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← National Confidential Enquiry Into Patient Outcome And Death

2025-03-31-accounts

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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Company Number: 03019382 Charity Number: 1075588

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31 MARCH 2025

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act) present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (‘the charity’, ‘NCEPOD’) for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (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 October 2019). The annual report serves the purposes of both a trustee report and a directors’ report under company law.

Since the charity qualifies as small under section 383, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director's Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

The trustees who have held office since 1 April 2024, unless otherwise stated, as follows:

Dr S Lishman CBE Chair (appointed 24th May 2024)
Associate Professor P J Greaves Honorary Treasurer
Professor Sir B Keogh (Resigned 30thApril 2025)
Professor N Kumar
Dr K Wilkinson
Dr F Healey
Dr Z Puthucheary
Mr I Martin Deceased - 24thMay 2024

The principal address of the charity and the registered office of the company is the offices of NCEPOD at Abbey House, 74-76 St John Street, London, EC1M 4DZ.

The charity is registered under the charity number 1075588 and the company is incorporated with the company registration number 03019382 in England and Wales.

The trustees have made the following professional appointments:

Solicitor: H Montlake & Co, 198 High Street, Ilford, Essex IG1 1LX
Auditor: Kreston Reeves, Maritime Place, Quayside, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4QZ
Bankers: CAF Bank Limited, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ
CCLA Investment Management Limited, 80 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DZ
Virgin Money, Jubilee House, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4PL
The Charity Bank Limited, Fosse House, 182 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BE
Nationwide Building Society, Nationwide House, Pipers Way, Swindon, SN38 1NW
Investment manager: Quilter Cheviot Investment Management, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V
4AB
Insurance brokers: Macbeth Insurance Brokers and Financial Services/Insurance Services (Surrey) Ltd, PO Box 1533,
Woking, GU22 2RY
Secondsight, Foster Denovo Group, 2 Hamm Moor Lane, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2SA

The following key senior members of staff are responsible for the day-to-day activities of the charity and, together with the trustees form the key management personnel of the charity:

Dr Marisa Mason Chief Executive & Company Secretary Dr Neil Smith Clinical Researcher & Deputy Chief Executive

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Status and history

The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (formerly the National Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Death) was originally set up in 1988 following the desire by the government of the day to undertake regular reviews into the practice of surgical and anaesthetic care. The remit has since been extended to include medical care, mental healthcare, community and primary care. In addition, on behalf of the Health Foundation, NCEPOD have undertaken a study in relation to medical care within the Prison Estate.

NCEPOD is a registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee, not having share capital. Every member of NCEPOD (steering group listed below) undertakes to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of the charity being wound up during the period of membership, or within one year thereafter.

NCEPOD was incorporated on 8 February 1995 and became a registered charity on 20 May 1999. NCEPOD is governed by the rules and regulations set down in its company Articles of Association originally dated 8 February 1995, and updated on 1 April 1999 (minor wording change), 28 November 2003 (change of name), 29 November 2012 (membership organisations amended), 27 May 2016 (membership updated to include the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Psychiatrists), 27 April 2017 (membership updated to include the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine), 5 November 2020 (changes to appointment of trustees), 29 April 2021 (minor updates) and 4 November 2021 (removal of the member status of Scottish Colleges and general simplification of the Articles).

Organisational structure

Steering group

The members of the steering group represent the healthcare Associations, Colleges, and Faculties primarily related to NCEPOD’s activities and are elected by resolution of the trustees to ensure a balance within the Group. The steering group ensures that the clinical and professional messages of NCEPOD are evidence based. The members, who have served on the steering group since 1 April 2024, are as follows:

steering group since 1 April 2024, are as follows:
Association of Anaesthetists
Dr R Gill – demitted 7thNovember 2024
Dr A Thomas – appointed 18thMarch 2024		 Royal College of Nursing
Dr N Ashby – demitted 24thApril 2024
Ms C Callender – appointed 8thJuly2024
Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland
Miss A Pullyblank		 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Dr E Khan
Royal College of Emergency Medicine
Dr K Henderson MBE		 Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Professor M Ng – appointed 1stMarch 2024
Faculty of Dental Surgery
Mr J Dhanda – demitted 4thFebruary 2025
Mr P Magennis – appointed 11thApril 2025		 Royal College of Physicians of London
Dr A Gibson, Dr M Kumwenda and Dr H Skene
Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine
Dr D Parek		 Royal College of Psychiatrists
Dr J Richardson
Lay Representatives
Vacancy		 Royal College of Radiologists
Professor R McWilliams – demitted 24thApril 2024
Dr A Tang– appointed 1stMay2025
Royal College of Anaesthetists
Dr B Bahlmann
Dr S Sivasubramaniam – demitted 27thAugust 2024
Dr A Smith – appointed 5thSeptember 2024		 Royal College of Pathologists
Professor M Sheppard
Royal College of General Practitioners
Dr C Millington-Sanders		 Royal College of Surgeons of England
Professor R Sayers
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Dr K Orman – appointed 6thFebruary2025		 Independent Healthcare Partners Network
D Hodgkins

Observers, clinical co-ordinators and lay representatives

There are also observers to the meetings of the steering group, who assist and provide advice to ensure the clinical and public integrity of NCEPOD.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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The observers listed below were invited to attend the meetings of the steering group, during the year ended 31 March 2024:

Coroners’ Society of England and Wales Dr C Wood Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership Mr D Smith Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership Ms S Bhatti Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Dr G Curry Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Miss A Paisley

Clinical co-ordinators are co-opted members of the steering group, and one of their number is appointed as the lead clinical co-ordinator and invited to attend trustee meetings as an observer and to inform the trustees of the progress of the current studies.

Eleven consultants had been on secondment to NCEPOD as clinical co-ordinators between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, committing to between one and two sessions per week.

Mr J Abercrombie Colorectal Surgery Dr A Goodwin Anaesthesia and Critical Care Dr M Juniper Respiratory Medicine Dr K Malbon Paediatrics Dr S McPherson Radiology Dr D McWilliams Physiotherapy Dr A Michalski Paediatric Oncology Mr M Sinclair General Surgery Dr A Tavaré General Practice Dr D Wood Physician and Clinical Toxicologist

NCEPOD has a panel of five lay representatives who advise on public input into the work of NCEPOD and are invited to attend the steering group:

Mr N Buck Mrs H Topping Mrs Hilary Eadon Mr R Newell Miss T Saha

Trustees

A minimum of three trustees are appointed, and one of these individuals is additionally appointed as the Chair. The trustees have formal responsibility under the Companies Acts 2006 and the Charities Act 2011 for the management of NCEPOD as a company and a charity. Their role relates primarily to the governance of the organisation, and together they are the employer of all NCEPOD staff. The chair of the trustees is the “head” of NCEPOD for the staff. The trustees meet at least quarterly to exercise their duties, and to fulfil their responsibilities. For the purposes of the Companies Acts 2006, the trustees of the charity are also the directors of the company. The names of the trustees, who have served during the year, are listed on page 2.

Method of recruitment, appointment, election, induction and training of trustees

Recruitment

It is the policy of NCEPOD to ensure that there are an appropriate number of trustees with the required skills to ensure that the charity is well governed. Trustees are appointed following resignation of an existing trustee and/or to provide additional skills. These skills may be professional, for example contributing legal or accounting skills, or may be clinical to ensure appropriate coverage of the various medical specialties. When a vacancy is identified, an appointment will be made by the trustees after conducting an application/invitation and interview process. Every new trustee becomes a member of the steering group.

Induction and training

Newly appointed trustees are given a pack of information comprising of:

A meeting with the chief executive is also arranged before attending their first trustee meeting to answer any questions they may have. Additional sessions can be arranged if required on specific issues.

If additional training needs, such as media training, are identified then an appropriate method of training is used.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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Staff

The day-to-day running of NCEPOD is managed by the chief executive and company secretary, Dr M Mason, who is based at NCEPOD’s registered office and principal address. She is assisted in this task by her deputy, Dr N Smith, and twelve staff, three of whom are part-time. These staff members are responsible, together with the clinical co-ordinators, for the running of studies including their design and the processing of data.

Dr M Juniper, as lead clinical co-ordinator, is responsible for the deployment of the clinical co-ordinators and is the clinical lead for NCEPOD. Many clinicians assist NCEPOD as study advisory group members and case note reviewers and are listed in the associated report.

Staff pay

The trustees are responsible for setting the pay of the chief executive and deputy chief executive who, with the trustees, represent the charity’s key management personnel, and for agreeing any other staff pay rises. The pay scale used by the trustees was agreed following an external review which benchmarked salaries to a variety of similar organisations. This is reviewed by the trustees and amended at their discretion having regard to the current pay scales of NHS providers, academic institutions and similarly sized organisations. The pay scale was updated in January 2023.

Risk and corporate governance matters

The trustees have conducted a review of the principal risks and uncertainties to which NCEPOD is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. This register is reviewed annually. The basis of this risk review is the Charity Commission’s guideline “Charities and Risk Management”, and risks are assessed under the following headings:

The trustees’ first concern is to maintain and enhance the quality of the studies with which the reputation of NCEPOD has become synonymous.

Their second concern is to ensure that the lessons of the studies undertaken are widely shared so that they can be translated into improved patient care.

Financial viability is essential if NCEPOD is to continue and the reduction in income in real terms due to the financial pressures on NCEPOD’s principal funder, NHS England, is a significant risk. During 2024 NCEPOD’s contracts with the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) were extended for a further three years. There is always a risk that funding will be reduced or terminated with little notice and therefore NCEPOD has continued to keep free reserves available to meet liabilities such as redundancy payments in the event of forced closure or loss of contract[s], under the tendering arrangements.

Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of internal financial procedures for authorisation of all transactions, and to ensure quality of delivery for all operational aspects of NCEPOD. These procedures are reviewed annually to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity. The responsibility for completing this risk assessment and for following up actions lies with the chief executive.

The safeguarding of highly confidential data is of paramount importance to NCEPOD and as such the charity is registered with the Information Commissioner (Z5442652). NCEPOD abides by the UK General Data Protection Regulations 2016. The chief executive acts as a Caldicott Guardian, and the deputy chief executive acts as the Data Protection Officer with responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of information relating to all patient identifiable data. NCEPOD is also registered with the Health Research Authority - Confidentiality Advisory Group (HRA-CAG) which, under Section 251 of the NHS Act 2006, requires organisations to seek approval from the Secretary of State for Health where patient consent is not sought for the use of identifiable data. This registration is reviewed annually and requires an approved completion of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit. Formal arrangements are also in place with the Northern Ireland Privacy Advisory Committee. External assurance is obtained by certification that NCEPOD complies with the requirements of Cyber Essentials.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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Professional indemnity insurance

NCEPOD has taken out an insurance policy that provides professional indemnity cover for the trustees. The cost of this insurance policy to NCEPOD for the year was £11,935 (2024: £11,935).

Trustees’ and directors’ responsibilities in the preparation of financial statements

The trustees (who are also the directors of NCEPOD for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual 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 which 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:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website.

Auditor

The charity’s auditors, Kreston Reeves LLP indicated their willingness to continue in office and offer themselves for reappointment.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Charitable objectives

The charitable objectives for which the charity was established are as follows:

The company's objects are to assist in maintaining and improving standards of healthcare for the benefit of the public (such term to include members of the public for the time being serving a term of imprisonment) by reviewing the care of patients, by undertaking confidential surveys and research, and by publishing and generally making available the results of such activities.

Charitable activities

NCEPOD’s principal source of funding is from NHS England, the Welsh Government, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and Jersey, provided via HQIP. The private healthcare sector also contributes funds to the core activities of NCEPOD.

Over sixty reports have been published since NCEPOD was set up, and its influence is widely recognised within the healthcare sector. All NHS hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible to participate in the work of NCEPOD, together with hospitals in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, and many of the providers of acute patient care in the independent sector.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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NCEPOD’s remit includes adults, children and young people who have received medical, surgical or mental healthcare in hospitals, in the community or in primary care.

Ideas for topics for consideration are sought from a wide range of organisations as part of an annual topic selection process usually held over the summer and autumn months. The call for topics is also made available on the NCEPOD website and using social media; allowing ideas to be submitted by any interested party, including the public.

Therefore, in pursuance of its overall goal, NCEPOD undertakes a principal charitable activity which is the design and conduct of confidential surveys. The findings together with targeted recommendations are published. These activities are consistent with the objects of NCEPOD as described above.

Indicators, milestones and benchmarks

Each new study runs over approximately a two-year period. Progress against set milestones (below) is assessed and formally documented in the business plan which is produced at the beginning of each financial year.

1. Form the Study Advisory Group (SAG) 6. Advertise for reviewers 11. Run reviewer meetings
2. Undertake surveys/focus groups 7. Test data collection methods 12. Data analysis
3. Write the protocol 8. Meet with the SAG for a second time 13. Write the report
4. Design the questionnaires 9. Final protocol to steering group and HQIP 14. Design the report
5. Advertise the study 10. Start data collection 15. Publish the report

Public benefit - strategy

The trustees have taken The Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit (contained within the guidance publication “Charities and Public Benefit”) into consideration in determining the strategy and operation of the charity and in preparing their statements on public benefit contained within this trustees’ annual report.

Benefits and beneficiaries

In accordance with its charitable objectives, NCEPOD strives to improve patient care and safety and to improve the quality of healthcare for the benefit of all those treated. The charity’s beneficiaries are therefore the public and patients, and benefits to all are provided through continuing support for clinicians and allied health professionals to ensure the highest possible quality of safe care is delivered.

Trustees’ assessment of public benefit

In addition to monitoring the progress of NCEPOD in terms of achievement of the study milestones, the trustees also promote the adoption of the recommendations. At the start of a study, relevant organisations that represent the study sample are involved. This group includes clinicians as well as patient representatives. In addition to this the chair requests that the NCEPOD steering group take the messages of the report back to their constituent groups (royal colleges and specialist organisations) to ensure maximum impact. Feedback from these organisations on how the reports and recommendations have been implemented act as a surrogate marker of public benefit.

Volunteers

NCEPOD does not use public volunteers to undertake its work but does benefit from clinicians and lay representatives who are willing to provide their time to help review the data collected.

Grant making policy

The charity does not give grants.

Fundraising activities

No activities.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Activities and events

Publications

NCEPOD published three reports during 2024/25:

  1. Endometriosis: A long and Painful Road: A review of the care provided to patients with endometriosis. 2. Planning for the End: A review of the quality of care provided to patients nearing the end of life.

  2. Joint Care?: A review of the care provided to children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The table below details the studies in progress up to 31 March 2025 and future studies planned. Further information can be ’ found on NCEPOD s website.

found on NCEPODNCEPOD’s website..
Area of study: Milestone reached:
Rehabilitation followingcritical illness Due to bepublished in June 2025
Blood sodium Due to bepublished in October 2025
Acute limb ischaemia Due to bepublished in November 2025
Emergencysurgeryin children andyoung people Due to bepublished in December 2025
Medical care ofpatients with a learningdisability Data beingcollected
Stabilisation of the criticallyill child Studybeingdeveloped
Chest drains as an example ofpleuralprocedures Studybeingdeveloped
Rib fractures Studybeingdeveloped

Impact of activities and events

A summary of the impact of past reports was compiled and can be found here.

A REVIEW OF ENDOMETRIOSIS CARE

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “NCEPOD’s ‘A Long and Painful Road’ clearly evidences the issues faced today by those with endometriosis, and the recommendations show how improvements can – and must - be made. Implementing these will not only reduce suffering for those with endometriosis, it will also save the NHS time and resources.”

Dr Geeta Kumar, RCOG Vice President for Clinical Quality, said: “This insightful ‘deep dive’ into how women and people with endometriosis are cared for by the NHS found room for improvement in around half of the patient cases studied. Clear recommendations are provided for NHS organisations, Royal Colleges and individual teams to support through audit and quality improvement initiatives.

A REVIEW OF THE QUALITY OF CARE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS NEARING THE END OF LIFE

Dr Sarah Cox, President of the Association for Palliative Medicine said: “ The NCEPOD report was published late last year. It is a really important and influential report which recognises that palliative care needs to be involved earlier in the patient journey”.

A REVIEW OF THE CARE PROVIDED TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

Versus Arthritis: Lynne Woolley, head of its young people and families service, said: “This report, for the first time, provides us with an accurate picture of how long patients have waited for diagnosis and what needs to change to improve care for children and reduce inequality - from diagnosis through to adulthood.”

Jane Enoch, a patient said: “This report really reflects the barriers myself and thousands of other young people and children have faced whilst waiting for a diagnosis of JIA. Like many others with JIA I often wonder if my quality of life could have been better earlier if we were taken more seriously. The findings of the report show these aren’t a few isolated cases and there is a need for change. The outcomes of this report offers strong basis for changes in general awareness and standardised care within the NHS for those with JIA”.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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Other means of disseminating the messages from the reports

Other than the main report, for each study the following are produced:

  1. A summary report

  2. An infographic

  3. A slide set

  4. A short video uploaded to social media

  5. A commissioner’s guide

  6. Quality improvement tools for each report to allow individual hospitals and trusts/health boards to assess their own practice against the recommendations made. These include a recommendation checklist, an audit tool and fishbone diagrams

Other activities

To promote the work of NCEPOD and to ensure that effective links are made with each hospital so that they feel confident participating in the studies, NCEPOD has continued to run days for the local reporters (the link person in each hospital) and ambassadors (hospital-based clinicians who promote the work of NCEPOD) to meet with NCEPOD and discuss common issues. These have been held online, enabling more people to attend.

Public benefit - delivery

During the year 2024/25, the trustees gathered the following evidence that demonstrates to their satisfaction that NCEPOD continues to benefit the public through its activities targeted to achieve its charitable objectives:

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial results of activities and events

Results for the year ended 31 March 2025 are given in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 16. The assets and liabilities of NCEPOD are shown in the Balance Sheets on page 17. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with their related notes, which appear on pages 22 to 28.

In summary, total income decreased by 3.6% (2024: decreased by 5.2%) to £1,334,812 (2024: £1,384,439), total expenditure decreased by 4.9% (2024: increased by 7.6%) to £1,477,226 (2024: £1,552,667), resulting in a negative net movement in funds for the year of £141,547 (2024: negative net movement in funds of £146,994). Included in the net movement in funds is the gain on investment recognised for 2025: £867 (2024: gain £21,234). The primary source of funding was via the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) who commission two of the work programmes undertaken.

The trustees maintain their policy of transferring cash not immediately needed for working capital purposes to short term treasury deposits and longer-term investments as detailed below.

Reserves policy

The trustees review the reserves policy each year. In conducting this review, the trustees take account of best practice as identified by the Charity Commission and the risks facing NCEPOD.

Designated reserves are set aside at the discretion of the trustees.

The current level of free reserves stands at £1,399,403 (2024: £1,539,523), which excludes tangible fixed assets.

Reserves are primarily held to meet legal and other associated costs to undertake an orderly wind-up if this became necessary. It is estimated that a sum up to £1M would be required to cover the costs of staff redundancy, legal and professional costs of winding up the charitable company and the termination costs for premises and equipment leases.

Free reserves, held in excess of ‘wind-up’ costs, will be used, as required, to cover situations such as:

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 March 2025

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Investment policy

NCEPOD plans its activities over a three-year period, with annual review to consider the anticipated income and expenditure and the maintenance of reserves as detailed above. To date and to ensure the best return on the reserves NCEPOD has £167,298 in a Virgin Deposit Account, £167,459 in a COIF deposit fund, £216,973 in the Charity Bank and £210,294 in the Nationwide Building Society. In addition, NCEPOD has £329,220 invested in low/medium risk securities.

Investment objective

Longer-term assets (reserves) will be invested with the aim of at least maintaining the value or purchasing power in real terms (i.e. against inflation).

Liquidity requirement

The charity holds in cash reserves sufficient funds to meet immediate cash-flow requirements. The longer-term investment portfolio should be invested in assets that are easily realisable in normal market conditions.

Ethical and other constraints

The trustees have considered what activities would be in conflict with NCEPOD objectives and concluded that it would be inappropriate to invest directly in tobacco companies. This exclusion is aligned with Quilter Cheviot Global Income & Growth Fund for Charities which precludes any direct investment in tobacco companies or businesses which make controversial weapons.

The trustees wish to be responsible investors. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards to assess a company’s operations that investors, such as charities, consider when reviewing their investments:

Quilter Cheviot is expected to take account of ESG issues in their investment analysis and decision-making processes and engage with company management when appropriate and produce periodic reports covering ESG issues.

Risk tolerance

A reasonable level of capital volatility within the investment portfolio is considered by the trustees to be acceptable given the charity’s risk and return objectives but the portfolio should be well diversified across asset classes and individual investments should be in line with a standard medium risk profile.

Diversification within the portfolio should be such as to limit the downside risk in the portfolio. However, the trustees accept there maybe times of crisis when the downside risk might be larger as demonstrated in above ‘peak to trough decline’.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Future strategy

The contract with HQIP for the current programme of child health studies continues until 31 December 2027 and the contract for the medical and surgical studies continues until 31 March 2028.

Work will continue to ensure that the quality of the studies is high, both in methodological terms and in ensuring robust recommendations are provided which will improve patient care and benefit the public.

Future activities and events

NCEPOD is planning to release three reports during 2025/26

  1. Rehabilitation following a critical illness

  2. Abnormal blood sodium

  3. Acute limb ischaemia

  4. Emergency surgery in children

Data collection will continue during 2025/26 for all remaining studies.

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The next topic selection round is open and will close for selection in March 2026. Suggestions will be sought from a wide range of organisations and individuals.

NCEPOD trustees will explore additional sources of potential income for NCEPOD.

Impact of future activities and events

The following targets have been set by the trustees against which to measure the performance of NCEPOD during 2025/26:

Public benefit

The trustees intend to ensure that NCEPOD continues to benefit the public by producing high quality reports which are available on the NCEPOD website, making recommendations that will improve the quality of care received by patients. The trustees will continue to be pro-active in planning which groups are best placed to promote the recommendations that are made and will continue to invite patient groups to be part of the study planning process to ensure that data collected is relevant to what patients want, as well as what clinicians want for patients.

FUNDS HELD AS CUSTODIAN

NCEPOD does not currently hold, and the trustees do not anticipate that it will in the future hold, any funds as custodian for any third party.

This report of the board of trustees has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies’ exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the trustees on 12[th] August 2025, and was signed for and on behalf of the trustees by:

…………………………………..

Dr S Lishman CBE

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 Year ending 31 March 2025

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Opinion

We have audited the financial statements National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the Charity balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees' annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 Year ending 31 March 2025

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Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report.

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

Responsibilities of trustees

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

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud

The objectives of our audit are to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud or error; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud or error; and to respond appropriately to those risks.

Based on our understanding of the charity and sector, and through discussion with the trustees and other management (as required by auditing standards), we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 Year ending 31 March 2025

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laws and regulations related to health and safety, anti-bribery and employment law. We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, taxation and pension legislation. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to increase revenue or reduce expenditure and management bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of the financial statements. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

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Use of our report

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

James Peach BSc FCA (Senior statutory auditor)

For and on behalf of

Kreston Reeves LLP

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Maritime Place Quayside Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4QZ

Date: 12 August 2025

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating income and expenditure account) Year ending 31 March 2025

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Notes Total
2025		 Total
2024
INCOME FROM: £ £
Donations 1 175,545 179,070
Charitable activities 2 1,123,769 1,168,184
Investments 3 35,498 37,185
TOTAL INCOME 1,334,812
1,384,439
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities 4 1,477,226 1,552,667
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1,477,226 1,552,667
Net(loss) / gain on investments 8 867 21,234
NET EXPENDITURE/ INCOME (141,547) (146,994)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (141,547) (146,994)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Fund balances brought forward at 1 April 2024 1,544,698 1,691,692
FUND BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 MARCH 2025
11		 1,403,151 1,544,698

The net movement in funds for the year arises from the charity’s continuing activities.

No separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented as all gains and losses are dealt with in the Statement of Financial Activities.

All funds are unrestricted in the current and prior year.

The annexed notes form part of these financial statements.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 March 2025

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Notes Total
2025		 Total
2024
£ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 7 3,748 5,175
Investments 8 329,220 226,032
332,968 231,207
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 9 367,166 348,070
Cash at bank and in hand 823,306 1,115,772
1,190,472 1,463,842
LIABILITIES
Creditors: Amounts fallingdue within oneyear 10 (90,289) (120,351)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,100,183 1,343,491
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,433,151 1,574,698
Provisions for liabilities (30,000) (30,000)
TOTAL NET ASSETS 1,403,151 1,544,698
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted income funds
General Fund 11 1,403,151 1,544,698
Designated Premises Fund 11 - -
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 11 1,403,151 1,544,698

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 12[th] August 2025 by the Board and signed on their behalf by:

----- Start of picture text -----
a
………………………………….................. Chair
Dr S Lishman CBE
----- End of picture text -----

…………………………………………………….. Honorary Treasurer Associate Professor P J Greaves

The annexed notes form part of these financial statements.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year ending 31 March 2025

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Notes 2025 2024
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cashprovided by operating activities		 13 (224,763) (95,893)
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest from investments 35,498
37,185
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (880) -
Receipts from sale of investments - -
Purchase of investments (102,321) -
Net cash(outflow) inflow from investing activities (67,703) 37,185
Increase(decrease) in cash for theyear (292,466) (58,708)
Cash brought forward 1,115,772 1,174,480
Cash carried forward 823,306
1,115,772

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Year ending 31 March 2025

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Company Status

National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Registration Number: 1075588) and Registrar of Companies (Company Registration Number 03019382) in England and Wales.

The Members of the Charity are the Trustees and steering group representatives 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 is given in the Charity’s information page on Page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity’s operations and principal activities are listed in the Trustees’ Report.

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The financial statements have been prepared to comply with current statutory requirements (being the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011), under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The recommendations in Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued by the Charity Commission effective in October 2019 have been followed. The accounting policies have been applied consistently with the prior year . NCEPOD meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.

PREPARATION OF THE ACCOUNTS ON A GOING CONCERN BASIS

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The Trustees consider that this remains an appropriate basis for the preparation of the financial statements as no material uncertainties exist which would threaten the going concern status. NCEPOD is expected to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, based on the strategic plans in place, the related financial budgets and forecasts, anticipated outcome of the HQIP funding tender process and its satisfactory reserves position, as detailed in the Trustees’ Annual Report and in note 11. The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.

INCOME RECOGNITION

Grants are received from both the government departments for health and from private subscribers, who provide money to enable the activities of NCEPOD to continue. Grants receivable are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year to which they relate. Grant income received in advance is carried forward in the balance sheet as deferred income.

Donated services from hospitals providing clinicians for peer reviews is recognised as donated services and valued at the cost NCEPOD would have to pay for equivalent professional work. The income is recognised as donations, and the corresponding expenditure shown as costs of charitable activities.

Bank interest receivable and other sources of income are accounted for on an accruals basis.

EXPENDITURE RECOGNITION

Resources expended are allocated to the charity’s principal activity where the cost can be identified as relating directly to specific confidential surveys.

An estimate is made at the balance sheet date of the proportion of total staff costs that relates to governance matters. All other staff costs can be related directly to specific confidential surveys. For the year ended 31 March 2025, 1.5% (2024:1.5%) of the total staff costs for the Chief Executive have been estimated to relate to governance matters.

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All costs that cannot be identified as relating directly to confidential surveys are categorised as support costs, and a proportion of these costs are then allocated to governance costs based on the proportion of total staff costs estimated to relate to governance matters.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

All tangible assets that are over £500 are capitalised and classified as tangible fixed assets. Tangible fixed assets are stated at historical cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write each asset down to its estimated residual value evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:

Computer equipment over 3 years Fixtures and fittings over 5 years

INVESTMENTS

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year. As investments are revalued continuously to market value, no realised gains or losses arise.

DEBTORS RECEIVABLE AND CREDITORS 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 impairment are recognised in expenditure.

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.

LEASED ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS

All leases are “operating leases” and the annual rentals are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

PENSIONS

NCEPOD makes contributions into defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of certain employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of NCEPOD in independently administered funds. The amount charged to the statement of financial activities in respect of pension costs is the total contributions payable for the year. No contributions were outstanding at the end of the year (2024: £nil).

FUND ACCOUNTING

The general fund comprises the accumulated surpluses of unrestricted incoming resources over resources expended, which are available for use in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are a particular form of unrestricted funds consisting of amounts, which have been allocated or designated for specific purposes by the Trustees. The use of designated funds remains at the discretion of the Trustees.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Charity holds basic financial instruments. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Charity are as follows:

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Financial assets – trade debtors, other debtors and accrued income are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in note 9. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Investments - All investments are classified as basic financial instruments and held at their fair value.

Financial liabilities – trade creditors and accruals are classified as basic financial instruments and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in note 10. Taxation and social security are not considered to be financial instruments.

JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies that have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements:

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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Total
2025		 Total
2024
1. DONATIONS £ £
Donated services 175,545
179,070
175,545 179,070
2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES–DESIGNING AND
RUNNING CONFIDENTIAL SURVEYS		 £ £
Healthcare QualityImprovement Partnership (HQIP) 1,094,219 1,096,344
Health Foundationgrant income - 41,340
Private hospitals 23,400 24,500
Conference,exhibition and other income sources 6,150 6,000
1,123,769 1,168,184
3. INVESTMENT INCOME £ £
Dividends 9,961 6,510
Bank interest receivable on short term cash deposits 25,537 30,675
35,498
37,185
4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES £ £
Support costs (note 5) 289,699 298,870
Direct staff costs (note 6) 717,324 703,780
Other direct expenditure:
Staff healthcare, training, and recruitment 1,380 640
Clinical co-ordinators secondments 174,062 217,024
Clinical reviewers (donated services) 175,545
179,070
Clinical co-ordinators, reviewers, and staff expenses 85,489 91,586
Consultancy 3,210 15,754
Temporary staff costs - 11,075
Conference, exhibition, and meetings expenses 20,333
17,159
Operating lease rentals:
Plant and machinery 5,666 5,666
Other printing and report production costs 123 28
Postage and distribution 4,395 4,465
Write-off of bad debts - 7,550
1,477,226
1,552,667

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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Total
2025		 Total
2024
Support costs Governance
costs		 £ £
5. SUPPORT AND
GOVERNANCE COSTS
Staff costs(note 6) - 1,077 1,077 932
Other expenditure:
Operating lease rentals:
Land and buildings 153,029 - 153,029 151,296
Otherpremises costs 29,423 - 29,423 27,894
Auditors’ remuneration:
Audit fees - 12,300 12,300 9,300
Bookkeepingandpayroll costs 13,911 21 13,932 8,615
Public relations - - - 70
Computer expenses 24,638 37 24,675 22,255
Insurance 20,226 30 20,256 28,005
Sundryexpenses 5,114 8 5,122 9,713
Telephone 7,842 12 7,854 4,668
Office costs 14,328 22 14,350 24,660
Steering groupexpenses 1,694 3 1,697 3,645
Trustee expenses 3,617 - 3,617 5,401
Depreciation - owned assets 2,303 4 2,307 2,355
Bank charges 60 - 60 61
Dilapidationprovisions - - -
276,185 13,514 289,699 298,870

Governance costs for the year £13,514 (2024: £10,381) and include all of the audit fees, staff costs and Trustee costs as well as a proportion of other support costs.

Included within auditors’ remuneration are amounts payable to Kreston Reeves LLP of £12,300 in respect of audit services for the current year (2024: £9,300).

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVE

PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVE
Total
2024		 Total
2023
Support costs Governance
costs		 £ £
5. SUPPORT AND
GOVERNANCE COSTS
Staff costs(note 6) - 932 932 873
Other expenditure:
Operating lease rentals:
Land and buildings 151,296 - 151,296 141,437
Otherpremises costs 27,894 - 27,894 28,218
Auditors’ remuneration:
Audit fees - 9,300 9,300 8,774
Bookkeepingandpayroll costs 8,603 12 8.615 9,714
Public relations 69 1 70 -60
Computer expenses 22,223 32 22.255 27,165
Insurance 27,964 40 28.005 24,176
Sundryexpenses 9,699 14 9.713 5,346
Telephone 4,662 7 4.668 4,634
Office costs 24,625 35 24.660 17,699
Steering groupexpenses 3,640 5 3.645 1,382
Trustee expenses 5,401 - 5.401 1,708
Depreciation - owned assets 2,352 3 2.355 2,945
Bank charges 61 - 61 79
Dilapidationprovisions - - - 30,000
288,489 10,381 298,870 304,090

Governance costs for the year £10,381 (2023: £9,781) and include all of the audit fees, staff costs and Trustee costs as well as a proportion of other support costs.

Included within auditors’ remuneration are amounts payable to Kreston Reeves LLP of £9,300 in respect of audit services for the current year (2023: £8,774).

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Year ending 31 March 2025
6. STAFF COSTS No No
The average monthly number of persons employed by NCEPOD during
the year (excluding Trustees) was:
Designingand runningof confidential surveys		 14 16
£ £
Staff costsfor the abovepersons:
Wages and salaries 601,492 594,379
Social securitycosts 59,592 52,938
Pension costs 57,317 57,395
718,401 704,712
Staff costs are allocated in thefinancial statements, asfollows:
Designingand runningof confidential surveys – unrestricted 717,324 703,780
Governance costs 1,077 932
718,401 704,712

One employee’s total emolument was between £100,001 and £110,000 in the current year (2024: one employee’s total emoluments was between £90,000 - £100,000). One employee’s total emolument was between £60,001 and £70,000 in the current year.

Total costs for key management personnel remuneration and benefits (i.e. pension costs and employer national insurance contributions) for 2025 was £207,252 (2024: £204,183).

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the year was £57,317 (2024: £57,395). There were no outstanding pension contributions at the balance sheet date (2024: £nil). This is recognised within unrestricted funds.

Computer
equipment		 Fixtures and
**fittings **		 Total
7. TANGIBLE ASSETS £ £ £
Cost:
1 April 2024 19,136 7,612 26,748
Additions - 880 880
Disposals - - -
31 March 2024 19,136 8,492 27,628
Depreciation:
1 April 2024 18,528 3,045 21,573
Charge in theyear 608 1,699 2,374
Depreciation on disposal
31 March 2025 19,136 4,744 23,880
Net book value:
31 March 2025 - 3,748 3,748
31 March 2024 607 4,568 5,175

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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Total
2025		 Total
2024
8. INVESTMENTS £ £
Listed investments:
Openingbalance at 1 April 226,032 204,798
Purchased investments inyear 102,321 -
Unrealised(losses)/gains on investments 867 21,234
Market value at 31 March 329,220 226,032
All investments are held in the UK and Ireland.
Analysis of investment holdings:
QC Global income and Growth Fund 225,238 226,032
QC Global income and Growth Fund STB 103,982 -
Market value at 31 March 329,220 226,032
9. DEBTORS £ £
Amountsfalling due within oneyear:
Trade debtors 289,840 277,862
Other debtors 24,643 24,643
Prepayments 52,683 45,565
367,166 348,070
10. CREDITORS £ £
Amountsfalling due within oneyear:
Trade creditors 63,010 96,797
Accruals and deferred income 27,279 23,554
90,289 120,351
11.THE FUNDS OF
THE CHARITY		 1 April
2024		 Income Expenditure Gain on
Investment		 Transfers 31 March
2025
£
1,403,151
1,403,151
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted incomefunds:
General Fund 1,544,698 1,334,812 (1,477,226) 867 -
1,544,698 1,334,812 (1,447,226) 867 -

The leased premises that have been occupied by NCEPOD will require maintenance and internal decoration during the course of the lease. The lease was extended for a further 5 years, and a provision was included within the accounts for dilapidations in the prior year, therefore the designated funds previously held is still no longer required.

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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Year ending 31 March 2025
Fixed asset
investments		 Tangible fixed
assets		 Net current
assets plus non-
current provision
for liabilities		 Total
£ £ £ £
12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted incomefunds:
General Fund 329,220 3,748 1,070,183 1,403,151
Designated Premises Fund - - - -
NET ASSETS AT 31 MARCH
2025		 329,220 3,748 1,070,183 1,403,151
Unrestricted incomefunds:
General Fund 226,032 5,175 1,313,491 1,544,698
NET ASSETS AT 31 MARCH
2024		 226,032 5,175 1,313,491 1,544,698
2025 2024
13. RECONCILIATION OF NET
OPERATING ACTIVITIES		 INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM £ £
Net income for theyear (141,547)
(146,994)
Depreciation (note 7) 2,307
2,355
Gain on investments (867)
(21,234)
Interest from investment (35,498)
(37,185)
Decrease (Increase) in debtors (19,096) 18,143
(Decrease) increase in creditors (30,062)
89,022
Net cash from operating activities (224,763) (95,893)

At 31 March 2025, NCEPOD had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases:

14. COMMITMENTS UNDER
OPERATING LEASES		 2025 2024
Land & Building Equipment
Land & Building		 Equipment
Within 1year £76,872 £5,606
£148,676		 £5,606
Within 2-5years £- £5,606
£74,338		 £9,811
£76,872
£11,212
£217,356
£15,418
At 1 April 2024 Cash flows At 31 March
2025
15. NET DEBT RECONCILIATION £ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 1,115,772 (292,466) 823,306
Debt - - -
1,115,772 (292,466) 823,306
2025 2024
16. ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS £ £
Cash in hand 823,306 1,115,772
Total cash and cash equivalents 823,306 1,115,772

NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRY INTO PATIENT OUTCOME AND DEATH REGISTERED COMPANY NO. 03019382 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31 March 2025

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17. TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES

Related parties include Key Management Personnel, which comprise the Trustees and senior members of staff. Aggregate remuneration and benefits for these staff are disclosed in Note 6.

The Trustees and directors were paid no remuneration for their services provided to NCEPOD during the current or previous period. Seven (2024: Two) Trustees were reimbursed travel and meeting expenses totalling £3,618 (2024: £5,401) incurred in attending meetings.

NCEPOD has taken out an insurance policy that provides professional indemnity cover for the Trustees. The cost of this insurance policy to NCEPOD for the year was £11,935 (2024: £11,935).

Income of £6,500 was received from Spire Healthcare during the year (2024: £6,500). Dr S Lishman CBE, Chair of NCEPOD has a related party interest regarding Spire Healthcare, as her husband is a Hospital Director at the Spire Hospital in Leicester.

There were no other transactions with related parties that require disclosure.