2022-09-30-accounts

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL

Long Tailed Tit

Song Thrush

SUMMARY INFORMATION

DIRECTORS

Tom Leicester Clive Sherwood Nick Forde Colin Strang Steel Nicky Oliver Peter Roberts Steve Guest Nigel Macpherson Alison Spottiswoode

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS

Eric Southwick BA(Hons) FCA FCIE DChA Eric Southwick & Co Chartered Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS

BANKERS

Svenska

Handelsbanken 1 Prince Of Wales Road Norwich Norfolk NR1 1BD

CHARITY ADDRESS

PO Box 311 Diss IP22 1WW

REGISTERED OFFICE

50 Princes Street Ipswich Suffolk IP1 1RJ

REGISTERED NUMBER

4078747

CHARITY NUMBER 1085281 (Charity Commission for England and Wales)

CEO Susan Morgan

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INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

THIS REPORT ACCOUNTS FOR ACTIVITY FROM OCTOBER 2021 TO SEPTEMBER 2022.

2021/2022 has been a year of consolidation and foundation building. Whilst our operating activity was still being somewhat hampered by the global Covid-19 pandemic, we have focused our attention on building the capacity for SBS to make a more significant impact on UK songbird populations.

We have worked to make sure our staff have the roles and support they need to deliver results. We have developed our digital capacity, including a new website and we are developing a stronger and louder voice to educate the public on the issues affecting songbirds and how they can take action to change this. But, we are tackling an enormous and complex problem at a UK wide level. More than half of our songbird species are threatened or already in decline. If this trend continues, the future is bleak for songbirds.

position to start a new period of targeted scientific research. This is encouraging and positive, but to make the impact needed we will need to change up a gear in our future fundraising activities to generate long term sustainable funding of our work. We also need to raise the profile of the organisation and the issues we are tackling.

Our work in 2021/2022 puts us in a strong position to move forward and make a real difference to the future for songbirds and we thank all our members, supporters and partners for helping us and working with us to achieve this.

The need is urgent but must be met by our small organisation, which brings specific challenges and difficulties at this stage in our development.

Due to the generous donations that SBS has been fortunate to receive, we are now in a

Colin Strang Steel, Chairman & Susan Morgan, CEO

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Colin Strang Steel Susan Morgan
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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

The Trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report, together with the accounts for the year ended 30th September 2022, which have been prepared in accordance with the statutory requirements and the charity’s governing documents. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

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Stonechat
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PRINCIPLE OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OF SONGBIRD SURVIVAL

OBJECTS

The object of the charity is to improve, protect and preserve the population of song and other small birds for the benefit of national biodiversity and the public. It aims to achieve this by commissioning and funding scientific research; supporting the conservation and restoration of habitats; by education of the public and by advocacy where changes in the law may be deemed necessary to protect song and other small birds.

OUR VISION AND STRATEGY

The charity’s vision is to see a resilient and balanced UK songbird (and other small bird) population sustained through sound management strategies.

Our aim is to fuel the strategies plus the policies and laws that encourage them with top quality scientific findings. SBS’s research, first commissioned in 2007, has been wholly independent. It is carried out purely by experts at top universities whose teams help to identify the knowledge gaps rather than by in-house experts, thus avoids being prescriptive.

We have broadened the scope of our research projects in recent years. We are one of the only charities that stands by the need to undertake top quality scientific research into the effects of predation on songbird populations to help understand the catastrophic decline. However, our strategy encompasses the need to assess a complex range of threats which impact songbirds including habitat, food and predation.

In 2021/2022, we have started the process of defining our new research strategy for the next five years, working with a newly established independent and expert Scientific Research Advisory Committee.

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MAIN ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Scientific research is at the heart of our work to influence and achieve a more positive future for songbirds but this works alongside our other core activities.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH into the causes of decline of songbirds, and using the results of this research to demonstrate what is happening to songbirds

SUITABLE EDUCATION

of the public and key audiences through targeted campaigns to engage them in actions to benefit songbirds

PUBLICISING THE CAUSES of decline in songbird numbers and acting as the voice for songbirds in conveying relevant facts and information to the public

LOBBYING other conservation organisations and government to effect changes of policy and where necessary, the law

INFLUENCING AND

EDUCATING farmers, landowners, government, other NGO’s and the public about the need for conservation of natural and seminatural habitats, predator control, and re-creation of habitats in which the songbirds may live

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

GOAL:

To deliver a programme of independent scientific research targeting specific gaps in the conservation evidence base relating to songbird decline and prioritised relating to their potential to make a positive impact to achieve the organisational mission.

RESEARCH STRATEGY AND EVIDENCE REVIEW

We are developing a new scientific research strategy which will launch in 2023. With

guidance from a newly established Scientific Research Advisory Committee, we commissioned an ‘Evidence Review of the threats to UK songbirds’. This independent report, authored by Professor Paul Dolman from University of East Anglia and Dr. Alexander Lees from Manchester Metropolitan University, has identified the gaps in the scientific evidence base relating to the threats to songbirds and provides the basis to determine our future strategic priorities and research projects.

Two long-term research studies were also underway in 2021/2022 working with scientists at the Universities of Sussex and Exeter. Our longterm Blackmoor Farm survey also continued in 2022 providing trend data on songbird and summer breeding bird populations over 19 years.

In 2021/2022, four peer reviewed papers were published by the scientists we funded. Three from the University of Exeter study exploring the issue of hunting by cats and one from University of Sussex research looking at the impact of pesticides.

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 JULY 2022:

Comparing conservation and animal welfare professionals’ perspectives on domestic cat management in Biological Conservation Key findings:

• Conservationists and animal welfare professionals agree that night-time confinement for your cat is a good idea. It not only protects them from road traffic accidents, disease and fights, but protects songbirds too.

CATS, THEIR OWNERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

An estimated 12 million domestic cats live in the UK. Their presence as companion animals provides many with much needed love and company but understanding the impact that cats have on our songbird populations is a crucial area of research.

The project working with the University of Exeter is in its very final stages and has focused on understanding more about cat behaviour and cat owner attitudes to hunting to move beyond the social conflict that has plagued the issue of cat predation on wildlife.

The project took an innovative approach through engagement and collaborative research with cat welfare organisations and cat owners. A series of nine papers have been published which have identified key practical solutions proven to minimise hunting and these have generated significant media interest in the findings. Three papers were published this year.

• All participants, whether they were from an animal welfare background, or a conservation background, both were cognisant of cats effects on wildlife, and cat welfare needs.

 OCTOBER 2022:

Owner-ascribed personality profiles

distinguish domestic cats that capture and bring home wild animal prey in Science Direct Key findings:

• Five feline personality factors were used to assess if these personality traits were related to hunting behaviours. Cats that were ‘extroverted’ according to their owners and more ‘bold’, were avid hunters.

• This study also found that older cats tend to bring home less prey than younger cats.

 NOVEMBER 2021:

Spatial behaviour of domestic cats and the effects of outdoor access restrictions and interventions to reduce predation of wildlife in Conservation Science and Practice Key findings:

• Cats who have unrestricted access to the outdoors had home ranges 75% larger, roam 46% further from their home and have a 31% higher daily distance than cats who are confined for at least some of the day. This means more time hunting and a higher likelihood of getting in an accident.

• None of the treatments used to reduce hunting (playing with toys, puzzle feeders, high protein food or the BirdsBeSafe collar) had an effect on the ranging of domestic cats. The only way to reduce ranging behaviour is to keep cats indoors

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

PESTICIDES AND SONGBIRDS

Recent years have seen much controversy over the role that pesticides such as neonicotinoid insecticides and herbicides such as glyphosate may be playing in driving declines of insects. Evidence has emerged that they may also be implicated in declines of birds either via direct toxicity or via depletion of populations of insect prey.

 NOVEMBER 2021:

The University of Sussex study began in autumn 2019, with two PhD students working to understand pesticide use and how it may affect our UK songbird species. The use of pesticides and fertilisers has become a staple in the agricultural landscape and has allowed food production to increase as populations have grown but the impact of the harsh chemicals is not fully understood.

Following delays in field work and lab access, the studies this year included a new paper:

Field evidence of UK wild bird exposure to fludioxonil and extrapolation to other pesticides used as seed treatments in Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Key Findings:

• 11 species were filmed eating pesticide coated seeds and analysis suggests that the insecticides imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam represent the highest risk for graineating songbirds.

• The chaffinch was found to be most likely to receive a harmful dose of pesticide from seed treated grain and could consume 63% of LD50 (the median lethal dose that would kill 50% of animals tested) of imidacloprid in a single feeding bout, and 370% in a day.

• Feral pigeon, robin, woodpigeon, and woodlark were also seen to be eating the coated seeds and could come to some harm if seeds treated with these other pesticides are consumed as readily as those treated with fludioxonil.

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ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION: CAMPAIGNS

GOAL:

To provide information and guidance to the general public on how they can take action to preserve and protect songbirds and to encourage proactive engagement with this.

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IN SHOWBEST
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ENGAGEMENT CASE STUDY:

Our campaign and education activity has significantly increased this year, made possible through the recruitment of a new team member as Research & Engagement Manager in March. Every day we respond to enquiries and promote advice and information and supplement this with targeted campaigns based upon messaging linked to our scientific research.

In summer 2022 we partnered with garden designer Katy Watson to support her ‘Border for Birds’ garden at Belvoir Flower Show. The border was designed to provide the essentials for songbirds through its planting and design. SBS Gardens for Birds leaflets were distributed to hundreds of show visitors and the messaging was amplified through local radio appearances. The public showed their appreciation for the garden and their love of birds by awarding it ‘Best in Show’. More gardens for birds activities are planned for 2023.

CAMPAIGN CASE STUDY:

#FriendsNotFood – a campaign to reduce the impact of hunting by cats. Turning our scientific research finding into a positive impact for songbirds is a critical part of our strategy to save songbirds. In August 2021 we launched the first #FriendsNotFood campaign. A wide range of methods and audiences were targeted, aiming to learn which messages had most impact with the aim of scaling the activity in future years and ensuring investment in this is targeted effectively.

RESULTS:

Website users and sessions increased by more than 150% in the month , with 65% due to referral from social channels

Social media was a key element and the campaign drove increases in our followers and engagement, particularly on Facebook, reaching 226,000 accounts

The PR campaign was a great success including National coverage in the Guardian and several BBC regional radio interviews and press pieces.

By providing the content and advice with specific solutions we can encourage cat owners to take action to reduce hunting and benefit songbirds. We will grow this campaign in 2022/2023.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATIONS

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Blue Tit
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GOAL:
To increase income from existing
audiences through excellent stewardship,
alongside diversifying the portfolio of
activity and investing in generating
income from new audiences.
A citizen-science survey, led by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife.
Dear Alan
won’t be easy. best keep our homes – and ourselves - affordably warm. We understand that for many this winter This winter, what are your priorities going to be? For many of us, it will be thinking about how to
And it’s no different for our songbirds.
They’re going to be focussed on three key things to make sure they can get through the winter;
food, water and shelter. Little things really. But little things that can have big consequences.
going to be fi ghting for survival against the cold. Whilst many of us will be tucked up inside with a cuppa or a warming stew - our songbirds are
weather the cold? Alan will you make a promise to our songbirds this winter to help them
Winter is the hardest time of year for songbirds, especially when it comes to eating well. Fewer
it’s going to be so much harder. plants mean fewer insects, and cold hard ground makes them hard to access. And this winter,
our songbirds. in the last 20 years. Research earlier this year shows that fl ying in Can you imagine having 60% less food to eat? This could be tragic for ects in the UK have declined by nearly 60%
Unlike mammals, birds cannot build up a supply of fat reserves because they’d be unable to fl y.
not going to make it through the winter months. They need to feed consistently to maintain their weight. Without enough food, they are simply
– to help our songbirds weather the cold this winter?Will you please make a donation of £25 – or whatever i s feasible for you
in the coldest months. But many others don’t, and that needs to change. the importance of the practical action we need to take to support our soAs one of our most loyal supporters , we know you already un ngbirds derstand
people – and we hear you! In our recent supporter survey, you told us that we need to reach more But we need your help to do that please. Wi th
your donation, we can get the word out to more people about the practic al
actions they can take. Together we can support our songbirds this winter.
Our songbirds urgently need help from as many people as possible this winter.
Something nutritious to eat. Something clean to drink.
Somewhere safe to sleep. It’s not much to ask for.
www.songbirdsos.org/robin
Mr Alan Smith
Acacia Avenue
Townsford
CR2 3FG
With less light and colder temperatures,
winter can be a hard time for wildlife.
Songbirds are already suffering massive
declines here in the UK, and providing
for them in winter is the least we can do
to try to prevent further declines.
03/11/2022 15:56
Please make a promise to our songbirds this winter
by doing at least one of the actions on this leaflet.
There are a variety of issues in winter that songbirds
must overcome to thrive the following year:
birds to weather. Bird s
must remain lightweight
many flowers and plants to be able to fly and so
die during this time and cannot carry much fat
levels of insects are much reserves. This means they
lower. The limited supply must forage successfully
available may become and consistently to
inaccessible when freezing maintain their weight,
temperatures freeze the ground and access to soil invertebrates becomes of fresh water freeze and energy expended to melt them is too high a cost. which is problematic when food supply is limited during a cold snap.
impossible etc.
You can find more detailed tips and other ways
you can support our songbirds this winter at
Freezing temperatures are difficul t for many
Food supply is limited,
Water sources are
more scarce, small bodies
Please turn over…
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We do not receive any government funding: 100% of income comes from donations, and our work relies on the generosity of members and supporters. We have signed up to the Fundraising Regulator’s fundraising promise and we strictly adhere to the Fundraising Regulator’s code of fundraising practice and all the relevant Chartered Institute of Fundraising guidance, including ‘Treating Donors Fairly.’

SongBird Survival has not received any complaints regarding aspects of our fundraising during the year. We have not received any notifications from the Fundraising Preference Service during 2021/2022.

Securing long term sustainable income is vital and throughout the year we have been testing new fundraising initiatives and aiming to broaden the range of ways in which individuals and organisations can get involved.

Our 1600 members continue to be the core of our supporter base, although numbers are relatively static. These loyal supporters often support in many ways and play a significant role in providing financial support and guiding our work through the feedback they provide.

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Satisfaction levels: 8.7 out of 10

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Blackcap
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WHAT OUR SUPPORTERS SAY:

Our 2022 supporter survey demonstrated that our commitment to stewardship is having a positive impact. Satisfaction levels increased to 8.7 out of 10 (8.3 in 2021) and the vast majority also feel appreciated, think that we spend the donations wisely and keep them informed about our work.

“It’s a very “You provide support “Opinions based on actual science and personal and good on all fronts to raise relationship and I awareness of the research projects” feel valued.” plight of songbirds”

LEGACY

Supporting a charity through a legacy can provide loyal members and supporters with a wonderful way of ensuring that their desire for a positive future for songbirds can become a reality. Legacies received in recent years have been enabled us to have the confidence to commit to investment in critical long term research projects. In 2021/2022 we received £155,717 of legacy income. During the year we invested in more proactive marketing of this opportunity to our members and have created a new Gift in Wills guide.

CHALLENGES

In spring, 88 individuals took on our ‘10,000 steps a day in May’ challenge. More than 1500 people joined our Facebook group and many continue to be involved as we build this community of bird-lovers who want to take action and fundraise for our work.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

Our corporate partnership with Copdock Mill continues raising £25,000 across two years and also raising awareness of SBS through a range of branded packaging on the wild bird food range.

TRUSTS

Funding from Trusts and Foundations continue to be a valuable source of income and totalled £80,600 pounds with 40 donations received. We are very grateful and a list of donors can be found on our website.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

COMMUNICATIONS

GOAL:

To raise awareness of the organisation, it’s mission and impact, building a positive brand reputation and increased engagement with key stakeholder groups and audiences.

Activity to support this goal has been an important area in 2021/2022. We do not underestimate the importance of a positive brand reputation and high organisational awareness in supporting our strategic goals. We have invested in developing a new website, recruited specialist social media and communications support and promoted our research outcomes and campaigns through professional PR support.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Our channels allow us to get the word out about the latest campaigns, research, information on songbirds, charity news and how to get involved.

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NATIONAL ROBIN DAY
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Our annual awareness event on 21st of December 2021 was a highlight in 2021/2022. The focus was on helping birds to support birds in the winter looking at key themes of providing food, water and shelter. The campaign visual identity and key messages were updated. Social media activity reached 640,000 people with over 11,000 reactions and a significant impact on follower numbers. #NationalRobinDay trended in the UK at place 2-8 of the top 10 for most of the day. Over 2,000 new supporters signed up to receive our advice and ongoing information.

PRESS AND MEDIA

Working with Curious PR, SongBird Survival was once again featured across a broad range of print, online and radio broadcasting in 2021/2022. These activities all supported our aim to raise awareness of the charity and our work, build a positive brand reputation and increase engagement with key stakeholder groups and audiences.

IN 2021/2022 OUR CHANNELS GENERATED:

Followers: 3,336 +9% Engagement: 3,200 reactions Impressions: 156,107

Page Follower: 6,041 +25% Engagement: 18,781 reactions Reach: 683,528

Followers: 1,310 +68% Engagement: 25,096 reactions Reach: 59,498

The Cats Whisker’s PR activity linked to the publication of the study using isotope analysis of cats’ whiskers to understand hunting and feeding behaviour had an overall reach of 377 million, including Daily Mail online, Evening Standard, Science Daily and Yahoo News. A later Telegraph article in March also covered this topic.

The #FriendsNotFood campaign provided another highlight with a feature in the Guardian and several BBC regional radio interviews.

“Great encouragement when completing fundraising challenges and your proactive online sources of information like Facebook and Twitter”

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

INCOME

Income increased by 26% to £460,392 (2021 £364,560).

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Income
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• Donations £122,251 Membership £32,746

• Legacies and In Memory Gifts £155,717 Trust Grants £80,600

• Corporate Partnerships £21,562 Gift Aid £29,309

• Income Generating Activities £8,266 Other Income £9,941

Income was generated from a more evenly spread range of income streams than in previous years. After a very successful ‘Future Appeal’ with some high ‘one-off’ donations in 2020/2021 individual donations lowered, as expected, but we continue to benefit from the generosity and committed support of many individuals. The response to the ‘Restart the Research’ appeal was very good and has in part enabled further investment in new research this year.

Membership subscription income remained stable in line with membership numbers. Legacy income is unpredictable and can change significantly year on year. Three significant gifts were received in 2021/2022. Trust Funding continues to be a key income provider with income increasing by 10%.

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure increased by £71,165 to £341,270.

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Expenditure
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Research Programme £83,028 Education Programme £28,290 Fundraising costs £60,850 Cost of membership £27,614 PR, communications and marketing £66,479

Support Costs £75,009

The most significant changes relate to staff costs, increased research funding and investment in education and engagement.

• In 2020/2021 staff costs were lower than usual due to a gap in senior leadership and impact related to Covid-19. In 2021/2022 roles were restructured and one new post was appointed increasing the FTE headcount from 3.3 to 4.4.

• A new research project was commissioned while we continued to fund our longer-term studies at Exeter and Sussex Universities.

• Investment in education is now a priority area of our work and has been recorded for the first time in our accounts.

• Cost of generating income is managed carefully, remaining stable year on year whilst including also investment in development of a new website.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

NET INCOME

A net surplus of £119,122 was achieved in 2021/2022. This surplus was planned to enable the charity to retain its agreed reserves and build a fund which will allow the commissioning of new longer term research projects, where funding is needed for several years. This surplus is designated for this purpose and will be allocated to priority research projects identified in 2022/2023.

Closing total assets were £371,899

FINANCIAL RESERVES POLICY

The following reserves will be held: i) A “safety reserve” of £50,000 pounds to cover budget variances, to allow contingency actions to be affected, and to provide a buffer for more radical action in the event of a more serious or more sustained variance than anticipated. ii) A “general reserve” of £54,000 pounds to be used to support the growth of the charity, in particular to ensure key staff contracts and operational costs can be continued in a crisis. This is calculated based upon three months of operating costs.

DESIGNATED FUNDS

Research £141,000 Education: £60,000

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board takes all reasonable steps to ensure that major risks are identified and recorded. A review of the risk management process was undertaken during 2021/2022 on behalf of the Board by the management team and a new process and fully updated risk register was put in place.

The risk register which identifies both operational and strategic risks is reviewed and updated every six months by the senior staff team. The board conduct a more robust review on an annual basis.

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Wren
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PRINCIPLE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The main risks identified during the risk management process were:

• Dependency on limited range of income sources and inability to raise sufficient income. Work is underway to broaden the portfolio of activity and develop a fundraising strategy for the next 5 years.

• Unable to forge partnerships and collaborations due to lack of positive brand awareness. The PR activity is driving progress and mitigating this risk

• Charity lacking direction, strategy and forward planning – an annual planning process is now in operation and the wider strategy is being refreshed in 2023.

• Loss of key staff, disrupting delivery of charitable activities – re-structuring and the introduction of performance management, a suite of staff policies and investment in training are all helping to reduce this risk.

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OUR FUTURE PLANS

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Blackbird
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The last two years have seen change within the charity, centred around building capacity and ensuring all internal resources and operations are working effectively and efficiently and generating income to enable investment in research. This has prepared SongBird Survival to be ready to accelerate the impact it can deliver through new research, education and engagement and collaboration across the sector.

In 2022/2023 we will refresh our organisation strategy that sets the direction of travel and establish our priorities and focus for the years ahead. Alongside this a new scientific research strategy will be launched. Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, we will be in a position to commission new scientific research projects targeted at the priority gaps in knowledge which will be highlighted through the Evidence Review report. The newly formed Scientific Research Advisory Committee will guide this area of our work providing expert and objective steerage of our research programme.

Our work will continue to be guided by eight organisational objectives which give us focus for our annual plans and support the delivery of the strategy.

Our ‘Birds and Pesticides’ projects continues into 2022/2023 and the ‘Cats and their owners’ programme shifts towards changing behaviours

through campaigns using the practical tools learned as part of the research.

Fundraising to develop a sustainable income base will continue to be a priority in 2022/2023 and beyond. This will include engaging with wider audiences and building our supporter base and investment in dedicated fundraising support in the staff team.

Our brand awareness must be increased to enable us to build relationships with stakeholders and supporters and realise our ambitious goals. A major part of this will be to maximise the impact of our research through promoting the publication of papers in the media and where applicable educating the public and advising what they can do to help reverse the decline of songbird populations. This will be achieved through targeted PR campaigns, building our profile on social media, further developing our new website and maximising our use of digital communication.

We will develop our engagement campaigns which ensure our scientific findings are turned into practical action and a positive impact for songbirds. In 2023 this will include the second year of the #FriendsNotFood campaign to reduce the impact of hunting by cats. We will also launch Gardens for Birds, a new project to support birds and wildlife in urban and semi urban gardens.

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE

Structure and Governance

The Trustees have paid due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on Public Benefit, when reviewing the activities of the charity.

Charitable status

The company is a registered charity. Its registration number is 1085281 with the Charity Commission of England and Wales

Legal status and organisation

The Charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and, therefore, governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The members of the Charity elect the Trustees at each annual general meeting. The Trustees meet around six times a year to decide how the Charity should carry out its aims.

The Trustees delegate day to day running of the charity to the CEO and staff; with monthly oversight to ensure activities are within agreed parameters.

Services of volunteers

The charity depends on the unpaid work of its Trustees, all of whom donate their time. The money saved by not paying Trustees for their professional expertise has not been quantified but is estimated to be in the region of £36,000 in the year.

Trustees

The Trustees who served the company during the year were as follows: Tom Leicester Peter Roberts Clive Sherwood Steve Guest Nicholas Forde Nigel Macpherson Colin Strang Steel Alison Spottiswoode Nicky Oliver

Insurance

The Charity has purchased liability insurance for the Trustees and officers.

Results and Dividends

The results of the Charity are set out on the following pages.

Clause 5 of the Memorandum of Association specifically prevents payment of any dividend or material benefits to members.

Small company status

The report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 17th January 2023.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are elected at the annual general meeting by the membership. One-third of the Trustees must retire at each general meeting. No new trustees were appointed in 2021/2022.

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF SONGBIRD SURVIVAL

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30th September 2022, which are set out on pages 18 to 27.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under section 145of the 2011 Act;

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

• (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

• (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Eric Southwick BA(Hons) FCA FCIE DChA Eric Southwick & Co Charity Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS

Date: 25th January 2023

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SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

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2022 2021
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments
from:
Donations and Legacies 2 372,099 43,777 415,876 242,789 45,050 287,839
Charitable Activities 3 8,266 - 8,266 26,497 - 26,497
Other trading activities 4 831 - 831 3,979 - 3,979
Investment Income 5 1,010 - 1,010 - - -
Other 5 34,409 - 34,409 46,245 - 46,245
Total income and Endowments 416,615 43,777 460,392 319,510 45,050 364,560
Expenditure on
Charitable activities:
Research 6 - 83,028 83,028 - 54,192 54,192
Education 6 - 26,022 26,022 - - -
Campaigns 6 2,268 - 2,268 - - -
Raising funds
Membership 7 27,614 - 27,614 24,444 - 24,444
Fundraising 7 56,049 - 56,049 57,502 - 57,502
PR 7 - 66,479 66,479 18,812 52,363 71,175
Activities 7 4,675 - 4,675 2,266 - 2,266
Trading activities 8 126 - 126 8,511 - 8,511
Support costs 9 75,009 - 75,009 52,015 - 52,015
Total Expenditure 165,741 175,529 341,270 163,550 106,555 270,105
Net income / expenditure 250,874 (131,752) 119,122 155,960 (61,505) 94,455
Transfers between funds 17 (131,752) 131,752 - (61,505) 61,505 -
Net movement in funds 119,122 - 119,122 94,455 - 94,455
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 252,777 - 252,777 158,322 - 158,322
Total funds carried forward 371,899 - 371,899 252,777 - 252,777
----- End of picture text -----

19

BALANCE SHEET YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 Total 2021 Total
Notes £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets 13 1,416 2,779
Current Assets
Stock 674 800
Cash at bank - Current Account 241,830 244,992
Cash at bank - Deposit Account 170,000 772
Cash in hand 328 300
Funds in transit 604 -
Debtors 14 2,939 15,587
Total current assets 416,375 262,451
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 15 (45,892) (12,453)
Net current assets 370,483 249,998
Total assets less current liabilities 371,899 252,777
Funds:
Unrestricted Funds 16 371,899 252,777
Restricted Funds 16 - -
Total c/fwd 371,899 252,777
----- End of picture text -----

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102.

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2022.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17th January 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

Colin Strang Steel, Director

The notes on pages 20 to 27 are an integral part of these accounts.

20

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £ £ £
Net Income / Expenditure 119,122 94,455
Adjustments for:
Purchases / disposals of
investments (346) (1,533 )
Depreciation of fixed assets 1,709 -
Dividends, interest and rents from
investments (1,010) -
Increase / decrease in stock 126 -
Increase / decrease in debtors 12,648 (4,265)
Decrease / increase in creditors 33,439 (49,009)
Cash flows from operating
activities 165,689 39,648
Cash flows from investing
activities
Dividends, interest and rents from
investments 1,010 1,010 - -
Change in cash and cash
equivalents in the year 166,698 - 39,648
Cash and cash equivalents at the
-
beginning of the year 246,064 158,322
Total cash and cash equivalents
-
at the end of the year 412,762 197,970
----- End of picture text -----

Cashflow restrictions

Charity law prohibits the use of net cash inflows on any endowed or other restricted fund to offset net cash outflows on any fund outside its own objects, except on special authority. In practice, this restriction has not had any effect on cash flows for the period.

----- Start of picture text -----
Analysis of changes in cash during the period
2022 2021 Change
£ £ £
Cash at hand and in bank 412,762 246,064 166,698
2021 2020 Change
£ £ £
Cash at hand and in bank 246,064 197,744 48,320
----- End of picture text -----

21

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SongBird Survival is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Company number 4078747. The registered office is 50 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP1 1RJ. SongBird Survival is a registered charity. Registered in England and Wales Number 1085281.

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

INCOMING RESOURCES

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations, subscriptions and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable, except as follows:

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. The charity is a public benefit entity as defined under FRS102.

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Whilst the Trustees expect there could be an impact from the current uncertain economic environment on the charity’s operations and reserves in the coming months and years, the charity has sufficient reserves to be able to meet these challenges.

• i) When donors specify that donations given to the Charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.

• ii) When donors impose pre-conditions which have to be fulfilled before the Charity becomes entitled to us such income, the income is deferred until the pre-condition have been met.

Legacies are included on a receivable basis where the Charity is entitled to the income, it can be measured reliably and receipt is probable. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, or the Charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is not included in income but is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Investment income is included when receivable.

APPLICATION OF RESOURCES

Resources expended are included in the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Expenditure which is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in the relevant cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity they have been apportioned across the cross categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources.

22

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

FUND ACCOUNTING

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general activities of the Charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of appeal.

CREDITORS

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due

FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets are included at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The Trustees estimate that the following classes of assets have the following useful lives:

Computer - 3 years Office equipment - 5 years

STOCK

Stock represents the purchase of goods that are initially recognised at cost. Provision for slowmoving or obsolete lines is made, reducing their carrying value to expected realisable sales or written off and disposed.

DEBTORS

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

PENSION SCHEME

The Charity has arranged a defined contribution scheme for its staff. Pension costs charged in the SOFA represent the contributions payable by the Charity in the period.

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

The company is limited by guarantee, not having a share capital.

The maximum liability of each member does not exceed £1.

TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES

Details of the Trustees’ expenses can be found on page 24. Trustees were reimbursed expenses that they incurred whilst carrying out Trustee duties. The nature of these expenses was travel, mileage and subsistence costs.

TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION

No Trustee received remuneration during the year.

CASH

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

ACCOUNTANCY AND EXTERNAL SCRUTINY FEES

During the year accountancy and external scrutiny fees amounted to £1,800 (2021 £1,800).

CONTROL

The Charity is under the control of the Board of Trustees, each of whom are a Director.

23

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
2) DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations 99,274 22,977 122,251 166,163
Membership 32,746 - 32,746 33,069
Legacies and In Memory gifts 155,717 - 155,717 8,945
Trust Grants 62,800 17,800 80,600 73,300
Corporate Partnerships 21,562 - 21,562 6,362
Gifts in Kind -
Professional Services - 3,000 3,000 -
372,099 43,777 415,876 287,839
3) INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES
-
100 Club and Raffles 6,264 6,264 8,869
Auctions 1,250 - 1,250 3,500
Events - - - 732
Other activities 752 - 752 13,396
8,266 - 8,266 26,497
4) OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Sales 831 - 831 3,979
831 - 831 3,979
5) OTHER
Investment Income 1,010 - 1,010 -
Gift aid 29,309 - 29,309 36,257
Other Revenue 100 - 100 68
Job Retention Scheme Grants - - - 5,920
Employment allowance 5,000 - 5,000 4,000
35,419 - 34,419 46,245
----- End of picture text -----

24

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON:

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
6) COST OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Research Programme - 83,028 83,028 54,192
Education Programme - 26,022 26,022 -
Campaigns 2,268 - 2,268 -
2,268 109,050 111,318 54,192
7) RAISING FUNDS
Fundraising costs 56,049 - 56,049 57,502
Cost of membership 27,614 - 27,614 24,444
Cost of activities 4,675 - 4,675 2,266
PR, communications
and marketing - 66,479 66,479 71,175
88,338 66,479 154,817 155,387
8) COST OF OTHER TRADING ACTIVITY
Cost of sales 126 - 126 8,511
126 - 126 8,511
9) SUPPORT COSTS
Staff costs 57,853 - 57,853 39,424
Staff expenses 4,880 - 4,880 1,793
Trustee meetings and expenses 1,221 - 1,221 414
Insurances 1,226 - 1,226 -
Professional services 2,724 - 2,724 3,048
Bank charges 1,993 - 1,993 2,028
Rent rates and power 1,729 - 1,729 1,350
Office, telephone and stationery 1,369 - 1,369 1,269
Equipment and software 305 - 305 1,156
Depreciation 1,709 - 1,709 1,533
75,009 - 75,009 52,015
----- End of picture text -----

25

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
10) NET INCOME / EXPENDITURE
Total income 416,615 43,777 460,392 364,560
Total expenditure 165,741 175,529 341,270 270,105
250,874 (131,752) 119,122 94,455
11) STAFF COSTS
Wages and Salaries 138,708 - 138,708 103,932
Employer's National Insurance 13,870 - 13,870 6,253
Pension contributions 3,166 - 3,166 3,265
Staff training 2,968 - 2,968 100
Recruitment costs 5,525 - 5,525 7,200
Other employment costs 2,923 - 2,923 -
167,160 - 167,160 120,750
2022 2021
Employees with salaries over £60k - -
Number of these employees - -
Total benefits received by these employees, including pension
contributions - -
The average monthly employees during the period 5 4
12) TAXATION
----- End of picture text -----

No provision is made for taxation because the company is a registered charity.

The Charity is entitled to reclaim tax on gift aid donations.

26

SONGBIRD SURVIVAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2022

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

13) FIXED ASSETS

----- Start of picture text -----
Computer Office Total
equipment equipment
£ £ £
a) Cost
Balance b/fwd 3,559 6,305 9,864
Additions in the year 346 - 346
Disposal in the year (625) - (625)
Balance c/fwd 3,280 6,305 9,585
b) Depreciation
Balance b/fwd 2,126 4,959 7,085
Charge for the year 1,365 344 1,709
Elimination on disposal (625 ) - (625)
Balance c/fwd 2,866 5,303 8,169
c) Net book value
Balance b/fwd 1,433 1,346 2,779
Balance c/fwd 414 1,002 1,416
----- End of picture text -----

14) DEBTORS

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 Total 2021 Total
£ £
Gift aid recoverable 1,679 4,123
Prepayments 1,260 5,752
Other debtors - 5,712
2,939 15,587
15) CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year:
Creditors 24,106 12,453
Pensions and HMRC payable 694 -
Accruals 21,092 -
45,892 12,453
----- End of picture text -----

27

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022

16) ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,416 - 1,416
Current assets 416,375 - 416,375
Current liabilities 45,892 - 45,892
Net assets as at 30/09/22: 371,899 - 371,899
----- End of picture text -----

17) MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

----- Start of picture text -----
At 01/10/2021 Incoming Outgoing Transfers At 30/09/2022
Resources Resources
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted Funds: - 43,777 175,529 131,752 -
Research Fund: - 28,777 83,028 54,251 -
Duckworth Fund: - - - - -
PR Fund: - 15,000 66,479 51,479 -
Education Fund: - - 26,022 26,022 -
Unrestricted
Funds: 252,777 415,784 165,615 (131,752) 371,194
Total funds: 252,777 459,561 341,144 - 371,194
----- End of picture text -----

At the year end our unrestricted reserves amounted to £371,899.

As per the Charity’s Reserves and Investment Policy, £305,000 of these funds are held in Reserve or are Designated Funds towards the Research and Education Programmes.

1. The PR Fund. This fund was set up in 2012 to help towards the cost of promoting the work of the charity. The fund is ongoing with a regular income pledged to help with these costs until the end of 2025. At the year end this fund amounted to nil after a total of £66,479 was spent during the year.

Restricted and Designated Funds:

1. The Research Fund. A total of £83,028 was spent from this fund towards our research programme as described in the report of the Directors. At the year end the fund amounted to nil with £141,000 held in reserve for future spending.

2. The Duckworth Fund. This began in 2013 and has been used to fund the Keith Duckworth Scholarship fund. At the year end this fund amounted to nil.

3. The Education Fund. This fund was set up to help fund our Education programme and the Charity spent £26,022 during the year and at the year end the fund amounted to nil with £60,000 held in reserve for future spending.

All funds are actively fundraised for and donations which are restricted to that purpose pass through their respective fund accordingly.

Any shortfall in spending from any particular fund is made up with transfers from unrestricted funds.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED OUR WORK THIS YEAR

£5 per month - could help us provide essential

£20 per month - could help fund research

Treecreeper

www.songbird-survival.org.uk