Registered number: 03920526 Charity number: 1080986
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report and financial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2023
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 10 |
| Independent auditors' report on the financial statements | 11 - 13 |
| Statement of financial activities | 14 |
| Balance sheet | 15 |
| Statement of cash flows | 16 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 17 - 34 |
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers For the year ended 31 March 2023
| Trustees | Mr M Wilson MA (Oxon), Chair |
|---|---|
| Mr R Gill FCA, Treasurer | |
| Miss L Moore, Vice Chair (resigned 29 November 2022) | |
| Mrs D Goma (resigned 29 November 2022) | |
| Ms J Sharp | |
| Mr M Connell | |
| Company registered number 03920526 Charity registered number 1080986 Registered office 2a Wentworth House Vernon Gate Derby DE1 1UR Key management personnel Ms C Winfield - CEO Ms A Daw - Finance manager Mr P Bowler - Southern services manager (resigned 11 August 2022) Mr R Gosai - Rehab manager (resigned 9 September 2022) Ms R Graham - Operations service manager (appointed 18 July 2022) Independent auditors Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ Bankers Lloyds Bank 812 Osmaston Road Allenton Derby DE24 9AA |
Page 1
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report For the year ended 31 March 2023
The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. The Annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The charity’s objectives are to provide relief and support to people of all ages, particularly people who are visually impaired and living in Derby, Derbyshire or surrounding areas. Its aim is to enhance the quality of life for these people and their carers by raising the resources necessary to provide a comprehensive range of supportive services and activities throughout the area. The charity also works to educate the public and promote understanding about eye health and sight loss in order to prevent avoidable sight loss.
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Grant-making policies
The charity does not make grants to other organisations or individuals as part of its work. From time to time, the charity applies for grants from specific charitable trusts for the purchase of equipment for individual beneficiaries. Most recently this has been for specialist swimming goggles and the cost of one-to-one swimming lessons for visually impaired children. Grant income is restricted to this particular activity.
c. Volunteers
Our volunteers lie at the heart of our service delivery efforts. It is because of their selfless and dedicated service we are able to reach out to so many blind and visually impaired people and people in need throughout Derbyshire. In 2022/23 we retained 80 volunteers. Many had been ‘stood down’ over the Covid restrictions, but during the year we did have more volunteers come back to offer their support.
Having been without a permanent Volunteer Coordinator since 2020, we took the decision to advertise for a part time person. We were successful with that recruitment and we had someone in post by May 2023.
Moving forward we aim to recruit new volunteers and to provide structured support to those already working with us. We know from past experience that without our loyal and dedicated volunteers we cannot provide the wide range of support services to our beneficiaries.
Each year we check the status of our volunteers with each volunteer's line manager to ensure that we have upto-date information and we remove 'non-active' volunteers from the register. This ensures that all of our volunteers are well managed and their training and experience is up-to-date and relevant. We are proud that many of our volunteers have demonstrated commitment and loyalty to the charity, with a significant number having given more than three years of service and many with over ten years.
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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
d. Main activities undertaken to further the charity's purposes for the public benefit
The charity supports people with sight loss, taking referrals from hospital eye clinics, from a range of professionals and directly from visually impaired people. A range of services is available, including Eye Clinic Liaison Officers at the two main hospitals in Derbyshire; telephone helpline; rehabilitation services; low vision services; resource centres; information and advice events; living well and befriending schemes; social activities; and children and young people activities.
The Trustees use various measures to track the success of the charity over the year. Measures include financial monitoring against budget; project performance against agreed funder criteria and KPI’s; staff and service use feedback; regular monitoring of any accidents, Health & Safety issues, safeguarding alerts, complaints and compliments; any operational performance agreed at Board meetings.
Regular awareness raising events are run to promote good eye health, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of regular eye tests.
The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
Over the past year we have seen our services return to ‘more normal’ delivery as the impact of the Covid pandemic lessened. Face-to-face service delivery has once again become the norm, and our group activities have resumed. We have been mindful that while some people were keen to get back to face-to-face services, after nearly three years of Covid restrictions, some people were nervous of more community-based interaction. We have worked hard to reassure people that our services are safe, and we have provided additional support for some people to get out and about.
“I hadn’t been out much at all over Covid, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come today, but I am so glad that I did. I’ve learnt so much and someone is going to come out and see me to help me see things better in the kitchen.” Mrs N, following a VIP information event, February 2023
Our low vision and rehabilitation services have been busy with new referrals and also visiting people who needed a follow-up after receiving telephone or doorstep support over Covid. We wanted to ensure that people had received the best and most appropriate service and were not just relying on a ‘temporary fix’ to a problem.
Case study – Adult Services
Mr. P had first received support from us in December 2021 when we carried out a remote low vision assessment. An eye chart had been posted out to him and a telephone follow-up allowed staff to assess the level of magnification he required. A hand-held magnifier was sent out to him by post. He was also told about how to make best use of natural light around his home.
In April 2023 a follow-up telephone call was made to him to find out how he was getting on, and to see if there was anything further that we could help with. Mr P was struggling with settings on his heating thermostat and with different control markings around his home. A rehabilitation support visit was arranged.
One of our Rehabilitation Support Workers was able to visit him in his home and do an assessment. His heating thermostat and oven controls were marked with bump-ons (brightly coloured, tactile stickers) so that he could easily find the most used controls. While there, staff also provided him with a liquid level indicator to help limit scolding risks when making hot drinks. They demonstrated how he could re-arrange simple things in his kitchen to make best use of his residual vision. By moving the kettle and drink making equipment to the kitchen side with the window, Mr. P was better able to see what he was doing.
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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
Finally, the member of staff checked to see if the magnifier he had received was suitable. He was very happy with it and said how much it had helped him, and that he used it all the time. He did still struggle to read print when seated in his lounge, where he tended to spend most evenings. The member of staff looked at lighting and provided him with a day-light floor lamp, positioned behind his usual chair. The additional light meant that he was able to use his magnifier and could then see his television magazine.
Mr P contacted Sight Support Derbyshire to say how pleaded he was with the service:
“I was already pleased with the magnifier that you’d sent me, as it helped so much. When (staff member) came out she showed me how to use the new lamp, moving it behind my chair so that I can see the TV magazine again. I can also now turn my own central heating up and down. Before I used to have to wait for my daughter to come because I couldn’t see the numbers. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Over the Covid restrictions most of our work with children and young people was moved on-line, with regular sessions run via Zoom group calls. This year we resumed face-to-face work with the groups and all of the children and young people were keen to get back to group activities. Evening visits to ‘Clip ’n Climb’ and trampolining proved popular. The programme of school holiday activities was developed with the group members and included trips to Alton Towers, Chatsworth Farm, Accessible Bikes, and other places of interest.
Case Study - Children’s Service
Child B joined the group in April 2022 and was very shy and reserved. On the first few activities he stayed very close to his mum and he struggled to interact with other children or with the SSD worker. It was on a visit to the farm during the school holidays that he was encouraged to feed some of the animals, and he began to talk to the SSD worker. She encouraged him to show some other members of the group how to feed the horses, which he did. From there he began to interact more with the other group members. Over the summer programme it was clear how much his confidence had grown and just how much he enjoyed the activities.
SSD Children & Young People’s Worker said:
“B is now very much part of the group. It has been really rewarding to see him flourish and grow in confidence. He has gone from a child who rarely left his mum’s side, to a member of the group who is always willing to try new things and he tries to encourage others to get involved.”
B’s mum said:
“I never thought I’d see him take part in things like climbing and football (goal ball). He is so shy at school and he hates P.E! He loves coming to the SSD group, and I think it is so important for him to be able to mix with other children who struggle to see.”
B said:
“I love climbing to the top of the tower. At first I didn’t think I could do it, but now I go up all the time!”
Other work
Over the year we sent out three newsletters to 5,000 visually impaired service users on our data base. The newsletters contained information about our services, new developments, and how people could contact us. The newsletters were sponsored by several VI equipment providers whose information we shared with the relevant mail- out. All newsletters were made available as downloads from our website (in suitable formats for talking software) and as audio files.
We continued to network with other local and national service providers to make sure that we were up-to-date with relevant information that we could share with our service users.
Page 4
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities (continued)
We provided advice and support to carers, and to professionals working with visually impaired people. This took the form of telephone advice, mailed-out information, one-to-one support to help with specific issues (such as sighted guiding for family members) and training to groups of staff and volunteers.
Achievements and performance
a. Main achievements of the charity
Key achievements 2022/23
Contracts and funding from some of our statutory partners have been difficult to predict. Local Authorities and the Integrated Care Board are all facing increasing financial pressures, and this is reflected in their ability to provide any mid-to-longer-term commitment to their future service requirements and available funding. We have continued to work with these funders to clearly identify the need for our services and what they achieve in terms of positive outcomes for visually impaired people.
Due to Covid, the work we deliver under contract to Derbyshire County Council was rolled-over for a further year. However, the work providing advice, information and support to visually impaired people in Derbyshire was put out to tender over the summer of 2022. Building on our experience in service delivery, and our previous achievements, we were successful in our bid and were awarded a five year contract, with an option for a further three years roll-over. This contract will provide some stability and allow for longer-term planning across the organisation.
Despite some staffing challenges, we managed to deliver rehabilitation services to 727 people in Derbyshire. We also ran 12 Visually Impaired People (‘V.I.P’) information days, attracting 430 people who came to find out about a range of services and equipment available to them. The mobile resource service, staffed predominantly by our volunteers set up 48 sessions and dealt with 427 enquiries.
“What a useful thing to come to. I have found out so much about what is available. I’ve made an appointment for someone to help me with a benefits check, and someone is coming to see me at home to help with things in my kitchen.” (Attendee at a VIP day)
Our low vision service that we run under contract to the Integrated Care Board has continued and is now back to pre-Covid levels of support. We continue to work with approved community-based optometrists to support visually impaired people in Derby and Derbyshire to make the most of their residual vision.
Our two Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs), based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and Royal Derby Hospital had contact with over 900 patients. Some were general advice and information, but many were patients who had been told at the Eye Clinic that they were being certified as sight impaired, or severely sight impaired (partially sighted, or blind). This is often devastating news for patients, and our ECLOs help them to understand what their diagnosis means and importantly, what help is available to them.
“The ECLO helped me to understand that my diagnosis wasn’t the end. I was given lots of information and he set-up appointments for a specialist to come and see me at home to look at lighting and magnification. I know that my eyes will not get any better, but I am now making the most of what I can see.” (Hospital patient Nov 2022)
Our ‘Living Well’ project grant was once again extended by the Integrated Care Board. There was a shift towards ‘well-being’ over the year, allowing us to support more vulnerable service users with accessing the help and support they needed. There was also a staff change during the year, with the retirement of the post-holder who had been in post since the project began back in April 2017; she had helped support over 360 people through the project.
Page 5
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Achievements and performance (continued)
The children’s service continued to provide support to visually impaired children and young people and their families. One worker left and the service was covered by another experienced member of staff and the Service Manager, meaning there was no disruption to the service. A new worker was recruited towards the end of the year to carry the project forward and recruit new families to the service.
2022/23 was another challenging year for charities, with fundraising an ongoing concern. However, with the dedicated support from our service users, our volunteers and our staff, we continued to provide much needed support to visually impaired people across Derby and Derbyshire.
b. Fundraising activities and income generation
Sight Support Derbyshire is a fundraising organisation and relies on this generated income in order to provide a full range of services. This fundraising activity is driven by the Fundraising Team, made up of a part-time Grants, Legacies and Trusts Fundraiser, and a part-time Fundraising Assistant. We do not use the services of any external, commercial fundraising companies.
Sight Support Derbyshire has signed-up to the voluntary code of conduct issued by The Fundraising Regulator, ensuring that we comply with best practice in the sector. We have met all standards issued by The Fundraising Regulator and have not received any complaints about our fundraising activities.
Over recent years there has been heightened awareness of the unscrupulous fundraising activities carried out by some charities (or companies acting on their behalf). Sight Support Derbyshire has an approach to fundraising that ensures donors and potential donors are respected and valued. This means:
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We never make unreasonable or persistent approaches for the purpose of soliciting or otherwise procuring money or other property on behalf of the charity.
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We would never place undue pressure on a person to give money or other property.
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We would never intrude on a person's privacy.
Sight Support Derbyshire fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulations. Our fundraising data is kept on E-Tapestry, a specialist fundraising data management tool that allows us to monitor GDPR compliance and to ensure that our donor preferences are respected. As a local fundraising charity, we rely on our continued positive reputation in all of our activities.
Following the start of the Covid pandemic, three of our fundraising team were furloughed, with one later resigning and two being made redundant. Trustees continue to monitor our fundraising income and opportunities. Community fundraising continues to be down, most probably due to people no longer carrying cash, and also the cost of living pressures being faced.
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
The results for the year showed a net income of £1,997 with the level of free reserves amounting to £305,414 at the year end.
Page 6
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Whilst there can be no certainty with regard to future income, the Trustees confirm there is no reason to believe that funding will not be maintained. The Trustees believe it is appropriate for the accounts to be prepared on a going concern basis.
b. Reserves policy
During 2022/23 Sight Support Derbyshire Trustees reviewed the charity’s reserves policy and found it to be still relevant. The policy acknowledges its duty to balance the needs of current and future beneficiaries of the charity and to have sufficient reserves to cover known liabilities and contingencies, absorb setbacks, and take advantage of change and opportunity.
In line with the current reserves policy, Sight Support Derbyshire aims to have a minimum level of reserves of £250,000. In the event that reserves fall below this lower threshold, Sight Support Derbyshire will aim to restore the level of reserves over an agreed period. Should reserves exceed the upper threshold of £350,000 Sight Support Derbyshire will take action to reduce reserves over an agreed period.
The charity had total reserves carried forward at 31 March 2023 of £796,408, of which, £102,914 are restricted reserves.
Unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2023 are £693,494, of which, £388,080 remains invested in the office premises, leaving £305,414 as free reserves. The free reserves sit comfortably within the upper and lower levels of the Reserves Policy.
c. Principal risks and uncertainties
A corporate risk plan has been developed which provides an annual review of the key risks the charity may face. It also highlights what systems and procedures have been put in place to mitigate these risks and minimise any potential negative impact should any of the risks materialise. The plan is divided into six areas, in line with Charity Commission guidance:
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Governance risks
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Operational risks
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Financial risks
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External risks
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Compliance (law and regulatory)
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Other
The Trustees consider the key risks facing the charity are the short-term nature of the main contracts and the possibility of remaining grants being reduced or cut; challenges of staff recruitment and retention; challenges posed by external I.T threats. Suitable mitigations for these identified risks are identified in the corporate risk plan that is updated annually and as risk levels change.
A system of internal controls is also in place, designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. These include:
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Delegation of authority with separation of duties as far as staffing will allow.
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Business objectives and budget approved by the Trustees.
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Regular consideration of financial progress against budgets.
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Identification and management of risks and the arrangement of appropriate insurance cover.
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An intention to maintain awareness of current and new legislation which is relevant to the business of the charity.
Page 7
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was incorporated on 7 February 2000. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charitable company began its operations on 1 April 2001 when all assets, liabilities, contractual arrangements, activities and work in progress were transferred from a charity known as Derbyshire Association for the Blind - charity number 213876. Since 2012 Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited has traded as Sight Support Derbyshire – SSD.
In 2019 the Memorandum and Articles of Association were changed, to broaden potential charity beneficiaries and to reduce the minimum number of Trustees from eight to four.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
A Board of not less than four and up to twenty Directors/Trustees who are elected at the Annual General Meeting governs Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited. The Board aims to have membership of one third of visually impaired people. The Trustees serve for three years and may be re-elected. Vacancies during the year may be filled by co-option. All new Trustees are recruited through an agreed process which includes a written application form, take up of references and once accepted a Board induction programme. The Board has met six times in the financial year 2022/23.
c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies
The charity’s key management personnel are considered to be the Senior Management Team including the Chief Executive. Their remuneration is set by the Board of Trustees and is based on salary levels of similar positions within the industry.
The Board of Trustees oversees the strategic direction of the charity. Meetings take place every two months and cover finances, policy, review of services, H&S, safeguarding, H.R and any other relevant business. There is a Finance Committee that meets as required and reports to main Board. Trustees have appointed a Chief Executive Officer to manage the day-to-day operation of the charity. The CEO has delegated authority within terms of delegation approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment, service design and delivery and other related activity.
d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited has documented the policies and practices employed by the charity in the delivery of its services and these include (inter alia):
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An equal opportunities policy
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A recruitment and staffing policy
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A health and safety policy
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A volunteers’ policy
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A risk management policy
All new Trustees undergo a tailored induction programme which includes briefing them on their legal obligations under Charity and Company law; the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association; Board meeting and decision making process; business aims; risk management and recent financial performance. During the induction process new members have the opportunity to visit the offices, meet key staff and visit the charity’s services.
Page 8
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Structure, governance and management (continued)
All Trustees are notified of any relevant training courses, workshops and seminars relating to their roles. Occasional training is delivered before Board meetings.
e. Related party relationships
Sight Ed Limited
Sight Ed Limited is the wholly owned subsidiary trading company of Derbyshire Association of the Blind Ltd and has its own board of Directors. The company has become dormant and has not traded since 1 April 2017.
Plans for future periods
Despite the financial pressures being felt by all charities we remain strong and determined to continue to provide quality services to the thousands of blind and visually impaired people who depend upon us. To that end, in the coming year we will be focusing on the following:
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Following effective grant fundraising for developing a befriending scheme, we will ensure set-up and delivery of the service for visually impaired people in Derbyshire. Initially funded for two years, we hope that by demonstrating a need, we will attract ongoing funding.
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Taking steps to ensure the continuation of all existing services including seeking funding for those services whose funding is due to end.
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Using lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic to develop service responses, particularly those reliant on technical solutions.
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Building on our links with statutory and community organisations, aiming to ensure that the needs of visually impaired people in Derbyshire are met.
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Maintaining (and where possible increasing) the numbers of visually impaired people we support across the City and County.
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Linking with other visual impairment charities across the region (and where relevant country) to look at new innovation and best practice to inform our future work.
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Updating policies and procedures to ensure they reflect legislation, best practice and our working arrangements.
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Working with the Board to increase Board membership based on a skills analysis.
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Working to ensure we remain a good employer in order to attract new staff when needed.
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Pursue the development of an apprenticeship route for qualified rehabilitation staff to relieve our own staffing shortages in this area, and to increase qualified staff in the broader field of visual impairment services.
Page 9
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2023
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:
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so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
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that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The auditors, Bates Weston Audit Ltd, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Mr M Wilson MA (Oxon)
(Chair of Trustees) Date: 5 October 2023
Page 10
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Independent auditors' report to the Members of Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the 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:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company 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 charitable company'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 Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. 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
Page 11
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Independent auditors' report to the Members of Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited (continued)
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:
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the information given in the Trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
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the Trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
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the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic report.
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 charitable company'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.
Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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
Page 12
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Independent auditors' report to the Members of Derbyshire Association of the Blind Limited (continued)
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:
Based on our understanding of the company and industry in which it operates, we considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
-
Enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims;
-
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.
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 Auditors' 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 its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Wayne Thomas ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ
24 October 2023
Page 13
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2023
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 4 Charitable activities 5 Other trading activities 6 Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 17 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 142,590 374,819 - - - 517,409 - 483,186 483,186 34,223 9,857 44,080 58,834 44,080 102,914 |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 37,770 5,547 13,933 3,153 - 60,403 44,522 48,107 92,629 (32,226) (9,857) (42,083) 735,577 (42,083) 693,494 |
Total funds 2023 £ 180,360 380,366 13,933 3,153 - 577,812 44,522 531,293 575,815 1,997 - 1,997 794,411 1,997 796,408 |
Total funds 2022 £ 297,672 361,868 7,373 1,493 2,959 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 671,365 | ||||
| 39,679 528,899 |
||||
| 568,578 | ||||
| 102,787 - |
||||
| 102,787 | ||||
| 691,624 102,787 |
||||
| 794,411 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
Page 14
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 03920526
Balance sheet As at 31 March 2023
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Investments 13 Current assets Stocks Debtors 14 Investments 15 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 17 Unrestricted funds 17 Total funds |
2,206 32,970 206,550 234,600 476,326 (73,098) |
2023 £ 388,080 5,100 393,180 403,228 796,408 796,408 102,914 693,494 796,408 |
2,538 44,517 5,000 440,448 492,503 (95,192) |
2022 £ 392,000 5,100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 397,100 397,311 |
||||
| 794,411 | ||||
| 794,411 | ||||
| 58,834 735,577 |
||||
| 794,411 |
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Mr M Wilson MA (Oxon)
(Chair of Trustees) Date: 5 October 2023
The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2023
| Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements |
2023 £ (7,451) 3,153 - 3,153 (4,298) 445,448 441,150 |
2022 £ 114,063 1,493 (392,000) (390,507) (276,444) 721,892 445,448 |
|---|---|---|
Page 16
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
1. General information
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named within legal and administrative information. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Derbyshire Association of the Blind 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.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees have prepared forecasts of income and expenditure and cash flow for a period of 12 months from approval of these financial statements which show that they will be able to operate within the facilities available to them. Therefore, the Trustees believe that it is appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the charity, can be reliably measured.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.
Page 17
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Income (continued)
Donated facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements. Further details of the contribution made by volunteers can be found in the report of the Trustees’.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Freehold property
- 1% straight line
Page 18
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)
Motor vehicles - 20% straight line Office equipment - 25% straight line
2.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.
2.8 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads. Items donated for resale or distribution are not included in the financial statements until they are sold or distributed.
2.9 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
2.10 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.11 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
Page 19
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.12 Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.13 Operating leases
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities on a straightline basis over the lease term.
2.14 Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.15 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements:
Support costs are allocated to activities based on the percentage of direct costs relating to each activity. Support costs are only allocated to restricted funds where the conditions of the funding allows.
Page 20
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
4. Income from donations and legacies
| Grants BBC Children in Need Derby Royal Hospital Masonic Charitable Foundation NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board Postcode Community Trust The Kentown Wizard Foundation The Molly Forster Charitable Trust Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Trust Derby City Council ARG Fund Garfield Weston Foundation Grants <£5k Donations Legacies Total 2022 |
Restricted funds 2023 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ £ 10,421 - 15,000 - 30,000 - 36,592 - 18,700 - 7,207 - 16,585 - - - - - - - 7,885 7,050 142,390 7,050 200 21,120 - 9,600 200 30,720 142,590 37,770 264,668 33,004 |
Total funds 2023 £ 10,421 15,000 30,000 36,592 18,700 7,207 16,585 - - - 14,935 149,440 21,320 9,600 30,920 180,360 297,672 |
Total funds 2022 £ 7,970 15,000 - 35,980 - 900 - 8,469 49,430 20,000 10,295 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 148,044 | |||
| 149,628 - |
|||
| 149,628 | |||
| 297,672 | |||
Page 21
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
5. Income from charitable activities
| Social events Statutory contracts Sale of goods Total 2022 |
Restricted funds 2023 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ £ 1,077 - 373,742 - - 5,547 374,819 5,547 358,875 2,993 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,077 373,742 5,547 380,366 361,868 |
Total funds 2022 £ 736 358,139 2,993 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 361,868 | |||
6. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Fundraising activities 13,933 Total 2022 7,373 |
Total funds 2023 £ 13,933 7,373 |
Total funds 2022 £ 7,373 |
|---|---|---|
Page 22
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
7. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
| Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Fundraising costs 13,483 Fundraising costs - wages and salaries 31,039 44,522 Total 2022 39,679 |
Total funds 2023 £ 13,483 31,039 44,522 39,679 |
Total funds 2022 £ 13,280 26,399 |
|---|---|---|
| 39,679 | ||
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| VIP Assessment & Rehabilitation Services VIP Specialist Equipment Supplies Hospital Eye Clinic Information Service VIP Social & Sporting Activities Resource Centre Chesterfield Total 2022 |
Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ 253,304 82,481 45,295 26,889 5,281 413,250 379,329 |
Support costs 2023 £ 75,878 20,038 12,938 7,681 1,508 118,043 149,570 |
Total funds 2023 £ 329,182 102,519 58,233 34,570 6,789 531,293 528,899 |
Total funds 2022 £ 349,781 96,742 57,044 15,003 10,329 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528,899 | ||||
Page 23
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued) Analysis of support costs
| Staff costs Other support costs Moving costs 9. Auditors' remuneration Fees payable to the charity's auditor for the audit of the annual accounts Fees payable to the charity's auditor in respect of: All non-audit services not included above 10. Staff costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
Total funds 2023 £ 81,787 23,398 12,858 118,043 2023 £ 5,750 1,000 2023 £ 360,726 21,382 11,873 393,981 |
Total funds 2022 £ 73,185 39,813 36,572 |
|---|---|---|
| 149,570 | ||
| 2022 £ 6,476 1,200 |
||
| 2022 £ 335,126 17,463 11,237 |
||
| 363,826 |
The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
| Charitable activities Fundraising Management and administration |
2023 13 2 4 19 |
2022 14 2 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 |
Page 24
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
10. Staff costs (continued)
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel as disclosed on page 1 is £138,466 (2022: £119,090).
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 March 2023, expenses totaling £ 276 were reimbursed to 3 Trustees (2022 - £345 to 3 Trustees) in relation to their roles as volunteers.
12. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 Depreciation At 1 April 2022 Charge for the year At 31 March 2023 Net book value At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2022 |
Freehold property £ 392,000 392,000 - 3,920 3,920 388,080 392,000 |
Motor vehicles £ 8,340 8,340 8,340 - 8,340 - - |
Office equipment £ 25,890 25,890 25,890 - 25,890 - - |
Total £ 426,230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 426,230 | ||||
| 34,230 3,920 |
||||
| 38,150 | ||||
| 388,080 | ||||
| 392,000 |
Page 25
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
13. Fixed asset investments
| Cost At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 |
Investments in subsidiary companies £ 100 100 |
National Savings bonds £ 5,000 5,000 |
Total £ 5,100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,100 |
Principal subsidiaries
The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the charity and had net assets of £nil at the balance sheet date (2022: £nil):
| Name Company number Principal activity Sight Ed Limited 07427771 Dormant Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Class of shares Ordinary 2023 £ 15,088 1,484 16,398 32,970 |
Holding 100% 2022 £ 23,094 1,955 19,468 |
|---|---|---|
| 44,517 |
14. Debtors
Page 26
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
15. Current asset investments
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash on deposit | 206,550 | 5,000 |
16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Deferred income at 1 April 2022 Resources deferred during the year Amounts released from previous periods |
2023 £ 9,122 18,431 485 45,060 73,098 2023 £ 46,523 31,982 (46,433) 32,072 |
2022 £ 16,481 18,841 1,559 58,311 |
|---|---|---|
| 95,192 | ||
| 2022 £ 37,822 25,098 (16,397) |
||
| 46,523 |
Deferred income at the 31 March 2023 relates to grant income received by the charity, where the grant conditions requires income to be utilised in a particular period.
17. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | 1 | Transfers | 31 March | |||
| April 2022 | Income | Expenditure | in/out | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||
| Designated funds | ||||||
| Fixed asset fund | 392,000 | - | (3,920) | - | 388,080 | |
| Premises fund | - | - | - | - | - |
Page 27
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
17. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - current year (continued)
| General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Chesterfield Resource centre Sports Social & Leisure Living Well at Home project Hospital Services Children's & Young People's Services Derbyshire County Services Contract Derbys County services b/f for BEGIN IT Derbys County Rehab Equipment Low Vision Services Befriending project Moving Office Legacy Income Income for capital project Grant for Coin Counter Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 392,000 343,577 735,577 - 900 15,336 21,783 1,081 2,325 715 - - - 12,858 3,836 - - 58,834 794,411 |
Income £ - 60,403 60,403 - 21,026 36,592 52,862 36,799 228,491 - 20,191 91,448 30,000 - - - - 517,409 577,812 |
Expenditure £ (3,920) (88,709) (92,629) (5,281) (15,852) (30,807) (53,153) (17,439) (234,958) (715) (20,191) (91,882) - (12,858) (50) - - (483,186) (575,815) |
Transfers in/out £ - (9,857) (9,857) 5,281 - - - - 4,142 - - 434 - - - - - 9,857 - |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 388,080 | |||||
| 305,414 | |||||
| 693,494 | |||||
| - 6,074 21,121 21,492 20,441 - - - - 30,000 - 3,786 - - |
|||||
| 102,914 | |||||
| 796,408 |
Page 28
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
17. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Fixed asset fund Premises fund General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Chesterfield Resource centre Sports Social & Leisure Living Well at Home project Hospital Services Children's & Young People's Services Derbyshire County Services Contract Derbys County services b/f for BEGIN IT Derbys County Rehab Equipment Low Vision Services Befriending project Moving Office Legacy Income Income for capital project Grant for Coin Counter |
Balance at 1 April 2021 £ 346 302,647 302,993 351,605 654,598 - 900 11,809 16,201 1,209 - 2,468 - 32 - - 3,836 - 571 |
Income £ - - - 44,974 44,974 - - 35,980 54,679 12,455 228,491 - 15,668 89,688 - 49,430 - 140,000 - |
Expenditure £ - - - (93,189) (93,189) (7,404) - (32,453) (49,097) (12,583) (226,166) (1,753) (15,668) (93,122) - (36,572) - - (571) |
Transfers in/out £ 391,654 (302,647) 89,007 40,187 129,194 7,404 - - - - - - - 3,402 - - - (140,000) - |
Balance at 31 March 2022 £ 392,000 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 392,000 | |||||
| 343,577 | |||||
| 735,577 | |||||
| - 900 15,336 21,783 1,081 2,325 715 - - - 12,858 3,836 - - |
Page 29
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
17. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year (continued)
Total of funds
| Balance at 1 April 2021 £ 37,026 691,624 |
Income £ 626,391 671,365 |
Expenditure £ (475,389) (568,578) |
Transfers in/out £ (129,194) - |
Balance at 31 March 2022 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58,834 | ||||
| 794,411 |
General
The general reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes.
Designated
The fixed asset designated fund was established to assist in identifying those funds that are not free funds and represents the net book value of tangible fixed assets. The balance on the designated fund is reviewed by the Trustees at the year end and adjusted by a transfer to the general reserve for the depreciation charge in the year, after taking into account additions and disposals.
The premises designated fund relates to the excess of free reserves over the upper threshold which the Trustees have made the decision to designate towards the purchase of a property. This fund was released in the year following the purchase.
Transfers are made from unrestricted funds to cover any restricted funds in deficit. Where funds have ended and underspend will not be clawed back from the funder, a transfer is made to unrestricted funds.
In the prior year, a transfer of £140,000 was made from the capital project restricted fund to the fixed asset designated fund as these monies were used to fund the property purchase within the year.
Restricted
The purposes of the restricted funds are as follows:
Sports, social and leisure services
This provides sports and leisure services for visually impaired people. Main groups run in Derby and surrounding areas including Matlock and Long Eaton. Groups include swimming and bowling as well as trips out. Due to Covid face-to-face groups were postponed indefinitely and telephone conferencing activities developed for some service users.
Living well - Health at home
People with sight loss often become socially isolated or need support coming to terms with their eye condition. This service provides a six session intervention to people who have sight loss and live with a secondary health condition. It aims to improve confidence, maintain independence and reduce reliance on NHS services. Service delivery changed over the year as home visits were stopped and more assessment and delivery was done remotely by phone. Well-being newsletters were also developed and posted out in accessible formats to service users.
Page 30
DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
Hospital services
Staff and volunteers are present in all Derbyshire hospitals where registration of sight loss takes place. The service provides practical help, information and emotional support to patients in the eye clinic and their family and friends. The northern hospitals; Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Buxton Cavendish and Whitworth are funded by Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charitable Trust. The southern hospitals; Royal Derby Hospital and Ripley and Ilkeston Hospitals are partly funded by Royal Derby Hospital.
Children’s and young people’s services
Over the year the service moved ‘on-line’ and group activities were held remotely. I.T. equipment, funded from a Children in Need grant allowed us to set up and deliver this service and response from children and their families was very positive. Other aspects of these services were postponed due to access to activities being stopped – e.g. children’s one-to-one swimming support.
Derbyshire County services contract rehabilitation
These services are commissioned by Derbyshire County Council and are provided by suitably qualified Rehabilitation Workers at Sight Support Derbyshire. Rehabilitation Workers visit visually impaired people in their own homes and work out an individual plan focusing on mobility, independent living and communication. Our Rehab Workers also refer into other SSD services to ensure that people are getting the right support at the right time. Working with the Council a new ‘Covid safe’ model of delivery was agreed with assessment and signposting done remotely. Some doorstep deliveries took place and during periods of the year where Covid Lockdowns were relaxed, some outdoor mobility sessions also took place.
Derbyshire County Rehab Equipment
This income was specifically given for the purchase of rehabilitation equipment.
Low vision services
The Low Vision Aid Scheme is funded by the Derbyshire CCGs and supplies equipment such as magnifiers, lamps and shaded spectacles to enable visually impaired people to maximise the use of residual vision. The service is free of charge to users and SSD works alongside optometrists to assess clients in their own homes and to supply equipment. This service was changed to a remote assessment with service users and delivery of equipment mainly by post, with follow up support where needed.
Befriending Service
A two year grant for befriending was awarded by the The Masonic Charitable Foundation. The new service will involve the recruitment of face to face and telephone volunteers to support visually impaired service users feel better connected. Providing a regular contact, a listening ear, and someone to chat with about shared interests, the service aims to help fifty visually people over the two year project.
Income for capital project
This was a capital grant to help with the purchase of our Derby Office.
Income for moving office
This was a grant we applied for to help with the office relocation in Derby.
Legacy income
This legacy income was specifically given for the purchase of low vision equipment.
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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
18. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 April 2022 £ 392,000 343,577 58,834 794,411 Balance at 1 April 2021 £ 302,993 351,605 37,026 691,624 |
Income £ - 60,403 517,409 577,812 Income £ - 44,974 626,391 671,365 |
Expenditure £ (3,920) (88,709) (483,186) (575,815) Expenditure £ - (93,189) (475,389) (568,578) |
Transfers in/out £ - (9,857) 9,857 - Transfers in/out £ 89,007 40,187 (129,194) - |
Balance at 31 March 2023 £ 388,080 305,414 102,914 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 796,408 | |||||
| Balance at 31 March 2022 £ 392,000 343,577 58,834 |
|||||
| Summary of funds - prior year | |||||
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
|||||
| 794,411 |
19. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Restricted funds 2023 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ £ - 388,080 - 5,100 134,986 341,340 (32,072) (41,026) 102,914 693,494 |
Total funds 2023 £ 388,080 5,100 476,326 (73,098) |
|---|---|---|
| 796,408 |
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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Restricted funds 2022 £ - - 58,834 - 58,834 |
Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 392,000 5,100 433,669 (95,192) 735,577 |
Total funds 2022 £ 392,000 5,100 492,503 (95,192) 794,411 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2023 £ Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities) 1,997 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 3,920 Dividends, interests and rents from investments (3,153) (Increase)/Decrease in stocks 332 (Increase)/Decrease in debtors 11,547 Increase/(Decrease) in creditors (22,094) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (7,451) 21. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2023 £ Cash at bank 234,600 Cash on deposit 206,550 Total cash and cash equivalents 441,150 |
2022 £ 102,787 346 (1,493) 879 (2,577) 14,121 114,063 2022 £ 440,448 5,000 445,448 |
|---|---|
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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023
22. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Cash at bank and in hand Liquid investments |
At 1 April 2022 £ 440,448 5,000 445,448 |
Cash flows £ (205,848) 201,550 (4,298) |
At 31 March 2023 £ 234,600 206,550 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 441,150 |
23. Pension commitments
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund.
The amount of outstanding pension contributions at the year end was £nil (2022 – £nil).
24. Related party transactions
The charity has not entered into any related party transactions during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the charity at 31 March 2023 (2022: £nil).
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