North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
NWESSR Annual Report for the Charity Commission 2022
Charity Progress:
During 2022, the charity continued to work to continue to improve its procedures in response to the challenges of rehoming dogs, specifically the continuing influx of young dogs who are under socialised as well as increased expectations of those who wish to adopt dogs. Over this period NWESSR continued to implement robust surrender and rehoming processes. As in 2021, Much of the trustees’ time in 2022 was taken up making arrangements for the rehabilitation of dogs that ~~c~~ ame in with more complex behavioural needs and responding to pre and post lockdown trends in surrenders and applications as, after lockdown ended, there were many more dogs being surrendered and a notable decrease in adoption applications. In July 2022 we resumed in person fundraising, specifically Dogs Day Out (June 2022) and attending other in person events as well as continuing other fundraising activities including a raffle, ‘sponsor a springer’ scheme and the sale of calendars and cards, thanks to the support of the public and NWESSR members and supporters, the charity continues to fulfil its charitable purpose of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming English Springer Spaniels. NWESSR is listed in the Kennel Club breed specific rescue directory. In March 2022 NWESSR resumed holding the AGM in person.
Trustee positions – Resignations and new appointments:
In March 2022 Julie Hesmondhalgh and Carol Gray were elected as trustees at the AGM, confirming the Executive Committee’s decision to co-opt them in 2021. Kristine Pemberton, the Treasurer, resigned commensurate with the AGM. NWESSR is grateful to Kristine for her dedicated service. Carol Gray was appointed as interim treasurer at the AGM until July 2022 when Irene Gill was co-opted by the Executive Committee as a Trustee and Treasurer.
Volunteers – Resignations and new appointments:
Gillian Kirk: NWESSR would like to thank Gillian Kirk who stepped down as assistant treasurer.
Nicki Higgins: took up the role of Assistant Treasurer, where she is putting her accountancy skills to good use.
North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
Elaine Wood: Thanks to Elaine Wood who played a key role in coordinating Dogs Day out 2022 as well as assisting Julie Hesmondhalgh in coordinating other fundraising activities across the year.
Richard Carratu: Joined the fundraising team, where he has put forward ideas and will help to try secure grants.
Rehoming of Dogs:
In 2022 NWESSR rehomed 50 dogs. The homing Team was also able to offer advice or training support, in order to keep dogs in their own homes. We also held an Open Day at kennels, where applicants were invited to come and meet the dogs in kennels. This was successful and resulted in applicants offering homes, to dogs who they may otherwise not considered. Some dogs have been fostered on NWESSR’s long-term foster scheme (meaning NWESSR will cover veterinary bills for existing chronic conditions, or because the dog is over 10yrs of age). As was the case in 2021, a small number of dogs had to remain in kennels as they were undergoing veterinary and/or rehabilitation over this period. Rosie Littlewood continues to do an excellent job in her role ‘Homing Officer (Vetting)’ alongside Marie Fox ‘Homing Officer (Surrenders) and Wendy Taylor ‘Homing Officer (Matching). Fully supported by Homing Officers Assistants Julie Carr and Sue Maughan and Dog Training Co-ordinator Sarah Singh.
Kennels:
During 2022 NWESSR used three boarding kennels in the Lancashire/Manchester area for dogs that required more specialist rehabilitation. All kennels have good sized exercise areas where dogs can run. They are conveniently located for trustees and volunteer dog walkers to visit dogs in kennels, to check their progress and ensure that welfare standards are being maintained. As with previous years any dogs that could be fostered were placed in appropriate foster homes, to increase their wellbeing and to keep kennelling costs as low as possible over this period.
Financial position:
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Kristine Pemberton, the NWESSR Treasurer resigned in 2022. Kristine was assisted in her role by Gillian Kirk, as Assistant Treasurer who also resigned in 2022. We are grateful to Irene Gill for assuming the role of treasurer and Nicki Higgins for assuming the role of assistant treasurer. Under very difficult circumstances, the charity has managed to remain relatively financially stable, with a total annual income of £59,210 with total expenditure of £72,410 resulting in an overall loss of £13,200.
North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
Income increased on 2021 (£52390) due the aforementioned resumption in fundraising activity. However, while costs continue to be closely managed, the increase in expenditure is largely due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the rehabilitation costs associated with this. We remain indebted to the large bequest from 2016, along with other bequests and donations (both regular and one-off), which have ensured the financial stability of the charity. Adoption fees and initiatives, such as ‘sponsor a springer’, along with volunteer led fund-raising activities, such as the sale of cards and calendars and raffles continue to play a role in maintaining the financial health of the charity. NWESSR continues to explore ways of reducing costs where possible, such as offering the newsletter in digital format and careful procurement of veterinary medicines where possible.
While trustees are committed to controlling expenditure, the most significant costs incurred continued to be fees for rehabilitation and the associated kennelling costs. Veterinary treatment also accounted for a large proportion of expenditure. This spending is of direct benefit to the dogs and in line with the charity’s aims, with administration costs kept at an absolute minimum. The charity is run by unpaid volunteers. Other expenses continue to be relatively low and the financial records are in good order, as confirmed by the independent reviewer.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
In common with other charities, throughout 2022, NWESSR continued to take the necessary steps to ensure the safeguarding of data and respect for privacy of our volunteers, adopters, members and supporters.
Events:
As aforementioned many of NWESSR’s in-person events resumed this year following postponement or online alternatives during the pandemic. Over 2022 fundraising events included Dogs Day Out as well attending Cheshire Show and Cheshire Game and Angling Fair. NWESSR were also delighted to attend Crufts 2022 as a Kennel Club Breed specific rescue.
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