2020-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1098769

SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

CONTENTS

	Page
Reference and administrative information	1
Trustees’ report	2
Independent Examiner’s report	7
Statement of financial activities	8
Balance sheet	9
Notes to the financial statements	10

SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Trustees:	Mr R Elsey – Chair
	Mrs L Ferguson – Treasurer
	Mrs F Appleyard-Dryer – Secretary
	Mrs R Clark
	Mrs S Ashley
	Mrs G Robinson
	Mr D Farnham
Charity registered number:	1098769
Principal office:	PO Box 112
	Cranbrook
	Kent TN17 3RB
Bankers:	Lloyds Bank plc
	North Road House
	Rye Road
	Hawkhurst
	Kent TN18 1NX
Independent Examiner:	Mrs A S Healey FCA CTA DChA
	Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited
	North House
	198 High Street
	Tonbridge
	Kent TN9 1BE

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The Board of Trustees present their Annual Report, together with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. The trustees confirm that the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the governing document and the provisions of "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)" (effective 1 January 2019) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). The information on page 1 forms part of this report.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is an unincorporated charity governed by a trust deed dated 17 March 2003 and amended 7 July 2003.

New Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees. They are recruited by recommendation from a current Trustee or Member of the Management Committee. According to the Charity's Governing Document, two prospective Trustees are nominated, one by the Southern Golden Retriever Society the other from the SGRR Management Committee. Prospective Trustees are checked to ensure that they meet the necessary legal requirements for being a Trustee. When considering applicants, the Trustees take into account the need to keep the board well balanced with varied fields of expertise available; an interest in Golden Retrievers and their welfare is paramount and previous volunteering within the Charity's network is desirable.

Before accepting nomination, a prospective Trustee is 'inducted' by a Trustee using the Charity's governing document and form CC3 'The essential Trustee' from the Charities Commission. Once accepted as a Trustee these same documents along with the Charity's 'Working Codes Of Practice' document are used for a more detailed induction to the working of the Charity and the responsibilities of being a Trustee. On-going training is provided through learning and experience as needs arise and at Trustees’ meetings where current trends and training needs are discussed and then acted upon appropriately. Each Trustee has received a copy of ‘The Essential Trustee’ and the NCVO book 'The Good Trustee Guide' and from April 2010 depending on the number of other items on the agenda it is proposed to use this publication for training at all future meetings of the Trustees.

The Trustees have appointed all area coordinators to a Management Committee to organise and carry out the objects of the Charity under their supervision. All the coordinators are volunteers and work from their own homes and are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expense incurred in the course of their work for the Charity. The Charity did not carry out any fundraising activities but relied on the efforts of people and other organisations who raised funds on our behalf.

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Objectives and activities

The aim of Southern Golden Retriever Rescue is to alleviate distress caused to the breed of dogs known as Golden Retrievers which may be ill-treated, abandoned or neglected. In cases where Golden Retrievers are abandoned or unwanted, or the dogs can no longer be cared for at their present homes, the Charity aims to re-home the Golden Retrievers to ensure their future wellbeing and, where possible, to keep in contact with them for the duration of their lives. The Charity also aims to advance education through the provision of advice to members of the public who own or wish to own a Golden Retriever in all aspects of the care and well-being of such dogs.

In shaping the objectives for the year and planning the activities, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and consider the Charity to be a public benefit entity. The charity relies on donations and fund raising to cover its operating costs.

Achievements and performance

Challenges presented by the pandemic were significant. The announcement of the first lockdown left the charity very little time to decide how to continue to operate. Our first priority was the safety of all volunteers. In line with the restrictions imposed all travel was suspended. All communication with owners would only take place by telephone or the internet.

In addition, our ‘Working Practices’ were amended for the duration of the pandemic to ensure all enquires were funnelled through a central point of contact, via our Trustee co-ordinator. She would determine what action could be undertaken and kept the Trustees updated on all activities. We extend our grateful thanks to all co-ordinators for keeping the Charity operational during these difficult times. When the restrictions were relaxed home visits were allowed but only in gardens and the wearing of masks mandatory. This changed when the subsequent lockdowns were imposed.

During 2020 we rehomed a total of 23 dogs, 36 in 2019. 11 dogs were rehomed prior to March and 12 during the various lockdowns and travel restrictions. Of the total, 6 were rehomed needing on going vet treatment. 2 were on our older dog scheme and 3 rehomed with a behaviour issue.

We are pleased to have recruited a further co-ordinator, June Simmons, based in Hampshire and who now runs the whole of the Southampton area.

The consequence of the pandemic is yet to be seen by the charity. Speculation around pandemic puppies is abundant. One thing we are confident of is, due to the continued high price tag on young dogs, they are likely to be re-sold rather than handed over to our charity.

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Given these high price tags, lineage of puppies became questionable and Golden Retrievers are unlikely to have escaped that mould. We therefore may receive more dogs with physical ailments in the future.

The work of the co-ordinators extends to help and advice, not only rehoming, and only time will tell whether or not any extreme behavioural issues emerge from the pandemic.

Financial review

Operating income (excluding bequests and MSF movement) was a deficit of £655 compared to an increase of £2,160 in 2019. Considering the climate during 2020 the only surprise is, it wasn’t lower.

Overall income (excluding bequests) was £17,776 this year, a decrease of £1,896, primarily due to the absence of ‘in person’ fundraising activities. Online donations have thankfully continued to increase.

There are still individuals who continue to raise funds for the charity by selling goods - whether a boot fair or personal goods sold on eBay, our thanks go out to the kindness of such people.

During 2020 we received a generous bequest of just over £1,000, then in early 2021 received a hugely significant bequest of £74,732. The latter had been pledged during 2020, so accounted for accordingly.

While the number of dogs being rehomed reduced, it had little impact on our ongoing veterinary fees. These were at a similar level in 2020 (£12,234) as 2019 (£12,082).

Other expenditure remains relatively low given the voluntary nature of all of our coordinators and trustees.

Due to the huge bequest, the amount of available funds remains strong for the foreseeable future. At the balance sheet date, the charity’s free unrestricted reserves were £201,590 (2019 were £146,560). This is now higher than we have seen in recent years, however we remain comfortable with this increase given the unprecedented and unpredictable social climate we now find ourselves in. All ‘inperson’ fundraising activities were cancelled in 2021 too.

Funds are deposited into fixed term treasury deposits with up to 1 year in duration. They have scattered maturity dates so as to meet all financial commitments as they may become due. Given interest rates are very low, several thousand pounds are kept liquid at all times.

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Medical Support Fund

As in the previous few years, the charity continues to see dogs come into rescue with pre-existing medical conditions. The charity continues to financially support these on-going medical requirements in order to place these, generally older dogs, into suitable and happy homes. The ongoing medical support provided can have a big impact on the funds of the charity, especially in cases where a dog has a more complex and costly health issue, such as epilepsy. As a result, the trustees have a provision in place in the form of the Medical Support Fund (MSF) to cover the costs of treatments.

A further 6 dogs were added to the MSF register in 2020 most with complicated conditions. At the time of producing the accounts, 6 of the dogs registered, have pass away. The net effect of all movements for 2020 resulted in an increase in the fund of £20,162 and now sits at a total of £63,250. See full breakdown below:

	£
Opening MSF	43,088
Spend on MSF registered dogs in the year	(6,078)
Reduced due to deceased dogs	(5,583)
Reduced due to decreased provisions*	(1,538)
Additional funds added for existing dogs**	2,361
Additional funds added for extra 3 dogs	31,000
Closing MSF	63,250

* Where there is no spend in the year for a dog, the future amounts decrease accordingly.

**Where the spend in the year is higher than the yearly assumption, the future amounts increase accordingly

Policy on reserves

In normal times, the trustees had considered available funds of between £80k and £150k to be a comfortable going concern figure. However, we are now being extra cautious given the unpredictable environment we find ourselves in together with the unforeseeable outcome from the ‘pandemic puppy’ phenomena. We will re-address this range within the next couple of years.

The maintenance of this threshold is under the trustee’s control as any pledged future outgoings are provided for through the, Medical Support Fund (MSF) within the upper section of the balance sheet. There are very limited fixed costs to consider.

If the reserves reduce below this amount, more specifically targeted fundraising could be considered, or more cautious underwriting of conditions be reflected, or both. For example, perhaps only make a

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

promise of pain relief rather than an operation unless a specific fundraising target is achieved. If the funds go above this level, the trustees will consider whether it is appropriate to lower their fundraising profile (although see above, for now).

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its surplus or deficit 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 (FRS 102);

• make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 29 August 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr R Elsey Chair

Mrs L Ferguson Trustee

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Southern Golden Retriever Rescue for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Respective responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mrs A S Healey FCA CTA DChA

Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited North House, 198 High Street Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE

Date: 17 September 2021

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note 2020 £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 90,072 Other trading activities 4 1,109 Investment income 727 Total income 91,908 Expenditure on: Raising funds 9 Charitable activities 5 16,707 Movement in Medical Support Fund provision 6 20,162 Total expenditure 36,878 Net income and net movement in funds 55,030 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 146,560 Total funds carried forward 201,590 Unrestricted funds	2020 Restricted funds £ 1,608 - - 1,608 - 1,000 - 1,000 608 - 608	2020 Total funds £ 91,680 1,109 727 93,516 9 17,707 20,162 37,878 55,638 146,560 202,198	2019 Total funds £ 15,615 4,821 1,236
			21,672
			295 17,218 ( 14,797)
			2,716 18,956 127,604
			146,560

There were no restricted funds in the preceding period.

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note Current assets Debtors: Bequest receivable Gift Aid recoverable Bank interest receivable Cash at bank and on deposit Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals Provisions for liabilities Medical Support Fund provision 6 Net current assets and total net assets The funds of the charity 7 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total charity funds	2020 £ 74,732 263 133 195,664 270,792 ( 5,344) ( 63,250) 202,198 201,590 608 202,198	2019 £ - 871 654 190,993
		192,518 ( 2,870) ( 43,088)
		146,560
		146,560 -
		146,560

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 29 August 2021.

Mrs L Ferguson Trustee

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 Status

Southern Golden Retriever Rescue is an unincorporated charity, registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales, governed by a trust deed. The address of the principal office is PO Box 112, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3RB.

2 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

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)" (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Southern Golden Retriever Rescue 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 note(s).

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue, and so the going concern basis of accounting has been adopted. In concluding on the charity's going concern status the Trustees have considered the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its future operations.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.

2.2 Income

Income from donations is recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, the receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. This is usually on receipt.

Income from legacies is recognised when there has been a grant of probate, it has been established that there are sufficient assets in the estate for the legacy to be paid, and any conditions attaching to the legacy are within the charity's control or have already been met.

Income from fundraising events is recognised in the period in which the event takes place.

Investment income is recognised in the period it is earned.

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2 Accounting policies continued

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be estimated reliably.

Expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category and includes irrecoverable VAT.

Expenditure on charitable activities relates to the charity's sole activity of the rescue, care and rehousing of golden retrievers. Support costs, including governance costs, have been allocated to this activity.

2.4 Provisions

Provisions for financial commitments are recognised when there is a present obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

2.5 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial instruments of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Short term debtors and creditors are measured at their settlement value.

2.6 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for the particular restricted purpose.

3 Income from donations and legacies General donations Bequests Gift Aid Online giving Grants	2020 £ 5,585 75,740 264 8,483 1,608 91,680	2019 £ 8,361 2,000 871 4,383 -
		15,615

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

4 Income from other trading activities SGRS Fun Day Garage and boot sales Raffle and online fundraising 5 Expenditure on charitable activities Direct costs: Fostering and dog walking Boarding fees Veterinary fees Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy Newsletter publications Hall hire Other costs Support costs: Post and stationery Website and IT Public liability insurance Travelling Governance costs: Legal and professional fees Independent examination	2020 £ - 1,004 105 1,109 2020 £ 261 - 12,234 - 280 - 63 469 1,288 1,336 702 - 1,074 17,707	2019 £ 1,836 1,525 1,460
		4,821
		2019 £ - - 12,082 - 306 ( 7) 96 566 193 1,232 1,730 - 1,020
		17,218

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

6 Medical Support Fund provision Opening provision Movement in the year Closing provision	2020 £ 43,088 20,162 63,250	2019 £ 57,885 ( 14,797)
		43,088

The Medical Support Fund provision represents an estimate of the future outflows required due to the charity's commitment to underwrite the costs of treatment for dogs re-homed with pre-existing medical conditions. Further information on the balance and the movements in the year can be found in the Trustees' Report.

7 Statement of movement on funds

Current year General fund Unrestricted funds Grant for website Restricted funds Total funds	At 1 Jan 2020 £ 146,560 146,560 - - 146,560	Income £ 91,908 91,908 1,608 1,608 93,516	Expend- iture £ ( 36,878) ( 36,878) ( 1,000) ( 1,000) ( 37,878)	Transfers £ - - - - -	At 31 Dec 2020 £ 201,590
					201,590 608
					608
					202,198

The restricted funds are represented by cash at bank and on deposit.

Prior year General fund Unrestricted funds	At 1 Jan 2019 £ 127,604 127,604	Income £ 21,672 21,672	Expend- iture £ ( 2,716) ( 2,716)	Transfers £ - -	At 31 Dec 2019 £ 146,560
					146,560

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SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

8 Related party transactions

The charity has no employees. The key management personnel are considered to be the trustees. No members of the Board of Trustees received any remuneration during the year.

No trustees were reimbursed for expenses in the current nor preceding period other than those incurred as agent for the charity.

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