2024-03-31-accounts

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 2024

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 - 11
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements	12 - 14
Statement of financial activities	15
Balance sheet	16 - 17
Statement of cash flows	18
Notes to the financial statements	19 - 36

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 2024

Trustees	Mr M Wilson MA (Oxon), Chair
	Mr R Gill FCA, Treasurer
	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 Ms R Graham - Operations service manager 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

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report For the year ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. 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. Having been without a Volunteer Coordinator for several months, in January 2024 a new worker came into post. They ‘tidied’ up the volunteer register to ensure that all of the volunteers listed were still active and wished to remain volunteering with us. In 2023/24 we retained 60 active volunteers.

With the Befriending service up and running attracting and training volunteers became even more important. Befriending staff, along with the new Volunteer Coordinator advertised across Derbyshire to find volunteer befrienders to match with our service users. Their hard work was rewarded, with twenty-three new volunteers being matched in the first year of the project (exceeding the funders’ target of twenty).

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 up to date information and we remove 'non active' volunteers from the register. This ensures that all of our

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and activities (continued)

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.

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.

Regular awareness raising events are run to promote good eye health, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of regular eye tests. Our mobile resource service regularly promotes eye health when out and about in Derbyshire. We also organise specific local events as part of national (and sometimes international) awareness campaigns such as National Eye Health Week in September each year. This year we were interviewed on local radio to talk about eye health and about our wider services.

“I found the talk really interesting and have learned a lot about losing your sight and how to try and avoid it. I didn’t know that diet was so important.

“We always like a quiz at our group. It was good fun and we also learned a lot!” (Participants at a W.I. event during National Eye Health Week, September 2023)

The Trustees use various measures to track the success of the charity over the year and to ensure it is delivering public benefit. 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.

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.

Our commissioned low vision, rehabilitation, and advice services have once again been busy with new referrals, and with people who return for follow up support as their eye sight changes (and deteriorates). We regularly get positive feedback about how the services have helped increase confidence, motivation and independence.

Case study – Adult Services

Mrs A has a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy and is registered Severely Sight Impaired (SSI). Mrs A was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in her early twenties. At this time and over the next twenty years she ignored the condition; not monitoring and managing her blood sugars effectively. This has not only resulted in her sight loss but also a number of other complications such as kidney problems and neuropathy of her feet and hands.

Mrs A was referred to SSD automatically following her registration as SSI. At this time, she reported having difficulty with many day to day tasks, alongside a loss of confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. It was agreed that she would benefit from a full assessment of need from a Rehabilitation Officer.

Mrs A had already had to stop work due to her sight loss and ill health. She was now totally dependent on her husband and parents to assist with many day to day tasks. During the initial assessment, Angela shared her experiences of living with sight loss and diabetes, the impact it has had on her family and how her life had changed beyond recognition.

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and activities (continued)

Mrs A and I discussed her priorities in relation to rehabilitation and it was agreed that she would initially like to focus on long cane training and going out independently.

My work with her to date has involved teaching long cane skills. As a result, she is now able to detect and avoid various obstacles in her environment (lampposts, bollards, bins, uneven terrain etc.) Through the training programme she was shown the safest place to cross roads along the routes and taught how to do this on her own.

Mrs A has grown in confidence during the time we have been working together and she is now able to rely less on her husband and parents for many day to day tasks. We are reaching the end of our training together and I am hoping to refer her to our Living Well Coordinator. This support will help build on the work we have done together and open up more possibilities; e.g. attending a weekly exercise group or a volunteer role in the local community.

Mrs A said:

“I can’t quite put into words what a difference this help has made to my life. Katie (Rehab Officer) has been absolutely amazing; she has opened up a new world for me that previously I didn’t think I would be part of ever again. Katie has given me the confidence to leave the house again and empowered me with the skills and tools to be as independent as I can be. Over time and consistent visits, Katie has helped to build my confidence to cross roads and get on the bus. The transformation has been marvellous. Having felt so lost before, now I have hope for the future.”

(Case study from our qualified Rehabilitation Officer, 2023)

Our children and young people’s group has grown in numbers and continues to be popular with the young people, and also with their families who appreciate contact with others in a similar situation. The group meet fortnightly during term time for evening visits to activities such as ‘Clip ’n Climb’, cinema and trampolining. During the school holidays, full day visits and activities are organised. The group have also had their second residential trip to an outdoor activity centre this year.

Case Study - Children’s Service

The SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) at his school had referred D to us as he was very quiet, had few friends, and they were looking how best to support him. He first came along to activities with his mum and was very quiet. Gradually he became comfortable with attending our activities on his own and his younger sibling began attending some of our family activities.

When our new Project Worker, Sam, first met D in June he was so shy he struggled to speak to her. Over the course of the year we have seen D’s confidence grow so much as he has taken part in a whole range of activities and has come to know the children and staff. He attended a climbing wall activity and said, “I was so nervous when I got here, I didn’t think I would be able to do it. I feel proud of myself now though”.

When Sam asked all the children and families what activities they would like to see offered, D expressed an interest in archery, which we were able to provide at Mount Cook Activity Centre; and in paddle boarding. We ran a trip to Spring Lakes water sports centre, which included family paddle boarding. Sam says, “It was amazing to see how much his confidence has increased since I started. He really took control of the paddle boarding activity, helping the younger children and steering us across the lake. The children were taking it in turns to jump into the water and be the ‘motor’ pushing the board along and then helping each other back onto the board. It was lovely to hear D laughing so loudly.”

This increased confidence was also shown on the residential trip where D spoke to the centre’s staff whom he hadn’t met before. Sam says, “D was so shy when I first met him he could barely speak to me. It was so good to hear him speaking to staff at Mount Cook, which I don’t think he would have been able to do before.”

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and activities (continued)

D enjoyed his archery taster session with us and is now hoping to carry on with it independently. D’s SENCO was thrilled when we told him D was attending our activities and growing in confidence. The school were struggling to engage with D previously but now felt they had something really positive they could talk to him about.

(Case study from our Service Manager, 2023)

Other work

Over the year we sent out three newsletters to over 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. We continue to send out our newsletters in large print paper copies (preferred by most of our service users). However, in the year we have piloted sending the newsletter by email to the 428 service users we have email addresses for. We will follow up with a short telephone survey to some of those emailed to find out how this was received. All newsletters are also 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 can share with our service users.

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 2023/24

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.

In April 2023 we started to deliver our contracted County Council services under the new five year contract. The contract will run for five years, with an option for a further three years roll over. This new contract will provide some stability and allow for longer term planning across the organisation.

Despite ongoing staffing challenges, particularly around the recruitment of qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialists, we managed to deliver rehabilitation services to 650 people in Derbyshire. We also ran 14 Visually Impaired People (‘V.I.P’) information days, attracting 478 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 31 sessions and dealt with 354 enquiries.

“It has been very interesting to come and see what equipment is available. I am very interested in the electronic magnifiers as I think one of those would help me to continue to read.” (Attendee at a VIP day.)

Our low vision service that we run under contract to the Integrated Care Board has continued, with another one year contract in place. 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. The service provides a home

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

assessment, and relevant equipment where it will help. Common items are daylight floor and table lights, and hand held magnifiers.

“The magnifier has been a God-send! I can now read tins and labels and even see listings in my T.V. magazine. I am so happy that I found out about the service.” (Low Vision service user.)

Our two Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs), based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and Royal Derby Hospital had contact with over 961 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 devastating news for patients, and our ECLOs help them to understand what their diagnosis means and importantly, what help is available to them.

“Once the Consultant had told me there was nothing more he could do to improve my sight, the ECLO helped me to come to terms with things. I was in compete shock at first, as I honestly thought that there would be an operation or injections that would help me to see properly. I spoke to the ECLO several times and she helped me to understand my condition and she got services in place that really helped. (Hospital patient July 2023)

Our ‘Living Well’ project grant was once again extended by the Integrated Care Board. During the year the Living Well Coordinator left at the end of October, and we did not get a new person in post until January 2023. Despite this gap, where we had only cover arrangements in place, we managed to complete work with fourtynine people. This was only one person short of our target of fifty. The first time in seven years of the grant that we did not meet or exceed the target. Outcomes for the people going through the Living Well service were extremely positive, with all service users reporting improved health and well-being:

Living Well Case Study

Mr M lived alone in a retired living complex. He had macular degeneration which came on quite suddenly, putting a stop to him driving and getting about. He was having trouble coming to terms with his sight loss and feeling very low in mood when he rang the SSD Helpdesk. He was referred to Living Well and an appointment made for a home visit.

Mr M had family, but most lived away from the area. He had considered moving back to London, where he was originally from, but worried about limited housing options there. He was still able to manage most of his daily living tasks, but did struggle.

Over the course of the Living Well visits it was clear that Mr M had lost a lot of confidence due to his failing sight. Referrals were made for a low vision assessment to help him make best use of the vision he did still have. He was also told about SSD social activities in his area, and the SSD Social Activities Worker contacted him to introduce herself and arrange for him to attend the group. He also attended a vision impairment information day that was held in his area, this provided further advice and signposting to help with his sight loss.

Mr M had some ongoing medical issues with his breathing and swallowing. He was being treated by his G.P but had noticed some weight loss. He had got Bumpons for his microwave and could set the dial to heat up a selection of ready meals. After encouraging him to contact his G.P, he was supported to monitor his weight weekly, with a view to a follow on doctor’s appointment. Mr M was shown that talking bathroom scales were available and he purchased a set to make weighing himself easier.

Mr M’s confidence improved and he was more settled. He decided that he was content to stay in his flat and was progressing with improving his home environment, including making contact with a decorator to paint his lounge. He was also planning a trip to London to see his family. He commented:

“I feel so much better than I did. All of the equipment I’ve had has really helped me and I know that help is available if I need it. I haven’t been to the (visually impaired) group yet, but I will go along to the next event.”

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

The children’s service continued to provide support to visually impaired children and young people and their families. Following the success of previous residential visits, another took place during the year at an outdoor activity centre. The opportunity to spend time away with peers and try new activities once again proved popular. All of those attending, and their families, reported positive outcomes:

“I loved it! We all stayed up late playing games and making snacks.” (Young person attending the residential.)

“I admit that I was worried about him as he’s never stayed anywhere without me. He didn’t seem bothered though and had a lovely time. He talked about it for ages afterwards. His confidence just keeps going up.” (Mother of attendee.)

Our new befriending service stated in July 2023 and offers face to face and telephone befriending to visually impaired people in Derby and Derbyshire. Having previously provided a similar service several years ago, we knew that the service was needed, but had struggled to secure funding to run it. Having secured a two year grant from The Masonic Charitable Foundation we were able to recruit and link befriending volunteers to visually impaired people, who were experiencing loneliness. The service has started really well, with first year targets of twenty matches exceeded.

During the year we recruited one new Trustee, Sarah Clifton, who brings our total number to five Trustees. Sarah brings a wealth of corporate knowledge, and experience in human resources.

2023/24 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 Fundraising and Marketing Lead, 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:

• We never make unreasonable or persistent approaches for the purpose of soliciting or otherwise procuring money or other property on behalf of the charity.

• We would never place undue pressure on a person to give money or other property.

• 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.

Trustees continue to monitor our fundraising income and opportunities. Community fundraising continues to be

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

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 £17,671 with the level of free reserves amounting to £319,939 at the year end.

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 2023/24 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 2024 of £814,079, of which, £88,859 are restricted reserves.

Unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2024 are £725,220, of which, £384,160 remains invested in the office premises, leaving £319,939 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:

1. Governance risks

2. Operational risks

3. Financial risks

4. External risks

5. Compliance (law and regulatory)

6. Other

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

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:

• Delegation of authority with separation of duties as far as staffing will allow.

• Business objectives and budget approved by the Trustees.

• Regular consideration of financial progress against budgets.

• Identification and management of risks and the arrangement of appropriate insurance cover.

• An intention to maintain awareness of current and new legislation which is relevant to the business of the charity.

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 2023/24.

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 sector.

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.

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

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):

• An equal opportunities policy

• A recruitment and staffing policy

• A health and safety policy

• A volunteers’ policy

• 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.

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 was the wholly owned subsidiary trading company of Derbyshire Association of the Blind Ltd and had its own board of Directors. Having been dormant, and not trading for several years, the Directors of the company decided to wind up. The company was closed during the year (dissolved January 2024.)

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:

• With the success of the new befriending scheme, we will be actively looking for ongoing funding beyond the initial two years. Not due to end until July 2025, we know that securing funding is often difficult and takes time, which is why will begin our applications early to try and avoid any break in services.

• Taking steps to ensure the continuation of all existing services including seeking funding for those services whose funding is due to end.

• Building on our links with statutory and community organisations, aiming to ensure that the needs of visually impaired people in Derbyshire are met.

• Maintaining (and where possible increasing) the numbers of visually impaired people we support across the City and County.

• Striving to increase our ECLO service at Royal Derby Hospital, from three funded days to five each week.

• 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.

• Updating policies and procedures to ensure they reflect legislation, best practice and our working arrangements.

• Working with the Board to increase Board membership based on our skills analysis.

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DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2024

Plans for future periods (continued)

• Working to ensure we remain a good employer in order to attract new staff when needed.

• Look at succession planning across the organisation.

• Review the Rehabilitation Apprenticeship in place, and consider another opportunity for a member of SSD staff.

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:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);

• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• 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:

• so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and

• 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: 27 November 2024

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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 2024 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:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• 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

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)

misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

• the information given in the Trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

• 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:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

• 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 13

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 FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ

12 December 2024

Page 14

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 2024

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 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 2024 £ 103,702 394,422 - - - 498,124 - 497,027 497,027 1,097 (15,152) (14,055) 102,914 (14,055) 88,859	Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 50,953 9,791 8,125 11,737 500 81,106 45,134 19,398 64,532 16,574 15,152 31,726 693,494 31,726 725,220	Total funds 2024 £ 154,655 404,213 8,125 11,737 500 579,230 45,134 516,425 561,559 17,671 - 17,671 796,408 17,671 814,079	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

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 19 to 36 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 03920526

Balance sheet As at 31 March 2024

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	1,784 29,746 358,685 103,322 493,537 (68,618)	2024 £ 384,160 5,000 389,160 424,919 814,079 814,079	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

Page 16

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee) Registered number: 03920526

Balance sheet (continued) As at 31 March 2024

Note Charity funds Restricted funds 17 Unrestricted funds Designated funds 17 General funds 17 Total unrestricted funds 17 Total funds	405,281 319,939	2024 £ 88,859 725,220 814,079	388,080 305,414	2023 £ 102,914 693,494
				796,408

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: 27 November 2024

The notes on pages 19 to 36 form part of these financial statements.

Page 17

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Statement of cash flows For the year ended 31 March 2024

Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Dividends, interests and rents from investments Net cash provided by 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 19 to 36 form part of these financial statements	2024 £ 9,119 11,737 11,737 20,856 441,150 462,006	2023 £ (7,451) 3,153 3,153 (4,298) 445,448 441,150

Page 18

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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 19

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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’.

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
Motor vehicles	-	20% straight line
Office equipment	-	25% straight line

Page 20

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

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.

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.

Page 21

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.13 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities on a straight-line 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 22

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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 The WILL Charitable Trust Grants <£5k Donations Legacies Total 2023	Restricted funds 2024 £ 9,769 15,000 - 36,592 - - 9,679 10,000 22,662 103,702 - - - 103,702 142,590	Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - 13,100 13,100 23,450 14,403 37,853 50,953 37,770	Total funds 2024 £ 9,769 15,000 - 36,592 - - 9,679 10,000 35,762 116,802 23,450 14,403 37,853 154,655 180,360	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

Page 23

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

5. Income from charitable activities

Social events Statutory contracts Sale of goods Total 2023	Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,537 392,885 - 394,422 374,819	Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - - 9,791 9,791 5,547	Total funds 2024 £ 1,537 392,885 9,791 404,213 380,366	Total funds 2023 £ 1,077 373,742 5,547
				380,366

6. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events

Fundraising activities Total 2023	Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 8,125 13,933	Total funds 2024 £ 8,125 13,933	Total funds 2023 £ 13,933

Page 24

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

7. Expenditure on raising funds

Costs of raising voluntary income

Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Fundraising costs 12,280 Fundraising costs - wages and salaries 32,854 45,134 Total 2023 44,522	Total funds 2024 £ 12,280 32,854 45,134 44,522	Total funds 2023 £ 13,483 31,039
		44,522

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 2023	Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ 259,545 98,597 48,690 22,621 5,814 435,267 413,250	Support costs 2024 £ 48,334 18,461 9,067 4,213 1,083 81,158 118,043	Total funds 2024 £ 307,879 117,058 57,757 26,834 6,897 516,425 531,293	Total funds 2023 £ 329,182 102,519 58,233 34,570 6,789
				531,293

Page 25

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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	Total funds 2024 £ 64,169 16,989 - 81,158 2024 £ 6,050 1,050	Total funds 2023 £ 81,787 23,398 12,858
		118,043
		2023 £ 5,750 1,000

Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs	2024 £ 354,661 19,781 12,750 387,192	2023 £ 360,726 21,382 11,873
		393,981

The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Charitable activities Fundraising Management and administration	2024 12 2 4 18	2023 13 2 4
		19

Page 26

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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 £124,458 (2023: £138,466).

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 March 2024, expenses totaling £ 322 were reimbursed to 2 Trustees (2023 - £276 to 2 Trustees) in relation to their roles as volunteers.

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost At 1 April 2023 Disposals At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year On disposals At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023	Freehold property £ 392,000 - 392,000 3,920 3,920 - 7,840 384,160 388,080	Motor vehicles £ 8,340 - 8,340 8,340 - - 8,340 - -	Office equipment £ 25,890 (652) 25,238 25,890 - (652) 25,238 - -	Total £ 426,230 (652) 425,578 38,150 3,920 (652) 41,418 384,160 388,080

Page 27

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

13. Fixed asset investments

Cost At 1 April 2023 Disposals At 31 March 2024 14. Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 15. Current asset investments Cash on deposit	Investments in subsidiary companies £ 100 (100) -		National Savings bonds £ 5,000 - 5,000 2024 £ 6,704 1,449 21,593		Total £ 5,100 (100) 5,000 2023 £ 15,088 1,484 16,398
			29,746		32,970
			2024 £ 358,685		2023 £ 206,550

Page 28

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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 2023 Resources deferred during the year Amounts released from previous periods	2024 £ 16,721 17,718 215 33,964 68,618 2024 £ 32,072 22,614 (31,982) 22,704	2023 £ 9,122 18,431 485 45,060 73,098 2023 £ 46,523 31,982 (46,433) 32,072

Deferred income at the 31 March 2024 relates to grant income received by the charity, where the grant conditions requires income to be utilised in a particular period.

Page 29

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

17. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds Designated funds Fixed asset fund Staff development 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 Rehab Equipment Low Vision Services Befriending project Legacy Income Income for capital project Total of funds	Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 388,080 - 388,080 305,414 693,494 - 6,074 21,121 21,492 20,441 - - - 30,000 3,786 - 102,914 796,408	Income £ - - - 81,106 81,106 - 14,650 36,592 56,612 20,498 235,344 13,631 110,297 10,500 - - 498,124 579,230	Expenditure £ (3,920) - (3,920) (60,612) (64,532) (5,814) (9,078) (26,333) (56,546) (17,353) (235,545) (13,645) (109,181) (23,532) - - (497,027) (561,559)	Transfers in/out £ - 21,121 21,121 (5,969) 15,152 5,814 - (21,121) - - 201 14 - - (60) - (15,152) -	Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 384,160 21,121
					405,281
					319,939
					725,220
					- 11,646 10,259 21,558 23,586 - - 1,116 16,968 3,726 -
					88,859
					814,079

Page 30

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

17. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds Designated funds Fixed asset 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 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 31

DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND LIMITED

(A company limited by guarantee)

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

17. Statement of funds (continued)

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 Living Well at Home project is a grant funded service. With all key performance indictors met, underspend on the grant was accumulating and so after taking advice, it was agreed by Trustees that the underspend would be designated for staff development. This fund allows staff to access a broad range of training and development opportunities to further the cause of the charity.

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.

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.

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.

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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 2024

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 2024

18. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

					Balance at
	Balance at 1			Transfers	31 March
	April 2023	Income	Expenditure	in/out	2024
	£	£	£	£	£
Designated funds	388,080	-	(3,920)	21,121	405,281
General funds	305,414	81,106	(60,612)	(5,969)	319,939
Restricted funds	102,914	498,124	(497,027)	(15,152)	88,859
	796,408	579,230	(561,559)	-	814,079
Summary of funds - prior year
					Balance at
	Balance at			Transfers	31 March
	1 April 2022	Income	Expenditure	in/out	2023
	£	£	£	£	£
Designated funds	392,000	-	(3,920)	-	388,080
General funds	343,577	60,403	(88,709)	(9,857)	305,414
Restricted funds	58,834	517,409	(483,186)	9,857	102,914
	794,411	577,812	(575,815)	-	796,408

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total	Restricted funds 2024 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ £ - 384,160 - 5,000 111,563 381,974 (22,704) (45,914) 88,859 725,220	Total funds 2024 £ 384,160 5,000 493,537 (68,618) 814,079

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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 2024

19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period

Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Creditors due within one year Total	Restricted funds 2023 £ - - 134,986 (32,072) 102,914	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 388,080 5,100 341,340 (41,026) 693,494	Total funds 2023 £ 388,080 5,100 476,326 (73,098) 796,408

20. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2024 £ Net income for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities) 17,671 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges 3,920 Dividends, interests and rents from investments (11,737) Loss on disposal of investments 100 (Increase)/Decrease in stocks 422 (Increase)/Decrease in debtors 3,224 Increase/(Decrease) in creditors (4,481) Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 9,119 21. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2024 £ Cash at bank 103,321 Cash on deposit 358,685 Total cash and cash equivalents 462,006

2023 £ 1,997 3,920 (3,153) - 332 11,547 (22,094) (7,451) 2023 £ 234,600 206,550 441,150

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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 2024

22. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand Liquid investments	At 1 April 2023 £ 234,600 206,550 441,150	Cash flows £ (131,278) 152,135 20,857	At 31 March 2024 £ 103,322 358,685
			462,007

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 (2023 – £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 2024 (2023: £nil).

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