North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
NWESSR Annual Report for the Charity Commission 2024
Charity Progress:
In 2024 there continued to be an influx of dogs of varying ages and many of whom displayed challenging behaviour such as resource guarding. In response the Charity engaged a new trainer with a positive outlook to training, which greatly benefitted the dogs in our care.
During 2024, the charity continued to reflect upon and revise its procedures in response to the challenges of rehoming dogs, including young dogs that are under socialised, as well as increased expectations of those who wish to adopt dogs. NWESSR is continually reviewing processes to ensure that they remain robust, particularly important for surrender and rehoming processes. As noted in previous annual reports, much of the charity’s time and resources over this period was taken up making arrangements for the rehabilitation of dogs that ~~c~~ ame in with more complex behavioural needs as well as veterinary care. NWESSR remains in an increasing minority of dog rescues whose intake policy includes dogs who have bitten; this is directly in line with NWESSR’s charitable purpose to rehabilitate and rehome English Springer Spaniels, however, this has implications for the resources required in rehabilitating dogs prior to rehoming.
Over this period in-person fundraising continued, namely Dogs Day Out (June 2024). While resources did not allow for attendance at many other in-person events the charity are indebted to the increasingly innovative fundraising efforts of volunteers, alongside more traditional fundraising efforts including the ‘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 remains held in esteem with other rescues; receiving referrals from larger breed-specific charities and listed in the Kennel Club breed specific rescue directory. In March 2024 NWESSR held the AGM in person, as recommended in Charity Commission guidance. As in previous years NWESSR remains an entirely volunteer-led organisation with no paid employees.
Trustee positions – Resignations and new appointments:
As required by the constitution at the NWSSR AGM 2024 Sarah Singh stood down as Secretary (Trustee), before being re-elected (unopposed).
North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
Marie Fox resigned as Trustee and Surrender Homing Officer
Volunteers – Resignations and new appointments:
Chris Johnson: NWESSR would like to thank Chris for joining as an Assistant Homing Officer Janet Dunbar: NWESSR is grateful to Janet for stepping into the role of NWESSR Surrender Homing Officer, a role she performs with great initiative.
Charlene Sutton: following her appointment in Autumn 2024 as NWESSR Deputy Surrender Homing Officer, Charlene also writes Dog Profiles for social media and answers the general enquiries phone line.
Nicki Healy was co-opted as Treasurer In December 2024.
Rehoming of Dogs:
In 2024 NWESSR rehomed 50 dogs. The Homing Team were also able to offer advice or training support, to keep dogs in their own homes. NWESSR’s long-term foster scheme (meaning NWESSR will cover veterinary bills for pre-existing chronic conditions, or because the dog is over 10yrs of age) remains strategically important in supporting the rehoming of older dogs/dogs with chronic conditions. Dr Carol Gray continues to play a key role in advising on the veterinary care of dogs in NWESSR’s care (including those on long term foster schemes). As in previous years, a small number of dogs had to remain in kennels/residential training for prolonged periods as they were undergoing veterinary and/or rehabilitation over this period. Rosie Littlewood continued to do an excellent job in her role (Vetting Homing Officer) alongside Janet Dunbar Surrender Homing Officer, supported by Charlene Sutton, and Wendy Taylor (Matching Homing Officer). This team remains supported by Homing Officers Assistants, Julie Carr and Sue Maughan.
Kennels:
During 2024 NWESSR continued to use three private boarding kennels in the Lancashire/Manchester area for dogs that required rehabilitation prior to rehoming. As in previous years, kennel space remains at a premium. All kennels have good sized exercise areas where dogs can run. They are conveniently located for Matching Homing Officer, Trainer and Meet & Greeter to visit dogs in kennels, to check their progress and ensure that welfare standards are being maintained. Any dogs that are deemed suitable
North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
to 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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NWESSR is grateful to Irene Gill, NWESSR treasurer and Nicki Higgins, assistant treasurer, for keeping close controls on spending in difficult circumstances, particularly given the number of dogs entering NWESSR’s care with behavioural issues which often require rehabilitation prior to rehoming. Under challenging circumstances, the charity has managed to remain financially stable, with a total annual income of £75,502 and total expenditure of £86,120 resulting in an overall loss of profit of -£13,453 (as compared to net profit in 2023 of £2,648). Income increased on 2023 (£46,392); NWESSR remains indebted to bequests and donations (both regular and one-off), which continue to ensure the financial stability of the charity. NWESSR’s income is mostly made up from regular donations by our members and supporters, plus fundraising by our trustees and volunteers. In 2024 we were also hugely grateful to receive several one-off larger donations and bequests. It is this continued support which enables us to carry on helping Springers in need. NWESSR’s fundraising this period has included several social media appeals for various dogs with specific needs (including the ‘Hoover’ appeal), all of which have all been very well supported.
However, while costs continue to be closely managed, the increase in expenditure is largely due to rehabilitation costs associated with taking dogs that were under socialised during the pandemic, including dogs that have bitten for various reasons. In 2023 the total cost of the Vets bill was £20,316.32, this rose to £21, 013 in 2024 due to unexpected cruciate repair surgery. NWESSR’s expenditure for the year is as expected made up mostly of vet fees, kennelling and training. These costs are increasing across the board but are a very necessary part of NWESSR continuing to fulfil its charitable purposes, the additional spend is of direct benefit to the dogs and thus in line with the charity’s aims. Some dogs that come into the organisation need considerable training and rehabilitation, which is what we do as a Rescue Charity. NWESSR incurs very little ‘other’ expenditure not least as NWESSR is run on a completely voluntary basis. The charity continues to explore ways of reducing costs where possible, such as offering the newsletter in digital format and careful procurement of veterinary medicines and the cost of procedures, where possible. The financial records are in good order, as confirmed by the independent reviewer.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
North West English Springer Spaniel Rescue (NWESSR) Registered Charity 1076924 www.englishspringerrescue.co.uk
In common with other charities, throughout this period 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:
Dogs Day out 2024: In June 2024, NWESSR’s Dogs Day Out took place. Fundraising co-ordinator Julie Hesmondhalgh did a superb job of organising this event, aided by a loyal team of volunteers. The event raised a significant amount of money (£1,292), but just as important is the social aspect of this event, providing a fabulous opportunity to bring the NWESSR members, supporters, volunteers and members of public together to celebrate the dogs who have made NWESSR what it is.
In 2024 there were two fundraising events by supporters; Leanne Hunt completed the London Marathon and raised in excess of £1,000 for the Charity and Jessica Robson did Hooray for Henry’s half marathon in memory of her dog, raising £800 including Gift Aid.
North West Springer Spaniel Rescue
Profit and Loss Report
01 January, 2024 - 31 December, 2024
| Sales | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4000 - Donations - GIFT AID | 4,144.15 | |
| 4005 - Donations - Gift aid auto collect | 23,838.89 | |
| 4010 - Donations - No Gift Aid | 1,515.53 | |
| 4020 - Bequests | 3,521.58 | |
| 4040 - Sponsor a Springer | 5,545.08 | |
| 4050 - Gift Aid Claims from HMRC | 4,611.89 | |
| 4060 - Adoption Donations | 16,950.00 | |
| 4090 - Insurance Commission | 1,520.27 | |
| 4100 - Sundry Income & Interest | 3,192.54 | |
| 4110 - Fundraising Income | 2,952.55 | |
| 4120 - Fun Day Income | 1,473.00 | |
| 4140 - Membership | 1,726.64 | |
| 4150 - Supporters | 120.00 | |
| 4160 - Calendars & Cards | 1,175.10 | |
| 7140 - Lola | 24.15 | |
| 7160 - Advent 2023 | 116.25 | |
| 7170 - Buddy | 19.40 | |
| 7180 - Alfie SAS | 97.47 | |
| 7220 - Hoover Appeal | 1,522.82 | |
| 7230 - Ozzy | 623.50 | |
| 8000 - Milo | 811.76 | |
| Total Sales | £75,502.57 | |
| Direct Expenses | ||
04 Jan 2025 19:07
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| 5000 - Veterinary Fees 21,013.94 |
|
|---|---|
| 5020 - Training 27,931.00 |
|
| 5030 - Kennels 37,175.40 |
|
| Total Direct Expenses | £86,120.34 |
| GROSS PROFIT / LOSS | -£10,617.77 |
| Overheads | |
| 6010 - Fundraising Costs 20.00 |
|
| 6020 - Cards & Calendars Costs 353.57 |
|
| 6030 - Fun Day Costs 180.72 |
|
| 7100 - Telephone & Postage 355.95 |
|
| 7110 - Insurance 1,090.27 |
|
| 7120 - Motor Expenses 420.00 |
|
| 7130 - Room Hire 52.50 |
|
| 7900 - Bank Charges and Interest 361.80 |
|
| Total Overheads | £2,834.81 |
| NET PROFIT / LOSS | -£13,452.58 |
04 Jan 2025 19:07
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North West Springer Spaniel Rescue
Profit and Loss Report
01 January, 2024 - 31 December, 2024
| Sales | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4000 - Donations - GIFT AID | 4,144.15 | |
| 4005 - Donations - Gift aid auto collect | 23,838.89 | |
| 4010 - Donations - No Gift Aid | 1,515.53 | |
| 4020 - Bequests | 3,521.58 | |
| 4040 - Sponsor a Springer | 5,545.08 | |
| 4050 - Gift Aid Claims from HMRC | 4,611.89 | |
| 4060 - Adoption Donations | 16,950.00 | |
| 4090 - Insurance Commission | 1,520.27 | |
| 4100 - Sundry Income & Interest | 3,192.54 | |
| 4110 - Fundraising Income | 2,952.55 | |
| 4120 - Fun Day Income | 1,473.00 | |
| 4140 - Membership | 1,726.64 | |
| 4150 - Supporters | 120.00 | |
| 4160 - Calendars & Cards | 1,175.10 | |
| 7140 - Lola | 24.15 | |
| 7160 - Advent 2023 | 116.25 | |
| 7170 - Buddy | 19.40 | |
| 7180 - Alfie SAS | 97.47 | |
| 7220 - Hoover Appeal | 1,522.82 | |
| 7230 - Ozzy | 623.50 | |
| 8000 - Milo | 811.76 | |
| Total Sales | £75,502.57 | |
| Direct Expenses | ||
04 Jan 2025 19:07
Page 1 of 2
| 5000 - Veterinary Fees 21,013.94 |
|
|---|---|
| 5020 - Training 27,931.00 |
|
| 5030 - Kennels 37,175.40 |
|
| Total Direct Expenses | £86,120.34 |
| GROSS PROFIT / LOSS | -£10,617.77 |
| Overheads | |
| 6010 - Fundraising Costs 20.00 |
|
| 6020 - Cards & Calendars Costs 353.57 |
|
| 6030 - Fun Day Costs 180.72 |
|
| 7100 - Telephone & Postage 355.95 |
|
| 7110 - Insurance 1,090.27 |
|
| 7120 - Motor Expenses 420.00 |
|
| 7130 - Room Hire 52.50 |
|
| 7900 - Bank Charges and Interest 361.80 |
|
| Total Overheads | £2,834.81 |
| NET PROFIT / LOSS | -£13,452.58 |
04 Jan 2025 19:07
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