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2021-12-31-accounts

- BRITISH LIMBLESS EX SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR END 31 DECEMBER 2021

BLESMA - The Limbless Veterans

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British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Charity Number 1084189 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 4102768 Registered in Scotland SC010315

Head Office: 115 NEW LONDON ROAD, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX, CM2 0QT

Tel: 020 8590 1124 E-Mail: info@blesma.org Website: www.blesma.org

Patron: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO Vice Patron: The Rt Hon the Baroness Willoughby de Eresby DL

The Board of Trustees

National Chairman: Gen Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL Vice Chairman: Mr W L Dixon Honorary Treasurer: Mr M Ambler Mr S Croxford Ms A Grant Mr A K Mudd BEM (until June 2021) Mr R Kerrigan (from June 2021) Mr L Maguire (from June 2021) Mr C Rouse MBE Mr R Watts Mr S White Mr B West (From June 2021)

Head Office Blesma :

Chief Executive: Mr J D Bryant OBE Operations Director: Mr T R Bloomfield Director Independence and Wellbeing: Mr I G Harper Finance and Support Director: Mr B C Mwense

Solicitors:

Forsters LLP, 31 Hill Street, London W1J 5LS

Bankers:

National Westminster Bank plc, Princes Street, London EC2R 8PA

Auditors:

Crowe U.K. LLP, Chartered Accountants, 2[nd] Floor, 55 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7JW

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Investment Managers:

Cazenove Capital Management, 1 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU

OUR THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are a charity and we seek to use every donation wisely and well. We also gratefully accept all manner of support in our various endeavours. This Report cannot possibly thank and acknowledge all who have helped us make a difference in 2021 so, as ever, the list below is but an example:

• All our supporters: those who donate, those who take part in fundraising activities, those who provide grants to support our work, those who enable our Members to push their boundaries and achieve amazing things, those who give up their time for us, who think of us, advise us and spread the word.

• All the organisations who provided restricted funding this year including, but not limited to, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for supporting aspects of the Making Generation R programme, the Activities programme, Blesma Support Services in the North of England and Outreach work in both Scotland and the South West of England.

• The government and organisations who generously provided funding in 2021. Specifically, Lloyd’s of London and the Scottish Government Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund managed by the Corra Foundation.

• To our corporate supporters who have engaged staff, held fundraising events and sponsored a range of fundraising activities. In particular Safeguard Engineering, Corps of Commissionaires Management Ltd, Churchills International Consulting and the Military Memories company.

• Our colleagues in Cobseo – The Confederation of Service Charities, who work on behalf of service charities for the benefit of the whole service community.

• The Staff at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall and the Defence Personnel Recovery Centres, for all they continue to do for our present and future Members and for their continuing support of Blesma’s work.

• The Staff of Veterans UK at Norcross, Blackpool, for their assistance and advice to our Members and those who support them.

• Officials and Ministers in the Ministry of Defence, the Office of Veteran’s Affairs and the Department of Health. NHS England and the devolved National Health Services, Armed Forces Health and all those staff who understand our needs and strive to deliver, particularly through the Limb Centres.

• All those who partner with Blesma in our ventures at home and abroad, in their places of work and across the virtual environment, for helping our Members to push their boundaries and realise their potential.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP Blesma

We need to raise at least £2.9M in 2022 in order to continue all our vital work.

At present, Blesma looks after over 2700 Members and Widows and provides support to their families. Our elderly membership continues to increase and faces uncertainty over the provision of adequate care in later life. Serving personnel and veterans also continue to suffer accidents and injuries.

Your support means we can ensure that our oldest Members can continue to live a dignified life and that our youngest Members can face the challenge of a lifetime with disability with renewed confidence and self-belief, knowing that they are supported by other Members in similar circumstances. Limb loss is for life - so Blesma is too.

Our Members have been busy supporting each other this year by volunteering, fundraising, keeping in close touch and inspiring resilience through the Making Generation R project. Our welfare services continue to reach out to Members through our regional Support and Outreach Officers as well as our Branch and Volunteer network. None of this would be possible without your ongoing support and donations.

If you would like to help or make a donation, please contact our Fundraising Team by telephone on 020 8548 7089 ; by email on fundraising@blesma.org ; through our website on www.blesma.org or write to us at the address below:

Fundraising Team Blesma – The Limbless Veterans 115 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0QT

Your contribution towards Blesma will make a real difference to the lives of our disabled servicemen and women who have given so much.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT 2021

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
Subject Page
Strategic
Objectives 7
Activities 10
Achievements and Performance 11
Plans for the Future 21
Financial Review 22
Governance & Administration
Structure, Governance & Management 27
Independent Auditor’s Report 32
Financial Statements 37

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THE Blesma MISSION

To assist limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives

STRATEGIC REPORT

INTRODUCTION

Blesma is a specialist Service charity, an Association. Its Members are the war wounded, disabled veterans and their dependants. Blesma shall work tirelessly to meet the challenges of injury, to bring comfort, and to help its Members realise their fullest potential.

The COVID-19 crisis continued to affect the ways in which Blesma supported its Members throughout 2021. As the country went through varying degrees of lockdown our ability to conduct activities and meet face to face changed accordingly. The pandemic also continued to have a significant impact on the delivery of statutory services, and continued to affect our ability to raise funds in traditional ways.

Our Blesma Support Officers, Outreach Officers and volunteers worked very hard to maintain contact with Members, visiting in person whenever possible and keeping up a steady flow of emails and telephone calls when lockdown restrictions prevented this. Learning the lessons from 2020, our online activities programme was expanded and broadened, with a number of Members being provided with IT and advice in order to enable them to keep in contact with friends, family and other Blesma Members across the Association.

Although we were forced to call off our planned Members’ Weekend and AGM in June, we were able to take advantage of a gap between lockdowns to deliver a hugely successful event at the Chesford Lodge in October. This was the first opportunity for Members to gather together as an Association for over two years and acted as a reminder that Blesma is an Association of friends who share ideas and support each other.

Although there were no major combat operations in 2021, UK personnel were deployed across the world in peacekeeping, deterrence and advisory roles. They also played a key part in the government’s response to Covid at home. The unexpected events in Afghanistan in August reminded us that our military personnel can very quickly find themselves in harm’s way, and also that the after-effects of conflict can last a lifetime.

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During 2021 we welcomed 118 new Members into the Association. We continue to maintain very close links with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall as well as NHS Limb Centres across the country. These enable us to provide immediate specialist advice and assistance as patients come to terms with limb loss, as well as the ongoing support they need.

Sadly we lost 193 Blesma Members, widows and widowers over the year. Our sympathies go out to their families and friends.

This report summarises Blesma’s objectives, activities and financial position for 2021. Financial results and considerations have been reflected in the Financial Review and Independent Auditors Report.

The Association remains steadfast in its determination to be there for its Members, through life.

OBJECTIVES FOR 2021

OUR CHARITABLE OBJECTS

Blesma is there:

To promote the welfare and wellbeing of all serving and Ex-Service men and women who have lost a limb or limbs or one or both eyes as a result of Service in any Branch of Her Majesty’s Regular or Auxiliary Forces as may from time to time be defined.

To promote the welfare and wellbeing of all those serving and Ex-Service men and women who suffer loss of a limb, permanent loss of speech, hearing; or the loss of sight in one or both eyes; or the loss of use of a limb.

To assist needy Widows, Widowers and dependants of the above.

LINES OF OPERATION

Blesma is not just a charity provider that has beneficiaries in the normal sense; it is an Association with the Membership (contributors and beneficiaries) central to all aspects of its existence and purpose. As a matter of principle and as far as practicable, Member is encouraged to help Member to overcome the challenges of serious injury.

The membership’s interests are pursued in 4 principal ways, termed Lines of Operation, these being: Security , Identity , Connectivity and Resourcing . Within these lines in 2021 we sought to achieve the following:

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• Identity :

• Connectivity :

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• Resourcing :

Looking forward, the priority for the Board was to continue to provide support to Blesma Members, in particular those Members most infirm and those in later life, despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s three-part guidance on public benefit.

Living with limb loss or loss of use of limbs is an everyday challenge, often a painful one. It is a condition that must be managed for the rest of life. For Blesma Members the effects can be compounded, battlefield blast injury in particular carrying complications far beyond those that might be experienced with other elective and non-elective forms of amputation. The most severely injured of recent conflicts benefit from the advance of medical treatments and are grateful to have their lives, but we have little experience of the long-term effects. Other veterans are affected by limb loss in later life. Our Members and their families must learn to cope with all this; Blesma is here to help them take their full and rightful place in society. Blesma Members continue to push the bounds of rehabilitation, prosthetic knowledge and capabilities for veterans and the wider nation alike, encouraging deeper expertise in health services and supporting academic research. Knowing Blesma is there, should they suffer traumatic incident, reassures the Service community. This is Blesma’s contribution to the nation.

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ACTIVITIES IN 2021

With its focus on meeting the needs of its Members, Blesma develops its role as the specialist Service charity dedicated to those serving or ex-Service personnel who have lost limbs or the use of limbs. It will know all its Members individually and will strive to understand and meet their needs to live independent and fulfilling lives. It will be recognised as the authoritative voice in its field. In 2021 its ongoing operations are summarized as:

• Connectivity – external outreach, and internal community communications .

Connectivity between Members is the foundation of Blesma’s proposition to its Members. It is why Blesma exists. The Association uses a variety of communications means to foster close links internally and externally. Our longstanding and collective representational role continued in 2021. The Association participated on many bodies of influence - normally represented by the Chief Executive. These included:

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In broader context we played a role and consulted widely with:

Our capacity to support our Membership is enabled by Blesma’s ability to raise funds and its organisational efficiency. Our fundraising staff supervise all fundraising revenue streams at Head Office, keeping tight control, ensuring compliance and reducing costs. The Association is focussed on getting the most out of every pound raised. Blesma, whilst not being complacent, has faith in its values and their application.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS and PERFORMANCE

IN 2021

The fundamental principles that guide Blesma’s operation remain unchanged year on year in that supporting our Members is undertaken on a daily basis as it always has been. At its heart is the ethos identified by those who founded Blesma in the shadows that followed the First World War - that Member shall support Member. This support is moral, practical and effective. The rich background we have in supporting each other comes from the hard-won knowledge and experience of our many Members over decades. In this respect our perspective is unique. We know about living with limb loss in all stages of adult life. Members tell us their stories in their own homes. We strive to understand and to deliver appropriate and timely support. Our principal beneficiaries are also Members with a vote on how Blesma is run. Their guidance and scrutiny promotes genuine impact and efficiency, ensuring Blesma is responsive and relevant in what it does.

DELIVERING THE PRIORITIES

In accordance with the Blesma Strategic Plan, the Charity’s Lines of Operation, Priorities and Outputs are mapped out in the Table below. Explanatory notes follow.

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Line of Operation and
Priority		 Delivery Outputs and Outcomes
Security:
Confirm the full extent of
Members’ needs; refresh
constantly, ensuring
relevance, determining
partnerships with other
charities to meet need in full.
Understand all Government
and Administrations’ position
and provision for limb loss,
and loss of use, and be
geared to act on judged
gaps.
Deliver the Blesma position
on later life care and the
most vulnerable focusing
upon any lack of, or
distressing, statutory
provision.
Timely access to the
relevant support officer or
outreach officer.
Responsive grant
assistance.
“In-person” support on limb
loss and loss of use
treatment, compensation
and social care provision to
ensure prescribed standards
are met fully, consistently
and fairly.
Access to counselling
services and financial
advice.		 514home visits,196other
visits,21,060contacts/
communications.
1,325grants to754
recipients.
62collaborative grants with
other charities to47
recipients.
10active tribunal cases, in
addition to PIP Assessments
and Mandatory
Reconsiderations.
Over £3millionof Veteran’s
Prosthetic Panel grants
secured in 2021.
410successful applications
for NHS advanced
prosthetic components.
4Members referred to the
Complex Prosthetics
Assessment Clinic (CPAC)
328individual counselling
sessions.
4care home residents.
5respite stays supported.
Identity:
Continue to bring Members’
Activity programmes,
including high-end events
such as the Paralympics, to
a position of prominence.
Extend the programmes to
meet the widest possible
range of individual
membership and whole
Association needs, for
example the_Making_
_Generation R_Programme.		 Opportunity to lead, support
and partake in activities of
interest.
Communication to Members
to inspire and motivate
fellow Members.
Access to physical, mental
and social engagement
focused activities, to unfold
new horizons, potential,
confidence and self-respect.		 136live activities conducted
when Covid restrictions
allowed.
184virtual activities
conducted.
4900Members, family
members and carers
participated in live and
virtual activities.
8live activities led by
Members.
22Members supported at
elite level by the Venture
programme (4 in 2020).

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Line of Operation and
Priority		 Delivery Outputs and Outcomes
Connectivity:
Grow our inclusive, positive
and crisply responsive
communications network,
exploiting the latest
communication technology
but not to the exclusion of
those unfamiliar with the
digital age.
Grow voluntary support
across the network, at the
hub of communities, and
reaching out, including best
use of Members’ skills and
commitment, especially
reinforcing the impact of the
Activity programmes.		 A connected Outreach
programme.
Regular magazine, bulletin,
website and social media
news.
Introduction to fellow
Members and civilian user
groups.
Opportunity to volunteer and
support Blesma and its
members.		 19.8 millionpeople saw
Blesma content on social
media in 2021.
Blesma has61,000
followers across social
media.
£21,000of donations raised
via Facebook and
Instagram.
Blesma was featured109
times in national and local
media articles.
We produced four
magazines and three
bulletins alongside our
annual report.
The Blesma Connects app
had19,000page views with
1600total users.
We provided 20 iPads to
help those digitally excluded
get online.
Making Generation R–51
active Members reached an
audience of 17,414.98%of
audience felt more resilient.
29welfare volunteers and
258general volunteers
support our Members.
Resourcing:
Establish
a
Fundraising
function that is efficient,
digital savvy, data-driven,
organised, adaptable, and
able to engage with funders/
donors
across
multiple
mediums from video calls to
live streamed events.
Embrace the highest
number eligible to be
Members.
Provide a welcoming, safe,
and covid free environment		 Adaptability of fundraising
methods, mapping and
meticulous research about
potential funders to
understand their
requirements, portfolio and
business values in order to
make a business case for
Blesma’s financial needs.
Review Membership criteria
while ensuring efficient and
effective allocation of
resources to meet need.
Prioritise Health and Safety
for Members, staff,
volunteers and supporters.		 A return on investment of
2.7(2020: 4.3).
21Pence of every Pound of
income in 2021 is planned to
be spent to raise funds in
2022. (2020: 18p)

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for Members, staff,
volunteers and supporters.
Establish a fit for purpose
support and operational
structure for Blesma.		 Respect for all and provide
rewarding conditions.
Streamline and align duties,
functions and lines of
operation for maximum
impact of delivery to the
Membership.

SECURITY

Blesma continues to provide professional welfare and outreach services, supported by our nine dedicated Support and ten Outreach Officers, augmented by our 287 volunteers who continue to provide vital advice and support to Members across the UK. Our support has also included professional counselling for 39 members spread over 328 counselling sessions, assistance with financial planning and debt management along with work to secure the correct provision of Veterans UK and DWP pensions and allowances.

We have been very effective at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on prosthetic services through collaborative engagement with the NHS and Limb Centres. Blesma has built on the previous three years’ success in delivering a wide range of on-line and outdoor activities to improve health and wellbeing by reducing social isolation and promote digital inclusion. This has been especially relevant during the various periods of Covid lockdown.

2021 followed a similar theme to 2020, with the Independence and Wellbeing department facing significant Covid related challenges. During this period of significant social dislocation and anxiety, the team remained the principal channel for information gathering on how our members had fared during the year. In a similar vein, Blesma contributed to regional GP training programmes to help educate 150 young GPs, nurses and Occupational Therapists on the nuances of providing community focused primary care for disabled veterans. Over the last three years this amounts to around 3,500 GPs having been formally inducted to veteran healthcare issues by Blesma.

Due to Covid restrictions, the traditional Blesma model of face-to-face welfare delivery to members quickly migrated to online and telephone delivery by Support Officers. Whilst this presented challenges, the success and lesson learned from 2020 enabled our Support and Outreach Officers to collectively deliver a 39% increase in contact levels with our members when compared to 2020.

The turn of the year saw the continuance of lockdown from late 2020 through to May 2021. During this challenging period, Blesma Support Officers supported by Outreach Officers once again carried out 100% checks of members to establish a baseline of need and identify those at risk requiring closer and more regular support. Where ‘in extremis’ cases were identified, Support Officers conducted tightly risk-managed personal visits to members. Although the majority of members did not require immediate assistance, feedback suggested members were deeply grateful for the continuing contact.

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Our work to counter digital isolation has seen Members expanding their social networks by engaging online with families, friends and other members across the country and overseas to an extent not seen before. A significant number of Members came to the Members Weekend in order to meet up with friends they had made online during the pandemic.

In total Blesma awarded 1325 grants to 754 members in 2021 to assist in the purchasing of specialist prosthetics, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, stairlifts, disabled bicycles and electrical goods. We also assisted with adaptions to bathrooms, kitchens, non-slip flooring, access ramps, disabled access to car ports and gardens as well as help with equipment and training for employment, physiotherapy, hobbies and counselling services. This represents an increase of 18% more grants awarded to 6% more members when compared to 2020. Many of the grants awarded this year have provided life changing interventions for our members, directly improving their mobility, personal dignity and physical and mental health.

Feedback from Blesma’s Support Officers indicates that casework has become significantly more complex and time intensive. This has largely been a result of the impact of Covid on service delivery, particularly where members have required a multi-agency approach. Where this has been evident, Support Officers have been highly proactive and sensitive in taking a coordinating role to ensure that all key service and care providers honour their statutory obligations. Several of these interventions have been life changing for our members.

However, not all grants were solely awarded by Blesma as we proactively sought to collaborate with other partner military charities to help fund 62 high value grants during the year, a 55% increase in almonisation work compared to 2020. One such collaboration enabled a Blesma Member to undertake a complete home adaption following a catastrophic life changing injury.

Outreach Activities . Our LIBOR-funded outreach programme became part of Blesma’s core delivery when the pilot ended in May 2020 and, due to its success, the Association assumed responsibility for full funding. Lessons learned during lockdown in 2020 created opportunity in early 2021 to better support our members with a richer, wider and fulfilling engagement programme whereby 310 activities (184 virtual and 136 face to face) were successfully delivered to 4900 members and their families. This represents a significant increase in engagement when compared to 2020.

It is of note that the programme has encouraged a wider span of members to take up an activity, many of whom have not attended a Blesma event before.

We have adopted a more holistic approach to delivering Family activities which have included carers and children. Feedback from members has indicated these activities have particularly helped during the pandemic by reducing feelings of anxiety and isolation, helping with issues like personal stress management and encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

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Following the easing of lockdown in May, members, aided by their Outreach Officers were very quick off the mark to undertake outreach activities, the first traversing the longest zip wire in the UK on the same day as lifting of lockdown. Face to face activities have also included innovative taster sessions in archery, adapted cycling, shooting, sailing and golf. Member’s days out have also included climbing the O2 dome, a visit to the steam museum in Swindon, trips to the SS Great Britain, photography, outings to Glamis Castle the National Memorial Arboretum and a cruise on the river Trent. Outreach Officers have also successfully run family-centric events at various theme parks.

The Blesma membership enquiry and application process has now been fully consolidated, having moved fully online at the start of 2021. This has brought with it an acceleration in new members being allocated to their Blesma Support Officers, most within 24 hours of completing their membership application forms. 118 new members joined the Association in 2021 (down 17% from 142 in 2020).

Blesma has worked to develop its working relationship with Veterans UK as Support Officers work to assist Members in resolving War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme issues. This area of support has continued to be emotive and challenging in 2021 as the pandemic has seen Veterans UK staff continuing to work remotely, resulting in administrative delays. Through improved relationships, Blesma has been able to constructively point out areas for organisational development within Veterans UK; input which has been warmly welcomed.

Blesma’s support to the Defence Recovery Capability was paused due to Covid restrictions as visits by members to Complex Prosthetics Assessment Clinics were suspended for much of the year. However, once accessible, four members attended clinics being monitored by our Support Officers. During 2021, Blesma also helped 178 members with attributable injuries access specialist clinical care via the Veterans Trauma Network.

We have also maintained close links with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, providing advice and assistance to inpatients who have suffered amputation or loss of use of limb. Blesma’s has also assisted the Medical Policy staff in the Surgeon Generals Department in re-drafting their joint publication on the manual of medical fitness, a further sign of the high professional regard the Association enjoys within Defence Medicine.

In 2021 our work to observe and monitor developments in prosthetic provision to our Members across the UK was focussed primarily on working at an individual level, advocating for those Members that required support locally at their NHS Limb Centres. COVID-19 continued to have a significant impact on the capacity of the Limb Services as staff were redeployed or furloughed and services were directed at those most in need, especially new amputees. BSO (Prosthetics) was instrumental in assisting Members to access these reduced services.

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For those with Service attributable amputations, the Veterans Prosthetic Panel (VPP) continues to provide an excellent route for funding components in England. In 2021 Blesma achieved 30 successful applications for our members valued at over £3million. The VPP and NHS England have continued to support Blesma member applications to replace out of warranty prosthetics through residual funds. Eligible Members living in the devolved administrations have similar access to prosthetics via slightly differing care pathways.

BSOs continue to directly support individual Members who wish to claim War Pensions, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Awards or DWP benefits. This has also included representing them at Hearings and Tribunals. However, work in this area was impacted by the pandemic as Tribunals were paused before being resumed towards the latter part of the year by video conference calls rather than physically in person. Throughout this, our Support Officers have worked hard to ensure that members were supported and kept informed through the process. Blesma continues to engage with the DWP and delivery partners, highlighting issues affecting veterans. This includes monitoring and publishing changes to existing policy which may affect our members.

During the year the Association has provided detailed feedback and advice on several government consultation papers on health, disability, and the provision of care services. We have continued to work closely with the Scottish Parliament on the Scottish Social Security Review and represented veterans in Wales through the Welsh Armed Forces Prosthetic Forum.

Throughout the year Blesma and Anglia Ruskin University have been conducting research to investigate how members who have loss of use of limb and their families and carers cope with the challenges of daily life. The project has produced several key insights and is set to report its findings in 2022. Blesma has also collaborated with Help for Heroes and Blind Veterans to sponsor a research project into the clinical needs of disabled veterans in the UK, the services available and barriers to support.

Our programme of ‘Blesma Breaks’ was suspended for most of the year, however, we did support a small number of Members and their families to take advantage of respite opportunities when government guidelines were relaxed during the summer. The positive impact on each family has been significant.

The long-term pressure on Health and Social Care budgets has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We closely monitor where gaps in support leave our members vulnerable and we will continue to step in to meet their needs - whilst always holding the State to account where appropriate. On several occasions during 2021, the Association’s BSOs helped advocate on behalf of our members to ensure statutory services provided appropriate and timely care.

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IDENTITY

Blesma’s wide-ranging activities programme is a key element of its offer to Members and plays a vital part in supporting rehabilitation, restoring selfconfidence and pushing boundaries. As well as physically challenging adventure pursuits, Members are able to take part in a wide range of social activities and events, both live and online. Linking Members and their families together in comradeship was particularly important in 2021. Although Covid restrictions significantly affected our ability to arrange live activities throughout the year, the Association fought hard to deliver if at all possible within the rules in force at the time.

The year began under lockdown conditions with the focus on virtual events, including a full years course of Tai Chi, breath workshops, photography and video editing, baking and painting. As Covid measures eased some face to face activities were able to restart in the Summer. All our activities were oversubscribed as Members made the most of the opportunity and took part in cycling trips, a surf training week, fishing, widows and seniors weeks, as well as families and couples breaks in London, Edinburgh and Alveston Hall in Cheshire.

Although the planned Members Weekend and Annual General Meeting in June was unable to take place due to lockdown, the Association was able to conduct the AGM online and delay the Members weekend until Covid restrictions were eased. The event took place in Chesford Lodge, Warwickshire with 227 Members, family members and carers attending, despite a last-minute fuel crisis. The Weekend began with a moving memorial service and included a Gala Dinner as well as a range of activities ranging from a hugely popular cream tea to axe throwing and virtual gaming. Blesma Members also gave a series of presentations on the activities they were personally involved in. This was the first time that Members from across the country had been able to meet up, compare their experiences and enjoy each other’s company in over two years.

Fortunately the Remembrance Cenotaph Parade did take place in 2021. Blesma was represented by 22 Members (38 participants) and the Chief Executive. The Remembrance 11K challenge event was run for the second year, with 104 Members, staff and supporters raising £14,000.

Blesma’s Venture Fund continues to provide funding to enable Members to take part in a broad range of activities, including individual or team sports, expeditions, personal development and individual challenges. Following a review by the board, funding was significantly increased in 2021. Activities supported in the year included competitive motorsports (powerboat, car and motorcycle), summer and winter paralympic training and flying training.

International activities were unable to take place in 2021 due to Covid travel restrictions. Although plans were made for skiing in France in January 2022, these had to be cancelled due to the arrival of the Omicron variant.

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Nevertheless, Blesma continues to develop plans for a range of overseas activities as soon as conditions allow.

The Making Generation R programme continues to enable Blesma Members to “give back” by describing how they have learned to develop resilience after injury to youth audiences. During the 5 years of the programme over 120,000 participants have experienced a Blesma Member’s story. The majority of presentations in 2021 were online, reaching an audience of over 30,000 people. In 2021 98% of Blesma Members taking part stated that the project effectively improved their confidence and self-esteem. 100% of BSOs stated that MGR was ‘very effective’ at improving member wellbeing and 89% of students and 98% of teachers rated their experience of the workshop as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. Making Generation R also won the Training and Development Award at the 2021 Soldiering On Awards. An external evaluation of the programme will be conducted in 2022.

CONNECTIVITY

Maintaining connectivity across the Association is fundamental to Blesma as a key part of what the Association was formed to do. We seek to represent our Member’s interests, gain support to enable our work and promote wider understanding of the impact of disability on Members and families. Within the Association, strong connections between Members were kept up through a steady flow of publications, social media output and bringing Members together in person or online. More widely our advocacy on behalf of Members has continued, with direct input to policymakers and statutory authorities and work to reinforce our connections with agencies such as the NHS, Veterans UK and the Department of Work and Pensions. Blesma also maintains close links with other military charities, either directly or through membership of the executive committee of the Confederation of Service Organisations (Cobseo). The Association continues to be respected as a specialist honest broker on behalf of its Members.

In 2021 the Communications Department continued to focus upon its priority of ensuring timely communication with Members, supporters and the public via our printed publications, online and through coverage in national and local media outlets. During the year the department continued to produce the Blesma Magazine and Blesma Bulletin totalling seven publications. A review of print however has resulted in the decision to reduce the frequency this of this output to a quarterly publication from 2022 onwards. This new ‘merged’ publication will be more Member focussed and ensure that those Members that are not digitally active continue to be informed and supported.

The use of video has been a particular success story in the latter half of the year, covering Remembrance commemorations, Member activities and Blesma’s annual Big Give campaign.

Audience figures across the range of social media channels almost doubled in 2021, with performance varying between platforms as audience preferences

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changed. Blesma’s videos on Youtube and coverage on the Linkedin professional networking site performed particularly well.

The Blesma Connects App continues to be used and regularly updated, with 19,000 views during 2021. Following feedback from a member survey in 2020 a review took place this year which will help determine how the App can most effectively be used by Members.

Notable press stories throughout the year included coverage of the Making Generation R programme in the Daily Mirror; widespread reporting of Member Jon Noble receiving a ‘Jaco’ robotic arm; supporter James Kirby’s 48 hour fundraising march; Member Tim Tomkinson summiting Mount Snowdon in aid of Blesma and Member Chris Ganley’s battle to get back to motorcycle racing after his bikes and equipment were lost in a fire.

Blesma’s Social Inclusion programme continued to provide iPads and “user friendly” training and information for Members who needed to connect digitally as the pandemic wore on. This year some 20 new iPads were provided, including one to a Member in South Africa.

The Fundraising and Activities departments kept up a steady flow of communications due to the threat posed to revenue and the requirement to adjust our support to Members as circumstances changed throughout the year. Activities and fundraising events that were able to take place were widely publicised and promoted to Members and supporters, with the result that the significant majority were oversubscribed.

RESOURCING

In 2021, 71% of all income came through fundraising in the form of donations and legacies; 14% from the investment portfolio and 15% from investment property (rent) and other sources. Although income from legacies and donations was down by 27% compared to 2020, investment and other income increased by 26% and 177% respectively. Despite the tough fundraising conditions caused by the continuing pandemic, Blesma’s general fundraising effort yielded better than expected results, exceeding the target set by 45% with significant Trust income in particular. We nevertheless anticipate that fundraising will remain challenging in 2022, and that 21p (2020:18p) in every pound of income raised in 2021 will be used to raise funds in 2022.

We remain vigilant and continue to abide by GDPR stipulations in all our fundraising activities and ensure that the Fundraising Regulator’s guidelines on personal information and fundraising (consent, purpose and transparency) are adhered to. Blesma does not employ agencies to raise funds from the public in the name of Blesma. Our fundraising activities are monitored closely. Our fundraising ethics and promise, complaints policy and privacy policy are published. Our safeguarding policy toward vulnerable people is adhered to in our fundraising activities. There were no formal complaints relating to Blesma’s fundraising methods in 2021.

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PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The Board of Trustees regularly review Blesma’s 5 year rolling Strategic Plan in step with the Board’s annual cycle of governance. A thorough review of the Plan was undertaken in 2018 to take the horizon forward to 2023. The purpose of the Plan is to:

In future the Plan will address:

Security:

Identity:

Connectivity:

Resourcing :

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

GENERAL PERFORMANCE IN 2021

Despite the challenging conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Association recorded an excess of income over expenditure of £2,264,127 in 2021, after the gain on investment of £3,437,478. This represents a significant increase of 164% against the 2020 total of £857,714. The operating loss before the gain on investment was £1,173,351 (2020: £474,033).

Donations, legacies, grants and other income amounted to £4,225,724 and these included:

Total Incoming Resources less the cost of generating funds amounted to £3,118,440 . This included net Investment Income of £475,241 (against £3,691,184 In 2020). The total decrease in income was £531,924 , or 11% on the previous year overall.

Expenditure on charitable activities was £4,291,791 . An increase of £126,575 or 3% over the previous year and included:

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FUNDRAISING

Compared to 2020, overall fundraising income was down by 26% from £4,063,286 to £3,013,749 during 2021. This reduction was largely due to a continuing reduction in legacy income, which did not recover from the impact of the pandemic as expected. The performance of individual income streams in 2021 was as follows:

INVESTMENT POLICY AND PERFORMANCE

The Association’s funds are invested in line with direction given by Trustees to its Fund Managers, Cazenove Capital Management, in the form of investment policy. Trustees delegate matters of policy development and general supervision to the Finance and Investment Sub Committee. It delegates dayto-day policy management to the National Treasurer and to the Chief Executive who both remain in close contact with Fund Managers. The Fund Managers present the Investment Report to the Finance & Investment Sub Committee twice a year, and Trustees receive quarterly Reports. An ethical ‘look through’ is conducted annually.

Investment Objective

Blesma’s investment objective is to have an optimum level of income commensurate with operational requirements to meet the needs of Members, whilst maintaining the real value of the investments over the longer term. A total return target for income in 2021 was given to the Fund Managers and was achieved.

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Asset Allocation and Benchmarks

During 2021 Trustees and Managers reviewed and confirmed the asset allocation being set within the following ranges:

Strategy Ranges
UK Equities 22% 50% - 80%
Overseas Equities 43% 50% - 80%
Fixed Income 14% 5% - 30%
Alternatives (including Property) 19% 5% - 30%
Cash 2% 0 - 10%

Investment Restrictions

Not to invest in unquoted securities, individual Futures, Warrants or Commodities, in property directly, or to participate in underwriting. Fund Managers are not to invest directly in foreign currencies or Chinese government securities without prior agreement with Trustees. Total equity allocation should not exceed 75% and not fall below 50%.

Investment Performance

Invested funds increased to £36.7m (2020: £33.8m ) over the period. The net income was £475,241 (2020: £362,796 ) - a yield of 1.3% (2020: 1.1%). Equities contributed to the portfolio’s strong performance in 2021. Equity markets were robust in the last quarter of the year despite a weaker November, during which fears over rising cases of the Omicron variant weighed on markets. By yearend, these worries had receded, with data continuing to indicate the stability and resilience of corporate earnings. Returns were led by the US, where the economy remains on track to record its best performance since 1984. Bond markets were buffeted over the quarter by persistent elevated inflation whereas Alternatives were positive, with pleasing returns particularly from Gold. On a positive note as we enter 2022, it is widely expected that Omicron could herald the end of the pandemic as coronavirus becomes more of an endemic disease and less of a burden to the world’s health systems.

RISK MANAGEMENT

At a strategic level the Charity Commission’s guidance, Charities and Risk Management, on the four basic approaches of transferring, avoiding, managing or accepting risk has been followed. Strategic and operational level risks are reviewed quarterly by the Board using a traffic light system of risks against performance and management, including mitigation and trend analysis. The two most concerning strategic risks are:

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longer term. Blesma’s short to long term financial planning has been conducted in anticipation of an increased demand for services, as well as a potential backlog as statutory services return to normal provision over time. Current Reserves are adequate for the implementation of this and the Strategic Plan remains robust.

In the opinion of the Trustees the Association has the established resources and the review systems in place, which should allow risks identified by them to be managed appropriately.

CHARITY RESERVES

Blesma’s Free Reserves (i.e. investment portfolio plus cash at bank) at the balance sheet date stood at £41m (2020: £39m), reflecting the strong performance of investments. Restricted Funds stood at £693,919. Blesma’s resources are needed to meet its main charitable objectives. Through-life support for present Members must be sustainable. The need to maintain contingency for the casualties of future conflict requires readiness, as do unforeseen issues such as those we have experienced over the last two years. Apart from its office building Blesma has no assets of monetary value beyond the investment portfolio managed by Cazenove.

20 per cent of Free Reserves is allocated to an increase in spending on more comprehensive services to Members over the next five years as defined in the Strategic Plan.

20 per cent of Free Reserves is allocated to funding the increased cost of supporting care for the most infirm and those in later life specifically in the longer term under the Blesma grants scheme. There is increasing demand for welfare grants and this is expected to continue as the long-term economic effects of the pandemic are felt. The most infirm have extremely complex injuries and their proper care over several decades must be accounted for. The State is under increasing and significant pressure to fund health and care provision particularly for those in later life, and this is reflected across the NHS and at Local Authority level. Where State provision is found wanting in a definite way, and on the understanding Blesma is not replacing the State in a wholesale manner, grants are made to relieve distress and meet immediate need.

20 per cent of Free Reserves is allocated to providing instant funds for the support of casualties in a future conflict and to absorb increased costs in the provision of services resulting from medical advances and a more holistic approach. Blesma must be ready for unexpected and violent scenarios.

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40 per cent of Free Reserves will remain as such (approximately 37 months of operating costs) to ensure business continuity, thus demonstrating to beneficiaries, funders and the public the charity’s continuing resilience and capacity to manage unforeseen financial difficulties. Free Reserves are the only asset available to Blesma to meet ongoing, and future, commitments to support the membership for life should current income streams be jeopardised.

At the balance sheet date, the Trustees are satisfied that the level of Free Reserves is adequate for the purpose, given the requirement to address a backlog in health provision, ongoing uncertainty over long-term economic effects of the pandemic and increasing pressure on household incomes. The Board will continue to review the Association's reserves and its policy annually; more frequently if circumstances dictate. Trustees pay particular attention to the ratio of Free Reserves to operating costs.

GOING CONCERN

The Trustees are satisfied that Blesma is a going concern and is on a sound financial footing to meet foreseen liabilities and commitments in its current operations. Income in 2021 exceeded expenditure and Reserves remain healthy. The Blesma Strategic Plan continually looks forward five years matching policy, resources, programmes and projects, ensuring prudent balance is maintained. In light of the developing situation in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic the Trustees have reviewed the charity’s finances and long term finance plan. In the short-term cash holdings are sufficient to ensure adequate cashflow for the foreseeable future. In the medium to long term plans for, and the structure of, Blesma remain extant and will continue to be reviewed regularly. Whilst the full effects of the pandemic remain to be fully determined, the Board agreed that the overall strategic plan should remain extant and that, if necessary, the charity should be prepared to make use of its reserves to sustain operations rather than significantly adjust outputs or structures. Should the financial effects of the crisis exceed expectations to the point that the reserves may be significantly reduced, savings measures such as structural adjustments and/or redundancies would be considered before any reduction in expenditure on charitable activities.

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GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

CONSTITUTION

Charity Number 1084189 Company Limited by Guarantee Number 4102768 Registered in Scotland SC010315

Blesma The Limbless Veterans is a national charity for those who lose limbs or the permanent use of limbs, or lose the sight of eyes, or suffer permanent loss of speech or hearing, in Service or as a result of Service in Her Majesty’s Forces, or Auxiliary Forces, and for ex-Service men and women who lose limbs or sight of eyes, or in certain circumstances use of limbs, after Service. While the majority of its Members are ex-Service men and women, there are a number who are still serving. Membership is also open to all men and women of civilian status who lose a limb or an eye, or suffer the loss of use of limb as a result of War Service or enemy action, or terrorist action against Her Majesty’s Forces with which those of civilian status are employed, or volunteer, to provide direct support, or in exceptional circumstances subject to the approval of Trustees.

The Association also accepts responsibility for the dependants of its Members and in particular their Widows as beneficiaries. The Association is governed by its most recent Articles of Association and Rules adopted at the Annual General Meeting on 3 June 2021.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

The Blesma AGM was held via video conference on 3[rd] June 2021. A report on proceedings was included in the Autumn Association Bulletin .

• To reflect the change in MOD terminology from “Auxiliary” to “Reserve” Forces.

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The maximum number of elected Trustees is 11. One third of trustees are required to resign and stand for re-election, if they so wish, at each AGM. Additionally, any Trustee over the age of 70 must do likewise every year. The Board aims to achieve an appropriate balance of knowledge and experience; at least half the trustees should be full or associate Blesma Members while the remainder are granted honorary membership. This promotes connectivity across the Association and the right blend of experience, knowledge and expertise to fulfil all Board responsibilities. Blesma acknowledges the Charity Governance Code, abides by the Code’s principles and works to implement the recommended practice. Blesma is a full Member of the Confederation of Service Charities.

TRAINING OF TRUSTEES

Following election to the Board, each Trustee is provided with relevant Charity Commission publications covering responsibilities and essential knowledge, and these are updated when necessary. Trustees also receive regular briefings on emerging legislation affecting charities at their quarterly meetings. New Trustees receive a full induction programme covering both their generic and specific responsibilities and the spectrum of Blesma business, including externally provided training.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Board. The Board of Trustees exercises supervision by holding four meetings each year. The agenda cycle is Fiduciary and Strategy (March), Performance and Risk (June), Strategy Review and Programme Proposal (September) and Programme Approval (December).

The Board of Trustees:

National Chairman: Gen Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL

Vice Chairman: Mr W L Dixon Honorary Treasurer: Mr M Ambler Mr S Croxford Ms A Grant

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Mr L Maguire Mr R Kerrigan Mr C Rouse MBE Mr R Watts Mr B West Mr S White

The Finance & Investment Sub Committee (FISC). The FISC meets twice a year under the chairmanship of the Honorary Treasurer. Its terms of reference including delegated powers are laid down in an appropriate Blesma Governance Instruction. At each bi-annual meeting the FISC is briefed by the Association’s investment managers from Cazenove Capital Management Limited.

The Remuneration Sub Committee (RSC). The RSC meets once a year routinely, under the chairmanship of the Vice Chairman. It reports to the full Board to make recommendations upon the specific remuneration and terms and conditions of service for the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, and remuneration policy in general for all staff.

The Governance Sub Committee (GSC). Governance matters and Blesma’s policies are reviewed on a regular basis by the GSC under the chairmanship of the Vice Chairman. All Governance Standing Instructions were reviewed and republished in 2021.

The Executive. The Chief Executive Mr J D Bryant OBE runs the Association on a day-to-day basis from Chelmsford in Essex.

The key structure is:

There are no trading subsidiaries of Blesma.

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KEY MANAGEMENT – REMUNERATION

The remuneration of key management personnel is set by the Trustees, upon recommendation of the Remuneration Sub Committee, with the policy objective of ensuring that they are provided with appropriate incentives to encourage strong performance and are, in a fair and responsible manner, rewarded for their individual contributions to the Charity’s success. The appropriateness and relevance of remuneration is reviewed annually, in particular noting role responsibilities and including reference to comparisons with sector and national statistics to ensure that Blesma remains sensitive to the broader issues of pay and employment conditions elsewhere. The key management are the Chief Executive, the Director of Operations, the Director of Independence and Wellbeing and the Finance and Support Director, collectively known as the Senior Management Team (SMT). The staff salary bands and sum of remuneration are noted in the Charity Accounts. The Chief Executive and SMT are employed on the same terms as all other staff and the Charity does not pay bonuses. Trustees receive no remuneration or benefits other than expenses incurred.

DATA PROTECTION

Trustees are briefed regularly on matters surrounding data protection and personal information, and ensure policies are kept up to date. Blesma continues to closely monitor its compliance with General Data Protection Regulations and the Blesma Privacy policy is published on the Blesma website.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The trustees, who are also the directors under company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2019) issued in October 2019, Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

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 the profit or loss of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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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.

Insofar as each of the trustees of the company at the date of approval of this report is aware there is no relevant audit information (information needed by the company’s auditor in connection with preparing the audit report) of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Each trustee has taken all the steps that they should have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This Report which incorporates the Strategic Report, was approved by the Trustees on 30th March 2022, and signed on their behalf.

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL 30 March 2022 National Chairman

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE - MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH LIMBLESS EX SERVICE MEN’S ASSOCIATION

OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have audited the financial statements of the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement, and notes to the financial statements, 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 December 2021 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 and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (amended).

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 Auditor’s 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 UK, including the FRC’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 trustee's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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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 trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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 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 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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit the information given in the trustees’ report, which includes the directors’ report and the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the strategic report and the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept; 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.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 30, 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.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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 auditor’s 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 expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, are set out below.

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 auditor’s report.

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Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the charitable company operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and fundraising regulations, together with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 2019. We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charitable company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context for the UK operations were Charity Commission regulations, fundraising regulations, taxation legislation, employment legislation, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health and safety legislation.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify noncompliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management and the Board of Trustees about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission, including Serious Incidents reported, and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities,

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as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect noncompliance with all laws and regulations.

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 auditor’s 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 the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Andrew Thomas ACA Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of Crowe U.K. LLP Statutory Auditor London Date: 21 April 2022

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BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Notes
FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED		 RESTRICTED
FUNDS		 2021
2020
TOTAL
TOTAL
£
Income
2
2,577,811
599,509
40,749
-
2 (a)
406,338
1,046,596
3,624,407
Expenditure on raising funds
Fundraising
5
983,016
Investment Management fees
124,268
1,107,284
Membership Services - Welfare
6
2,590,820
Membership Services - Activities
7
629,420
Awareness and Representation
8
377,626
National Volunteer Office
9
-
3,597,866
4,705,150
Operating surplus/(loss)
(1,080,743)
12
3,437,478
2,356,735
Transfers between funds
-
Net movement in funds for the year
2,356,735
Balances brought forward 1 January 2021
17/18
41,378,785
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 31 DECEMBER 2021
43,735,520
Net income
Expenditure on charitable activities
Security
Identity
Connectivity
Total Expenditure
Net gain/(loss) on investments
Investment Income - Other
Grants
Other Income
Total Income
Expenditure
Resourcing
Donations and Legacies
Investment Income		 £
435,938
-
-
165,379
-
165,379
601,317
-
-
-
561,316
132,609
-
-
693,925
693,925
(92,608)
-
(92,608)
-
(92,608)
786,526
693,919		 £
£
3,013,749
4,063,286
599,509
475,934
40,749
-
165,379
65,000
406,338
153,429
1,211,975
694,363
4,225,724
4,757,648
983,016
953,326
124,268
113,138
1,107,284
1,066,464
3,152,136
3,032,552
762,029
752,106
377,626
379,971
-
589
4,291,791
4,165,217
5,399,075
5,231,681
(1,173,351)
(474,033)
3,437,478
1,331,746
2,264,127
857,714
-
-
2,264,127
857,714
42,165,312
41,307,598
44,429,439
42,165,312

The Notes on pages 40-55 form part of these financial statements.

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BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

2021
2020
TOTAL
TOTAL
Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
11
Intangible fixed assets
11(b)
Investment properties
11(a)		 £
£
2,217,756
2,297,932
66,095
123,769
857,150
879,228
Investments
12		 36,661,070
33,760,773
Current Assets
Stocks
Debtors
13		 39,802,071
37,061,701
13,754
23,120
431,840
518,764
Balances at bank and in hand 4,596,194
4,977,252
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
Provision for liabilities and charges
14 (a)
Net current assets
Net Assets
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
17
Restricted funds
18
Total Funds		 5,041,788
5,519,137
285,811
270,110
128,609
145,416
4,627,368
5,103,611
44,429,439
42,165,312
43,735,520
41,378,785
693,919
786,526
44,429,439
42,165,312

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 30 March 2022 and signed on its behalf by: General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE M Ambler J Bryant OBE

The Notes on pages 40-55 form part of these financial statements.

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BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2021
£		 2021
2020
£
£		 2020
£
Investment income
Purchase of investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Decrease / (Increase) in amounts awaiting investment
(a)
Cash at bank and in hand
(b)
Adjustments for:
Net (gain)/loss on investments
Investment income
Depreciation and amortisation
(Increase) / decrease in stocks
(Increase) / decrease in debtors
as per the Statement of Financial Activities
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities
Net income / (expenditure)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financial activities
Net cash provided in (used by) financial activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:		 599,509
(9,580,445)
(19,942)
9,374,809		 (1,497,807)
475,934
(12,082,945)
(155,101)
12,336,687
373,931
(633,074)
742,818
(381,058)
4,977,252
4,596,194
2021
£
4,596,194
4,596,194
2021
£
2,264,127
(3,415,402)
(599,509)
157,792
9,366
86,924		 (715,247)
574,575
(633,074)
742,818
(773,746)
4,977,252
4,203,509
2020
£
4,977,252
4,977,252
2020
£
857,714
(1,331,746)
(475,934)
234,720
-
-
Increase/(decrease) in creditors (1,105) -
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (1,497,807) (715,247)

The Notes on pages 40-55 form part of these financial statements.

39

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN’S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1. CHARITY INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association is a Member charity specialising in and helping limbless and loss of use of limbs veterans.

The charity is a private company limited by guarantee (registered number 4102768) and was established in 1932 (charity number 1084189) and incorporated in 2000. The charity is also registered in Scotland (registered number SC010315). The address of the registered office is 115 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0QT.

Accounting policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently for all years in dealing with items that are considered material in relation to the financial statements of the Charity.

i) Basis of preparation. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities under the historic cost convention, as modified for the revaluation of certain investments and properties measured at fair value, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities , 2[nd] edition, published in 2019, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘ The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ’, the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, and the Companies Act 2006.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

ii) Going concern. As stated in the Trustee’s Report, Trustees believe there are no material uncertainties that call into doubt the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and the accounts have therefore been prepared on the basis that the Charity is a going concern. In light of the current climate in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic the Trustees have reviewed the charities finances. In the short term cash holdings are sufficient to ensure adequate cashflow for the foreseeable future. In the medium to long term plans for, and the structure of, Blesma remain extant and will continue to be reviewed regularly.

iii) Fund accounting. Donations for specific capital projects are transferred to the fixed asset fund. Income received for specific expenditure is restricted for that purpose, as analysed under Note 18. Capital expenditure not funded by donations is allocated from the general fund. Annual depreciation is transferred from the fixed asset fund to the general fund so that the fixed asset fund is always equal to the book value of the fixed assets.

iv) Income. All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is entitled to it and the amount can be quantified with reasonable

40

accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

v) Expenditure. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all the costs related to a category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular category they have been allocated to activities based on staff head count full time equivalents (FTE), as shown in Note 10. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

vi) Estimates and judgements. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimations that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are summarised below:

Depreciation – is calculated based on the useful life of the asset and written off accordingly.

Provision for Care Home Residents – is an estimate for third party assistance to care for Blesma Members resettled in care homes shown as part of Note 14(a).

vii) Governance Costs. Governance costs are those incurred in compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and are shown as part of Note 10.

viii) Tangible Fixed Assets. Tangible Fixed Assets are stated at cost less depreciation and are capitalised at a value of £1,000 and above. They are depreciated at rates intended to reduce their cost to their residual value over their estimated useful life on a straight-line basis as detailed below:

o Freehold Property 2.0% on cost
o Furniture, Fittings and Equipment 10.0% on cost
o Computer Equipment 33.3% on cost
o Motor Vehicles 25.0% on cost
o Coaches and Buses 12.5% on cost

41

ix) Intangible Fixed Assets. Intangible fixed assets are capitalised at a value of £1000 and above and include software costs. They are amortised over 3 years i.e. 33.3% on cost over their estimated useful life on a straight-line basis.

x) Investment Properties. Investment properties are included in the accounts measured at fair value. The properties are reviewed annually for impairment. Any change in fair value is reflected through the Statement of Financial Activities.

xi) Investments. Fixed asset investments are stated in the Balance Sheet at market value. Realised gains and losses on disposal and unrealised gains on investments are shown in the statement of financial activities.

xii) Stocks. Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

xiii) Pension Costs. The charity contributes to a Group Personal Pension scheme with AEGON which is a defined contribution scheme. The amounts charged in the accounts are the employer’s contributions payable in the financial year.

xiv) Operating Leases. Rentals applicable to operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities in the period to which the cost relates. Operating lease commitments are highlighted under Note 20.

xv) Financial assets and liabilities. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when BLESMA becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Additionally, all financial assets and liabilities are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently re-measured where applicable at amortised cost.

Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise of cash and bank, together with accrued interest and other debtors.

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise of creditors and accruals.

42

2021
£
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 2021
£
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 2020
£
2. Donations and legacies
Community and Lotteries
Corporate
Direct mail
Major donors
Organised events
Trusts and foundations
Legacies		 462,181
203,503
407,713
198,500
75,281
978,989
687,583
3,013,750		 371,896
339,458
501,203
207,000
62,123
348,313
2,233,293
4,063,286

Included in Corporate income is the final tranche of COVID-19 Support funding of £150,000 (2020: £150,000) from Lloyds of London. Included in Trusts and foundations income is an amount of £450,000 from the Antioch Settlement Trust.

Legacy Pipeline

The charity has been able to identify from incomplete bequests through pecuniary and residuary legacies confirmed and expect to receive approximately the sum of £650,606 (2020: £628,344). The bequests have not yet met all criteria for income recognition.

2(a) Included in other income is £82,287 from the sale of Blackpool cottages by SSAFA/Blesma. Blesma's portion was 15% of total proceeds.

43

2021
TOTAL
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 2021
TOTAL
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 2020
TOTAL
4. Total Staff Costs
£
£
Salaries and wages
1,760,484
1,788,660
Social security
183,072
182,074
Pension and life cover
95,422
109,824
Other staff costs
49,698
42,423
2,088,676
2,122,980
Actual number of staff employed (headcount average over 12 months):
Membership Services
25.3
24.8
Activities and Events
4.0
3.9
Fundraising
10.5
9.6
Awareness and Representation
4.0
4.3
Support
6.3
7.3
50.1
49.9
Total redundancies and settlement costs of £0 (2020: £28,172) were made in the year.
Key personnel
The charity has four key personnel in the salary bands shown below (there are no bonus or benefit schemes).
Staff salary bands:
£60,000 - £70,000
2
1
£70,000 - £80,000
1
1
£80,000 - £90,000
-
1
£90,000 - £100,000
1
1		 £
1,760,484
183,072
95,422
49,698
2,088,676
25.3
4.0
10.5
4.0
6.3
50.1
Total remuneration paid to key management personnel, as identified on page 2, is £347,885 (2020: £343,410).

BLESMA contributes to a Group Personal Pension scheme with AEGON and new employees are auto-enrolled upon joining. Total reimbursement of travel and other expenses to members of the Board of Trustees was £435 (2020: £0). Trustees are not remunerated or receive any other benefits.

44

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2021
£		 2020
£
5. Fundraising Costs
Staff costs
Database costs
Advertising costs
Community
Challenge and Events
Direct Mail costs
Other related costs
Attributable support costs
6. Membership Services - Welfare
Staff costs
Welfare grants to members (all categories)
Continuing assistance to widows (all categories)
Chiropody
Welfare visiting
Other related costs
Members' annual conference
Special events
Research
Members' BLESMAG costs
Branch welfare activities
Blackpool Bungalows
Branch support costs
Attributable support costs
7. Membership Services - Activities
Staff costs
Activities and Events
Venturers program
Inspiration and Individual Recovery
Other related costs
Attributable support costs		 361,341
23,680
12,181
14,727
13,225
340,071
38,942
178,849		 348,042
23,774
8,414
12,366
19,218
314,221
33,875
193,416
983,016 953,326
2021
£
1,079,178
951,480
2,600
1,157
16,249
362,328
85,696
10,235
5,000
144,569
9,402
-
1,938
482,305		 2020
£
1,102,836
846,718
6,240
2,004
17,691
299,224
26,262
21
-
151,911
9,232
21,876
2,070
546,468
3,152,137 3,032,552
2021
£
151,720
104,794
145,726
284,031
11,451
64,307		 2020
£
125,609
241,212
16,107
288,237
8,079
72,862
762,029 752,106

45

2021
2020
£
£
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 2021
2020
£
£
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
8. Awareness and Representation
Staff costs
General media costs
Subscriptions and fees
Other related costs
Attributable support costs
9. National Volunteer Office
Volunteer Recruitment and support
Marketing
Other related costs		 173,717
155,923
106,338
112,519
9,958
5,963
7,229
5,379
80,384
100,186
377,626
379,971
2021
2020
£
£
-
53
-
-
-
536
-
589

46

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10. SUPPORT COSTS

Expenditure recognised in notes 5 to 9 includes Support Costs apportioned by full time employee equivalents (FTE) and is detailed below.

below.
Basis of apportionment (FTE)
Salaries and related costs
Travel and meetings
Motor vehicle expenses
Postage
Telephone & office supplies
Pensions to retired staff
Headquarters premises cost
Publications and subscriptions
Office equipment maintenance
Other professional fees
Governance costs
Bank charges
Depreciation
Sundries & Presentations		 FUNDRAISING MEMBERSHIP
SERVICES
ACTIVITIES
AWARENESS &
REPRESENTATION
2021
2020
TOTAL
TOTAL
£
£
£
£
£
£
74,965
204,449
27,260
34,075
340,749
392,272
157
429
57
71
714
776
7,792
21,250
2,833
3,542
35,417
18,042
2,701
7,366
982
1,228
12,277
9,466
2,630
7,174
957
1,196
11,957
10,635
182
497
66
83
828
812
18,075
49,295
6,573
8,216
82,159
99,440
1,582
4,314
575
719
7,190
5,633
8,691
23,702
3,160
3,950
39,503
57,875
6,119
16,689
2,225
2,782
27,815
14,858
11,355
30,968
4,129
5,161
51,613
62,296
807
2,201
293
367
3,668
3,063
42,334
109,991
14,665
18,332
185,322
233,684
1,459
3,980
531
663
6,633
4,078
178,849
482,305
64,306
80,385
805,845
912,932

Governance costs include the gross annual audit fee of £28,500 incl VAT (2020: £27,500).

47

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

11. Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost or valuation:
At 1 January 2021
Additions
At 31 December 2021
Depreciation:
At 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2021
Net book value
At 31 December 2020		 Freehold
Premises
£
2,369,081
-
2,369,081
207,363
54,282
261,645
2,107,436
2,161,718		 Computer
Equipment
£
106,729
12,442
119,171
71,737
16,620
88,357
30,814
34,992
-		 Fittings &
Equipment
£
139,161
-
139,161
56,067
13,014
69,081
70,080
83,094		 Motor
Total
Vehicles
£
£
69,613
2,684,584
-
12,442
69,613
2,697,026
51,485
386,652
8,702
92,618
60,187
479,270
9,426
2,217,756
18,128
2,297,932

11(a) The investment properties value of £857,150 is apportioned on the basis of floor space (sq ft).

Investment Property
Fair value at 1 January 2021
Loss during the period
Fair value at 31 December 2021		 £
879,228
(22,078)
857,150

11(b) Intangible Fixed Assets

Brought forward at 1 January 2021
Additions
At 31 December 2021
Amortisation:
At 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2021
Net book value
At 31 December 2021
At 31 December 2020		 Computer
Software
£
193,043
7,500
200,543
69,274
65,174
134,448
66,095
123,769

48

12. Investments
2021
£
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 12. Investments
2021
£
BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021		 2020
£
Market Value
At 1 January 2021
Purchases
Sales
Net Investment gain/ (loss)
At 31 December 2021
Add: Cash awaiting investment
Market Value at 31 December 2021
Cost at 31 December 2021
Analysis of investments at 31 December 2021
UK Quoted investments
Equities:
United Kingdom
Europe
North America
Global
Total Equities
Bonds:
United Kingdom
North America
Global
Total Bonds
Alternatives:
Multi-Asset
Hedge Funds
Property		 32,500,903
9,580,445
(9,374,809)
3,437,478
36,144,018
517,052
36,661,070
29,599,972
3,798,912
1,082,896
6,395,512
13,907,425
25,184,745
-
1,715,706
1,574,395
3,290,101
617,485
540,581
2,856,538		 31,422,899
12,082,945
(12,336,687)
1,331,746
32,500,903
1,259,870
33,760,773
29,420,824
3,798,379
1,255,923
6,438,272
11,222,651
22,715,225
2,222,513
1,174,788
-
3,397,301
328,866
508,935
2,910,786
Others 3,654,568 2,639,790
Total Alternatives
Cash awaiting investment		 7,669,172
517,052
36,661,070		 6,388,377
1,259,870
33,760,773

49

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2021
£		 2020
£
13. Debtors
Rent incentive debtor
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Accrued legacy income
14. Creditors due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Other creditors (incl pension scheme)		 10,313
7,500
414,027
-
431,840
2021
£
63,211
218,669
3,931
285,811		 -
8,942
389,214
120,607
518,764
2020
£
96,924
172,719
467
270,110

14 (a). Provision

The sum of £128,609 (2020: £145,416) is a provision for third party assistance to care for Blesma Members resettled in care homes. £96,944 of the provision made in 2020 was released in 2021 and an additional provison of £80,137 made.

2021 2020
15. Financial assets at fair value £ £
Investments 36,661,070 33,760,773
Investment Property 857,150 879,228

50

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

16. Related party transactions

BLESMA has a 20% interest in WSY Holdings Limited, a company established to distribute legacies arising from an estate. During the year BLESMA received £0 (2020: £1,220,000).

There are no other related party transactions to report.

17. Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Investment Properties
Intangible Fixed Assets
Fixed Asset Fund		 1 January 2021
£
38,077,856
879,228
123,769
2,297,932		 Income
£
3,624,408
-
-
-		 Expenditure
£
(4,705,151)
-
-
-		 Investment
Gain (loss)
£
3,437,478
-
-
-		 Transfers
159,928
(22,078)
(57,674)
(80,175)		 31 December 2021
£
40,594,519
857,150
66,095
2,217,757
41,378,785 3,624,408 (4,705,151) 3,437,478 (0) 43,735,520

The trustees have designated a fixed asset fund in order to represent funds for depreciating assets in the charity.

18. Restricted Funds
1 January 2021
Income
£
£
All restricted funds are held as part of balances at bank and in hand.
Welfare:-
Geographic specific
392,360
249,858
Residential Fees
97,229
-
Specific restrictions - various individuals
-
304,981
Wives and widows
197,552
-
Libor Funds
68,463
602
General Welfare
-
45,876
755,604
601,317
-
Prosthetic Aids
2
-
Research
8,823
-
Chiropody Fund
9,242
-
Branch specific
12,857
-
786,528
601,317		 18. Restricted Funds
1 January 2021
Income
£
£
All restricted funds are held as part of balances at bank and in hand.
Welfare:-
Geographic specific
392,360
249,858
Residential Fees
97,229
-
Specific restrictions - various individuals
-
304,981
Wives and widows
197,552
-
Libor Funds
68,463
602
General Welfare
-
45,876
755,604
601,317
-
Prosthetic Aids
2
-
Research
8,823
-
Chiropody Fund
9,242
-
Branch specific
12,857
-
786,528
601,317		 18. Restricted Funds
1 January 2021
Income
£
£
All restricted funds are held as part of balances at bank and in hand.
Welfare:-
Geographic specific
392,360
249,858
Residential Fees
97,229
-
Specific restrictions - various individuals
-
304,981
Wives and widows
197,552
-
Libor Funds
68,463
602
General Welfare
-
45,876
755,604
601,317
-
Prosthetic Aids
2
-
Research
8,823
-
Chiropody Fund
9,242
-
Branch specific
12,857
-
786,528
601,317		 Expenditure
31 December 2021
£
£
(173,430)
468,788
(15,000)
82,229
(302,115)
2,866
(87,205)
110,347
(61,883)
7,182
(45,876)
-
(685,509)
671,412
-
(2)
-
(5,000)
3,823
(1,157)
8,085
(2,257)
10,600
(693,925)
693,921
755,604
-
2
8,823
9,242
12,857		 601,317
-
-
-
-
786,528 601,317

The Residential fees fund is restricted to resettled residents of our former Blackpool home. The Wives and widows fund is restricted to wives and widows of Blesma's members.

The Libor fund is restricted to Blesma's Outreach programme and one Support Officer (BSO) in Wales.

51

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

19. Net Assets
The net assets of the charity are summarised below:
Fixed Assets
Intangible Fixed Assets
Investment Properties
Investments
Current Assets
Creditors		 Unrestricted
£
2,217,756
66,095
857,150
36,661,070
4,347,869
(414,420)		 Restricted
£
-
-
-
693,919
-		 Total
2021
£
2,217,756
66,095
857,150
36,661,070
5,041,788
(414,420)
43,735,520 693,919 44,429,439

20. Operating lease commitments

As at 31 December 2021, the charity had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases of:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 Motor
Vehicles
£
167,880
82,521		 Office
Equipment
£
26,762
40,535		 2021
£
194,642
123,056
250,401 67,297 317,698

52

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

21. COMPARATIVE NOTES 2020

(a) Comparative Statement of Activities

UNRESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED 2020
Notes FUNDS FUNDS TOTAL
£ £ £
Income
Donations and Legacies 2 3,746,663 316,623 4,063,286
Investment Income 475,934 - 475,934
Grants 2 (a) - 65,000 65,000
Other Income 2 (b) 79,852 73,577 153,429
555,785 138,577 694,363
Total Income 4,302,448 455,200 4,757,648
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds
Resourcing
Fundraising and Communications 5 953,326 - 953,326
Investment Management fees 113,138 - 113,138
1,066,464 - 1,066,464
Expenditure on charitable activities
Security
Membership Services - Welfare 6 2,398,190 634,362 3,032,552
Identity
Membership Services - Activities 7 719,569 32,536 752,106
Connectivity
Awareness and Representation 8 379,971 - 379,971
National Volunteer Office 9 589 - 589
3,498,319 666,898 4,165,217
Total Expenditure 4,564,783 666,898 5,231,681
Operating surplus/(loss) (262,335) (211,698) (474,033)
Net gain/(loss) on investments 12 1,331,746 - 1,331,746
Net income 1,069,412 (211,698) 857,714
Transfers between funds (45,667) 45,667 -
Net movement in funds for the year 1,023,745 (166,031) 857,714
Balances brought forward 1 January 2020 17/18 40,355,041 952,558 41,307,598
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 31 DECEMBER 2020 41,378,785 786,526 42,165,312

53

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

21. COMPARATIVE NOTES 2020 (continued)

(b) Comparative Unrestricted Funds

17. Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
Investment Properties
Intangible Fixed Assets
Fixed Asset Fund
17. Unres ricted Fun
General Fund
Between Funds
Investment Prop rties
Intangible Fixed Assets
Fixed Asset Fund
ds
 1 January 2019
£
33,007,681
-
-
216,597
33,224,278

1 J nuary 2020
£
36,974,491
-
903,506
100,256
2,376,788		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
9,099,154
(5,340,757)
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,099,154
(5,340,757)
Income
Expenditure
£
£
4,302,448
(4,564,783)
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
9,099,154
(5,340,757)
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,099,154
(5,340,757)
Income
Expenditure
£
£
4,302,448
(4,564,783)
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Investment
Gain (loss)
£
3,372,366
-
-
-
3,372,366
Investment
Gain (loss)
£
1,331,746
-
-
-		 Transfers
(3,163,952)
-
-
2,160,190
(1,003,762)

Transfers
79,620
(45,667)
(24,278)
23,513
(78,856)		 31 December 2019
£
36,974,491
903,506
100,256
2,376,787
40,355,041

31 December 2020
£
38,123,522
(45,667)
879,228
123,769
2,297,932
40,355,041 4,302,448 (4,564,783) 1,331,746 (45,667) 41,378,785

The trustees have designated a fixed asset fund in order to represent funds for depreciating assets in the charity.

The trustees have designated a fixed asset fund in order to represent funds for depreciating assets in the charity.

(c) Comparative Restricted Funds

18. Restricted Funds
All restricted funds are held as part of balance
Welfare:-
Geographic specific
Residential Fees
Specific restrictions - various individuals
Wives and widows
Libor Funds
General Welfare
Prosthetic Aids
Research
Chiropody Fund
Branch specific
18. Restricted Funds
All restricted funds are held as part of bala
Welfare:-
Geographic specific
Residential Fees
Specific restrictions - various individuals
Wives and widows
Libor Funds
General Welfare
Prosthetic Aids
Research
Chiropody Fund
Branch specific		 1
s a

nc
 January 2019
£
t bank and in han
280,285
263,425
3,500
367,400
120,423
(5,333)

1 January 2020
£
es at bank and in
365,317
159,260
1,767
258,741
122,021
(5,333)		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
d.
162,660
(77,628)
10,902
(115,067)
149,824
(151,557)
-
(108,659)
413,044
(411,446)
-
-
Income
Expenditure
£
£
hand.
167,934
(140,891)
36,483
(98,514)
185,783
(227,884)
-
(61,189)
65,000
(118,558)
-
-		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
d.
162,660
(77,628)
10,902
(115,067)
149,824
(151,557)
-
(108,659)
413,044
(411,446)
-
-
Income
Expenditure
£
£
hand.
167,934
(140,891)
36,483
(98,514)
185,783
(227,884)
-
(61,189)
65,000
(118,558)
-
-
Transfers
-
40,334
5,333		 31 December 2019
£
365,317
159,260
1,767
258,741
122,021
(5,333)

31 December 2020
£
392,360
97,229
-
197,552
68,463
-
1,029,700
22,858
9,100
13,433
30,399

901,773
11,449
8,823
11,162
19,351		 736,454
-
-
-
-
455,200
-

-
-
-		 (864,357)
(11,409)
(300)
(2,271)
(11,048)
(647,036)
(11,447)
-
(1,920)
(6,494)
45,667		 901,773
11,449
8,800
11,162
19,351

755,604
-
2
8,823
9,242
12,857
1,105,490

952,558		 736,454
455,200		 (889,386)
(666,898)
45,667		 952,558

786,526

The Residential fees fund is restricted to resettled residents of our former Blackpool home. The Residential fees fund is restricted to resettled residents of our former Blackpool home. The Wives and widows fund is restricted to wives and widows of Blesma's members.The Wives and widows fund is restricted to wives and widows of Blesma's members.

The Libor fund is restricted to Blesma's Outreach programme and one Support Officer (BSO) in Wales.The Libor fund is restricted to Blesma's Outreach programme and one Support Officer (BSO) in Wales.

54

BRITISH LIMBLESS EX-SERVICE MEN'S ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

(d) Comparative Net Assets 2020

(d) Comparative Net Assets 2020
19. Net Assets
The net assets of the charity are summarised below:
Fixed Assets
Intangible Fixed Assets
Investment Properties
Investments
Current Assets
Creditors		 Unrestricted
£
2,297,932
123,769
879,228
33,760,773
4,732,610
(415,526)		 Restricted
£
-
-
-
786,526
-		 Total
2020
£
2,297,932
123,769
879,228
33,760,773
5,519,137
(415,526)
41,378,785 786,526 42,165,312

55