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2024-03-31-accounts

Company Registration Number: 03761793

British Fertility Society Limited

Contents

Unaudited Directors’ Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Information 1
Directors’ Report 2
Independent Examiner’s Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


Directors

Dr M P R Hamilton Mrs A McTavish Ms S A Norcross Dr J Stewart Mrs K L Woodcock Dr V Bolton Professor A H Balen Professor N McClure Professor M Davies (appointed 15th January 2024)

Company Number

Registered and Principal Office

Independent Examiner

Registered Charity Number

03761793 Profile Productions Ltd Boston House Boston Manor Road Brentford Middlesex TW8 9JJ Michael Speight FCA Forvis Mazars LLP 5[th] Floor 3 Wellington Place Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 4AP 1075661

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


The directors, who are also the trustees of the charity, present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Company status

British Fertility Society does not have a share capital and is limited by guarantee to the value of £1 per member.

The charity is constituted under the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company, which were adopted on 12 April 1999 and amended on 24 January 2022, and comprise its principal governing documents.

The objects of the charity are to promote research into the study and treatment of human reproduction including infertility, contraception and early pregnancy failure.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

Company Law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the year and of its financial activities during the year then ended. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the trust and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the trust and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The directors also confirm that they do not know of any relevant information that has not been disclosed to the charity’s Independent Examiner, having taken all possible steps to make themselves aware of such information and pass it on to the Independent Examiner.

Governance and management

The charity is a registered charity, number 1075661. The charity is managed by its board of directors who also act as its trustees. They have power to appoint further directors. The day-to-day administration of the charity is delegated to the secretary who is responsible for instructing any advisors who may be appointed to assist in the running of the charity.

In shaping the Charity’s objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Significant relationships

British Fertility Society Limited works closely with BFS Education Limited whose principal activity is the running of the academic interests of the members. These activities complement the objectives of British Fertility Society Limited.

Financial review

The activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 have resulted in a surplus of £169,114 (2023: surplus of £72,956). At the year end total funds were £349,900, including restricted funds of £4,324 (2023: total funds £180,786, £4,324 of which were restricted).

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Charitable objectives of the BFS and review of activities to March 2024

British Fertility Society Limited (BFS) has continued to develop its activities in relation to the promotion of education and knowledge in the field of infertility, in line with the following objectives:

The advancement of education

The Society maintained its membership base at over 1000. Around 650 of these are clinicians, 260 nurses and nearly 90 are scientists. The remainder is made up of counsellors, managers, regulators, lawyers, representatives from pharma and retired members.

The Joint Annual Meeting with the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) and the Association of Reproductive & Clinical Scientists (ARCS) took place in Edinburgh on 10-13 January 2024, which was an in-person event that attracted more than 770 registrations and 300+ abstracts. This event has continued to strengthen the Society’s relationships with other professional organisations and has increased its accessibility to all within the profession.

The annual BFS Study Week, which took place in person in London in September 2023, had modules including: Fertility Preservation, Creating Modern Families, Pelvic Ultrasound, Persons Responsible Effective Fertility Services, Pre-implantation Genetic Testing, Embryo Transfer & Intra-Uterine Insemination, and Male Fertility. There were around 270 registrations. A Nursing Study Day and a GP Study Day were also available as online courses only.

The shared Annual Study Week with the RCOG took place in April 2023, as an online meeting with 131 delegates in attendance, 31 of whom were from overseas thus further increasing our international profile. Feedback from the meeting was very positive.

The Society is responsible for the publication of Human Fertility, a multidisciplinary journal, which publishes articles ranging from molecular medicine to practical healthcare delivery and psychosocial aspects of reproductive medicine. All members of the British Fertility Society receive the Journal online as part of their subscription; the readership is still increasing both in the UK and internationally. The journal has moved to Open Access in late 2023, which will enable much wider access to the journal worldwide. Pattern of article submissions will be carefully monitored.

Significant investment and time has been placed in the upgrade of our website and CRM which will enable us to communicate better with our members and the public.

The Society also manages several Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These include the following specialty areas: Law Policy & Ethics, Andrology, and Fertility Preservation. These bring together experts and interested professionals in those fields and enable networking and sharing of good practice. In addition, the Society’s Fertility Education Initiative (FEI) SIG has produced materials, including infographics and videos, to increase knowledge and awareness in matters relating to human fertility amongst the public, particularly young people. Grant funding was obtained to assist with this work. The FEI has made efforts to ensure that its content is aligned with PSHE recommendations (Personal, Social, Health, & Economic education in schools in England).

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The advancement of health

The Joint Annual meeting and two Study Weeks are designed to better equip clinicians, nurses, scientists, and ancillary professionals to deal with matters related to fertility and infertility.

Certification of Training modules also ensure that practitioners reach specific standards in delivering the relevant components of care, always incorporating the latest material and practices for the benefit of those seeking care.

The principles of evidence-based practice, as promoted by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), underpin these and our other training modules. There is continuing interaction with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Department of Health, always striving to improve access to and delivery of high-quality clinical care.

The Society also manages a mentorship programme for health professionals (nurses, doctors and scientists) in the early stages of their careers in fertility care.

The advancement of science

The Joint Annual meeting and the two Study weeks provide opportunities for members to present the results of their research orally and in posters and provide an arena for more general discussion of the latest trends and advances in our specialty.

The Society publishes a journal (Human Fertility) encompassing a mix of invited reviews, original articles, and publication of Policy and Practice statements and opinion papers. The journal also provides a forum for the publication of peer-reviewed articles arising out of the activities of other associations including the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientist, BICA and the Royal College of Nursing Fertility Nurses group.

Our Policy & Practice committee continues to co-ordinate reviews in a number of key areas in clinical and laboratory practice. Guideline review follows a systematic process and involves the wider membership of the Society. Several position statements and scientific reviews are published each year in Human Fertility.

The advancement of human rights with respect to equality

Perhaps more than in most branches of medicine, fertility care covers both males and females, and equal emphasis is placed on the delivery of their combined and mutually dependent care with due respect to individual autonomy, justice, and equality legislation. Infertility is recognised as a disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and promotion of high-quality care of infertile people is part of our obligation as healthcare professionals to reduce disability, distress, stigmatisation, and disease burden in society.

The BFS Study Week delivers modules in Male Fertility and Creating Modern Families. Our equality and diversity policy is displayed on our website and all members are expected to abide by the standards set out in that document.

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


The relief of those in need because of ill-health and disability

Infertility is designated a disease and a disability by the World Health Organisation. The Society strives to offer education to enable the best care to be given by practitioners to those with fertility problems and the consequent disability.

Key achievements of the charity during the year ended 31 March 2024 include:

Reserves policy and going concern

The Directors' principal aim is to ensure that membership income is sufficient to cover the charity's regular expenditure and to utilise any surplus resources towards the principal objects as set out elsewhere in this report. The intention continues to be to consolidate the current level of reserves to advance the aims and objectives of the Charity.

The Trustees have reviewed the circumstances of the Charity and consider that adequate resources continue to be available to fund its activities for the foreseeable future.

Risk Management

The directors are aware of the major risks facing the organisation and continue to develop the strengthened risk register. This clearly lays out the necessary lines of communication and measures required to manage any identified weaknesses.

In summary, the charity has had another influential year and continues to expand its activities.

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


Directors

The Directors of British Fertility Society Ltd. during the year to 31st March 2024 and to date were:

Dr Mark Hamilton (Chair of Trustees until 12th January 2024)

Mrs Alison McTavish (Chair of Trustees from 12th January 2024)

Mrs Karen Woodcock Prof Adam Balen Ms Sarah Norcross Dr Jane Stewart Dr Virginia Bolton

Prof Neil McClure

Prof Melanie Davies (appointed 15th January 2024)

Small Company Rules

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on Dec 11, 2024

and signed on their behalf by

Alison McTavish (Dec 11, 2024 09:25 GMT)

Alison McTavish Chair of Trustees

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


I report on the financial statements of British Fertility Society Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 9 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements 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 financial statements as 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(b) of the 2011 Act.

This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the charity’s trustees as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

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

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 by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales which is one of the listed bodies.

In connection with my examination, which is complete, no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect:

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


Independent examiner’s statement (continued)

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Michael Speight

Michael Speight (Dec 12, 2024 09:53 GMT)

Michael Speight FCA

For and on behalf of

Forvis Mazars LLP 5[th] Floor 3 Wellington Place Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 4AP

Date: Dec 12, 2024

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

__________
12 months
to 31 March 2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total
£
£
-
-
-
Income
Jobs advert
Training
Royalties
Conferences
Bank interest receivable
Incoming resources from charitable
activities:
-
Membership fees
Donations and grants
Sponsorship donations
-
-
-
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities:
Educational expenses
Secretarial and other member expenses
Governance costs:
Accountancy
Total expenditure
Netincome/(expenditure)
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
£
-
-
-
-
103,140
1,365
-
-
-
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
103,140
1,365
__________
12 months
to 31 March 2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total
£
£
-
-
-
Income
Jobs advert
Training
Royalties
Conferences
Bank interest receivable
Incoming resources from charitable
activities:
-
Membership fees
Donations and grants
Sponsorship donations
-
-
-
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities:
Educational expenses
Secretarial and other member expenses
Governance costs:
Accountancy
Total expenditure
Netincome/(expenditure)
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
£
-
-
-
-
103,140
1,365
-
-
-
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
103,140
1,365
__________
12 months
to 31 March 2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total
£
£
-
-
-
Income
Jobs advert
Training
Royalties
Conferences
Bank interest receivable
Incoming resources from charitable
activities:
-
Membership fees
Donations and grants
Sponsorship donations
-
-
-
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities:
Educational expenses
Secretarial and other member expenses
Governance costs:
Accountancy
Total expenditure
Netincome/(expenditure)
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
£
-
-
-
-
103,140
1,365
-
-
-
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
103,140
1,365
__________
12 months
to 31 March 2024
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total
£
£
-
-
-
Income
Jobs advert
Training
Royalties
Conferences
Bank interest receivable
Incoming resources from charitable
activities:
-
Membership fees
Donations and grants
Sponsorship donations
-
-
-
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities:
Educational expenses
Secretarial and other member expenses
Governance costs:
Accountancy
Total expenditure
Netincome/(expenditure)
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
£
-
-
-
-
103,140
1,365
-
-
-
2,975
21,790
12,672
114,667
98,099
-
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594
169,114
103,140
1,365
___

12 months
to 31 March 2023
Total £
2,530
24,536
6,862
100,936
72,701
5,344
278,391
6,899
194,000
4,536
205,435
72,956
65,315
167
354,708 -
354,708
4,228
176,626
4,740
-
-
-
4,228
176,626
4,740
185,594 -
185,594
169,114 -
169,114

The Statement of Financial Activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

There are no gains or losses other than those reported in the Statement of Financial Activities.

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Company number 03761793

Notes
3
4
Assets
Cash at Bank and in hand
Current asset investments - 200 day notice account
Debtors
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net assets
Financed by:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total funds
5
31
March
2024
£
252,747
90,131
427,879
(77,979)
349,900
349,900
345,576
4,324
85,000
31
March
2023
£
179,562
123,324
-
302,886
(122,100)
180,786
176,462
4,324
180,786

For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of the financial statements.

The financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to small companies, were approved by the Board of Trustees on and signed on their behalf by Dec 11, 2024

Alison McTavish (Dec 11, 2024 09:25 GMT)

Alison McTavish Chair of Trustees

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


1. Accounting policies

British Fertility Society Limited is a public benefit entity, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, registered number 03761793. It is registered within the Charity Commission in England and Wales. The registered office is Profile Productions, Boston House, 69 – 75 Boston Manor Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9JJ.

The principal purpose of the charity is to promote research into the study and treatment of human reproduction including infertility, contraception and early pregnancy failure.

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

(a) Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been presented in pound sterling which is the functional currency of the company, and rounded to the nearest £.

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

British Fertility Society Limited 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 notes.

(b) Income

Income from charitable activities represent fees and sponsorship receivable from members.

Bank interest is accounted for when receivable.

Other income is accounted for when receivable.

(c) Expenditure

Includes expenses directly related to the objects of the charity (in accordance with Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and include human fertility production costs and contributions to fertility meetings.

Governance costs comprise the costs of running the charity including independent examination, certain legal and professional fees and secretarial and administration costs.

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


(d) Going concern

The Trustees have reviewed the circumstances of the Charity and consider that adequate resources continue to be available to fund the activities for the foreseeable future and for a period of at twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. These financial statements have therefore been prepared on the going concern principle. The Trustees have considered the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Charity’s going concern status. The Trustees do not consider there to be any material uncertainties which could impact on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

(e) Current asset investments

Cash held in deposit accounts with a notice period greater than 3 months are classified as current asset investments. They are measured at cost less impairment.

(f) 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 as their settlement value.

(g) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires trustees to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported for reserves and expenses during the year. However, the nature of the estimation means that the actual outcomes could differ from the estimates. The trustees believe that there are no critical accounting policies where judgements or estimates are necessarily applied.

(h) Charitable funds

The unrestricted funds represent unrestricted income which is expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the Charity. The restricted funds represent funds held in trust for specific purposes (see Note 5).

2. Independent examiner's remuneration

Independent examination, preparation of statutory
statements and corporation tax computation
3.
Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Amounts owed by BFS Education Limited
2024
£
4,740
31
March
2024
£
2,409
3,061
90,131
84,661
-
2023
£
31
March
2023
£
4,536
55,153
2,915
65,256
-
123,324

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


4. Creditors

reditors
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income (see below)
Other creditors
Deferred income
Brought forward
Amounts released
Amounts deferred in current year
Carried forward
31
March
2024
£
31,299
45,290
1,390
77,979
31
March
2024
£
52,230
(52,230)
36,477
36,477
31
March
2023
£
44,624
77,413
63
122,100
31
March
2023
£
54,932
(54,932)
52,230
52,230

Deferred income represents subscriptions and sponsorship relating to future periods.

5. Funds

Unrestrictedfunds
Restricted
funds
Totalfunds
Balance
at 1 April
2023
£
174,462
4,324
Income
£
354,708
-
Expenditure
£
(185,594)
-
Balance at
31 March
2024
£
345,576
4,324
180,786 354,708 (185,594) 349,900

Restricted funds relate to grants that were received in support of the Society's Fertility Education Initiative project, and the expenditure thereon.

BRITISH FERTILITY SOCIETY LIMITED

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


7. Net assets by fund

Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Current assets 298,562 4,324 302,886
Current liabilities (77,979) - (77,979)
345,576 4,324 349,900
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £
Current assets 298,562 4,324 302,886
Current liabilities (122,100) - (122,100)
176,462 4,324 180,786

9.8. Related Party Transactions

During the year, BFS Education Limited, a company related to British Fertility Society Limited due to their close working, made donations to British Fertility Society Limited totalling £98,099 (2023: £72,701). At 31 March 2024 an amount of £Nil (2023: £65,256) was owed by BFS Education Limited.

10.9. Remuneration and Trustee Expense

The members of the Board of Trustees received no remuneration for their services during the year. Expenses reimbursed to Board of Trustee members for costs incurred on behalf of the charity during the year amounted to £925 (2023: £1,347). This was in respect of 3 Trustees (2023: 4 Trustees).

The Charity has no employees.

11.10. Consolidated accounts

Consolidated accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and applicable regulations have not been prepared because the aggregate gross income of British Fertility Society Limited and BFS Education Limited is below the consolidation threshold. Full accounts of BFS Education Limited can be obtained from the registered address.