REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1094676 Report of the Trusttes and UDaudited Finydncial Stalements ror the Year Ended 30 June 2024 for Durh*m Union Society
Durham Unlon Society Contents of tbe Flnnelil Statements for the Ye•r Ended 30 JuDe 2024 Page Report of the Truste IDdependent EumiDer's Report StAtent of Financ1 Artlvltl¢s Blance Sheet Notes to the FinaDci*I St#temtnts 8 to 14 Detailed St2temtDt of nDea#1 Actfvities 15 to 16
Durham Union Society Report of the Trustees for the Yt*r Ended 30 June 2024 The tntstees present their report with the financial statemenis of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2024. The trnstees have adopled the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statcment of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing th¢ir accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019). 0ECTIVEs AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims The Society's aims are set oul in its constilution. lis primary aim is educate its members in the art of public speech and debate; to represent the University at competitive debate. lo educale and entertain its members by the bringing of speakers to the Society" to provide its members Mryth swial events and with a plac¢ to meet,. Public benefit The Charity's aims and achievements are set out within ihis report. Th¢ aetivitics set out in this report have been undertaken to further the Society's charitable purposes for the public benefit. The Trustees have complied with the duty under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public b¢n¢fil guidance publi5hcd by the Charity Commission and the TnJstee5 hav¢ paid due regard to this guidance in deciding what activities the Society should undertake. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Ch4rit4ble activities Over the past twelve months. the Durham Union Society (DUS) has continued to provide events and opportunities for its members in accordance with its aims. The Society's range of activities in¢lud¢- - Forn]al debates - Address speakers Social evenls Recrealional activitie5 Fornixl Debates The Society has held 18 fornial debates over the last twelve month5. These included debates on journalism. migration. the military, women's rights, tuition fees, nuclear weapons. assisted dying, climate crisis, God, Private schools and politics. Debates give our members the opportunity to hear experts speak on a variety of issues every week during tern)-time. Addre$$ Speakers Individual addresses are given by eminent speakers who express their views or share their experiences. During the last 12 months we have had 35 addresse5 from politicians, authors, ambassadors. aristocrats, journalists, activists, broadeasters,scientists. TV personalities. economists and members of the clergy and justices. So¢l#l Event$ and ReereAtlong1 Faclllties Over the last year. the Society has held a Michaelmas Ball ai Beamish Hall and an Epiphany Ball at Durham Town Hall and the annual Garden Party which were all very well attended. Other social events included the annual christmas paty, a 70's themed social, a halloween event, a dodgeball event, a wild west cvening, 3 valentines event, an Olympics celebration and a boat party which wcre very well attcnded. Union socials are unique in transcending Durham's traditional college divide and offer a place for students across the university to meel. The society continues to run our North Bailey Club which hosts events and has a bar open every night. Page I
Durbam UDion So¢lety Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Competitive debatlng Tratnin - There was an increase in engagement across our 3 training schenw particularly the novice stream - 15 5ti11 attended the final session as opposed to 3 last year. 7th over 40 joining the first few sessions in Miehaelmas. - The advanced training stream continued to receive training from Dylan Mccarthy, the 2022 European Champion. In improvement in this area would be the attending of these sessions by th0 from the Internlediate Stream. Com titions Hosted Durhm IV . hosted in late November and attended by 25 teams. The conwrtitions, despite initial difficulties with Organisatio was successful in turning a profit and enhancing Durham's reputation amongst the wider debating community - both with regards to its quality of debating and pst4ebate socials. Durhm Schools: hosled in lat¢ March and attended by over 90 team5 from 24 schools. It was an incredible success. lurning £7.000 profil and establishing the lournarnent as one of the UK'S best. The latter w&$ due to implementing lessons learnt from the previous ar, which suffered from being Organis too late and the Society lacking seniors experienced in runtiing competitions of this nalurc. The main improvenMts were lo the quality of judging offered and smaller initiatives that ensured the wellbeing of participants. such as the provision of praying spaces for those observing Ramath and provisions for those who suffered with visual impairments. ¢titions Attended Domestl¢'. There were increased attendance at domestic competitions. with there being significant improvemeTits from lall year. We atten(kd the Edinburgh Cup. LSE IV, Manchester Novice4 AnLSterdam Open. SSDC Pro•am. Trinity tv, Manchester IV. LSE Opery Trinity Open. Rotterdam Ope[¥ Imperial Pre-EUtKand Gl&sgow Summer Cup competitions. Notable perfornwices include reaching the semi-finals at the Edinburgh Cup. Aterdarn opffl4 Dwfiam IV. and the ESL Finals at the LSE IV. Blx¢k Sex EUDC 2023: We senl Iwo tea1$. with one finishing on 12 al the other 8 points. This was a great achievement given that 311 teanK8 were Novices and our lea only finished on l l and 6 points at the 1&8t International Tournament. Our best speaker finished 218th out of 31 O speakers. Vietnam WUDC 2024.. We sent two teanLS and a judge, with one finishing on 15 and the other 16. Thi5 was incredible, given that 18 points are required to treak, (make the knwkout rounds). For one team. it came to the final preliminary round. Our best speaker finishcd 225th out of 599 speakers. Debaifing Workshops New students are offered the chance to learn the art of debate from OUT cornpetitive debaters in Novice Workshops. This teaches them both the fOrnt and skills for debating. but nK>re generdlly. improves their confidence and public speaking abilities. Following the Novice Workshop5 we also Intennediate aThJ Advances sessions for our more experiences debat¢r5. these advanced workshops expand the mbe5 knowledge and analysis of a wide rna of issues and topics Scbool$ Outreach And Cbarity The DUS works hard to encourage growth in debating in local sclMY)Is and also hosted a SfM)nsored a 24hr charity debate. . Sdents have workshop5 and judged school competitions to ensure that we do our besl to make a positive impact upon local communities. As mentioned we also a highly succe&sful schools coiwition with competitors from abroad travelling lo the UK specifically io tske part. Page 2
Durham Union Society Report of the Trusttts for the Ye74r Ended 30 June 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial Activities During Ihe year the Charitys gross income decreased by £377 overdll. with increases in subscriptions of £4,948 Tournaments £1.064. and Donations £4.385 being offset to some exteni by a decrease in Sponsorship £2.400, and Events £6,414. Expenditure decreascd overall by £15.296. Overall, the Charity achieved a surplus of £1.854 for the year compared to a deficit of £13,065 in thc year previous. Reserves at the end of the year. increased to £147.350. Reservu Pollcy The present level of funding is adequate to suppon the Continuation of the din and objeclives of the Society, and the Trustees consider the financial position of the Charity lo bc satisfactory. Available fimds are adequale to cover management and support costs of the Society over the coming year. The Trustces actively review ihe major risks the Charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining r¢5eNes at curreni levels, combined with an annual review of the conlro15 over kcy financial syst¢n. will provide sutricient resourccs in the eveni of adverse conditions. The TnL8tees have established systems to mitigate the sigmificant Tisks. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng documtnt The charity is controlled by its governing documenl. a deed of trusi. and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The Societys governing document is a declaration of trust dated 18 July 2(102 as amended by supplemental deed dated 7 Oclobcr 2002 and thc constitution adopted on 24 January 2(Ki5 as amended by changes adopted Febnwy 2008 and November 2008 and further amended by changes adopted in July 2016. Organlsallonal Structsre On a day to day basis. the Office Manager is resp)nsiblc for maintaining financial records and managCnnt of the otTice. The Presidcnl interprets the rules of ihe Society and is ultimatcly responsiblc for thc fijrthering of the Society's aim5 by exercising duc l¢adcr5hip. by ihe callin8 of Ordinary Gencral Mttlings of Ihe Society and by the provision and ultimate control of appropriate events and facilities. The President is elected to serve for a period of one academic tenn by secret ballot of the members in residen¢e. The Finance Committee. elected al a general meeting. scrntinise the Societys accounts on behalf of the members and assi51 in their athninistration. The Tru5tee5 have ultimate authority in the Society. subject only to the Deed of Trust. Rlsk Mngement Th¢ Trustees have a duty to idenlify and review the risks to which the charity is cxposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Reglittred Chlrlty number 1094676 Princip*l address Pemberton Building Palace Green Durham Co Durham DH13EP Page 3
Durham Unlon Society Report of the Trustees for tbe Ye*r Ended 30 June 2024 Truitees J M Moreland D Jackson J Kelsey S Shaw G E Willmore l A Keddie Indep¢nd¢nt Examiner Gary Ellis BA BFP FCA Clive Owen LLP Kepler House Belmont Bustness Park DURHAM County Durham DHI ITW Bankers Lloyds TSB 19 Market Place Durham DHI 3NL Approved by order of the boArd of trustees on 22 Novembcr 2024 and signed on its behalf by.. J M Moreland - Tnte¢ Page 4
Independent Examiner's Report to tbe Trustees of DurhAm UDion Soeietv Independenl eixmfner's report to the trnstees of Durham Union Societv I report to the charity InteeS on my examinatton of the accounts of Durham Union Society (the Tn1) for the year ended 30 jw 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As thc charity trustees of the TnLSt you are responsible for ihe prq)aration of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Act). J report in respecl of my examination of the Trusvs accounts carried under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions Ven by the Charity Cornmission under SectioD 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent ex*miner's JtatemeDt I have completed my examination. I confirni that no material matters have corne to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Tn as required by Section 130 of the Act" or the accounts do not accord with those records. or the accounts do not comply with the applicable reqUIrennts concerning the form and contenl of accounts set oul in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts ve a true and fair view which is not a matter COTJsid¢r¢d as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to thich attention shouId be dra in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be r¢ach¢d. Gary Ellis BA BFP FCA Clive Owen LLP Kepler House Belmont BlnesS Park DURHAM County Durham DHI ITW 22 November 2024 Page 5
Durhm Union Society StsiemeDt of FIDn¢ixI Artiiiti for the Yr Endtd 30 Jllne 2024 2024 2023 Total fimd Notes II¥COME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legxics 79.826 75,517 Cbaritable activltles Room hire Equipment and facility useage Other income 750 18 385 120 39 559 Other trading activities Investment income 50,727 260 56,077 31 Total 131.966 132.343 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 80,394 92,318 Cbrfitgble etlvitles Equipment and facility useagc 49,718 53,454 Other (364) Totsl 130.112 145,408 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 1.854 (13,065) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total fidS brought forward 145.496 158.561 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 147.350 145,496 cowriNuING OPERATIONS All income and expCTh.tUre has arisen from continuing activities. The notes forn) part of these fin17 statements Page 6
Durham Union So¢lety Balance Sheet 30 June 2024 2024 Unre5tri¢led fund 2023 Total funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 13 1.665 518 CURRENT ASSETS Sto¢ks Debtors Cash ai bank and in hand 14 15 1,025 35,910 112,254 952 29,346 120.138 149,189 150.436 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 16 (3,504) {5,458) NET CURRENT ASSETS 145,685 144,978 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 147.350 145,496 IYET ASSETS 147,350 145.496 FUNDS Unrestricted funds 17 147.350 145.496 TOTAL FUNDS 147,350 145.496 The financial statements were approved by ihe Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by.. J M Moreland - Trustee The notes fom part of these financial statements Page 7
Durham UDlon Soclety Notes to the Financial SttemeDts for the Year EDded 30 June 2024 STATUTORY INFORMATION Durham Union Society is a charity, registered in England and Wales. The charitys registered numbcr and registered office address can be found on the Charity Infornution pag¢. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Bsls of prepxrlng the fln•n¢ll stslements The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Prnctice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019) and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial ststements are set out below and have remained unchanged from the previous year. and also have iwi consistently applied within the same accounts. Intome All income is recognised in the Ststement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the fimds, it 15 probable that the income will be ¢¢IVed and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure Liabilities are recogmiS as expenditure as s(n as there is a legal or Construrtive obligation committing the charity lo that expenditure, il is probable thal a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be Irrasur reliably. Expcnditure is accounted for on an accruals b&8is and h&$ been classtfied under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannoi be directly attribuled to particular headings they have been allocated to a1vitieS on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual Tates in OTdcr to write off each as5Ct over its eslirnated useful life. Fixtures and fittings 150/• on reducing balan Tangible fixed a&scts are mea5urcd at cost less any deprlation aNI impairmcnt. Sto¢ Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price le&$ costs to sell. Taxilo The Charity is eXc4)t from tax on its charitable activities. Fund 4CCOUDtiDg Unrestrlcted fimds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted fimds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise whcn specified by the donor or when fimds are raised for parti¢ular restricted purposes. All funds held at 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2023 together with all transactions in these years were unrestricted. PensioD COStS and other post-retirement benefits The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitys pension scheme are Charged to the Statement of Financial Activities ID the period io which they relate. Page 8 continued...
Durham Union Soeiety Noles to the Financial Sttemtnts - continued for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - ¢onlitiued Financial instrnments The charity h&s financial ass¢ts and finawial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instnrnents. Basic financial instrnmts are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured ai their settlement value. Critical accouDting estimates and ar5 of judgement Estimates and judgenKnts continually evaluated and ar¢ based on historical experience and other factors. including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable UDd¢r the circumslances. Critical accounting estimates and assumptions: The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting eshmates and assumptions will, by definition. seldom equal the related acNal results. The ests"mates and assumptions thai have a significant risk of causing a material adjustrnenl to the carying amounts of &s5ets and liabilities Within the next financial year are disc below. Critical arcas of judgennt: Due lo the non-complex Dature of the charities operations and balance sheei. in the opinion of the tntstees there are no key judgements or estimation uncertainties that need to be considered kn preparing the finawial 5tal¢rnents. DONATIONS AIYD LEGACIES 2024 2023 Sponsorship Alumni donations Donation from North Bailey Club Subscriptions Contribution towards staff Salaries from Durham University 2,956 33.635 33,675 9.560 5,295 29,250 28,727 9,845 79.826 75,517 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Tournaments Events - Presidents account 29.733 20.994 28.669 27,408 50.727 56.077 INVESTMEwf INCOME 2024 2023 Bank interest 260 31 Page 9 continued...
Durbm Unlon So¢lety Nol¢$ to tbe Financlal Staternenls- contlnued for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 RAISING FUNDS R21slng donatlODS and legacies 2024 2023 Tenn card 4,551 4,540 Other trdiDg activities 2024 2023 Opening stock Closing stock Tournaments Debates Events 951 (1.025) 32,433 26,710 16,774 (951) 29224 34,898 24.607 75,843 87.778 Aggregate amounts 80.394 92.318 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs (see note 8) Support costs (sec note 9) Totals Equipment and facility useage 196 49,522 49.718 DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE A1VITIEs 2024 2023 Depreciation 196 92 SUPPORT COSTS 2024 2023 Management Finance 47,783 .739 51.185 2.178 49,522 53.362 Management costs include Independent examinevs fees of £2.760 {2023:£2,640). Page 10 continual..
Durhm Union Soeietv Noles to the Finaneial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 10. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no tnLStees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 June 2024 nor for ihe year ended 30 June 2023. Trustees, expenses There were no tnjstees, expenses paid for the year ended 30 June 2024 nor for the year ended 30 June 2023. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 29,820 3.327 6,233 25.795 2,732 7.113 39,380 35,640 The average monthly number of employees during the year as follows: 2024 2023 Athninistration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,IKK). 12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES Unrestricted fund INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 75.517 Charitable activities Rijom hire Equipment aTKI facility useage Other incon 120 39 559 Other trading activities Investh]ent income 56.077 Total 132.343 EXPENDITURE ON Raising fiuKIs 92,318 Chrit*ble •ctivitie$ Equipmeni and facility useage 53.454 Other (364) Total 145,408 NET INCOMEJ(EXPENDITURE) (13.065) Pagell continued...
DurhAm Union Soclety Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for Ibe Year Ended 30 June 2024 12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcrivrrJES- ¢onilnued Unrestricted fijnd RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 158.561 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 145,496 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and fittings COST At l July 2023 Addilions 5.351 1,343 At 30 June 2024 6,694 DEPRECIATION At l July 2023 Charge for year 4.833 196 At 30 June 2024 5.029 NET BOOK VALUE AI 30 June 2024 1.665 At 30 June 2023 518 14. STOCKS 2024 2023 Stocks 1,025 952 15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade debtors Other debtors PrepayTnents 45 29.301 33.635 1.875 35.910 29.346 Page 12 continued...
Durbm Union Society Noles to the Finncial Si*lements- coDtiDued for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 16. CREDrroRS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN OliE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accrued expenses 351 3.153 2.305 3,153 3.504 5.458 17. MOVEMEiYf IN FUNDS Nrt movemenl in funds At 30.6.24 At 1.7.23 Unrestricted funds Genernl fund 145.496 1.854 147,350 TOTAL FUNDS 145,496 1.854 147.350 Net mov¢m¢nt in fun&s. included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources expended Movemenl in fill)ds Unrestrlettd funds Generdl fimd 131.966 (130.112) 1.854 TOTAL FUNDS 131.966 (130.112) ,854 Cornparatives for movement in funds Net movement in funds At 30.6.23 At 1.7.22 Unrestricted General fund 158.561 {13.065) 145,496 TOTAL FUIYDS 158.561 113.065) 145,496 Comparative net K)VeMent in fimds. included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources expended Movem¢nt in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 132.343 (145,408) (13,065) TOTAL FUNDS 132.343 (145.408) (13,065) Page 13 continued..
Durham Union Soeiety Notes to the nanCIal Statements- eonilnued for the Ye*r Ended 30 Jtsnt 2024 17. mOVEmET IN FUNDS - tontinued A current year 12 months and prior year 12 TnthS combined position is as follows: Net n¥)vement in funds At 30.6.24 At 1.7.22 Unrestricted funds Generdl fund 158.561 (11211) 147.350 TOTAL FUNDS 158,561 (11,211) 147,350 A current year 12 nthS and prior year 12 trM)nths combined net vernent in filnds. included in the ab)ve are as follows: Incoming resources Resources cxFrryJed Movement in funds Unrtstricttd funds Generdl fund 264.309 (275.520) (11,211) TOTAL FUNDS 264.309 (275.520) (11.211) Generdl fund- these fimds represent the unrestricted resources available for the general work of tbe charity. 18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES During the year Durham Union Society received a donation of £33.635 (2023: £29.250) from North Bailey Club. Durham Union Society was due £33.635 (2023: £29250) from North Bailey Club ai the year end. North Bailey Club have the same trsteeS. Page 14
Durham Union Society Detailed Stattmenl of Financial Activities for tht Year Ended 30 June 2024 2024 Unrestricted fijnds 2023 Total fimds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Sponsorship Alumni donations Donation from North Bailey Club Subscriptions Contribution towards staff salaries from Durham University 2.400 5.295 29,250 28.727 2,956 33,635 33.675 9,560 9,845 79,826 75.517 Other trading activities Tournarncnts Events - President's account 29.733 20.994 28.669 27.408 50,727 56,077 Investment In¢oMe Bank interest 260 31 Cbritble x¢tlvfitles Room hire Miscellaneous receipts 750 403 120 598 ,153 718 Totxl Ineomlng resources 131.966 132.343 EXPENDITURE Ral$lng donatlons And legacies Tenn card 4,551 4,540 Otber triding activities Opening stock Tournamcnts Debates Evenls Closing stock 951 32,433 26,710 16,774 (1,025) 29,224 34,898 24,607 {951) 75.843 87.778 Charitable activitie5 Depreciation of tang]ble fixed 35sets 196 92 Other Bad Debts (364) This page does not forni part of the statutory financial slatements Page 15
Durham Unlon So¢iety Detailed Si*lement of Financial Activi¢ie$ for the Year Ended 30 JDne 2024 2024 2023 Total funds Support eo8ts Management Wages Social security Pensions Independent examinels fees Insurance Telephone Postage and stationery Other office costs Repairs Photocopier expenses 29,820 3.327 6,233 2,760 1,143 320 234 639 .071 2.236 25,795 2.732 7.113 2,640 .053 290 156 .958 7.608 .839 47.783 51.184 Sundries Bank charges 230 1.509 120 2.058 1.739 2.178 Total resources expended 130.112 145.408 Nel income 1,854 (13,065) This page does not forni part of the statutory financial statcrnents Page 16