THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Company number.. 04429778 (England and Wales) Charity number.. 1095919 (England and Wales> and SC053538 (Scotland) eFCN
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Pages Charity references and Administrative Details Statement of public benefit Introduction from Chairman Introduction from CEO Trustees, Report (including Directors. report) Auditors, report 10-12 Statement of financial activities 13 Balance sheet 14 Statement of Cashflows 15 Notes to the financial statements 16-21
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) CHARITY REFERENCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Charity number.. 1095919 (England and Wales) and SC053538 (Scotland) Company number.. 04429778 (England and Wales) DIRECTORS The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. The directors seNing during the year and since the year end were as follows: Mark Suthern (Chairl Sally Steadman Nice Chairl Giles Bowring DL {Trea5urerl Barbara Bray Amy Dixon Peter Havers Olivia Helmore Sir Mark Hudson - resigned 23 October 2024 Revd Matthew Jeffrey David Lodder DL - resigned 23 October 2024 Roger Mercer Stuart Roberts Bishop Mark Rylands Robert Walrond SECRETARY Deborah Roe SENIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Jude Mccann {Chlef Executlve offirI REGISTERED OFFICE AND OPERATIONAL ADDRESS Brdgborough Hall Business Centre Welton Road Daventry NN117JG AUDITORS Dafferns Audit Limited INVESTMENT MANAGERS Rathbones Brothers PIC 8 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7AZ 8NY MelSon Fund Managers Limited PO Box 366 Darlington DL19RF One Eastwood Harry Weston Road Binley Business Park Coventry CV3 2UB Sarasin Investment Funds Limited CCLA Juxon House PO Box 12892 100 St Paul's Churchyard Dunmow London Essex EC4M 8BU CM6 9DL SOLICITORS Lodders Solicitors LLP Number Ten Elm Court Arden Street Strafford upon Avon CV37 6PA BANKERS Royal Bank of Scotland 36 St Andrews Square Edinburgh EH2 2YB
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF PUBUC BENEFIT "The Objects of the Charlty are the relief of hardship and distress, amongst persons living and working in the agricultural, horticultural and related communrties, by the provision of pastoral and practical support underpinned by a Christian ethos." All services are made available to those in need from all faiths and none in a non-judgemental, non- proselytising but supportive way. Public Benefits 1. National Helpllne.. The national confidential helpline is open from 7 am to 11 pm every day of the year, staffed by a team of volunteers. Talking with someone who understands faming but is not directly involved in the situation can be a real support in itself, but when appropriate, callers are offered a visit from an FCN volunteer by referral through the Cowordinator local to the caller 2. Volunteers: Around 400 volunteers who are 'in sympathy. with the Christian ethos, suitably experienced and in-touch with rural and faming issues, are recruited, DBS checked and appropriately trained to 'walk with, fanners and their families through times of stress and personal difficulty. Referrals to individual volunteers are made through the local FCN County Co-ordinatorwho is also responsible for the co-ordination and training of volunteers within their Group and liaison with their Regional Director and Head Office for all administrative and policy issues. 3. Chrlstlan etho8: The Charity has a clear Christian ethos which is inherent wrthin its foundation, board of trustees and charitable objects, which is reflected in its published Vision and Ethos Statements, whilst sustaining the principle that all services are made available to those in need from all faiths and none in a non-judgemental, non-proselytising but supportive way. 4. Partnerships: To ensure national coverage, and to respect the territories of other independent famiing and rural support services, FCN has 'memoranda of understanding, with those organisations that facilitate cross referrals of clients, access to the FCN Helpline, sharing of expertise and experience and consortia bidding from national funding sources 5. Uptak•: The demand for FCN'S services fluctuates with the level of causal factors within the industry, so that through a national crisis such as the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001, the scale can be almost ovehelMIng. Howeverthe nature of farming is such that even when the industry is operating under 'nomial' condttions, individual businesses and families will experience periods of significant stress because of circumstsnces specific to the family or business so that a steady demand on FCN volunteers to manage between 1,500 and 2,500 cases per year is typical. Further statistical details of uptake, nature of the difficulty and routes of referral are described later in this document. Details of FCN'S services, operations and policies are available on the website at.. ww.fcn.org.uk
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) A message from Mark Suthern, Chair of FCN'S Board of Trustees I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our network for their ongoing support for the work of FCN. We are indebted to our volunteers and supporters, who allow us to continue 'walking with, farmers and their families during this period of significant change and uncertainty. We are helping to engender a positive mindset and offering hope and guidance. FCN is known for providing on-the-ground help 8nd a trusted neOrk of support for our farning community. Whether the issue is personal or business-related, we are here to listen, to support and to help people to find a way forward. FCN is trusted for our confidentiality and non-judgemental approach empathising and understsnding, and helping people to consider next steps in a supportive environment. Our proactive work to support farmers, health and wellbeing continues to evolve in important ways. This includes nurturing partnerships and collaboration, organising community events, conducting research and developing our FarmW811 website. Established in 2019, Farmwell has for six years been providing farming people with a wide range of information around topics ranging from succession planning and rural crime to safety, mental health and animal disease. A significant UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support has seen our charities develop a range of initiatives, campaigns and resources to improve cancer support available to people in farming, rural and migrant worker communities. This work is already making a positive impact in our sector, and we were recently given an opportunity to input on the National Cancer Plan, advocating for the health and wellbeing of people in farming and rural areas. We are also delighted that Baroness Minette Batters has been appointed as FCN'S new Honorary President this year. We are extremely appreciative of Minette's long-stsnding support and advocacy for the work of FCN over the years. Minette's expertise, experience and reputation within the agricultural sector will undoubtedly help us in our mission to see farmers thrive, both now and in the future. As we navigate the challenges and changes ahead, we thank everyone who gets involved in the work of The Farming Community Network. FAIL Mark Suthern Date.. 2 July 2025
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) FCN: Health and wellbeing support across the UK Since ourfounding in 1995, The Farming Community Network (FCN) has helped thousands offarmers and famiing families to navigate difficult times and periods of significant change. 2025 marks our 30th anniversary three decades of 'walking with, farmers and famiing families, helping people to find a positive way fomard. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our valued and dedicated volunteers, staff and board members for their dedication and support for FCN and those we serve in our faming communities. l especially want to pay tribute to those gone before us, cherished volunteers and founders, especially Christopher Jones MBE. May they all rest in eternal peace. Ourthanks are also extended to our generous donors, partners and funders., without your support, FCN would not be here today nor achieved what it has in support of our faming and rural communities for over 30 years. This past year has seen unprecedented support for the work of The Farming Community NeOrk and we simply cannot continue to serve without support from many individuals, businesses, legacies, foundations and trusts, fundraising groups as well as from Government. As we lebrate our 30th birthday, FCN'S ambition to 'walk with, famers and members of our farming and rural communities in times of difficulty is vital and is arguably needed now more than ever before. FCN is here to listen, to support and to help people in our farming cornmunities - whether the issue is personal or business-related. This work is a core part of our charity, made possible thanks to our extensive nehvork of volunteers who understand farming life and rts unique challenges. As we look to the future, we are developing our support seNices to ensure they continue to meet the changing needs of our vital farming community. Increasingly in recent years, we have seen the value and impact of our proactive work helping to improve farmers, health, wellbeing and resilience. As part of our proactive and preventative work we in FCN recently launched a new UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support - which is helping to improve the support available to those living with cancer in rural areas. As part of this partnership we are working closely with Macmillan Cancer Support, including raising awareness in rural communities of the signs and symptoms of cancer and building referral bridges to and from Macmillan's services. Finally. and most importantly, as we navigate the challenges and changes ahead, we thank everyone who gets involved in the work of FCN. Ourwork is only possible thanks to our volunteers, staff and all those who support the charity through donations, collaboration and awareness-raising. Farming across the UK is a truly supportive community- and together we can continue to create a healthy and resilient future for famiing and rural people. Jude Mccann Date.. 2 July 2025
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK {A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) The directors, who are also the trustees, present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025. The directors have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice {SORP) "Accounting by Charities" in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The company limited by guarantee now known as The Farming Community NeOrk (FCN) took over the assets and activities on l J une 2002 of the unincorpordted charity Fami Crisis Network which was founded in 1995 by the Arthur Rank Centre and Agricultural Christian Fellowship. The Memorandum of Association states.. 'The objects of th8 charity are the rèli8f of hardship and distress, amongst persons living and working in the agricultural, horticultural and related communities, by the provision of pastoral and practical support undefpinned by a Christlan ethos." The activities of FCN are available to all in the agricultural and related spheres of life providing the following services.. P8Storal and practical support, care and listening to people in crisis (by phone, face to face or through the internet) Infomiation and neOrkIng service to people, primarily through on-farm visiting with a holistic approach to both farm hous8hold and business Advocacy on behalf of such people (e.g. for tenant farmers in discussion with landlords, agents or for farmers in discussion with banks, creditors or regulatory agencies) OURVISION Helping to create a strong, resilient and thriving UK faming community - now and in the future. We offer independent, objective and personal support to build resilience and stay strong through changing times. We aim to provide help before problems arise, as well as supporting those who are experiencing difficulty or crisis. Who we support: Famiers, farming families and fam businesses. Wider agricultural sector and associated Industries. Rur81 communities. How we help: Encouraging resilient and supportive communities through our neIork of volunteers with farming knowledge who 'walk with, people. Promoting positive health, wellbeing and business resilience through our Farmwell programmelactivity- Supporting farming and rural communities affected by inequities through partnerships and collaboration. Our strategic priorlties Helping to improve the health and wellbeing of our farm community This year FCN has helped to support the health and wellbeing of the farm community in a wide variety of ways. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT Please see page 3.
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS The directors of the charitable company are its trustees forthe purposes of charity law. The directors serving during the year and since the year end were as follows= Mark Suthem (Chairl Sally Steadman (Vice Chair) Giles Bowring DL (Treasurer) Barbara Bray Amy Dixon Peter Havers Olivia Helmore Sir Mark Hudson- resigned 23 October 2024 Revd Matthew Jeffrey David Lodder DL - resigned 23 October 2024 Roger Mercer Stuart Roberts Bishop Mark Rylands Robert Walrond FINANCIAL REVIEW 2024-25 FCN enjoyed an outstanding year in 2024-25. Although some income strearns show unfavourable year on year comparisons, the overall outcome was an exceptionally good one. The income and expenditure totals reflect the first year of the Joint Venture with Macmillan Cancer Support. Famers faced 8 number of challenges during the year, not least the very wet summarwhlch made crop harvesting particular challenge, with reduced yields. The decision of the new Government to change the expected grant regime and to introduce a Severe reduction in the amount which could be passed on to the next generation without incurring Inheritan tax were further blows to an industry struggling to make a decent return. The work of FCN is more relevant and important than ever. FCN continues to work hard to ensure its income streams are as diverse as possible, so that it is not reliant on a particular source. We have engaged a Trust Officer to apply for grants and hope this will bear fruit in due course. We nurture our relationships with our major donors and all our supporters to ensure they are kept fully infomed about FCN'S work and initiatives. Income Total income was £1,794,750, an increase of 320/0 compared with £1,355,802 for 2023-24. Voluntary income including grants also rose by 32¥0. Legacy income fell with FCN receiving in 2024- 25 £153,862 (£233,319 for 2023-24). Grants received, excluding Macmillan, totalled £884,918, an increase of 72 /0. The contribution from Macmillan amounted to £376,523. Unrestricted income amounted to £806,158 and restricted income was £837,826. Expenditure Expenditure increased by 380/0 to £1,392,725 compared with £1,009,262, for 2023-24, reflecting increased staff costs associated with the Macmillan project. The total number of full time equivalent staff employed increased to 24 compared to 16 in the previous year. FCN saw an end of year surplus (net income) of £402,025. This resulted in a positive net movement in funds of £425,397 after gains on investments. Investments During the year, a net figure of £750,907 was invested in our long temi investment portfolio, and we diversified our holdings by buying units in funds managed by CCLA, Newton and Sarasin who are all respected managers for charities. The Investment Committee meets twice a year to review the performance of these investments and make changes, subject to Trustees. approval. The Trustees believe a strong balance sheet 15 necessary in an uncertain
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) world and underlines their commitment to long term support for the agricultural sector and its hard working people. In addiiion, FCN continuously explores new ways in which its resources could be deployed to further its objects. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE Over the past few years, the trustees have been strengthening the governance of FCN with the formation of commiitees dealing with Governance, Audit and Risk, Nominations, and Investment with each committee being authorised to make recommendations to the Board. LEGAL AND AOMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION The Farming Community Network is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association amended 15 July 2024. In the event of the organisation being wound up each trustee agrees to contribute £1 towards the costs of dissolution. The company is also registered with the Charity Commission for England & Wales and registered with OSCR in Scotland on 26 July 2024. AppoiNTMENT OF DIRECTORS The maximum number of directors is 12. The maxlmum length of continuous service to 9. One of the directors should be nominated by the Agricultural Christian Fellowship and 1 nominated by the Arthur Rank Centre, One third of the Board of Dlrectors should retire at each Annual General Meeting. DIRECTOR INDUCTION AND TRAINING New directors undergo training as to their legal obligations under charity and company law and are presented with copie5 of the Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation as well as FCN policy documents which have been approved by the Board. The induction process involves meeting the national staff and other directors. Directors are encouraged to attend training events every 3 years. ORGANISATION The Board of Directors meets quarterfy to administer the charity and receive reports on finance, activities and fundraising. Other items are reported as necessary. Day to day management of FCN is delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive. RELATEO PARTIES FCN has no related parties., however close working relationships are maintained with the Arthur Rank Centre and the Agricultural Christian Fellowship. One director is nominated by ARC and one by ACF for representation on the Board of FCN. RISK MANAGEMENT The Board has undertaken a review of risk and the identified causes have been categorised as relating to: People Propety & finance Reputation The review of risks has led to the implementation of policies aimed at lowering th8 risks to which FCN is exposed as well as designated procedures should an incident oc¢ur. The Risk Management policy document is reviewed regularfy and updated to ensure it is as up to date as possible. LOOKING AHEAD: OUR ORGANISATIONAL STRATEGY12025-2027) Our priorities as a charity over the next three years stem from providing the necessary infrastructure for FCN to deliver our bNO core pillars of support, which can broadly be described as: 1) our proactive and collaborative work including the Famiwell website and related initiatives such as Farmwelllyarn in a Barn events, campaigns, training, projects, research., and our work lo address health inequalities, such as through our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. This work is preventative in nature, trying to help famiers to avoid crisis and providing early intervention. 2) our core services and supportive work including local casework and Helpline support provided by FCN volunteers and 5UPPOrted by our staff team. We Listen, Support and Connect. It is hoped that greater investment in the medium and long-term into 'FCN Farmwell, activity could help to reduce the pressure on 'FCN Services,, as we will be helping and assisting people before they reach a point of crisis. We will be placing a greater emphasis on the'FCN Fannwell, activity in the future and caNing out a niche in this space.
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) In addition to the above two pillars of support, the following are some of the key areas FCN will focus on in the next three years: Investment in volunteers Investment in staff Focusing on our strengths Fundraising and financial sustainabilty FCN'S UK-wide approach RESERVES POLICY The charity's policy is to strive to secure free reserves SLfficient to meet committed expenditure and the running costs fora period equivalent to 12 months annual expenditure. It is considered that 12 months is necessary in order to ensure continuity of service during any period of reduced income. Free reserves at 31 March 2025 were £1,815,670 cOMpad with unrestricted annual expendrture of £473,616. TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT The trustees (who are also directors of The Farming Community NeOrk for the purposes ol company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs ofthe charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 8nd detection of fraud and other irregularities. STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS So far as the trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit infonnation (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the company's auditors are unaware, and each trustee has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themself aware of any relevant audit information and to estsblish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information. GOING CONCERN After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to 8dopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in note 1 of the financial Statements. This report has been prepared having taken advantage of the small companies exemption in the Companies Act 2006. Signed on behalf of the Directors on 2 July 2025. M A E Suthern Director
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK Opinion We have audited the financial statements of The FaThning Communty NebNork (the "charitable company.) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise a statement crf financial activities, a balan sheet and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounkn'ro pOIleS. The financial reporting framewoth that has been applied in their preparatijn is applicable law and United Kingdom Ac£ounting Standards, induding Financial Reporting Standard 102, The FinancAal Reporting Standard applicab in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom General Accepted Accounting Practi}. In our apinion the financial statements.. . give a true and fairview of the state of the charitable company's affaits as at 31 March 2025, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including ts income and expendiiure, for the year then ended,. . have bn property prepared in accordan with United Kir¥Jdom Generally Acceptsd Accounting practi,. arKI . have been prepared in accordance with requirements ofthe Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance wrth Intemational StarKJards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilrties under those standards are further described in the Auditorfs responsibilities for the audtt of the financial stalements section ofour report. We are independent ofthe charita)le company in accordancewith the ethical Nuirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S EthrAI Standard, and we have fulfilled our other elhical responsibilities in accordance llth these requirements. We believe that the audrt evidence we have obtaInj is sufficient and 8ppropriate to promde a basrs for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the tnjstees, use of the going conrn basis of accounting in the preparation of the ffinanci81 statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfomed, we have not identth8J any material UnrtaIntieS relating to events or conditions that. individually orcollectively, may CASt significant doubt on charitable companls ability to continue as a going contsm for a period of at least bNelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilib'es of the trustees with respect to going concem are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other Informatlon The other infornation comprises the infomiation Included in the trustees annual report, other than the financial slatements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trust$ are responsible for the ther inft)Tmation contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements daes not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion theon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whelher the other inf0mtIOn is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knNledge ithined in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially mi55tated. If we identfy such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this grves nse to a material misstatement the finanaal statements themselves. If, based on the wo we have perfomEd, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other infomiation, we are required tt) report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 10
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. . the information given in the trustees, report lincotporating the directors, report) for the financial year for whh the financial statements are prepar&J is consistent with the financial siatements,. and . the directors, report has been prepared in accordan with applicab legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the tharitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors, report. We have nothing to report in respect ofthe following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 20C6 and the Chaiiiies Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion- . adequate arKI proper &counting records have not been kept, or retums adequate for our audit have not been r&Ved from branches not visited by us,. or . the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting redS and retums,. or . cetsin disdosures of directors, remuneration specffied by are not made., or • we have not receiv&d all the information and explanations we require for our audit.. or . the trustee5 were not entided to prepare the financial st*ments in accordan with the small compantes, regim8 and t£ke advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the directors, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. other Matter The comparative figures are unaudited. Responslbilities of trustees As expla"Ined morefully in the trust5, responsibilities statement, set out on page 9, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable crxnpany for the purp)ses of company law) are responsible for the preparation oflhe financial stalements and for being salisfled that they give a tnje and fair view, 8nd fi)r such intemal control as the trustees detemiine is necessary to erBble the preparation of financial statements that are free from matenal misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing Ihe financial statements, the Irustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's abilty lo continue as a going conM, dlsclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concem and using the going concem basis of accounting unless the tNstees either intend lo liquidate the charitable company or to £se operations, or have no realistic altemative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements We have been appointed auditor under the Companies Act 20C6 and section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with those Acts. Ourobjectivesare to obtain reasonable assurance aboutwhetherthe financial statements as a whole are free from material misslatemenl, whether due to fraud or er, and to issue an audf(orfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance wtth ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when rt exists. Misstalements can arise from fraud or eor and are considered material if, indimdually or in the aggregate, Ihey could rea8onably be expected to Influen the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are InStanS of non<ompliancewith laws and regulattons. We design prlxedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to delect material misstatements in respert of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud Is detailed below.. . Enquiry of management, those charged with govemance around actual and potential litigation and claims., . Enquiry cl entity staff in compliance fvnctions to idenbfy ary InStanS of non-complian with laNs and regulations; . Reviewtng minutes of meetings of those charged with govanance,. 11
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) . Reviewng finanaal statement disclosures and testing to SUFWrting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Performing audit wort over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of joumal entrie5 and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business raiKJnale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business arKI reviewing accounting estimates for bias. Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not dett all irregularibes, including those IIng to a material misstatement in the financial statements or rK)n-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance wf(h a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial staterrEnts, as we will be less like to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than emr, as fraud involves intentional Conalment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A fijrther description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: s.'lkn.frc.org.uk]Our-WothJAuditlAudit-and-assurancelStandards-and-gUidan1standard$-and-guldan¢&f0r- auditorslAudilors-responsibilrties-for-auditlDescription-of-auditors-responsibililies-for-audil.aspx, This description forms part of our aLKlttorfs rwrt. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the CcKnpanies Act 20C6 and to the chatitable company's tnjstees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charitses {Ac¢ounls and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and its trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorfs report and for no olher PUTpose. To the fullest extent pemitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone olher than the charitable compan and the charitable company's members as a body and the charitable company's Iwstees as a bcdy, for our audit work, r this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Signed: Geoffrey Cox BA FCA (Senior Statutory Audiior) For and on behalf of Daffems Audit Limited Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor One Easknd Hary Weston Road Binley Business Park Coventy CV3 2UB Date. lois 12
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE AccouNT for tha year ended 31 March 2025 General Unrestricted furKJ$ DesvJn8ted UnrÈstrfcled funds Re$tri¢t¥d funds Total 2026 Total 2024 NotOS INCOME Donation$ and l¢gacles 806.158 837,826 1,643.984 1.239.072 Income from charitsblo actlvltl•s Resourting prcgrammes 132,310 132,310 103.757 Ineome from other tradlng •ctlvltlo¥ Inveslment income 18.456 18,486 12,973 Totsl lftcome 956,924 837,826 1,794.760 1,355,802 EXPENDITURE C05t of ralslng fvnd8 Gharilable adivities Total ex endilurfj S9,222 266,526 325 748 19,285 899,844 919 109 78.487 1,314,238 1392 725 66,031 943,231 1009,262 147.868 147,868 Net Incom endlture 631 176 147.868 81,283J 402,025 346.540 Nel transfeTY befvKen funds Gainsl 1055es on Inv85tmenls 81.750 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 147 868)_ 181.2831 426 397 428 290 Fund baler85 troughl forward 15 1.181,122 356,000 301.778 1,818,91XI 1,390,610 FUND BAiANCES CARRIED FORWARD 1,815.670 208.132 220,495 2 2414 297 1.818.900 The notss on pages 16 to 21 fomi an integrdl part of these financial statements. 13
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET as at 31 March 2025 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04429778 Notes 2025 2024 FixeDAS$ETS Tangible assets Investments 11 19,395 1,216,434 1,234,829 12 451,200 451.200 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Bank and ISh balances 13 119,648 948,731 1,068,379 25,875 1,389.984 1,415.859 CREDITORS.. 8mounts falllng due ¥thIn one year 14 {38,911) 148,159) NET CLIRRENT AsseTS 1,009,418 1.367.700 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,244,297 1,818,900 INCOME FUN05 Unreslricted fvnd8 General Oeslgnaled Reslrlcted funds 18 1,815.670 208,132 220,495 2.244,297 1,161.122 356,(N)Q 301.778 1,818,900 16 16 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime and in accordance with FRS 102 SORP. The financial statements were approved by the Directors on 2 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by.. AIL M A E Suthern Director The notes on pages 16 to 21 form an integral part of these financial statements. 14
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Notss 2025 2024 CASHFLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Nel incomel (expendilurel for the year jUStments for.. l)epreciation {Increasell decrease in debtors Increasel Ideueasel In creditor5 Interest received Revaluation Igalnll108s on inv881menl Net cash froml IuBèd Inl opèratlng a¢tlvlt108 425,397 428.290 9.698 {93.773) 10,752 118.456) 123.3721 310,246 15,664 122,285) 9,896 112.9731 181.7501 336,842 13 14 12 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIMTIES Sal& of Inv881menls Purch88e of tangifjle )Ixed assets Purchase of inve8tmenl& Interest received N•t cash froml lu••dl In Invostlng a¢tlvtti 12 39138 129,0931 1780,000} 18,458 1761,499) 434.231 12 1278,749) 12,973 168,455 CHANGE IN CASH AND CA8H EQUIVALENT5 IN THE YEAR 1441,253) 505,297 Cash al cash equivalents brought forward 1,389.984 884,687 CASH AND¢ASH EQUIVALENTS CARRIED FORWARD 948.731 1,389,984 ANALY815 OF CHANoe8 IN NET DEBT C88h and c88h equlv8lenl8 948,731 1,389.984 The notes on pages 16 to 21 form an integr81 part of these financial statements. 15
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEMErs at 31 March 2025 AccouNTING POLICIES Company and charitable ststus The Famiing Community Network, a public benefrt entity, is incorporated in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital. Each member has undertaken to contribute to the assets in the event of winding up a sum not exceeding £1. The charitable company is a registered charity. The registered office is given on page 2. Basls of preparation and assessment of going concern The financial statements are prepared on a going concem basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value, in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 20191" applicable to charrties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021, issued in October 2019, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland} Act 2025 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below, These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. Funds General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Desi nate sare unrestricted funds set aside by the Directors out of unrestricted general funds for specrfic fLrture purposes or projects. Restricted funds are funds which are lo be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. Income recognition All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtsined then incomg is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it Is probable that they will be fulfilled. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP. Further detail is given in the Trustees, Annual Report. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as contingent asset and disclosed. Expendlture recognition All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Taxatlon The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedul8 3 of the Charilies Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. 16
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) Tangible Fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on all fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value based on prices prevailing at the date of acquisition, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life as follows: Office equipment and motor vehicles 3 years straight line Investments Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in 'Gainslllosses) on investments, in the SOFA if the shares are publicly traded or the fair value can otheise be measured reliably. Golng concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 month5 from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. CWTICAL AccouNTING JUDGEMENTSAND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY In the application of the charity's accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the Dlrectors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumption8 are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The Directors do not consider there are any critiCAI judgements or sources of estimation uncertainty requiring disclosure beyond the accounting policies listed above. INCOME-OONATIONS AND LEGACIES Genèral Unrn6trfcted Restrfcted 2025 2024 !o!unta.ry..Incomo From thurches From events & 8CtivilieB From kndividual8 and other organ58allon8 Legades Gift ald tax refunded Grants received (see note 41 21,741 22,622 3,088 21,741 130,001 153,863 16,337 1,261.441 1,643.984 29,365 398,887 233,319 11,447 513,021 1,239.072 107.379 150,775 16,337 474.452 806.158 786,989 837,828 For 2024, £710,251 was g8n8ral unr8Stricted income and £528,821 was restricted income. 17
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) GRANTS RECEIVED GeT*ral Unrestrthd Restrfct8d 2025 2024 DEFRA and Regional Development Agencies Richard Oadey Foundation NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Northem Gas Nefyvorks PDHook VlÈlsh Govemment Macmlllan Canr Suppcrt Mercer Family Lloyd8 Banklng Group Paragon Vel t)orsel Tralning Agrovisla Hutchinson Charltable Trust Hook 2 Slslers ETRD Quality Equlprnent Siloslop Lortl Leverhulm8s Charltable Trust 174,644 75,000 75.000 32,535 174,644 75.000 75,000 32.535 10.000 31.262 376.523 102.917 75,000 80.000 10.000 10.000 31,262 376,523 10.000 200,000 5,277 10,000 10,000 10,OCMJ 10.000 10,000 6,245 10,000 200,000 5,277 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 6,245 10,000 10,000 8,OC 10.000 5,219 10,000 15,082 5.000 Dlan8 Startln Charitsble Tru51 Healhfield Show LKAB LJBelts LM)c Ltd Anon Pitchup Huggale World Farms Cranswick Openfield Rulewood O!her.granls g £5,(KM) Total ranty rNot•3 5,000 5,000 5,000 s.000 9.281 21,095 10,000 5,000 15,000 5,000 5,000 91,447 513.021 187,930 474,452 22.025 786.989 209,956 1 261441 For 2024. £216,316 was general unrestTiCted grant income and £296,705 was restri'cted grant income. UNPAID VOLUNTARYSERVICES The value of unpaid voluntary servic8s provided by individuals has not been inclutjed within tha Sta18m8nt of Financial Activities as either income or expenditure. In the year under reviéw that value is calculated as £338,224 {2024.' £290,610), representing entirely volunteer Costs {pl&ase refer to Trustees, Report for further information). If this value was included the Statement of Financial Activities would be revised with both income and expenditure increasing by £338,224. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES undertaken dlreclly Support co•tA Total Local aclivlly Publicity Supporting volunleefs Trabnin 569,262 187,920 104,782 73,843 935,807 230.843 75.686 41.627 30,275 378.431 800,105 263.606 146,409 104,118 1.314,238 £899,844 12024.. £318,510) of the above cosls were attributable to restricted funds. £147,868 12024.. £nil) attributable to designated funds, and £266,52612024, £824,721} attributable to unrestrictsd funds. 18
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS Lo¢xl actity Supporti voluntears Rals6ng funds PublKty Training Subtotal Salaries arKI wage3 costs Travel Office admini8tralion costs Depreciation Governan costs 110.540 11.320 51.031 5.915 52,037 230843 36.242 3.711 16.732 19,933 2,041 9,202 1,067 9.384 41,627 14,497 181,212 1,485 18,557 6,693 83,658 776 9,698 6,824 85,306 30.275 378.431 55,981 2.834 10.551 237.193 21.391 94.209 9,698 94.427 456,918 17,061 75,686 9,121 78,487 £19.265 (2024.. £6,532} of the above raising funds costs were attributable to restricted funds, £59,22212024.' £59,499) of the above raising fijnds costs were attributable to unrestricted funds. GOVERNANCE COSTS 2025 2024 Legal and professlonal fee8 Audit and accDuntanGy Board expenses 43,207 8,626 10,742 62,575 9,000 6.245 94.265 The 8udito¢s remuneration amounts to an audit fee of £5.250 {2024'. £5,000) and other services of £3,75012024.' £3,628). STAFF COSTS 202B 2024 Wage8 and salafles Social Security eosls Other pension costs 778.857 67,287 79,627 923.751 661,061 46.504 55,043 862.608 The average number of employees, including part-time, during the year was 29 (2024.. 22). The full time equival8nt number was 2412024.. 16) The company oper8tss a defined contribution pension scheme. The charge for the pertod was £79,62712024'. £55,043). The defined contribution liability is allocatsd to unrestricted funds. Thè number of èmploy888 who received total employee beneflts18xcluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000 is as follows.. £80.000- £90,000 tIoo.ocK) - £110,000 10 DIRECTORS. REMUNERATION AND KEY MANAGEhlENT PERSONNEL No remuneration w8s paid lo Director3 for their seNices, and £688 {2024'. £841) was paicl 85 reimbur88m8nt of travel exp8ns88 to 3 (2024.. 31 of the trustees. The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel 15 £120,32212024'. £91,554). 11 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Equipment and Motorvehicles Cost or valuatlon: Al 1 April 2024 Additions Dis osals At 31 March 2025 Depreciation: At 14Jril 2024 Cha for the ear Eliminated on dls At 31 Maich 2025 Net book valu• At 31 March 2025 12024 123,105 29,093 L39.331 112.867 123.105 9,698 93.472 19.395 19
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK IA CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) 12 INVESTrAENTS 2025 2024 Market value at 1 Aprll 2024 Acquisldon8 al cost Sales PToceds frTr disposals Galnl(10881 In the year Market value at 31 March 2025 461,200 780,000 129,093) 23,372 1,215,434 524,932 278,749 1434,2311 81,750 451,200 Investments al market value comprlsed.. Ralhbone Unil Tfust Management Core Investment Fund lor Charfues Income Fund M&G Equities Inve81menl Fund for Charllles Icharrfundl Acc BNY Mellon Newton Groth and Income Fund for Charilies A¢¢ Sarasin Endovllnents Fund Acc CCLA COIF Charities Investmant Fund Acc 416,001 410,233 40,967 272.619 271.902 254.912 1,215,434 451.200 13 DEeTORS 2025 2024 Amounts falllng due wlthln on• year Trade debtors Prepaymen15 arKf ac(fued income Gltt ASd lax refLmd 62,732 49.682 7,054 119,64e 20,300 575 5,000 14 CREDITORS 2026 2024 Trade credllors Other taxes 8nd 80&818ecurity Olhei creditors AccrLd expense8 12.671 18,788 17.083 10.389 58,911 16,081 12.503 11.075 8,500 48,159 ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS IN DEFERRED INCOME.. 2026 2024 Al 1 Aprll 2024 Income deferred In year AJnounl released In year Al 31 March 2025 7,917 17,917) Deferred income psents fvnding income reiVed in advan¢e. 15 FUNDS ANALYSIS General UnrE$irfcled fund D881gnatsd Unre5trtcted rund Re&trfctsd fijnd 2025 2024 Tanglble fixed a$$el¥ Current assets Llabllllles Nel a88els 1,234.829 639,752 158,9111 1,815.670 1.234.829 1.068.379 158.9111 2,244.297 451,200 1,415.859 148,1591 1,818.900 208,132 220,495 208,132 220,495 20
THE FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK (A CHARIT ABLE COMPANY LIMITED B Y GUARANTEE) 16 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS At 1 Aprfl 2024 Incoming resourees Outpino resources At31 Mareh 2025 Transf8rs Rèstrlcted funds Voluntary Inci)me Rid)ard OatY Foundallon {Pr*cts In &)uth Wesll Macmillan Rural Comunilies Project Wailrose Farmv+EII 202427 support prwnYn&8 Vulner8bility aThY Carbon Monoxide Alowanee Collaborative Proiect- Northem Gas NerkS Farmwell Wales- Welsh Govemmenl DEFRA bT8 support NFU MCT for F8rmkng Communlty SLPPOrt 136.778 35.733 72.862 75,000 1103,412) 172,778) 70,495 37.955 376.523 127,144 32,535 1376,523) (180.0991 (32,5351 165,000 112,045 31,262 47,500 75.000 837.826 {31.262) {47,500) {75,0001 {919,109} 301,778 220N95 Unro8trfcted lunds Deslynaled General 356,000 1,161.122 1,818,9C(S 1147.868) 1302.3761 {1,369.3531 208.132 1.815.670 2.2414.297 956.924 1,794,750 17 ULTIMATE CONTrOLLING PARTY The tharltyfis under IhB control of 118 Board of dlrectorsAru5tees. 18 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS There are no related paty transactions durlng the perlcrfl12024: £nE. 21