Company registration number: 3636957 Charity registration number: 1102016 Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind (A company limit by guarant*) Annual Report and Finan¢iaI Statements for the Year Endaj 31 March 2025 Manningtons Chartered Accountants 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 OEE
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Contents TnL8tees Report Ito6 Independent Examin&s Report Statement of Financial Activities 8t09 Balance Sheet Iotoll Statement of Cash Flows 12 Notes to the Financial Statements 13to26
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 22 Related party transaetions During the year the charitymade the following relat1 party transactiiY)S: Thirtle Harvey Thirtle Harvey made a donati(x) to H&stings & Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind during the year of £NIL. (2024.. £40.000) The majority of the trustees of Thirtle Harvey Memorial Home are also Trustees for Hastings & Rother Voluntary Association for the BlinLt) At the balance sheet date the amount due to/from Thirtle Harvey was £Nil (2024 - £Nil). 23 Anatysis of net funds At l April 2024 Financing tash At 31 March flows 2025 Cash at bank and in hand 231,223 16,978 214,245 Net debt 231,223 (16,978) 214,245 Al l April 2023 Finaneing c&$h At 31 March flows 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 291,742 60,519 231,223 Net debt 291,742 231,223 Page 26
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 21 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Totsl funds at 31 March 2025 General Restricted Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities 400,506 560.526 280,098 (67,323 400,506 560,526 286,250 (67,323 1,179.959 6,152 Total net assets 1.173.807 6.152 Unrestrieled Total funds at 31 March 2024 General Restritted Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investsnents Current &8sets Current liabiliti&s 408,398 555,568 300,135 48,878 408,398 555,568 306,287 48.878 6,152 Total net assets 1,215,223 6,152 1.221.375 Page 25
HastRDgs and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the FiDancial StatemeDts for the Year Ended 31 Mareh 2025 20 Funds Balance at l April 2024 Other Balance at Incoming Resources recognised 31 March resourees expended Transferyainsl(losses) 2025 Unrestricted funds Gener41 Unrestricted funds 1,215,223 1.024,113 (1,062.766) 2,596 (5.359) 1,173.807 Restricted lld$ Restricted fund 6,152 40,149 2.596 42.745 _ 1.221,375 1,066.858 (1,102,915 6,152 Total funds 5,359 1.179,959 Other reeognised gainsl(losses) Balance at I April 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Unrestri¢ted funds General UThr¢strictl fimds 1.255,281 915,853 (976,078) 20,167 1,215.223 Restricted Restricted fimd 6,152 Total funds 1,261,433 915,853 (976.078) 20.167 1,221,375 The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows: Restricted donation includes a donation from East Sussex Vision Care towards the wages of a Welfaie Officer employed by the charity. Restricted donations carrioj forward are for the purpose for a club by the charity. Page 24
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Other investments Llsted investments Total C05t or Valuation At l April 2024 Revaluation Additions Disposals 526,477 12,783 79,798 73,703 526,477 12,783 79,798 73,703 At 31 March 2025 Cash held awaiting investment 545,355 15,171 545,355 15,171 Net book value At 31 March 2025 560 526 560 526 At 3 l Marth 2025 the cost was £547,369 (2024.. £555,194) 17 Stock 2025 2024 Blind aids, batteries> provisions etc. 3,680 3,824 18 Debtor$ 2025 2024 Resident fees due PrepanCnts Other debtors 34,298 30,405 3,622 68.325 32,684 29,165 9,391 71,240 19 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Other creditors 25,230 42,093 14,656 34,222 48.878 67,323 Page 23
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Bltnd Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 15 Tangible fixed assets Land and buildings Furniture and equipment Motor vehieles Total Cost At l April 2024 Additions 464,077 207,887 4,436 173,385 845.349 4.436 At 31 March 2025 464.077 212,323 173.385 849,785 Depreciation At l April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 81,438 4,925 193,454 4,571 162,059 2,832 436,951 12,328 86.363 198,025 164.891 449.279 Net book value At 31 March 2025 377,714 14,298 8,494 400,506 At 31 March 2024 382,639 14,433 11,326 408,398 Included within the net book value of land and buildings above is £359,030 (2024- £367.577) in Tespect of freehold land and buildings and £18,684 (2024- £25,630) in respect of other buildings. 16 Fixed asset investments 2025 2024 Other investments 560 526 555,568 Page 22
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Employers national insurance includal in the ave figures is £52,030 (2024: £43,740) The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employeAI by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows: 2024 2025 Nursing and car¢ staff Administration, welfare and shop 20 19 27 26 Contributions to the ernployee pension schemes for the year totalled £12,878 (2024 - £11,240). No employee received emoluments of more than £60,0(KJ during the year. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £88,253 (2024- £83,352). 13 Independent ¢xaminer's r¢mun¢rgtion 2025 2024 Examination of the financial statements 14 Taxation The charity is a registeroj charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. Page 21
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 10 Net ineomingloutgoing resources Net outgoing resources for the year include.. 2025 2024 Profit on disposal of investments Depreciation of fixed assets Independent review fee (18.142) 12,328 3,168 (9,144) 12,539 3,044 I l Tru$te¢s remunerAtion aDd expenses No trustees, nor any persons connected with them. have received any remunerati(m from the charity during the year. No trustees have received any reimburs&A expenses or any other benefits from the charity durins the year. 12 Staff costs The aggregate payroll costs were as follows.. 2025 2024 Staff costs during the yeArwere: Wages and salaries including employers natiCal insurance Pension costs - employee and employer costs 691,922 29.988 593,193 26,227 619,420 721,910 Page 20
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statenjents for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 b) Investment managenient costs Unrestricted funds Genernl Total 2025 Total 2024 Note Other investment managemajt costs. Amounts payable to investment manags 6,486 6,270 8 Expenditure on ehArltabk activilies Unrestricted funds Iksignatsd Gen¢rAI Re$tricled funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Healey House including staff costs John Taplin Centre Other services and assistance 823,305 823,305 26.971 708.697 23,502 26,971 79,859 106,830 40,149 120.008 120,189 823.305 40,149 970,284 852,388 9 Analysis of governance and sUPPOrt eosts Governance eosts UDre5tri¢ied funds General Totsl 2025 Total 2024 Independa]t examiner fees Examination of the financial statements Page 19
Hastings aDd Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 S Income from other trading aetivities Unr¢strict¢d funds General Total funds Total 2024 Trading income. Shop income from sale of donated goo(Ls and services Local fidraiSIng and street collection income 114,796 7,987 114.796 7,987 124,636 10,143 122,783 122.783 134,779 6 Investnjent income Unrestrieted funds General Total 2025 Total 2024 Income from dividend4" Dividends receivable from other listed investments Interest receivable and similar income. Interest receivable on bank deposits 16,688 16,688 20,657 1,769 18,457 1,769 2,196 22,853 18.457 7 Expenditure on raising ndS a) Costs of trading aclivities Unrestricted funds General Totsl 2025 Total 2024 Costs of giM)ds sold Local fundraising and street collection Note 57.324 506 57,324 506 52,375 102 Staff costs £65,147 (2024- £66,461) 57,830 57.830 52,477 Page 18
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Fund structure Unrestricted income fimds are general fimds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted income fund8 are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. Pensions and other post retirenjent obligalions The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributi(M)s are tharged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. 3 Income from don8tloDS and legacies Unrestrictrd funds Gellergl Restrictcd funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Donations and legacies. Donations from individuals and organisations Legacies Gift aid reclaimed Grants including capitsl grants. Grants from other charities 458 4,790 6,636 8,151 8,609 4,790 6.636 46,267 11,330 8,805 43,626 110028 4 Income from ebaritabk aetivltles Unre$tri¢ted fuDds General Total 2025 Total 2024 Healey House John Taplin Centre Other services aThd assistance 807,140 32,150 807.140 32,150 1,216 840.506 601,408 26,823 19,962 840,506 648,193 Page 17
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the B]ind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Depreeiation and amortisation Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the c4)st or Valuati less any esttmated residual value, over their expected usefill economic life as follows: Asset cla Freehold propety Other buildings Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicles Depreciation m¢tbod and rate 2D/o straigbt line basis I/0 reducing balance 20 % reducing balance 25 % reducing balance Fixed asset investments Fixed asset investment% oth¢r than programme relat&1 investments are includ&1 at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between $eS proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal. Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value al the year end. Stock Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, aftet due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is detemiinal using the first-in, first-out (FIFO). Trade debtors Trade debtors are amounts due from ¢toMers/r&S1dents for merchandise sold or services perfornied in the ordinary course of busine&8. Trade debtors are recognised at the transaction price. 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 Eeen acquirol in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price. Page 16
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Finaneial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Charitable acÉlvl¢les Charitable activities include Healey House residental home, John Taplin day centr4 clubs and other services. Expenditure All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditu it is probable settlem¢nt 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 Ix directly attribut to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources. with central stsff costs allocated on the basis of time spenL and depreciation charges all(Kated on the portion of the asset's ¢. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. Alfi resources expended are incI1ve of irrecoverable VAT. Ralslngfunds These are costs incurrol in attracting voluntary incom< the management of investments and those incurml in trading activities that raise funds. Charliable aellvltles Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurr&l 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. Governance Costs These include the costs attributablc to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audiL strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses. Irrecoverable VAT Irrecoverable VAT is charg1 against the category of resources expended for which it was incurre<i Tydxation The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragrnph I Schedule 6 of the FinaTh Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definitiffl 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 I I of the COrporatic Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxati(yn of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied excIs1ve1Y to charitable purposes. Tangible fixed assets Individual fixed assets costtng £l.000 or more are initially recorded at cos4 less any subsequent accumulat depreciation and subsequent accumulatd itnpairmait losses. The cost of the land includ1 in the balance sheet but not depreciated is £284,938. Page 15
Hastings aDd Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Judgements In preparing these financial ststement4 managemfflt has made the following judgements.. Determination of Nthether there are indiCat(S of impairn)ent of the Charitys tangible assets. Factors taken into Consideration in reaching such decision include the economic viability and expected future financial perfOrnIan of the asset and where it is a component of a larger cash-generating unit, the viability and expected future performance of that unit. Key sources of estimation unetrtainty Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful IA ves taking into account residual values. where appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In re-assessing asset lives. factors such as technologial innovati(*), prlUCt life cycles and maintenance programmes are taken into account. Resithial values assessments Consider issues such as future market conditions, the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values. The carrying amount at the end of the reporting period is £400.506 (2024 - £408,398). The recoverability of book debts are reviewed by managem1 and a provision is made based on all the information available. Income and endowments All income is rccognised 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 r¢wgnised when the charity has been notified in WTitin8 of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donatic is subject to conditions that require a level of perforniance by the charity before the charity is entitloj to the funds. the income is deferred and nol recognised until either those conditions are llY met, or the Ifilment of those conditions is wholly within the ntrol of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administratorlexecutor for the estate has communicat&l in Writing IM)th the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift As in the form of an assd other than cash or a financial asset trad on a recognised stock exchang¢, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the tTtle to the asset having been transftrred to the Charity. Grants receivable Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlemfflt to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where perforn)ance conditions are 8ttach&l to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recogni5ed as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released. Investmenl incon Interest on fimds held on deposit is Included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity, this is nomially upon notificati of the interest paid or payable by the bank.Dividends are recognised once the dividend has ken declared and notification has been received of the dividend due. Page 14
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 I Charity stst The charity is limit by guarant# incorporat1 in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amounl not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. The address of its register office is: 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 OEE 2 Aeeounting pollcies Summary of signlfieant accounting pollelts and key gccountlng estimgtes The principal accounting policies applied in the preparati(m of these financia] ststements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented unless otherwise stat Statement of compllance The financial statements have ken prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Chariti&%'. Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities prcparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportingy Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Chariti¢s 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 Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind meets the definitim of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Ass¢ts and liabilities are initially recognised at historical )st or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. Golng eoneern The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitys ability to continue as a going conc¢rn any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity. Page 13
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 Nots 2024 Cash flows from operating activities Net cash expenditure Adjustments to tash flows from Don•eash iten Depreciation Investment income Lossl(profit) on disposal and other investment non cash adjustments Revaluation of investments 41,416 12.328 (18,457) 7,544 12,783 11.368 12,539 (22.853) (9.144) 30,442 49.900 Working eapltAI Yddjustments Decrease/{increase) in stocks Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing Activities Interest rec¢ivable and similar income Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of investments Sale of investments Income from dividends (52,784) (89.958) 17 18 19 (218) (9,144) 10,960 2.915 18.445 1,769 (4,436) (79,798) 73,703 2,196 15 16 (162,703) 161,421 N¢t cash flows from investing activities Cash flows from finanelng activities Investment charges Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at l April Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 7,926 21,571 6.376 6,270 (16,978) 231,223 214245 (60,519) 291,742 231223 All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations durin8 the ab)ve two periixts. Th¢ notes on pages 13 to 26 forni an Inte part of these financial statemen Page 12
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind (Registration number: 3636957) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 The financial statements on pages 8 to 26 were approved by the truste and authorised for issue on 15 July 2025 and signed on their khalf by: T Novis (TreaSUr) Trustee The notes on pages 13 to 26 forni an inte1 part of these financial statement Pagell
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind (Registration number: 3636957) Balance Sheet as at 31 Mareh 2025 2025 Fixed gssets Tangible assets Inv¢stments Note 2024 15 16 400,506 560.526 961032 408,398 555 568 Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 963.966 17 18 3,680 68,325 214 245 3,824 71,240 231223 Creditors: Amounts fAlllng due within one year Net eurrent assets Net assets 286,250 (67.323 306,287 48.878 19 218 927 257 409 Funds of the ehgrlty.. Restrlcted ID¢ome funds Restricted 1,179,959 1221,375 Unrestricted fincome fvnds Unrestricted 20 6,152 6,152 Total funds 1 173 807 215 223 20 1 179,959 1,221,375 For the financial year ending 31 Marth 2025 the charity was entitleAI to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Cornpanies Act 2006 relating to small companie& Directors, responsibilities: The members have not requir the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the ycar in question in accordance with section 476; and The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the rquirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparati(x) of accounts. The notes on pages 13 to 26 forni an inte1 part of these financial statements. Page 10
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Reeognised Gains and Losses) UDre$tri¢ted Tolal 2024 Genernl R¢strictcd Nole Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income 110,028 648.193 134,779 22,853 89,674 648,193 134,779 22,853 20.354 895,499 915,853 Total Income Expenditure on: Costs of trading activities Staff Costs Investment management costs Charitable adivities Governance costs Total Expenditure Realised gainl(loss) on investments Unrealised gainl(loss) on investments Net expenditure Net movement in funds ReeoDelliatloD of fundg Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward All of the charitys activities derive from continuing operations dwing the alx>ve two periods. (52,477) (61.899) (6,270) (832.034) 3,044 (52,477) (61,899) (6,270) (852.388) 3,044 (20,354) (955,724) (9,144) (20,354) (976,078) (9,144) 40,058 40,058 (40,058) (40,058) 1,255.281 1,215,223 6,152 1,261,433 ,221,375 20 6,152 The notes on pages 13 to 26 forni an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Aecount and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses) Unrestricted Total 2025 Ceneral Restricted Nots Ineome and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income 42.367 840.506 122,783 18,457 42,745 85,112 840.506 122,783 18,457 Total Income 1,024 113 1.066,858 Expenditure on.. Costs of trading activities Staff Costs Investment management costs Charitable activities Governance costs (57,830) (65.147) (6,486) (930.135) 3,168 (57,830) (65,147) (6,486) (970,284) (3,168 (40,149) Total Expenditure Realised gainl(loss) on investments Unrealised gainl(loss) on investments Net (expenditureyincome Transfers ktween fimds (1.062,766) (18.142) 12,783 (40,149) (1.102,915) (18,142) 12,783 (44,012) 2,596 2,596 2,596) (41,416) Net movement in funds (41,416) (41,416) Reeoneiliation of funds Total fimds brought fonvard Total fijnds carria forward ,215.223 6,152 1,221,375 20 1,173,807 6.152 1,179 959 The notes on pages 13 to 26 forni an integtxl part of these financial statement& Page 8
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Assoeiation for the Blind Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind ('tbe Company,) I report to the charity trustees on my examinati(m of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 MaTch 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charitys trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companieg Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not reqUIrj to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examinati. I report in respect of my examination of your chariws accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act.). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission undez section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the Companls gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a memlxr of a 1xY listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirn) that I am qualified to undertake the exarninati bause I am a member of , which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my exarninati. I confirni that no matters have come to my attentIC in Connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting reqUireMts of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that th¢ accounts give a 'tru¢ and fair view which is not a mattu considered as part of an independent examination. or 4. the accounts have not been preparal in arcordance with the methcds and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wlth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in th¢ UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)] I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to lch attention should Ee drawn in this report An order to enable a proper undcrstanding of th¢ accounts to be rcache(L RTKWalsh manningt(S Charternj accountsnts 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 OEE 15 July 2025 Page 7
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Trustees Report Statement of responsibilitios (within TnLStees Report) The trustees are responsible for the maintenan(* and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable companys website. t£gislation governing the preparaticm and dissemination of financial ststements may differ from legislati(xi in other jurisdictions. Th¢ annual r¢port was approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by: T Novis (Treasurer) Truslee A Patmore (Chairn)an to 17 July 24) Chairnian and trustee Pag¢ 6
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Trustees Report Major risks and nwnagemént ofihose risksfor small eharilie Major risks, Business risk and operatiork71 risk To maintsin reserves and fimdiThg at a level so the charity is able to provide services and any additional servic£s if required. To manage this risk the charity carries out an annual review of controls over key financial systems and reviews the monthly management accounts to adjust strategies to mitigate significant risks. Flnaneial instruments Objeclives andpollcies The charitys activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risl Gqsh flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives AS governed by the charity's policies approved by the board of trustees. which provide WTitt¢n principles on the use of financial derivativ¢s to managc these risks. Th¢ charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Cashflow rtsk The charity's activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of Chang in forei} cwrency exchange Tates and interest rates. Credit rlsk The charity's principal financial assets are bank balances and Cas trade and other receivables, and investments. The charity's credit risk is primarily attributsble to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubt1 receivables. An allowance for impairn]enl is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction ID the recoverability of the cash flows. The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instrumthts is limit because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by Internatial credit-rating agencies. The charity has no significant concentration of credit risK with exposwe spread over a large numbtr of Counterparties and customers. Llquldity rlsk In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient fimds are available for ongoing operations and future dev¢lopments, the charity uses a mixtwe of long-term and short-terni debt finance. Further details regarding Ilquidity risk can be found in the Statement of accounting policies in the financial statements. Page 5
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Trustees Report Senior Managematt Team: P Deigan F Farrier-Twist Struetur¢? governance and DLgnagement Nature ofgoverAing docume Hastings and Rother Voluntary Ass(Kiation for the Blind is a company limit by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of ASslation. It is regllster as a charity with the Charity Commissio Reeruilmenl and appointment oftrwlees The appointMt of trustees, who are also director4 is governed by the Articles of Association of the charitable company. The Board of trustees is authorised to appoint new TneeS to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing trustee. The trustees of the charitable company meet on a bi monthly basis or more fr4uently if circumstances require. The association actively seeks new tntees. Induction andtraining oflnulees Trustees are briefed on the organisation and structur4 along with some background information on the history of the charity. They receive a copy of the brochure and two years accounts. ArrangenUtsfor$ettJng key managemethpersonnelremunerahon Key managemfflt personnel comprises the Chief Executive and Healey House Manager" the remuneration reflects the responsibiliti of the role and is agreed by theTrustets. Organisationalstrueiure The charity is run by the trustees who have appointal a Chief Executive in overall charge of administration. It LS the Chief Executive's job to keep trustees regularly infornied and to implement the trustees policies. The trustees have also appointoj a Manager at Healey House to oversee all aspects of Residential Care. The investments are manag&1 by the stockbrokers and two of the tnte¢s. Page 4
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Trnstees Report Reference and adminlslrative detsils Charity registrati{ number.. Company registrati(m number.. 1102016 3636957 The charity is incorpora1 in England and Wales. 39 High Street Battl¢ East Sussex TN33 OEE Registered office.. Ind¢pendent Examiner: MaThnIngtcs charter accountants 39 High Street Battle East Sussex TN33 OEE Bankers., Lloyds Bank 3rd Floor, North Block, St Matys Court 20 St Mary at Hill LONDON EC3R 8NA Trustees and officers The trustees and offjcers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: Trustees.. T Novis (Treasurer) R LAne P J Greenhalgh A Patrrtore (Chairnian to 17 July 24) B G Purdey A J Hollis (Chairnian from I I Sepiember 24) E (Alan) Peirce (Vice Chairnian appoint I I September 2024) P J Langd1 (Resigned 23 May 2024) Chainnan: A Patrnore (Chairn]an to 17 July 24) A J Hollis (Chairnwi from I I September 24) Chief Executive Officer: F FarrI-TW18t Othff Officers.. G StewarL President Page 3
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Trustees Report Public beneftt Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind provide public E¢nefit by Mfilling the objects of the charitable company, Clubs and Servi are available to the public through as many channels as possible. The trustees confirn] that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to th¢ public benefit guidan published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Use of volunlee The Chartty has approximately 70 volunteers and these volunteers assist in the shops, with ebay, drive or escort on the minibuse& run the clubs and s(Kial activities of the members. We are fortunate to have the valuable volunteers that we have, but we are always on the lookout for more to help with driving our minibuses. Financial revicw Policy on reserves The trustees have examin the requirement for free reserves thich are those unrestricted ftmds not invested in fixed assets. designatoj for specific PUTposes or otheISe comtnitted. As at 3 1st March 2025 restricted Thd5 totall £6.152 (2024.. £6,152) and unrestricted funds totalled £1.173,807 (2024: £1,215,223). There were fre¢ reserves at the year end of £212,775 (2024.. £251,257) represented by unrestrict&l net current assets. With the help of monthly management accounts, liquidity problems can be quickly identified and the appropriate action taken. However, the policy of the charitable MpanY is to build up reserves by means of annual operating surpluses and judicious management of our investment assets, to ensure that there is sufficient liquidity available to finance the charity's work at all times given any identified problems. Principalfunding sourees Whilst the charitable company's largest items of income are from Healey House and the shop& the investment donations, grants and legacies also provide valuable sources of income to help fid the charity. Investmentpoliry and objectivas The charltable company continues to try to strike a balance between the need for short terni liquidity and longer terni growth. It is felt that the current assets represented by cash and bank balances are sufficient to meet the association's foreseeable needs. The Investmen managed by investment brokers, Wallcer Crips Stockbrokers Limited are designed to give a reasonable level of dividend income combined with the opportunity for long terni capital growth. As with the previous yvdrs. markets rernain uncertain. the portfolio is a longff tern] investment and it is hoped that the market conditions continue to improve. Page 2
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind Trustees Report The trustee4 who are directors for the purposes of company law, preseni the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Objectives and activities Objects and aims The charity's objective is to provide services and support for visually impaired people living WAthin the area of Hastings and Rother. The Association's principal activities are residenti care carria out at Healey House and day care provision at the John TapliTh Centre. We also hold S(Kial and Rehabilitati(Mi activities in the John Taplin Centre and in Bexhill and Hastings. We offtr advice, information and support to the visually impaired of working age and older living in Hastings and Rother. The society continues to a55¢ss the needs for innovation and continues to seek to improve the ran8¢ and quality of its services where resources and funding allow. The Association employs welfare officers who work out of Healey House. The policy of the organisation continues to be to provide hi) quality services and support for visually impair people living in Hastings and Rother and to generate revenue from fees. donatio le8acies, grants and fimdraising in ord¢r to provide these services. The Association has two shops.. one in Bexhilj, the other in Silverhill which continue with the support of our Warehouse. Together they continue to provide an invaluable source of incom¢ and our Bexhill Shop, along with the charity continues to provide invaluable 8ift ai Objecilvu, slratéglu and actlvllles In October 2011, a new cross county Low Vision Support Service was launch&d under a three year funding agreement between East Sussex County Council and East Sussex Vision Care. Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind is responsible for delivering this CODtraet in the Hastings and Rother area with outreach work for patients attending Bexhill and Conquest Hospital eye clinics along with courses lo build confidence, reduce isolation and create independence, skills and strategies for daily living, including cookery and an introduction to computers. In October 2014 funding was secured for a fi]rther 3 years, this came to an end in September 2019. We successfully secured a new grant in October 2019 for five to seven years to provide a comprehensive low vision services for people with visual impainnent. This has been extended for 8 fier year. Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind is now responsible for c(K)rdinating the first stage of the registrati{ pr{esS of Cvls (Certificate of Visual ImpairnieDt) on IKhalf of East Sussex County Council on a county- wide basis. Fundraising diselo$ur Fundratsin8 activities are undertaken by the charity to raise fimds. Pag¢ I