Director of What Next? Cultur4 sits on the advisory and Chapter Chairs panel for What Next? Culture Member Droplns From February through to November, the first Tuesday of every month. NRTF Members are Invit to drop in on Zoom and ask any questions face to (virtual) fa NRTF Open Spaces These will be more infornial sessions SpecIfilY for topiGs and issues facing artist& promoters and schemes, individually. We hold titled meetin&s for each group to bring their questions for discussion. Scheme Meeting- Newbury. Berkshire 2024 We subsidised Schemes to attend a focus away day at 101 Out Door Arts, Newbury, Berkshire. 50 people attended and it was an evening of dinner and networking followed by a day syTrposium. Throughout the day we discussed two main topics - Theory of change for the language we use and data collection and data colleclion including research and evidence. The main focus was on Environmental impac( acce4 inclusivity and innovation. Provocation: Our sector is pioneering and forging ahead with social and environmental outcomes. Mainly baUse it is intrinsic to how we work. How do we prove this? ects & Intervenlfions Environmentsl Sustsinability In May 2023 we partnered up with Julie's Bicycle to explore the environmental impacts. practices and carbon footprint of Rural Tourin& This led us to dig deeper into environmental sustainability. The headline results of that sur/ey were that schemes. artists and venues across Rural Touring are enthusiastic and willing to do more to lessen their environmental impacL however. we are facing several challenges which is making this wore difficult and highlÈghtiDg the nced for broader local partnerships and infrastructure.
li NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM MANAGEMENT COTrtMrrTEE REPORT (coNfiNUED) YEAR EI4DED 31 MARCH 2024 69Yo of schemes are enthusiasli¢ to gage with artisty venues and audiences more on sustainabilty issues. 81 0/0 of artists reuse and recycl4 set4 props & costumes after a show run and many source materials sustainably. 74 0/0 of venues ty to recycle &$ much as they can. ProfessioDAI Development Opportunttles l Grants NRTF continues to offer Bursaries and Grants for schemes and other members. This includes grants for Go-sees, enabling schemes and promoters to see more worL Access to join the online lab and conferences; and conference bursari¢s. Equ211ty Dlversity & InelusloD NRfF is committed to promoting diversity. preventing discrimination and creating an inclusive working environment for staff. its members, parthers and beneficiari¢& (r EDI Policy underpins NRTF expectations for inclusive values, culture and prxtice. NRTF recognises and values the rich cultural diversity in British society. and we aim to desi and deliver services, policies and communications in ways that do not discriminate against any group or individual. We aim for our annual Conference and all meetings and events run by th'e NRTF solely or in partnership to take place in fully accessible venues. Where potential participants have specific access needs, NRTF will make every effort to ensure accessibility and inclusion, with consideration for disability. neurodivergence. gender, cultural and religious inclusion, including facilities, communication. and dietary requirement& As a team, we have had to work with neuro-divergent workfowe trainin& In NRTPS role &s an IPSO, we have specific activitie5 Plann to meet our tsrget to advance EDI. Outputs include: Keep toolkits and case studies up to date for liknry services Keep and share an Upt{date list of useful resour created by external organisatio$ Support for rural touring and nwal creative COD]munities to be collaborative and resilient ensuring it access to opportunities and resources to build extISe to meet evolving needs Exploration into the need for additional tools and docutnents. to creats additional resourLVS Support the sector to program a more diverse range of work and topics Highlighting shows that represent more diverse content and individuals. Via the conference programmin& which has a policy to feature artists with protected characteristics. Generate governance review to enable and encourage diversity NRTF to continue to diversify the Board Explore and understand the needs ofthe sector by using qUlty dats to promotè inclusivity Strategies to enable the board, workforce. Voluntee and audiences to be more rtpresentative of the communiti&g where we work
12 NATIONAL RIJRAL TOURING FORIJM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT (coNrtNUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Key developments for the organisatlon Since 2022 NRIF has been on a path of development and growds wbich has required investtnent to incre&se staff capacity, and therefore company ovethead4 to effectively reach a broader network. NRTF wants to expand quality output for a more resilienL diverse and sustainable nnl touring sector and has reCognid the need to increase our team expertise to do this effectively. The board of NRTF remained stable during 2023124 with trustees representing the touring scheme. voluntary promoter and producer and artist sectors. NRTF underwent a thorough call-out and recruitment process for new Board members, which resulted in another 2 new Trustees being appointed. They officially minuted to be on board at the 2024 AGM. The strengthening of NRTF governance to include companies and perfornier4 voluntary promoters, and representatives from across the UK enables NRTF to advocat¢ for a dJTWmiC and thriving small-scale sector. NRIF Director and Board have been reviewing the systen]s and polici¢5. It has been a yearlong foundation-building process to redef¢ outcomes and deliverables and to Complete the Arts Council England funding application. NRTF has undergone a series of recruitments. Our ProJt and Conference Manager stood down in September 2023 and it led to a restructur¢ of roles. 2022123 - In post Director Finance Manager Project Manager (left Sept 23) Administrator & Communications AssisLqnt (Joined De¢ 2022- Mar 2023) RTDI Coordinator (joined Feb 2023) 2023124 - successfully recruited Membership Manager (joined December 2023) RTDI NRTF Marketing (joined April 2023) 20245 -To be recruited Conference Manager 2-day pw Funding Manager l-day pw Press Manager l.day pw FlnADcial Revlew It is the policy of the Charity to n1n]n unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the Charity, at a level which equates to approximately six months unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient fimd5 to cover manag¢ment and administration and support costs. The charity has increased the amount held on reserve from £35.000 to £39,000 and pla$ a year-on-year increa8e over the next 2 years of the new IPSO.
13 NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORIJM MANAGEIKENT CoilirrEE REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR EIIDED 31 MARCH 2024 This is thc first year &8 an IPSO (Investment Principal Support (ganisatIon) of the Arts Council England (the twelfth ycar of regular fundin&). The Charity received £154J08 represènting uplift in regll1 funding of £66.132. I)w7ng the previous year the Charity received its eleventh NPO grdnt from Arts Council England receiving (2022123 £88,176. 2021r22 £88,176. 2020lll £88.176. 2019120 £86.583. 2018119 £85,583. 2017118 £86,583, 2016117 £86,583. 2015116 £86,583. 2014115 £86.583. 2013114 £86233, 2012113 £86,000). MeMbhIP fees for the year totslled £18259. The Chartty is not rcliant on donation& Stroeture, Governance and Management: Governin dwument: The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 18 February 1997 and registered as a charity on 14 May 1997. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association wbich established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is govemed under its Artic1&8 of Association. Trnstee selection meth ds: New TnteeS are presented at the Annual GeneraI Meeting in accordance with the terms laid down in NRTF'S Memorandum and Articles of Associatio This EM)ard of management are the tnte¢S of the Charity. Decisions are made by the board of maoagement at quarterly meetings. The board of . n]anagement reports on work undertakeffj future and present financial accounts to the membership at the Annual General Meetin& No more than 14 and not less than 6 posons may be elected. One third of the trustees must retire from office at each AGM. The members to retire shall be those longest in office since their last election. These members are eligible for re-electio Additional overnance i&8ues'. The Charity is governed by a board of management who are elected to office by the iiiembership of NRTF at thc AGM. This board elects a Chair for the organisatio At 2023 AGM the following actions tk place: _ Board members stepping down pern}antty this year are Dawn Badland from Applause Rural Touring aft¢r 21 Yea of support & Ed O'Driscoll from Air in G after 9 years of support. Wc fonnally recognise the work they have put in and thank them for their support over the years. ,' The following members. as longest standing mcmbcrs of the boar¢ arc stcpping down and are to re- Clccted: Tom SpeighL Chair Chris Bridgman Emyr Bell
14 IYATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORIJM mANAGE1ENT COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NRTF has undergonc a thorough and opcn TCCTUitm¢nt drive for new Board Tnes. We had 15 applications and have 8grecd to apwiot 7 new trustees throughout the last year. At the October AGM NRTF officially swore in the following new Board members- Danny Pedlar- Take Art Kerry Bartlett- ArtsReach Claire Marshall - Promoter (previously of Carn to Covc) Hannah Prior- Arts Alive Nicola Pollard- Theatre Director Sita Brand - PADducer Lindsay Higgins - Promoter Board Meetings Four full board meetings were held during the year 23r24. In additio subgroup meetings were held between board meetings &s needed. A Board Away Day was held at loi Outdoor in Newbury in February 2024 to discu&$ the new structure, financial review and fimding applicatio and reporting obligations. Responsibilities of the Management Committee The management committee (who are also directors of National Rural Touring Fonlln for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the annuaI report and the fllHicial statements in accordance with applicable law and the Ullited Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Genernlly Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the management con)mittee to prepare fiDancial statements for each fitIcIaL year, which give a true and fair view of affairs ofthe charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statementy thc JJaTogement con]n]ittee are required to: Select suitable pollcies and then apply them consistently, Observe the methods aDd principl ofthe Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102)" Make judgements and estimat¢s that arc reasonable and prudent" State whether applithle UK Acwunting Standard8 have been follow subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial stat¢ments; Prepare the financial statements on the going concern b&sis lln1 it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable compally will continue in operatio The management committee are responsibIe for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charilable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also reSpolbEe for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention aDd dettion of fraud and other irregulaTities.
15 NATIONAL RURAL TOURINC FORUM MANACEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT (CONTINUED) YEAR ELED 31 MARCH 2024 This report has been prepared taking advantage of the small company exemption of Section 415A of the Companies Act 2006. g{...J.1 /i*........ This report was approved by the Board on ....... by and Sied on theAr behalf Tom Speight (Chair)........... ..
16 INDEPE1¥DE EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENf coM[rr[ ON THE UNAUDrrED FINANCLIL STATEMEIYTS OF NATIONAL RIIRAL TOURING FORUM I i¢port to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pa 17 to 26. RespoDsibllitle8 and basis of report As the charity tn of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act.). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the LX)mpany are not Tequired to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your company's accounts &$ carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act'}. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by th¢ Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the company's gross income ex¢eeAled £250.0 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confinn that l am qualified to undertake th¢ examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in EngIand and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any materia] respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the company &8 required by section 386 of the 2006 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'tnR and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination: or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordanrx with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recomrnended Practice for accounting and reEX>rting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drnwn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reache Mrs M Hlltchfings Apsleys Chartered Accountants 21 Bxmpton Street Tiverton Devon Date: IEK K%¢TL4-
17 NATIONAL RURAL TOURINC FORUM sTATEMEr OF FtNANCIAL AcfIvTrIEs (INCORPORATING INCOTrtE AND EXPEf4DITURLACCOtJN YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Notes funds Totsl funds Total funds Income Grants receivable from governrnent and other public bodies 155,448 155,448 121J49 Investment income Income from trading activities: Trading activities within the objects Membership fees Total income 651 651 118 62,510 19,633 18.259 193,991 82,143 18.259 256,501 33,367 17,378 172,212 62,510 Expendlture Grants payable Other direct charitsble expenditure Management of the charity Administration of the charity Totsl expenditure 9,459 42,531 97,804 4.952 154 746 9.459 84.995 97,804 4,952 197,210 3.753 109.363 79.801 6,814 42,464 Iyet Ineomd(expendhure) for th¢ year 20.046 39,245 59291 (27,519) Transfers Net movement in funds 20.046 39.245 59,291 27,519 Funds blf at l April 2023 Funds clf at 31 March 2024 9,049 29,095 75.875 115,120 84,924 144,215 112,443 84,924
18 NATIONAL RURAL TOI)RtNG FORUM BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2024 Notes 2024 2023 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Amounts falling due within one year Cash at bank and in hand 4.366 144.068 148,434 12.057 79.945 92,002 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRE1 ASSETS 4,219 144,215 7,078 84,924 Represented by Restricted Unrestricted TOTAL FUNDS 29.095 115,120 144.215 9,049 75,875 84,924 For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Sm1 companies. Directors. responsibilities: the members have not required the company to obtsin an audit of its attounts for the year in question in cOrdanCe with seclion 476. the directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to arxounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to cornpanies subject to the small companies. regime. The financial statements were approved and a by the Management Committee on ... thorised for issue and signed on its by: Tom Speight (Chair) Director Company reglstration Dumber 03319947 The notes on pages 19 to 26 forni part of these fuwicial statements.
19 NATIONAL RiJRAL TOURING FORUM N(yfES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR EIWED 31 MARCH 2024 L Sllmmary of Signifillt a0ting w)]ieies (a) Ceneral inforniation and bgsis of preparatio National Rural Touring Forum is a private company limited by guarantee and doe5 not have a Share capital. The company is registered charity in England within the United Kingdom. In the event of being wound up, the liability in respect ofthe guardntee is limited to £1 per meinber of the clwity. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity &$ defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and RcportAng by Charitics: Statement of Recommended Practice applicablc to tharitics preparing their accounts in accord2nce with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 (as updated through Update Bulletin I published on 2 February 2016), the Charities Act 2011, the Compani&8 Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Acwunting PrtiCe. The financial statements are Prepared on a going concern basis under the historid cost conventio odified to include certain items at fair value. The financial sLgtements are presented in sterling which is the functional currenoy of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. The significant acCottlng policies applied in the preparation of these financial',statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented illlless otherwise Stated. (b) Funds Unrestricted fiLnds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been desigoated for other purposes. Restricted funds are fimds which are to be usd in acc0Tdate with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The eost of raising and (c) Income recognition All incoming rcsources are included in the Statement of FinaDcial Activities (SiiFA) when the charity is legally entitl to the income after any pcrfOrnW conditions have been meL the amount can be me&8ured reliably and it Is probable tIt the income will be receivpAI. No amount is includ¢d in the financial statements for volunteer timc in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Income from trading activitie5 includc5 income earned from fundraising events aod trading activities to raise fLmds for thc charity. Income is received in exchangc for supplying goods and services in order to raise fimds and is recOlsed when entitlement has occurr&i
20 NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR EIWED 31 MkRCH 2024 Income from government and other grants are reCognisl at fair value when the chlty has 'J• entitlement after any perfOrnkn rA)nditions have been meL it is probable that the income will be received and the atnount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are defeTrd. (d) Expenditure recognition All expenditure is accounted for on an accnlS basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings: Grants payable: Expenditure on charitable activities Management of the Charity" and Administration of the clwity. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose. Grants payable to third parties are within the cbaritable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grdn( this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants: Where grants are conditional relating to perfoman¢e then the grant is only accrued when any utthilfilled conditions are outside of the control of the charity. (e) Calb C8sh and osh equivalents are basic fjnancial assets and include cash in han deposits held at call with banks, other short-tern] liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. (fj Debtors and creditors reeelvable I payable within One year Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impainn¢nt are rewised in expenditure. (g) Tax The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitsble company for UK rporatIOn tax purposes. (h) Golng concern The trustccs have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operdtional existence foi thc foreseeable future. Thus the tnjstees continue to adopt the going concern b&8is of accounting in pparing the financial statements.
21 NATIONAL RI]RAL TOURING FORUM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR EM)ED 31 MARCH 2024 Net movement In funds Net movement in funds is stated after chargin 2024 2023 Amounts paid to examiner for The preparation of the financial statements Independent examination 952 864 3,306 Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments Other debtors 3,050 495 821 5,842 5J94 821 12,057 Creditor8 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals Other Creditors 1,609 1200 410 4.219 4.743 1.920 415 7,078 5. Dlrectors remuneratlon 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social sexurity costs Pension costs 90,157 1,983 1,879 59,007 781 1.375 61.163 Average number of employees There are no employees with emoluments above £60,0. The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the employee. The costs for the year was £1,879 (2023 £1,375).
22 NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM NOTES TO THE FINANCLiL STATEMEIYTS YEAR EIYDED 31 MARCH 2024 Grants paid to institutions Professional Development CPD Conference Bursaries Scheme Meeting Sector Training Neurodiversity Sector Training Bradford Producers Forum Total CPD 2024 2023 2.820 1,234 870 1.500 200 1.700 4.924 Edinburg1 Brigbton Village Hall Highlights Cheshire Live & Local Artsreach Spot On Lancashire Theatre Orchard ArtERY Villages in Action Creative Art east Applause Rural Arts NY Arts Out West Cam to Cove Total Edinburgld Brlghton 285 400 1,950 400 400 400 300 400 169 365 400 400 319 400 2,053 4,535 Total Grants Awarded 9.459 3.753 Restrleted funds 2024 2023 SRTD12 Balance at 1st April 2023 Grants Receivable Contributed Income Transfer of funds (to Core) Less Direct Charitable expenditure NSRTD12 Balance at 3 1st March 2024 (7.592) 20.843 600 (681) 13,170 Libraries Pro"ect Balance as at 1st April 2023 Grants receivable Transfer of funds to Core Less Direct Charltable expenditure Librdries Project Balance as at 31 March 2024 34.341 7,770 (7,500) (34,611
NATIONAL RIJRAL TOURING FORUM NOTES TO THE FINAIYCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RTD13 Balance at l April 2023 Contributed Income Less Direct Charitable expenditure RTD13 Balance at 31 March 2024 9,049 62.510 (42.464) 29.095 10.792 1.743 9,049 Total Restricted funds at 3 Ist March 2024 29,095 9,049 & Unrestricted funds 2024 2023 Balance at l April 2023 Surplus for the year Transfer Balance at 31 March 2024 75,875 39,245 85,694 (9,819) I I'5,120 75,875 Analysis of Det assets between fands Restricted Unr&stricted fiuids Total 2024 Funds balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Current agsets Current liabilities 29.095 119,339 4.219 115 120 148,434 4,219 144,215 29.095 10. Related party transaetiom No officials of the Charity were remunerated for their services. 11. MaDagemeDt commlttee members remuneratlon and penSeS Nil remuneration was paid to committee members for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: Nil). £1.775 expenses were reimbursed to committee members for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £1,528).
24 NATIONAL RIJRAL TOURING FORIJM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMINTS YEAR EIYDED 31 MARCH 2024 INCOME AIW EXPENDrruRE AccouNr 2024 2023 Income Grant Income: Arts Council England NPO Equality Diversity Inclusion 154,308 1,140 88.176 4,560 155,448 92,736 Restricted Incorne: NSRTDI (2) Grdnt Income: Arts Council England Totsl 20,843 20,843 Restricted Income: Lib1¢$ Project Grant Income Arts Council England 7.770 7,770 Total Restricted Grant tncome 28,613 Total Grant Income 155,448 121J49 NSRTDI (2) Contributed Income RTDI (3) Contributed and Earned Income Unrestricted Income Earned Income: Membership Fees Trading activities within the objects: Bank Interest Conference Buxton Schemes Interim Touring Management RTDI (3) 600 62,510 10,792 18259 17,378 651 14,758 118 17,725 1,250 3.000 4,875 Training Fees Donations Furlough Total Unrestricted Income 38.543 39.471 Total Earned and Contrlbuted Income 101,053 50,863 Balance earrAed fonvard 25@501 172,212
25 NATIONAL RURAL TOURING FORUM 2024 2023 Balance BF 256WI 172212 Restricted funds: NSRTDI (2) Marketing Audience Dev Development Artistic Costs Overheads Total 500 ,1,900 9,550 .1,901 13,851 Restricted Funds: Libraries ProjKt CPD Grants Project Management Project Expenditure 1,900 8,765 31.446 42,111 Restricted Funds: R1DI Q) Total expenditure 42.464 1.743 42.464 1.743 Total Restricted funds 42,464 57,705
26 NATIONAL RiJRAL TOURING FORUM 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds: Grants able: Edinburgh Village Hau I¥ofessional Development Grants Unconscious Bias Total 4.535 4,924 2,053 1,700 9.459 3,753 Other direct charitable activi Dance Director feelexp Touring Projects Conferen¢¢ 1,650 34.320 8,000 1,448 31,060 8,000 1481 990 RTDI (3) Advocacy Digital Resources Research and Development Artists Lab Diversity Audit Julie's Bicycle Tota] 1.920 4,320 42,531 51,658 ana Finances Staff Salary/ T&xl Nll Pension Staff Travel Governancel Board Meetings1 Travev Subsisten Staff CPD and Membership Communications/Admin Manager Insuranc Project Manager Stafflng Costs (ND Fundraising Total ent of the chari 10,000 42,539 4,843 4.454 2,141 23,162 942 5,450 4.273 9,900 40,878 2,899 4,126 709 9,616 934 9.958 781 97.804 79,801 Administration of the cha Printing Postage Stationery. Office Costs Web Desi Hostin Maintenance AccountanGy Fees Totsl 1.623 455 2,874 1,624 2,380 2.810 4,952 6,814 Total unrestricted 154,746 142.026 Total expenditure 197210 199.731 Excess of incon]e over expenditure 59.291 (27.519)