Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
Registered number: 03469264 Charity number: 1067245
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 11 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 12 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
| Balance Sheet | 14 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 15 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 16 - 38 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Trustees | Mr S J Hilton, Chair |
|---|---|
| Ms R C di Corpo, Interim Chair until 20 May 2024 | |
| Mr P A Reiff-Musgrove, Treasurer | |
| Mr J M Abro (resigned 5 October 2024) | |
| Ms L K Alston | |
| Ms V J Harrison | |
| Ms K A Hunter | |
| Mr E Matthies | |
| Ms T J Nichols (resigned 25 November 2024) | |
| Ms M Ali (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Ms A Ayrapetyan (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Ms S Boud (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Ms A J Bulmer (appointed 11 November 2024) | |
| Mr E R Green (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Mr C Lewis (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Ms A J McEwan (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Mr S J Taylor (appointed 7 November 2024) | |
| Mr L McHugh (appointed 6 June 2025) | |
| Company registered number 03469264 Charity registered number 1067245 Registered office Thomas Pocklington Trust 3 Queen Square London WC1N 3AR Company secretary Natasha Bucknor MBE (until 3 April 2024) Claire Saddleton (appointed 1 May 2024) Chief executive officer Natasha Bucknor MBE (until 3 April 2024) Claire Saddleton (appointed 1 May 2024) Independent Examiner MHA Chartered Accountants Charter Court Phoenix Way Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9FS Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees report and a directors’ report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practise (SORP) 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).
Since the charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
VocalEyes was established as a company limited by guarantee on 21 November 1997 and is both a registered charity and a registered company. Its affairs are governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and the liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.
Appointment of trustees
The Trustees of the charity are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law, and any reference to Trustees is, therefore, also a reference to directors. Those who served during the year, and up to the date of this report, were:
Mr S J Hilton, Chair (appointed Interim Chair on 20 May 2024; confirmed as Chair on 17 February 2025) Mr P A Reiff-Musgrove, Treasurer
Ms L K Alston Ms R C di Corpo Trustee (served as Interim Chair until 20 May 2024) Ms V J Harrison Ms K A Hunter Mr E Matthies Mr J M Abro (resigned 5 October 2024) Ms T J Nichols (resigned 25 November 2024) Ms A Masuma (appointed 7 November 2024) Ms A Ayrapetyan (appointed 7 November 2024) Ms S Boud (appointed 7 November 2024) Ms A J Bulmer (appointed 11 November 2024) Mr E R Green OBE (appointed 7 November 2024) Mr C Lewis (appointed 7 November 2024) Ms A J McEwan (appointed 7 November 2024) Mr S J Taylor (appointed 7 November 2024)
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the charitable company. All Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration for their role, although they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties.
Trustees are appointed by an ordinary resolution. Whenever the number of Trustees is fewer than three, new Trustees must be appointed to bring the number up to three. Until otherwise determined by a General Meeting, the number of Trustees shall not exceed 30.
At every Annual General Meeting, the longest-serving Trustees (chosen alphabetically if necessary), to the extent of one-third of the Trustees for the time being, shall retire and become eligible for reappointment. Trustees may serve for an initial period of three years, and a retiring trustee may serve for one further term of three years. Exceptionally, Trustees who have served two terms may be asked to continue.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Methods adopted for the recruitment, induction and training of new trustees
Trustees are recruited through various networks within the arts and charity sectors. Before appointment, a prospective Trustee meets with the Chair and Chief Executive for a full briefing and attends a Board meeting as an observer before formally joining.
New Trustees receive an induction that may include: an organisational briefing with the Chief Executive, attendance at a team meeting, access to governance training, participation in visual awareness and guiding training, and attending an audio-described (AD) theatre performance or an AD tour at a museum or heritage site.
Where relevant, new Trustees may also be assigned an existing Trustee as a peer support contact during their first year.
Organisational structure
The Board of Trustees administers the charity. All major decisions are made by the Trustees, who usually meet four times a year, as well as attending an annual Board and Staff awayday. In between Board meetings, the Chief Executive Officer meets with individual Trustees or groups of Trustees, as appropriate, to discuss issues or make decisions. A scheme of delegation is in place, and day-to-day responsibility for the affairs of the charity (including operational matters) rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
Natasha Bucknor MBE stepped down as Interim Chief Executive Officer on 3 April 2024, remaining in a freelance capacity to support the handover to a new Chief Executive. The Trustees note their sincere thanks to Natasha for her leadership during this period. Claire Saddleton joined the charity on a permanent contract as Chief Executive Officer from 1 May 2024, following a phased handover period during April.
Related parties
There are no related or connected parties. However, VocalEyes maintains a close relationship with Stagetext, a charitable company that provides captioning for cultural events to support people who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing. VocalEyes also has a positive relationship with the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT), a charity that supports blind and partially sighted people. TPT generously provides access to office facilities at the TPT Hub in central London, which the VocalEyes team uses on a hybrid basis for regular in-person meetings and collaborative working.
Governance
Stephen Hilton was appointed Interim Chair on 20 May 2024 and confirmed as Chair at the Board meeting on 17 February 2025, following an internal recruitment process. He is the founder and Director of City Global Futures Ltd, with a background in Fine Art and extensive experience in creative technologies. Stephen brings a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion, alongside expertise in sustainable and equitable urban development.
“I’m delighted to take on the role of Chair at VocalEyes, a charity that plays a vital role in ensuring access to theatre, museums, and galleries for blind and visually impaired people. As someone with lifelong experience of severe sight impairment, a deep passion for the arts, and a background in technology and innovation, I’m committed to ensuring that VocalEyes continues to evolve to meet the needs of the communities it serves. The arts should be for everyone, and I look forward to working with the team to expand our impact and reach.”
The Board extends its sincere thanks to Rebecca di Corpo, who served as Interim Chair until 20 May 2024, for her dedicated leadership and guidance during a significant period of change for the organisation.
With several trustee terms concluding over the coming years, the Board and the new Chief Executive Officer initiated an open recruitment process for new VocalEyes Trustees. The opportunity was widely advertised, resulting in a high volume of interest. All applicants who identified as disabled were guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. A total of 16 candidates were interviewed, and in recognition of their strength and suitability, the Board resolved to appoint eight new trustees, facilitating a period of handover and knowledge sharing with the existing Board.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
New trustees appointed:
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Masuma Ali : An RNIB professional with experience in organising accessible activities for blind and partially sighted individuals, bringing both professional and lived experience to the Board.
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Anna Ayrapetyan : Chartered FCSI wealth management specialist with a strong passion for socially accessible initiatives, cultural engagement, and inclusion—committed to enhancing accessibility within the arts sector.
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Sarah Boud : An experienced fundraising manager with over 20 years in the sector, committed to making the arts more inclusive through various fundraising strategies.
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Alex Bulmer : A Canadian-born blind writer, theatre maker, actor, and educator with over 35 years of experience, known for founding numerous Deaf and Disability Arts programmes.
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Ed Green OBE : An experienced civil service leader who has been totally blind all his life, bringing a deep understanding of accessibility and organisational governance.
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Chris Lewis : A telecoms industry analyst for 40 years, offering insights into the telecoms world and emerging digital landscapes and based on his lived blind experience, advocating for inclusive design and accessibility.
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Alex McEwan : An internationally exhibited interdisciplinary artist and founder of Albatross Arts CIC, focusing on inclusive arts practices and social change.
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Stephen Taylor : An experienced professional in audio description production and accessibility regulation, having joined Ofcom in 2014 with a commitment to ensuring high standards of inclusive practice in broadcasting
Trustee Jonathan Abro stepped down in October 2024, and Trustee Timandra Nichols stepped down in November 2024. Both made significant contributions to VocalEyes during their terms, and the company thanks them for all their work and support.
Following the Board and Staff awayday in June 2024, and the appointment of new Trustees in October, the Board agreed to establish three new sub-groups to support the organisation in delivering its strategic priorities:
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Finance and Risk
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Access and New Technology
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Data, Audiences and Communications
Each group meets regularly and includes both Trustees and staff members, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility across the organisation.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives and purpose of the charity as per its governing document are to promote, maintain, improve and advance education particularly for blind and visually impaired people by the development and provision of, and increasing access to, audio description (AD) services for the arts and heritage.
Belief
VocalEyes believes that blind and visually impaired people should have the best possible opportunities to experience and enjoy art and heritage.
Mission
Our mission is to support the arts and heritage sectors to welcome blind and visually impaired people as a core audience. We work with arts and heritage venues to increase the opportunities that they provide for blind and visually impaired audiences and visitors at performances, events in galleries, special exhibitions, heritage sites, and online. We believe that cultural participation enriches people's lives and brings a range of positive outcomes:
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
improved individual health and well-being; enhanced social interaction self-esteem and confidence. Blind and visually impaired people have as much a right to these as any UK citizen resident or visitor.
Staff
Claire Saddleton joined the charity as Chief Executive Officer on a permanent contract from 1 May 2024, following a phased handover in April. Claire previously spent over a decade at Arts Council England, most recently as a Senior Relationship Manager in the London Theatre Team, where she focused on audience engagement, strategic partnerships, and placemaking. Her earlier roles include leading the See-A-Voice project, delivered by VocalEyes and Stagetext, and serving as Access Manager at Graeae Theatre Company, where she helped pioneer inclusive theatre practice.
Following a structural review, the core responsibilities of the Programme Officer role were reconfigured and divided between two new part-time positions, each working three days per week. In December 2024, Matthew Walker was appointed as Administrator and Projects Coordinator, and Jasmine Cole was appointed as Theatre Programme Coordinator. Both appointments have brought valuable capacity, skills, sector knowledge, and lived experience to the team. Emma Toko’s fixed-term contract as Programme Officer concluded in December 2024.
ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 2024 to 2025
The activities undertaken by the charity in relation to its purpose, as set out in the governing document, and in furtherance of public benefit are outlined below. In planning and delivering current and future work, the trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The trustees would like to thank all funders and individuals who supported the work of VocalEyes throughout the year. The collaboration and generosity of many Trusts and Foundations, both large and small, remain essential to the organisation’s continued resilience and social impact.
The year 2024–25 marked VocalEyes’ second year as an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO), following its previous designation as a National Portfolio Organisation. During this period, we were invited to apply for extension funding to cover the 2026–27 financial year. In June 2025, we received confirmation of continued funding, which included a 1.16% inflationary uplift.
As one of 34 IPSO organisations funded from 2023-2026, VocalEyes supports the sector to engage with Arts Council England’s four investment principles. Our mission is closely aligned to the Inclusivity and Relevance principle, and alongside delivering services with, by, and for blind and visually impaired people, we continue to play an advocacy and leadership role, shaping attitudes and building sector capacity.
Our communities
VocalEyes collaborates with three interrelated communities to fulfil its mission. First and foremost, we work with and for blind and visually impaired people, who are our primary community and central focus. Secondly, we engage with the arts and heritage community to support, promote, and advocate for the inclusion of blind and visually impaired people in a wide range of cultural activities. Thirdly, we collaborate with and are supported by a community of freelance describers, trainers, technicians, and support workers, both sighted and visually impaired, who help us deliver a consistent and high-quality service.
Audience development and engagement
Alongside our core audio description and training services, VocalEyes promotes opportunities for blind and visually impaired people to access a wide range of arts and heritage events, from local museum tours to West End productions. We share both our own and partner-led accessible events through our website, social media, and regular subscriber communications.
Our audience development work during the year focused on expanding our digital reach across social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram. By adopting a more person-centred approach to our content, we have been able to better engage with blind and visually impaired audiences, as well as professionals working in
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
the sector.
Through our content, we have highlighted different elements of the audio-described experience for example, touch tours at English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker ; how to access introductory notes via our website listings; and live audio-described tours such as one delivered at the London Wetland Centre. We have also encouraged our audience to share their own testimonies of attending audio-described events. Over the year:
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Our Facebook following grew by 14.1% reaching a total of 1,810 . The page received 32.8k views .
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On Instagram , we saw a 123.7% increase in followers to reach 897 . The page received 15.6k views .
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Our LinkedIn professional network also expanded, ending the year with 1,314 followers .
We also maintained a strong presence at exhibitions within the sight loss sector. These included Sight Village events in Birmingham, Leeds, and London, as well as smaller regional events such as the Low Vision Day at St Thomas' Hospital. These exhibitions provide valuable opportunities to introduce accessible arts events to new audiences and to network with professionals from the sector.
Following connections made at Sight Village, we attended RNIB Visual Impairment Forum meetings in Peterborough and Cambridge. At the Leeds exhibition, we shared a stand with Mind’s Eye, helping attendees learn about a wider range of audio description services beyond VocalEyes.
"Since losing my sight in my twenties, which was unexpected, it’s been wonderful to discover an organisation like VocalEyes. They make it possible for me to attend theatre, museums, galleries and much more alongside my sighted family and friends."
- Theatre patron and Eye Matter Trustee.
Through exhibition attendance, community engagement, and increased social media visibility, our mailing list has grown to 1,762 subscribers, an increase of 337 from the previous year. Subscribers receive a monthly "What’s On" email newsletter with updates and upcoming audio-described performances. We also distribute a quarterly "What’s On" guide by email, with accessible formats available in clear print, braille, and audio via USB drive.
Our peer support group for blind and visually impaired people working in the cultural sector was renamed VIVID (Visual Voices in Diversity), a name chosen by members to reflect its inclusive values. The group continues to grow, with plans to raise its profile and expand support in the coming year. The VocalEyes User Group, made up of blind and visually impaired audience members who advise on our services, also met regularly throughout the year.
Museums, galleries and heritage programme
VocalEyes continued its involvement in The Sensational Museum partnership during 2024–25. This £1 million project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, builds on the concept of Sensory Gain , developed by Professor Hannah Thompson (Royal Holloway, University of London). The project brings together partners from academia, the museum sector, and access organisations to explore how access provision can be redesigned to benefit all museum audiences. Eleven pilot museums across the UK are testing Sensational Museum models for co-created exhibition interventions and for incorporating sensory experiences into collections management.
During 2024–25, the Museums, Galleries and Heritage Programme delivered 22 training courses, supporting organisations to improve the accessibility of their collections and venues for blind and visually impaired visitors.
A highlight of the year was an enquiry from a museum professional in Norway who had attended VocalEyes training a decade earlier and requested a refresher. We subsequently delivered two courses in Kristiansand for approximately 20 museum staff from venues across South Norway. Closer to home, we delivered training for clients across England and Scotland, including the Black Country Living Museum, Vindolanda, Petersfield Museum, the V&A, and Turner’s House.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
"The session was both informative and fun. The trainers were really welcoming, they put the group at ease, encouraging questions, and left us fizzing with ideas."
- Museums, Galleries and Heritage training client.
Recorded guides remain in demand: this year we produced 21 audio-described guides for venues including Tate Modern, the Grant Museum of Zoology, and Science Gallery London.
Our work with the V&A extended into consultation and editorial support for an upcoming recorded AD guide for their Design and Disability exhibition (opening June 2025). A similar collaboration was completed with the National Gallery, where we supported staff in scripting 37 new artwork descriptions.
We also worked with several natural heritage-focused clients, including a live tour at the London Wetland Centre, and training delivered for the Highland Wildlife Park (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland) and the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden.
The number of live audio-described tours delivered this year was six, reflecting a planned shift towards training and recorded formats. This strategic move supports venues to develop in-house expertise and deliver their own tours, creating a more sustainable model for long-term access.
Theatre and live performance programme
In 2024–25, VocalEyes delivered 269 live audio-described performances, an all-time high for the organisation. This achievement was made during a year that also saw a restructuring of the staff team, reflecting the team's adaptability and commitment to service delivery, and the resilience of our freelance network.
A standard VocalEyes audio-described performance includes a recorded audio introduction (also available in print), a pre-show touch tour offering access to the set, props, and costumes, live introductory notes, and the live audio description itself, delivered by one or two professional describers and broadcast through headsets during the performance.
Technical setup support is also provided to venues as needed. Audience attendance increased slightly compared to the previous year. The average number of blind and visually impaired audience members per show rose from 5.2 to 5.4, and average companion attendance increased from 4.9 to 5.2. The highest-attended individual performance was Fiddler on the Roof at London’s Regent’s Park Theatre, which attracted a combined audience of 66 blind and visually impaired individuals and their companions.
Highlights from the year included large-scale and high-profile productions such as Spirited Away at the London Coliseum, MJ The Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular at AO Arena, Manchester. These events demonstrated both the breadth of VocalEyes' reach and the growing demand for accessible performances at venues of all scales.
"I’ve just attended the touch tour for Tina the Musical … I’m totally blind, can’t see at all... I’ve attended a lot of VocalEyes performances in the past and really enjoyed them. I think that without the audio description, there’d be no point in me going to the theatre - it would just be too difficult."
-Theatre audience member
In addition to delivering audio description services, VocalEyes continued to provide both formal and informal advice and consultancy to venues, independent artists, and producers, while also advocating for improved access for blind and visually impaired audiences across digital platforms, professional networks, and sector events.
“It was so lovely chatting with you today. It has already made my brain pop off with ideas! Thank you so much for
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
all this information, this is really helpful!”
- Individual artist and choreographer
FUTURE PLANS
This remains a time of transition for VocalEyes, as we continue to evolve under new leadership and take the opportunity to refine our priorities and processes. With generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are preparing to deliver a significant national project that will deepen engagement, expand access, and drive innovation across the heritage sector.
Key priorities for 2025–26 include:
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Co-creation of audio description in Heritage: Through our national project, we will bring together participants from heritage venues and local partners such as Sight Loss Councils. Working in collaboration, they will cocreate, script, and record descriptions of objects or artworks from museum collections. These will be shared online and through pop-up exhibitions at participating venues. Up to 120 new audio descriptions will be created, increasing access to a wide range of cultural items and spaces.
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Diversifying the workforce: In partnership with the National Theatre, we will train a cohort of new describers from Black and global majority backgrounds, with the aim of broadening representation within the field and better reflecting the diversity of stories and audiences we serve.
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Expanding audience development: We will place particular focus on reaching less engaged or underrepresented communities, working in partnership with local networks, particularly in London, to strengthen cultural inclusion and participation.
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Enhancing digital access and infrastructure: We will create new resources and develop a new website to improve user experience and increase the accessibility and reach of our services.
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Exploring innovation and technology: We will work with partners to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can be integrated into our services to enhance the user experience and deliver sustainable, high-quality access solutions.
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Internal development: We will continue to review and streamline internal processes to improve efficiency and free capacity, while developing our consultancy, advocacy, and training services in the UK and internationally to embed inclusive, high-quality access as a right for all disabled people.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total income for the year was £751,612 (2024: £788,598), and total expenditure was £749,850 (2024: £832,904), resulting in a net outcome of £1,762 (2024: £44,306 deficit).
The leadership transition and interim arrangements during 2023–24 affected the organisation’s ability to replenish both unrestricted and restricted reserves. While significant efforts were made during 2024–25 to refresh and expand fundraising activity, the financial impact of this work will be more visible in 2025–26.
Costs associated with delivering activities across all programme areas have continued to rise. Although client fees are reviewed annually, there remains a clear imperative to keep services affordable and accessible.
The ahead of budget unrestricted financial result for 2024–25 was largely due to the strong performance of the Theatre Programme, improved results in Museums, Galleries and Heritage, and cost savings across the organisation.
The positive variance in the Museums programme was supported by the receipt of a significant payment early in the year for a long-running project, the majority of costs for which had already been recognised in the previous financial year.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Debtor balances remain low due to tight credit control.
Designated funds
During the year, the Trustees reviewed the charity’s designated funds. The Board resolved to undesignate funds that were no longer required for their original purpose, and to designate new funds to support planned activities in the period 2025–2027.
As a result of these decisions, there was a net decrease of £58,691 in designated funds, as shown in the Statement of Funds (see note 15).
Reserves policy
The Trustees maintain a target level of free reserves to protect the charity against unexpected reductions in income or unforeseen expenditure, ensuring continuity of core services during periods of uncertainty. The reserves policy has been reviewed during the year in line with Charity Commission guidance.
For 2025–26, the target level of free reserves is set at £100,000. At year end, unrestricted reserves stood at £185,700, comprising designated funds of £35,001 and free reserves of £150,699. The current level of free reserves is above the target, placing the charity in a stable financial position as it enters the next financial year.
Fundraising
VocalEyes is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and the charity has ‘committed to follow the Code of Fundraising Practice and the Fundraising Promise.
To help ensure the availability of ongoing funds to support its work, VocalEyes aims to maintain a diverse and sustainable funding base. This includes seeking donations from the public via the VocalEyes email newsletter, a JustGiving link on our website, and participation in targeted match-funding campaigns such as the Big Give.
We also apply for grants from charitable trusts and foundations, as well as from arts and heritage sector funding bodies, including Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
VocalEyes does not engage any professional fundraisers or commercial participators to raise funds from the public on its behalf. The charity received no complaints about its fundraising activities, or those carried out on its behalf, during the year.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The Charity considers the Trustees and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as its Key Management Personnel.
Where affordable, salary increases may be awarded annually, based on benchmarking, inflation, and the organisation’s financial position. Changes usually take effect in April, following review by the Finance & Risk Subgroup and approval by the Board. The CEO’s salary is proposed and agreed by the Board.
The Board may also approve off-cycle increases for significant changes in role or responsibilities.
Going concern
The Trustees have reviewed the charity’s financial position and future plans and have a reasonable expectation that VocalEyes has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Further details regarding this assessment can be found in the accounting policies.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management of risks faced by the charity. Risks are regularly reviewed and assessed, with appropriate controls put in place to mitigate them where possible. The Trustees are satisfied that the charity has effective systems in place to manage its current level of risk.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The most significant risk remains the need to diversify income streams and ensure that client fees are sufficient to support service delivery while remaining affordable. To manage this risk, VocalEyes continues to actively apply for funding from trusts, foundations, and public bodies, and to generate income through consultancy and training services.
The Board also recognises the broader challenges facing the sector, including rising costs, staffing pressures, and uncertainty in public funding, all of which continue to inform the charity’s strategic and financial planning.
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
The trustees (who are also directors of VocalEyes 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).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied 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 company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the relevant Charities SORP;
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show 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.
In preparing this report, the trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415a of the Companies Act 2006.
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Each of the persons who are trustees at the time when this Trustees’ report is approved has confirmed that:
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in so far as that trustee is aware, there is no relevant information of which the charitable company’s independent examiner is unaware; and
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that trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a trustee in order to be aware of any information needed by the charitable company’s independent examiner in connection with preparing their report.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
MHA were appointed as independent examiner to the company.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Mr S J Hilton Chair
Date: 11 October 2025
Mr L McHugh Treasurer
12 October 2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF VOCALEYES ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As the Trustees of the Charity (and 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 Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity'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 the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
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 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting 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 drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Rachel Youle Dated: 13 October 2025 Rachel Doyle ACA DChA
MHA House, Charter Court, Swansea, SA7 9FS
MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC455542)
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Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note INCOME FROM: Donations and grants 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 7 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 17,975 - - 17,975 - 37,836 37,836 (19,861) 46,201 (19,861) 26,340 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 242,620 486,514 4,503 733,637 21,420 690,594 712,014 21,623 164,049 21,623 185,672 |
Total funds 2025 £ 260,595 486,514 4,503 751,612 21,420 728,430 749,850 1,762 210,250 1,762 212,012 |
Total funds 2024 £ 310,248 474,019 4,331 788,598 20,599 812,305 832,904 (44,306) 254,556 (44,306) 210,250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 16 to 38 form part of these financial statements.
Page 13
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 03469264
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible assets | 12 | 2,001 | 2,689 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors | 13 | 64,207 | 92,484 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 259,457 | 212,010 | |||
| 323,664 | 304,494 | ||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | |||||
| year | 14 | (113,653) | (96,933) | ||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 210,011 | 207,561 | |||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 212,012 | 210,250 | |||
| CHARITY FUNDS | |||||
| Restricted funds | 15 | 26,340 | 46,201 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 15 | 185,672 | 164,049 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 212,012 | 210,250 |
The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
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 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr S J Hilton Mr L McHugh Chair Treasurer 11 October 2025 12 October 2025 Date:
The notes on pages 16 to 38 form part of these financial statements.
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net cash from/(used in) from operating activities 17 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Interest receivable Purchase of tangible fixed assets NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN THE YEAR Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR 18 |
2025 £ 43,484 4,503 (540) 3,963 47,447 212,010 259,457 |
2024 £ (43,988) 4,331 (855) 3,476 (40,512) 252,522 212,010 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 16 to 38 form part of these financial statements
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
VOCALEYES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The members of the Charity are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member. The address of the registered office and principal place of business is Thomas Pocklington Trust, 3 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AR.
The functional and presentational currency is GBP.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.1 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.
VocalEyes 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.
2.2 GOING CONCERN
The Charity meets its day to day working capital requirements through the utilisation of its own funds. Since its inception in November 1997, the Charity has been principally funded by Arts Council England who are currently funding the charity by providing grant support. The trustees have prepared updated forecasts and projections based on a number of potential scenarios and these, together with reserves held, cost savings made and government assistance indicate that the Charity has adequate resources to continue its operations, albeit at a potentially lower level. It is, however, difficult to determine the assumptions that will prove to be most appropriate and therefore there is an element of uncertainty existing. After reviewing the forecasts and projections, at the time of approving these financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. The trustees therefore consider it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Charity’s financial statements.
2.3 INCOME
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations are accounted for when received. Performance fees are accounted for on an accruals basis with regard to the date of performance. Grants, including government grants, and investment income are accounted for on an accruals basis.
2.4 INTEREST RECEIVABLE
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Page 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.5 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.
Cost of raising funds: this compromises all costs incurred by the Charity associated with attracting voluntary income to finance its charitable objectives.
Charitable expenditure: this comprises all expenditure incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries and includes commissioning costs, production expenses and research and development and comprises commission paid to describers, technical support costs, the cost of producing audio tracks with advance information and other costs associated with the incoming resources under the same heading.
Support costs: this comprises central costs including salaries, costs related to marketing, printing, website maintenance and other expenses necessary to support the activities. These costs have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Governance costs: this comprises all costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity.
2.6 TAXATION
The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
2.7 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION
Tangible fixed assets costing £250 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Page 17
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.7 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION (CONTINUED)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Office furniture - 25% Straight line Computer equipment - 25% Straight line
2.8 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.
2.9 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.
2.10 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 Charity 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.
2.11 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Charity 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.
2.12 PENSIONS
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
Page 18
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
2.13 FUND ACCOUNTING
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity 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 Charity 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.
2.14 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as at the reporting date and the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates.
Accruals
The Charity makes an estimate of accruals at the year end based on invoices received after the year end and work undertaken which has not been invoiced based on quotations or estimates of amounts that may be due for payment.
Tangible fixed assets
All 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 upon a number of factors.
Grant income recognition
Grant income is recognised when the charity has entitlement, receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. These three conditions, particularly the probable condition, neccessitate the exercise of judgement.
Page 19
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3. INCOME FROM GRANTS AND DONATIONS
| Arts Council England Kirsh Foundation National Lottery Heritage Fund Scott Eredine Charitable Trust Royal Holloway London Other donations Fight for Sight The Spectacle Makers' Charity Arts Council England National Lottery Heritage Fund Mackintosh Foundation Scott (Eredine) CharitableTrust Royal Holloway London Other donations |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 227,929 18,000 - (5,561) - - 5,000 3,536 - - 691 - 9,000 2,000 - 17,975 242,620 Restricted funds 2024 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ £ - 227,584 66,346 - 1,000 - - 5,000 8,667 - - 1,651 76,013 234,235 |
Total funds 2025 £ 227,929 18,000 (5,561) 5,000 3,536 691 9,000 2,000 260,595 Total funds 2024 £ 227,584 66,346 1,000 5,000 8,667 1,651 310,248 |
|---|---|---|
Government grants of £227,929 (2024: £227,584) were received in the current year from Arts Council England. There were no unfulfilled commitments or other contingencies associated with this income at the year-end date.
Page 20
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fees for the provision of audio description services 447,987 Other income including training 38,527 486,514 |
Total funds 2025 £ 447,987 38,527 486,514 |
Total funds 2024 £ 412,510 61,509 |
|---|---|---|
| 474,019 |
In the prior year, all income from charitable activities was unrestricted.
5. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Bank interest | 4,503 | 4,503 | 4,331 |
In the prior year, all investment income was unrestricted.
Page 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6. EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS
COSTS OF RAISING VOLUNTARY INCOME
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Other staff related costs 225 Marketing and communications 11,734 IT services and equipment 188 Board expenses (governance) 103 Examination & accountancy (governance) 1,753 Rent, services and utilities 124 Office running costs 450 Sundry costs 10 Depreciation 49 Staff costs 6,784 21,420 |
Total funds 2025 £ 225 11,734 188 103 1,753 124 450 10 49 6,784 21,420 |
Total funds 2024 £ 158 10,195 232 206 1,542 579 344 - 113 7,230 |
|---|---|---|
| 20,599 |
In the prior year, all costs of raising voluntary income were unrestricted.
7. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Audience Development & Marketing Audio Description Services Training & Other Services Research & Development |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ 12,548 69,464 24,460 502,938 828 86,920 - 31,272 37,836 690,594 |
Total funds 2025 £ 82,012 527,398 87,748 31,272 |
|---|---|---|
| 728,430 |
Page 22
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Audience Development & Marketing Audio Description Services Training & Other Services Research & Development |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 14,999 72,740 13,300 6,990 108,029 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 63,956 514,566 92,384 33,370 704,276 |
Total funds 2024 £ 78,955 587,306 105,684 40,360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 812,305 |
8.
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES
| Audience Development & Marketing Audio Description Services Training & Other Services Research & Development Audience Development & Marketing Audio Description Services Training & Other Services Research & Development |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 48,583 416,961 64,652 11,936 542,132 Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 37,585 452,216 79,526 17,808 587,135 |
Support costs 2025 £ 33,429 110,437 23,096 19,336 186,298 Support costs 2024 £ 41,370 135,090 26,158 22,552 225,170 |
Total funds 2025 £ 82,012 527,398 87,748 31,272 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 728,430 | |||
| Total funds 2024 £ 78,955 587,306 105,684 40,360 |
|||
| 812,305 |
Page 23
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
ANALYSIS OF DIRECT COSTS
| Staff costs Audio description services Consultancy and training Marketing and communications Office running costs Staff costs Audio description services Consultancy and training Marketing and communications Office running costs Research and development |
Audience Development & Marketing 2025 £ 24,606 - - 23,955 22 48,583 Audience Development & Marketing 2024 £ 18,445 - - 19,118 22 - 37,585 |
Audio Description Services 2025 £ 55,095 361,704 - - 162 416,961 Audio Description Services 2024 £ 80,199 371,855 - - 162 - 452,216 |
Training & Other Services 2025 £ 17,223 - 47,405 - 24 64,652 Training & Other Services 2024 £ 15,892 13,300 50,310 - 24 - 79,526 |
Research & Development 2025 £ 11,936 - - - - 11,936 Research & Development 2024 £ 10,818 - - - - 6,990 17,808 |
Total funds 2025 £ 108,860 361,704 47,405 23,955 208 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 542,132 | |||||
| Total funds 2024 £ 125,354 385,155 50,310 19,118 208 6,990 |
|||||
| 587,135 |
Page 24
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS
| Staff costs Other staff related costs Consultancy and training Marketing and communications IT services and equipment Board expenses Independent examiner & accountancy (governance costs) Rent, services and utilities Office running costs Depreciation Sundry costs |
Audience Development & Marketing 2025 £ 25,924 562 140 133 470 257 4,382 310 1,103 123 25 33,429 |
Audio Description Services 2025 £ 39,837 19,113 465 999 3,527 1,924 32,865 2,326 8,275 920 186 110,437 |
Training & Other Services 2025 £ 14,998 619 - 147 517 282 4,820 341 1,214 135 23 23,096 |
Research & Development 2025 £ 18,390 - 946 - - - - - - - - 19,336 |
Total funds 2025 £ 99,149 20,294 1,551 1,279 4,514 2,463 42,067 2,977 10,592 1,178 234 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 186,298 |
Page 25
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
8. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS (continued)
| Staff costs Other staff related costs Consultancy and training Marketing and communications IT services and equipment Board expenses (governance) Independent examiner (governance) Rent, services and utilities Office running costs Depreciation Sundry costs |
Audience Development & Marketing 2024 £ 32,948 394 259 241 580 515 3,855 1,448 839 283 8 41,370 |
Audio Description Services 2024 £ 61,578 14,391 864 1,809 4,349 3,863 28,913 10,857 6,290 2,119 57 135,090 |
Training & Other Services 2024 Research & Development 2024 £ £ 17,180 20,795 434 - - 1,757 265 - 638 - 567 - 4,241 - 1,592 - 922 - 311 - 8 - 26,158 22,552 |
Tota funds 2024 £ 132,501 15,219 2,880 2,315 5,567 4,945 37,009 13,897 8,051 2,713 73 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225,170 |
9. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REMUNERATION
The independent examiner's remuneration amounts to an independent examiner fee of £3,000 (2024 - £2,850).
10. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2025 £ 186,822 14,114 13,857 214,793 |
2024 £ 230,465 17,656 16,964 |
|---|---|---|
| 265,085 |
Page 26
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
10. STAFF COSTS (CONTINUED)
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| AD and training Support |
2025 No. 2 3 5 |
2024 No. 3 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
The total employee benefits (including pension contributions and employer's national insurance) of the key management personnel were £67,839 (2024: £72,304).
11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totalling £789 were reimbursed or paid directly to 3 Trustees (2024 - £1,194 to 2 Trustees). Expenses relate to travel and subsistence.
Page 27
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 13. DEBTORS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Office equipment £ 2,479 - 2,479 1,076 620 1,696 783 1,403 |
Computer equipment £ 13,603 540 14,143 12,317 608 12,925 1,218 1,286 2025 £ 33,584 188 30,435 64,207 |
Total £ 16,082 540 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,622 | ||||
| 13,393 1,228 |
||||
| 14,621 | ||||
| 2,001 | ||||
| 2,689 | ||||
| 2024 £ 38,092 10,709 43,683 92,484 |
Page 28
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Resources deferred during the year Amounts released from previous periods |
2025 £ 33,174 19,812 464 60,203 113,653 2025 £ 27,000 43,250 (27,000) 43,250 |
2024 £ 39,797 10,946 - 46,190 96,933 2024 £ 15,771 27,000 (15,771) 27,000 |
|---|---|---|
Deferred income relates to grants received for the 2025/26 financial year.
Page 29
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
STATEMENT OF FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR
| UNRESTRICTED FUNDS DESIGNATED FUNDS Office closure Staff costs Tangible fixed assets Creative workshops Workforce support initiative Supporting access and skills development Staff and describer CPD Training new describers Recruitment AD Equipment 30th Anniversary CRM and Website Innovation, research & development GENERAL FUNDS General fund TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 3,621 30,000 2,689 5,000 5,000 18,281 7,035 10,066 12,000 - - - - 93,692 70,357 164,049 |
Income £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 733,637 733,637 |
Expenditure £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (712,014) (712,014) |
Transfers in/out £ (3,621) (30,000) (688) (5,000) (5,000) (18,281) (7,035) (10,066) (12,000) 3,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 (58,691) 58,691 - |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ - - 2,001 - - - - - - 3,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35,001 | |||||
| 150,671 | |||||
| 185,672 |
Page 30
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
RESTRICTED FUNDS
| RESTRICTED FUNDS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased audio description and recordings Newsletter project Touring funds Training new describers project & CPD Museums & Galleries programme Research and development Audience development project Training in regional and London's smaller museums TOTAL OF FUNDS |
19,461 3,050 - 334 145 6,527 9,498 7,186 46,201 210,250 |
(3,561) - 18,000 - - 3,536 - - 17,975 751,612 |
(6,000) (3,050) (18,000) - - - (9,498) (1,288) (37,836) (749,850) |
- - - - - - - - - - |
9,900 - - 334 145 10,063 - 5,898 |
| 26,340 | |||||
| 212,012 |
Page 31
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
STATEMENT OF FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR
| UNRESTRICTED FUNDS DESIGNATED FUNDS Office closure Tangible fixed assets Creative workshops Workforce support initiative Supporting access and skills development Staff and describer CPD Training new describers Recruitment AD Equipment GENERAL FUNDS General fund TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 9,500 4,659 5,000 5,000 20,000 10,000 12,000 - - 66,159 110,180 176,339 |
Income £ - - - - - - - - - - 712,585 712,585 |
Expenditure £ - - - - - - - - - - (724,875) (724,875) |
Transfers in/out £ (5,879) (1,970) - - (1,719) (2,965) (1,934) 12,000 30,000 27,533 (27,533) - |
Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 3,621 2,689 5,000 5,000 18,281 7,035 10,066 12,000 30,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93,692 | |||||
| 70,357 | |||||
| 164,049 |
Page 32
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
RESTRICTED FUNDS
| Increased audio description and recordings Newsletter project Training new describers project & CPD Museums & Galleries programme Research and development Audience development project Training in regional and London's smaller museums TOTAL OF FUNDS |
23,655 5,000 14,834 145 4,850 22,547 7,186 78,217 254,556 |
67,346 - - - 8,667 - - 76,013 788,598 |
(71,540) (1,950) (14,500) - (6,990) (13,049) - (108,029) (832,904) |
- - - - - - - - - |
19,461 3,050 334 145 6,527 9,498 7,186 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46,201 | |||||
| 210,250 |
Page 33
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Touring funds
Kirsh Family Trust: Touring Fund - Towards the costs of providing AD services for theatre productions touring to theatres around the UK, allowing us to reduce the cost for individual venues and towards the cost of delivering Professional Development opportunities for specialist freelance audio describers and other practitioners.
Increased AD and recordings
Persula Foundation - Towards the costs of creating recorded Audio Introductions for our AD service for theatre performances, and the costs of maintaining up to date access information for theatre venues.
The Lawson Trust - Towards the costs of creating recorded Audio Introductions for our Theatre AD service.
Coral Samuel Charitable Trust – Towards the cost of creating recorded Audio Introductions for our Theatre AD Service.
Sobell Foundation – Towards the cost of creating recorded Audio Introductions for our Theatre AD Service.
Clothworkers' Foundation – Towards the cost of theatre AD equipment.
Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers – Towards the cost of providing audio described tours for buildings featured in the annual Open House Series.
The Edward Gostling Foundation – Towards the cost of creating recorded Audio Introductions for our Theatre AD Service.
Peskin Charitable Trust – Towards the cost of creating recorded Audio Introductions for our Theatre AD Service.
Haberdashers' Benevolent Foundation London Theatre – Towards the costs of delivering our AD service for theatre performances in London, specifically the recorded audio introductions for these events.
London Freemasons's Charity – Towards the cost of our AD services delivered in London (theatre or museums, galleries or heritage sites).
National Lottery Health Fund - Museum and Heritage Access 2022 - to build a network of digital volunteer researchers recruited primarily from the deaf, disabled and neurodivergent community. The volunteer researchers will run an information audit of the website access information of 3,000-3,500 UK heritage venues / sites. We will use this to underpin increasing awareness in the sector of the importance of structured, detailed and descriptive online access information to D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors.
Mackintosh Foundation - Towards the cost of theatre audio description.
Research and development
Thomas Pocklington Trust - Towards the costs of a consultant to help improve our technological capabilities, through accessible software options appraisal and requirements development for an updated or new system to manage VocalEyes' activity and contacts.
Page 34
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
The Sensational Museum - Towards the cost of transforming access and inclusion within the museum sector by reshaping the role of senses in museum experiences.
Training in regional and London’s smaller museums
The Catherine Lewis Foundation - Towards the costs of training museum, gallery and heritage staff in UK regions (not London).
The Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust - Towards the costs of training museum, gallery and heritage staff in UK regions (ideally in the Suffolk area).
Vision Foundation (formerly Greater London Fund for the Blind) - Towards the costs of training staff at small museums, galleries and heritage sites in London.
The Weinstock Fund – Towards the cost of audio description and visual awareness hub training courses.
Museums and Galleries programme
Barchester Foundation - Towards the cost of equipment and resources to create Tactile Diagrams for use in museums, galleries and heritage sites.
Audience Development Project
John Ellerman Foundation - Towards costs of marketing and Audience Manager salary costs and other marketing costs.
Newsletter project
Ulverscroft Foundation - Towards the cost of our quarterly What’s On guide in clear print, braille and audio which promotes accessible events to the blind and visually impaired community.
Scott (Eredine) Charitable Trust - Towards the cost of our quarterly What’s On guide in clear print, braille and audio which promotes accessible events to the blind and visually impaired community.
Training new describers project & CPD
The D'Oyly Carte Charitable - The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust - Towards the cost of delivering training for new Audio Describers.
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Office-related costs, including dilapidations - Reserved for potential costs – e.g. access alterations or dilapidations / making good at end of lease, planned spend during the year 2024- 25. The balance on this fund has been transferred to the General Fund because the office move has been completed.
Fixed assets – represents the value of funds tied up in fixed assets.
Creative workshops and other initiatives supporting the individual creativity of blind and visually impaired people. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
Initiative supporting blind and visually impaired people in the arts and heritage workforce - Planned spend during the years 2022-23 to 2025-26. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
Supporting access and skills development at small arts and heritage venues - planned spend during the years 2022-23 to 2025-26. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
Page 35
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS (CONTINUED)
Staff and describer CPD - Planned spend during the years 2022-23 to 2025-26. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
Training new describers - Planned spend during the years 2022-23 to 2024-25. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
Recruitment - Fund to cover the cost of planned staff recruitment. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
Staff costs - Fund to cover the cost of increases in staff costs. After a review of designated funds, the Trustees have decided to transfer the balance on this fund to the General Fund.
AD equipment - Fund to cover cost of AD Equipment.
30th anniversary - Fund to cover expenditure on the 30th anniversary.
CRM and website - Fund to cover the cost of the new CRM and website.
Innovation, research and development - Fund to cover cost of research and development activities.
16. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - CURRENT YEAR
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year TOTAL |
Restricted funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2025 £ £ - 2,001 68,901 254,763 (42,561) (71,092) 26,340 185,672 |
Total funds 2025 £ 2,001 323,664 (113,653) 212,012 |
|---|---|---|
Page 36
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
16. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (CONTINUED)
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year TOTAL |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - 64,201 (18,000) 46,201 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 2,689 240,293 (78,933) 164,049 |
Total funds 2024 £ 2,689 304,494 (96,933) 210,250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES Net income/(expenditure) for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) ADJUSTMENTS FOR: Interest receivable Depreciation Decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 18. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash in hand |
FROM OPERATING 2025 2024 £ £ 1,762 (44,306) (4,503) (4,331) 1,228 2,825 28,277 7,370 16,720 (5,546) 43,484 (43,988) 2025 2024 £ £ 259,457 212,010 |
|---|---|
Page 37
Docusign Envelope ID: 37DF78C9-84ED-42EA-BB7A-C1BA23F1436C
VOCALEYES
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
19. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
| Cash at bank and in hand | At 1 April 2024 £ 212,010 212,010 |
Cash flows £ 47,447 47,447 |
At 31 March 2025 £ 259,457 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 259,457 |
20. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £13,857 (2024: £16,964). At the year-end, contributions due to the scheme amounted to £464 (2024: £17 from the Scheme).
21. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Charity had no commitments under non-cancellable operating leases at 31 March 2025.
22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Charity has not entered into any related party transactions during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2025 (2024: no balances or transactions).
Page 38