OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

Company registration number: 04404798 Charity registration number: 1097599

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as

Verity

(A company limited by guarantee)

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' Report 2 to 4
Accountants' Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6 to 7
Balance Sheet 8 to 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 22

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Registration Number 1097599
Company Registration 04404798
Number
The charity is incorporated in England & Wales.
Registered Office 74A Station Road East
Oxted
Surrey
RH8 0PG
Accountants Smart Accounting & Tax Solutions LLP
Chartered Accountants
74A Station Road East
Oxted
Surrey
RH8 0PG

Page 1

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Trustees' Report

The Trustees, who are Directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the Charitable Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

The principal activity and objectives of the Company in the year under review was that of the provision of information regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is primarily provided as digital booklets, an active social media presence and online webinars. The Charity continued to work with professional organisations on furthering the research, treatment guidelines and wider agenda for PCOS including Monash University, Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (AE-PCOS) Society, Women’s Health Coalition in Wales and the European Society for Endocrinology. The Charity maintained international and national collaborations with other patient advocacy groups, and with medical researcher teams as co-applicants on several major research projects.

Public benefit

During the year the Charity has reached approximately 34,800 users on Facebook and approximately 29,000 users on Instagram – excluding the reach within our own private Facebook Groups. The website received approximately 38,000 website visits from 28,000 unique users, and we had over 25,000 visits to the Verity blog during the year. Additionally, 160 information packs with digital booklets regarding polycystic ovarian syndrome were distributed to supporters.

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Page 2

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Trustees' Report

Trustees and officers

The Trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:

Trustees: R Morman, Chairman C Andrews A J Wilcox N J Smart Secretary: C Andrews

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document

This is a Company limited by guarantee of the Members and does not have any share capital.

The Company was constituted in April 2003 and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

Supporters are asked annually if they wish to become a Trustee, and are elected by a vote of the members at the Annual General Meeting, or co-opted by the Board, in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Arrangements for setting key management personnel remuneration

The Trustees are not remunerated and are only reimbursed for valid expenditure incurred on behalf of Verity, of whom four have been reimbursed for a total of £8,530 (2023 £7,792) during the year. The Charity does not have any staff and all volunteers are only reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the Charity.

Financial instruments

Objectives and policies

The Charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Charity’s policies approved by the Board of Trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The Charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Page 3

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Trustees' Report

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The annual report was approved by the Trustees of the charity on 7 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... N J Smart Trustee

Page 4

Chartered Accountants' Report to the Trustees on the Preparation of the Unaudited Statutory Accounts of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

In order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Companies Act 2006, we have prepared for your approval the accounts of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group for the year ended 31 March 2024 as set out on pages 6 to 22 from the company's accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.

As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at http://www.icaew.com/en/members/regulations-standards-and-guidance/.

This report is made solely to the Board of Directors of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter. Our work has been undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the financial statements of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group and state those matters that we have agreed to state to the Board of Directors of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group, as a body, in this report, in accordance with ICAEW Technical Release 07/16 AAF. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group and its board of directors as a body for our work or for this report.

It is your duty to ensure that Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group has kept adequate accounting records and to prepare statutory accounts that give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group. You consider that Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group is exempt from the statutory audit requirement for the year.

We have not been instructed to carry out an audit or a review of the accounts of Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the statutory accounts.

......................................

Smart Accounting & Tax Solutions LLP Chartered Accountants 74A Station Road East Oxted Surrey RH8 0PG 7 December 2024

Page 5

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
Investment income
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Other expenditure
9
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure)/income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
18		 Unrestricted
funds
£
13,929
900
14,829
(55,287)
(217)
(55,504)
(40,675)
(40,675)
60,489
19,814		 Restricted
funds
£
60,020
-
60,020
(5,168)
-
(5,168)
54,852
54,852
22,737
77,589		 Total
2024
£
73,949
900
74,849
(60,455)
(217)
(60,672)
14,177
14,177
83,226
97,403

The notes on pages 10 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investment income
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
Charitable activities
8
Other expenditure
9
Total expenditure
Net income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
18		 Unrestricted
funds
£
21,696
830
138
522
23,186
1
(7,868)
(3,707)
(11,574)
11,612
11,612
48,877
60,489		 Restricted
funds
£
27,450
-
-
-
27,450
(4,713)
-
-
(4,713)
22,737
22,737
-
22,737		 Total
2023
£
49,146
830
138
522
50,636
(4,712)
(7,868)
(3,707)
(16,287)
34,349
34,349
48,877
83,226

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 18.

The notes on pages 10 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

(Registration number: 04404798) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Investments
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
16
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
17
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted income funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
18		 2024
£
1
30
100,201
100,231
(2,829)
97,402
97,403
77,589
19,814
97,403		 2023
£
1
1,629
84,126
85,755
(2,530)
83,225
83,226
22,737
60,489
83,226

The notes on pages 10 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

(Registration number: 04404798) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

The financial statements on pages 6 to 22 were approved by the Trustees, and authorised for issue on 7 December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

......................................... N J Smart Trustee

The notes on pages 10 to 22 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

1 Charity status

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the Trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.

The address of its registered office is: 74A Station Road East Oxted Surrey RH8 0PG

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Trustees on 7 December 2024.

2 Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Basis of preparation

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.

Page 10

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Income and endowments

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donations and legacies

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.

Raising funds

These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Page 11

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Governance costs

These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including accountancy, strategic management and trustees’s meetings and reimbursed expenses.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class Equipment

Depreciation method and rate 25% reducing balance

Impairment of fixed assets

Intangible and tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment when changes in circumstances or events indicate that the carrying value of the fixed assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised where the recoverable amount is less than the carrying value.

Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at cost at the balance sheet date.

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.

Page 12

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Financial instruments

Classification

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.

Page 13

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Recognition and measurement

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Page 14

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
General
£
Donations and legacies;
Donations from individuals
13,138
Gift aid reclaimed
791
Grants, including capital grants;
Grants from other charities
-
13,929
4 Income from charitable activities
Information packs
5 Income from other trading activities
Trading income;
Sales of goods and services		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
60,020
60,020		 Total
2024
£
13,138
791
60,020
73,949
Total
2024
£
-
Total
funds
£
-
-		 Total
2023
£
12,901
2,595
33,650
49,146
Total
2023
£
830
Total
2023
£
138
138

Page 15

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

6 Investment income

Interest receivable and similar income;
Interest receivable on bank deposits
7 Expenditure on raising funds
a) Costs of trading activities
Costs of goods sold
Revaluation of investment in subsidiary		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
900		 Total
2024
£
900
Total
2024
£
-
-
-		 Total
2023
£
522
Total
2023
£
4,713
(1)
4,712

Page 16

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Note
Direct costs
Insurance
Telephone and fax
Storage space
Computer software
and maintenance
costs
Printing, postage and
stationery
Sundry expenses
Travel and
subsistence
Legal and
professional fees
Computer software
and maintenance
costs
Just giving costs
Allocated support
costs
10
Governance costs
10		 Unrestricted
General
£
7,000
817
773
1,888
304
3,651
7,217
8,793
14,689
420
216
-
9,519
55,287		 Restricted
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,168
-
5,168		 Total
2024
£
7,000
817
773
1,888
304
3,651
7,217
8,793
14,689
420
216
5,168
9,519
60,455		 Total
2023
£
-
-
-
-
908
932
-
4,576
-
-
162
-
1,290
7,868

In addition to the expenditure analysed above, there are also governance costs of £9,519 (2023 - £1,290) which relate directly to charitable activities. See note 10 for further details.

Page 17

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

9 Other expenditure

Unrestricted

Note
Allocated support costs		 General
£
217
217		 Total
2024
£
217
217		 Total
2023
£
3,707
3,707

10Analysis of governance and support costs

Governance costs

Unrestricted

Accountancy fees
Cost of trustee meetings
Travel cost of trustee meetings
11Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net incoming resources for the year include:
Revaluation of investment in subsidiary		 General
£
2,422
3,228
3,869
9,519		 Total
2024
£
2,422
3,228
3,869
9,519
2024
£
-		 Total
2023
£
224
415
651
1,290
2023
£
(1)

12Trustees remuneration and expenses

During the year the charity made the following transactions with Trustees:

No Trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.

Page 18

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

One Trustee received payment for specialist services in line with policy as a proportional investment in development.

Any such payment must be approved by non conflicted trustees agreeing that securing the trustee's services is good value and in the best interests of the Charity.

The amount paid to one Trustee for their specialist services in the period to 31st March 2024 was £10,920 [2023: £Nil]. The amounts paid are included in governance costs as professional fees.

The amount of expenses paid to Trustees during the year totalled £8,530 (2023 - £7,792).

13Taxation

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

14Fixed asset investments

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Shares in group undertakings and participating interests 1 1
----- End of picture text -----

Details of undertakings

Details of the investments in which the charity holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital are as follows:

Country of Proportion of voting Principal
Undertaking incorporation Holding rights and shares held activity
2024
2023
Subsidiary undertakings
PCOS UK Limited England and
Wales		 Ordinary 0%
100%		 Health
advice
fundraising

Page 19

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

15Debtors

Trade debtors
Other debtors
16Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank
Short-term deposits		 2024
£
30
-
30
2024
£
26,576
73,625
100,201		 2023
£
10
1,619
1,629
2023
£
60,324
23,802
84,126

17Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Accruals
18Funds
Unrestricted funds
General
Restricted funds
Total funds		 Balance at 1
April 2023
£
60,489
22,737
83,226		 Incoming
resources
£
14,829
60,020
74,849		 2024
£
669
2,160
2,829
Resources
expended
£
(55,504)
(5,168)
(60,672)		 2023
£
441
2,089
2,530
Balance at
31 March
2024
£
19,814
77,589
97,403

Page 20

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted funds
General
Restricted funds
Total funds		 Balance at 1
April 2022
£
48,877
-
48,877		 Incoming
resources
£
23,186
27,450
50,636		 Resources
expended
£
(11,574)
(4,713)
(16,287)		 Balance at
31 March
2023
£
60,489
22,737
83,226

19Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets		 Unrestricted
funds
General
£
1
100,231
(2,829)
97,403
Unrestricted
funds
General
£
1
85,755
(2,530)
83,226		 Total funds
at 31 March
2024
£
1
100,231
(2,829)
97,403
Total funds
at 31 March
2023
£
1
85,755
(2,530)
83,226

Page 21

Verity The Polycystic Ovaries Self Help Group

known as Verity

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

20Analysis of net funds

20Analysis of net funds
Cash at bank and in hand
Net debt
Cash at bank and in hand
Net debt		 At 1 April
2023
£
84,126
84,126
At 1 April
2022
£
44,950
44,950		 At 31 March
2024
£
84,126
84,126
At 31 March
2023
£
44,950
44,950

Page 22