**Charity registration number 1107496** ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** **ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** |**Trustees**|Mrs T C A Lobban| |---|---| ||Mr N Breakwell| ||Professor N J Linker| ||Prof. A J Camm| ||Mr P Turner| ||Mr P Chauvineau| ||Mr M Bullock| ||Dr A J Turley| |**Charity number**|1107496| |**Principal address**|TC Group| ||Celixir House| ||Stratord Business & Technology Park| ||Stratord - upon - Avon| ||Warwickshire| ||CV37 7GZ| |**Auditor**|Bronsens| ||Chartered Certfed Accountants| ||Eden House| ||Two Rivers Business Park| ||Staton Lane| ||Witney| ||OX28 4BL| **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **CONTENTS** ||**Page**| |---|---| |Trustees report|1 - 8| |Statement of trustees responsibilites|9| |Independent auditor's report|10 - 12| |Statement of fnancial actvites|13| |Balance sheet|14| |Statement of cash fows|15| |Notes to the fnancial statements|16 - 25| ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011 and "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). ## **Objectives and activities** ## _Principal objectives_ The principal objectives of the charity are: To advance education into the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and promote a better understanding, awareness and quality of life for those affected by cardiac arrhythmias. There have been no changes to these objectives in the period of review. ## _Objectives for the year_ To raise awareness of cardiac arrhythmias To improve diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias To improve treatment of cardiac arrhythmias To improve quality of life for people living with cardiac arrhythmias To lead the development of professional standards and hold them in trust on behalf of the sector, both nationally and internationally To build and maintain a national network of organisations and individuals committed to achieving best practice in service delivery ## _Strategies_ To bring together member charities, healthcare professionals, commissioners and their allies To advance the concerns and needs of all our members To develop the knowledge and skills base of medical professional and professions allied to medicine To cultivate multi-centre and multi-disciplinary research To prevent sudden cardiac death in vulnerable groups To promote the value and need for cardiac pacing, implantable defibrillators, catheter ablation and other treatments for cardiac arrhythmia To prevent misdiagnosis in patients suffering from arrhythmia and transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) To assess and quantify unmet need amongst those affected by cardiac arrhythmia To promote centres of excellence for arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment To secure better care, leading to a better quality of life, for individuals with cardiac arrythmia ## _Public benefit_ The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. ## _Volunteers_ Arrhythmia Alliance utilises volunteers to assist in our work. - 1 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **Achievements and performance** Arrhythmia Alliance is a collaboration of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and all those affected by or involved in the care of people with heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A) continues to support both patients and healthcare professionals providing information, education, support and awareness leading to improved outcomes for all those living with a heart rhythm disorder. This report covers the following areas: 1. Supporting people living with a heart rhythm condition 2. Raising awareness of arrhythmias 3. Fundraising 4. Hosting educational events for both healthcare professionals and patients 5. Voluntary and affiliated groups 6. Prominent activities 7. Staff ## **1. Supporting patients** Our online and printed patient resources, reviewed by patients and caregiver volunteers and approved by our Medical Advisory Committee continue to be a valuable source of information. New for 2023 was Living with SVT information sheet. We also created a Patient Resource Directory leaflet. During 2023 we enhanced our series of educational webinars ‘Living with…’ with subtitles. These webinars provide up to date information covering devices, drugs, conditions, lifestyles and latest digital, technologies and treatments delivered by medical experts. _Know Your Pulse to Know Your Heart Rhythm – it could save your life_ _This is an existing well-recognised Arrhythmia Alliance campaign, which many of the supporters are already familiar with — it highlights the importance of everyone knowing their pulse to know their heart rhythm – it could save your life._ Know Your Pulse (KYP) campaign promotes the need to be aware of our pulse and the rhythm of our heart. If pulse checks were routine, thousands of lives could be saved every year, through the prevention of AF-related strokes. Our website information contains many new videos and educational materials. ## Know Your Pulse - Arrhythmia Alliance - UK (heartrhythmalliance.org) Heart rhythm disorders are Britain’s number one killer, through a simple pulse check irregular heart rhythms can be detected and lives potentially saved. We held several KYP (Know Your Pulse) events during the year in Leicestershire, Oxfordshire, and Devon. During which we sampled over 200 pulse readings and made available our charity resources. This educated, informed and raised awareness of the importance of knowing your pulse and in particular your heart rhythm not just your heart rate. Patient Services Team presented information to Lloyds Banking Group and was attended by 166 employees. They covered the importance of KYP and also discussed accessing AEDs within the Community. The biggest outcome of this presentation was that Lloyds now wants to pursue hosting KYP events in their branches along with implementing an AED fundraiser in support of our Defibs Save Lives campaign. ## Defibs Save Lives - Arrhythmia Alliance - UK (heartrhythmalliance.org) Arrhythmia Alliance virtual Coffee Mornings are hosted by our Patient Services Team providing support, advice and information on varying heart rhythm disorders including Inherited Arrhythmias, device treatments and travel advice. - 2 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **2. Raising awareness of arrhythmias** ## _**Arrhythmia Alliance World Heart Rhythm Week (5-11 June 2023)**_ www.worldheartrhythmweek.org The main campaign message for WHRW 2023 was: - “ **Take Fainting Heart to Heart-** There is no such thing as a simple faint”. This message was promoted across all our communication platforms and was strengthened by a new WHRW logo. Our messaging for supporters focused on sharing the connection between fainting and arrhythmias (heart rhythm conditions). Resources were created to be used regardless of any specific social media platform. We also promoted to all on our database, online platforms and affiliated partners and supporters. **Patient Stories –** We shared existing and new patient stories throughout the week. This encouraged many of the supporters to comment and highlight their own experiences with the conditions throughout social media – thus raising even greater awareness. ## **WHRW2023** reception at the **Palace of Westminster, London, UK** The WHRW2023 Palace of Westminster reception was held in partnership with our sister charity who were celebrating 30 years of STARS. It was only right that therefore the focus was on **'Take Fainting to Heart – there is no such thing as a simple faint'.** WHRW2023 drew attention to the link between syncope and arrhythmias and how syncope is a symptom not a condition, however, should always be investigated in case there is an underlying, potentially fatal, arrhythmia. The reception made sure this important message was delivered to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and any visiting parliamentarians. We provided local focussed press releases with a photo of them attending the reception and many released this to their local media so when published it raised awareness of WHRW2023 and the work of A-A. More than 120 people attended the event, including Peers, healthcare professionals, people with heart rhythm disorders and their caregivers and family members. WHRW2023 campaign was featured by more than 15 media outlets internationally across websites, blogs, newspapers, and radio reaching a **global audience of millions.** **The Independent:** The UK's biggest digital news brand with a 21.4M monthly audience. **The Daily Mirror:** Circulation of more that 450K average per issue and over 8K in paid online subscribers. **The Irish News:** Northern Ireland's daily newspaper with a daily circulation of over 27K and an online readership of over 43K users daily. **The Daily Mail:** One of UK's biggest selling print newspapers with an average daily circulation of over 780K and average daily online readership of over 218M unique visitors per month Millions of people were reached and our aim to raise awareness of heart rhythm disorders was achieved. - 3 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## _Arrhythmia Alliance Healthcare Pioneers Report_ The aim of _Arrhythmia Alliance SVT Healthcare Pioneers report_ is to identify and recognize innovative approaches to diagnosing and treating SVT (Supra Ventricular Tachycardia). The award ceremony and winning entries were announced at The Palace of Westminster, London, UK during World Heart Rhythm Week. To inspire others to improve care standards for patients with the SVT, Arrhythmia Alliance called for healthcare teams to showcase their exemplary work in SVT services. The case studies were reviewed by an international panel of expert judges, with the winners published in the report. ## **3. Fundraising** During 2023 donations started to increase following a slump over the covid years, we are encouraged to see more fundraisers coming forward through Just Giving, including running the London Marathon for the charity. ## **4. Hosting events for both healthcare professionals and patients** A-A Heart Rhythm Updates (HRU) — provides education and training to enable arrhythmia teams to deliver first class services leading to improved outcomes for patients Each meeting is designed to provide advice and education to healthcare professionals who provide the pivotal care, treatment, and management to patients, including cardiologists, electrophysiologist, fellows, trainees, nurses, physiologists, primary care and all other allied health professionals, supporting, treating and managing people living with heart rhythm disorders. This year we arranged physical meetings around the UK in Leicester, Oxford and Teesside, as well as virtual events. Through the series, individuals can also access focused content on the A-A bespoke virtual platform. The platform allows individuals to listen and watch to arrhythmia experts review a range of topics. Content can be viewed and re-visited at a time to suit the delegate - this has proved extremely popular. A virtual exhibition is also available to view the latest in innovation, technology, and treatments. ## _A-A Heart Rhythm Congress_ Arrhythmia Alliance Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC) is the charity’s flagship annual event and has been running for 18 years. HRC is the largest heart rhythm event in the UK attracting healthcare professionals and faculty from all over the world. HRC provides unrivalled opportunity for health care professionals interested in the management of arrhythmias to share effective practice, showcase innovation, learn about latest developments and network with UK and international delegates. HRC is the first heart rhythm event to include extensive patient day meetings, nurse education, primary care shared learning and specialist further accreditation. With an exhibition running throughout, HRC focuses on improving patient’s outcomes by uniting all healthcare professionals. This year was our second Hybrid Congress as in 2020 and 2021 HRC was online only due to the COVID-19 restrictions of physical meetings. Over 170 faculty presented and over 2000 delegates including world renowned specialists. Additional workshops also ran such as EP Traces, AICC (Association of Inherited Cardiac Conditions) and the Paediatric Study Day. We were able to offer our delegates the option of being able to attend in-person and/or accessing the content online via our virtual platform. - 4 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ Healthcare professionals who attended A-A HRC can qualify for up to 18 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points approved by the Royal College of Physicians if they attended the in-person congress and 24 CPD points if they attended the online congress. ## _**A-A Patients Day** - Held at Hyatt Regency Birmingham on Sunday 8 October_ Patients Day this year was our first year back in-person since 2019. What makes HRC unique is the fact that we have this dedicated day for the patients which supports the Arrhythmia Alliance mission, bringing everyone together to promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias leading to improved outcomes for all those affected by cardiac arrhythmias. A-A Patients Day provides medical professionals and experts with a unique opportunity to interact with people who live daily with an arrhythmia and learn their insights into this debilitating range of conditions. Patients are able to share views and experiences with others in similar situations. ## **5. Volunteers and affiliated groups** We continue to support affiliated groups and organisations and help to establish local support groups. Community support groups aim to provide both physical and emotional support to patients living with arrhythmias. Through our educational resources, community partners and heart health devices we are able to provide patients with the support that they need to live their best lives. ## **6. Prominent Activities** Trudie Lobban MBE Founder and Trustee for Arrhythmia Alliance continues to receive requests to present at events across the world including:- American Heart Association's Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infection Summit, Venice Arrhythmias and attending in person conferences such as Heart Rhythm Society, USA and events in Australia and Europe. ## **7. STAFFING** We continue to work remotely which is proving to be very successful and enables a wider area and identify qualified and experience staff for when we are recruiting. ## **Summary** Arrhythmia Alliance remains unique in the world as a collaboration of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and allied professionals all working collaboratively to improve outcomes for people living with heart rhythm conditions. This is welcomed by medical societies, patient organisations, policy makers such as NICE and allied professionals. The ethos of Arrhythmia Alliance is ‘collaboration’ – together we can achieve so much more. ## **Statistics** Covering all our Arrhythmia Alliance websites there have been 217812 views throughout 2023. Followers on social media are currently at 15580 Email marketing for patients has an open rate of 44.7%. for HCP’s the rate is 44.6% All time members on health unlocked is standing at 8940 - 5 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **Financial review** ## _Balance Sheet_ At the end of the year the Charity is in a strong position with funding in place from a variety of Foundations. The charity's total funds at the end of the period was £1,521,008 The Trustees have a strategic and operational plan in place to ensure stability and growth. ## _Statements of financial activities_ During the year income has decreased from £1,120,648 to £1,037,758. Expenses have decreased from £1,114,056 to £1,112,895; the majority of costs relate to the running of the Congress. The principal sources of funds are gained from Grants and Donations. ## _Reserves policy_ The Trustees have a policy of maintaining a level of unrestricted reserves which should ensure that there are adequate funds to meet anticipated future liabilities. In practice the Trustees consider that holding reserves equivalent to a minimum of three months' core costs (i.e the day to day running costs of the Charity), excluding funds tied up in fixed assets, should provide sufficient funds to respond to unexpected adverse changes in the Charity's funding or activities. This equates to a minimum of £32,000 based on current levels of activity. The Trustees intend to gradually build up unrestricted reserves to the desired level over the next few years. - 6 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **Structure, governance and management** ## _Governing document_ The charity is constituted under a Trust deed dated 30 November 2004 and is registered charity number 1107496. The charity was granted charitable status on 7 January 2005. ## _Appointment of trustees_ The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed. There must at all times be a minimum of three Trustees. The first Trustees are entitled to hold office for life. Future Trustees must be appointed by a resolution of the Trustees. ## _Organisation_ An Executive Committee compromising of 20 members supports the Trustees and as of 1 January 2008, the Chief Executive is responsible for managing and controlling the activities of the Charity under the Trustees direction. ## _Trustee Induction and training_ New Trustees undergo an orientation process to brief them on their legal obligations under Charity Law, the Charity's governing documents, the Committee and decision-making processes, the Business Plan and recent financial performance of the Charity. During the induction process they meet key employees and other Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external and internal training events, which will assist them in carrying out their role. ## _Key management remuneration_ The Founder & CEO is not remunerated as she is a Trustee. Pay and remuneration for key management personnel is set in accordance with guidelines for the roles they fulfil within the Third Sector. ## _Risk management_ Risks considered are Health & Safety; Display Screen Equipment; GDPR; Policy for Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children etc. All risks are managed with professional advise received from Citation (HR appointed company) and adjustments made as required from advice received. Citation (HR Company) also provide HR advice, staff contracts and policy handbooks; IT and Web Consultants provide support within these areas. The Medical Advisory Board review and approve charity literature. One of the Trustees is an accountant and assists and provides financial guidance; we also have a lawyer to provide legal advice to cover any such risk. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mrs T C A Lobban Mr N Breakwell Professor N J Linker Prof. A J Camm Mr P Turner Mr P Chauvineau Mr M Bullock Dr A J Turley - 7 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **Acknowledgements** Arrhythmia Alliance would like to acknowledge the various Trusts, Foundations and Medical Industry that so generously gave their support during the financial year. ## **Connected Charities** As the parent organisation, Arrhythmia Alliance works in direct partnership with its affiliates - Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA), AFA-US, Syncope Trust (STARS), STAR-US and Arrhythmia Alliance US. Arrhythmia Alliance also works with Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS UK), Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA), the Department of Health, the Heart Improvement Programme, the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society, the Royal College of Nursing, the National Service Framework Team and the Medical Technology Group. Also included are the Genetic Interest Group (GIG), Long-term Medical and Primary Care Trust. Industry partners include the Association of British Healthcare Industries - Cardiac Rhythm Management. All groups aim to work together to promote timely and effective diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmia. The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees. .............................. Mrs T C A Lobban **Trustee** 24 October 2024 Date: ............................................. - 8 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ The trustees 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). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. 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; - make judgements 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; and - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that 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, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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. - 9 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT** ## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **Opinion** We have audited the financial statements of Arrhythmia Alliance (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 _The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland_ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). - In our opinion, the financial statements: - give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended; - have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and - have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. ## **Basis for opinion** We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the _Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements_ section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. ## **Conclusions relating to going concern** In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. ## **Other information** The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. - 10 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: - the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees report; or - sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or - the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. ## **Responsibilities of trustees** As explained more fully in the statement of trustees responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. ## **Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. ## **Other matters** Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements 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)" (as amended) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. This has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with current Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. - 11 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)** ## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **Use of our report** This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 391 of the Companies Act 2014. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. ## **Philip Burton BSc FCA (Senior Statutoty Auditor)** ## 24 October 2024 ......................... **For and on behalf of Bronsens Chartered Certified Accountants Statutory Auditor** Eden House Two Rivers Business Park Station Lane Witney Oxfordshire England OX28 4BL Bronsens is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. - 12 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ |||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| |---|---|---|---| |||**funds**|**funds**| |||**2023**|**2022**| ||**Notes**|**£**|**£**| |**Income from:**|||| |Donatons and legacies|**3**|393,372|265,111| |Charitable actvites|**4**|619,278|854,508| |Investments|**5**|25,108|1,029| |**Total income**||1,037,758|1,120,648| |**Expenditure on:**|||| |Charitable actvites|**6**|1,112,895|1,114,056| |**Total expenditure**||1,112,895|1,114,056| |**Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds**||(75,137)|6,592| |**Reconciliaton of funds:**|||| |Fund balances at 1 January 2023||1,596,145|1,589,554| |**Fund balances at 31 December 2023**||1,521,008|1,596,146| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. - 13 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## _**AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ |**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
**13**
**Current assets**
Debtors
**14**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one**
**year**
**15**
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilites**
**Net assets excluding pension liability**
**The funds of the charity**
Unrestricted funds|**2023**
**£**
**£**
8,641
106,902
1,959,512
2,066,414
(554,047)
1,512,367
1,521,008
1,521,008
1,521,008
1,521,008|**2022**
**£**
**£**
8,672
156,551
1,936,158
2,092,709
(505,235)
1,587,474
1,596,146
1,596,146
1,596,146
1,596,146|**2022**
**£**
**£**
8,672
156,551
1,936,158
2,092,709
(505,235)
1,587,474
1,596,146
1,596,146
1,596,146
1,596,146| |---|---|---|---| ||||1,596,146| ||||1,596,146| ||||1,596,146| ||||1,596,146| The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................24 October 2024 .............................. Mrs T C A Lobban **Trustee** - 14 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ |**Notes**
**Cash fows from operatng actvites**
Cash generated from operatons
**20**
**Investng actvites**
Purchase of tangible fxed assets
Investment income received
**Net cash generated from/(used in)**
**investng actvites**
**Net cash used in fnancing actvites**
**Net increase in cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**|**2023**
**£**
**£**
2,853
(4,607)
25,108
20,501
-
23,354
1,936,158
1,959,512|**2022**
**£**
**£**
249,185
(6,055)
1,029
(5,026)
-
244,159
1,691,999
1,936,158| |---|---|---| - 15 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Charity information** Arrhythmia Alliance is a unincorporated charity. ## **1.1 Accounting convention** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. ## **1.2 Going concern** At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. ## **1.3 Charitable funds** Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. ## **1.4 Income** Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. - 16 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** **(Continued)** Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. ## **1.5 Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, andthe amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. ## **1.6 Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases: Computers 33% straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. ## **1.7 Impairment of fixed assets** At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). ## **1.8 Cash and cash equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. - 17 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **1 Accounting policies** **(Continued)** ## **1.9 Financial instruments** The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. ## _**Basic financial assets**_ Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. ## _**Basic financial liabilities**_ Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## _**Derecognition of financial liabilities**_ Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. ## **1.10 Employee benefits** The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. ## **1.11 Retirement benefits** Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. - 18 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements** In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. ## **3 Income from donations and legacies** ||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| |---|---|---| ||**funds**|**funds**| ||**2023**|**2022**| ||**£**|**£**| |Donatons|38,384|48,772| |Grants|280,963|185,599| |Other fundraising and sponsorships|74,025|30,740| ||393,372|265,111| |**Income from charitable actvites**||| ||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| ||**funds**|**funds**| ||**2023**|**2022**| ||**£**|**£**| |**Charitable actvites**||| |Grants received and other income|615,664|843,794| |AED funds|3,614|10,714| ||619,278|854,508| ## **4 Income from charitable activities** - 19 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **5 Income from investments** ||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| |---|---|---| ||**funds**|**funds**| ||**2023**|**2022**| ||**£**|**£**| |Interest receivable|25,108|1,029| |**Expenditure on charitable actvites**||| ||**Unrestricted**|**Unrestricted**| ||**funds**|**funds**| ||**2023**|**2022**| ||**£**|**£**| |**Direct costs**||| |Staf costs|242,761|200,473| |Telephone|7,522|6,643| |Printng, postage and statonery|43,006|33,912| |Conferences and travel|573,581|633,063| |AED equipment cost|16,337|11,915| |Computer maintenance costs|22,200|17,487| |Other direct costs|24,934|17,478| ||930,341|920,971| |**Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)**||| |Support|180,654|192,085| |Governance|1,900|1,000| ||1,112,895|1,114,056| |**Analysis by fund**||| |Unrestricted funds|1,112,895|1,114,056| ## **6 Expenditure on charitable activities** - 20 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ |**7**
**Support costs allocated to actvites**
Staf costs
Depreciaton
Fundraising costs
Other direct costs
Legal and professional fees
Computer and other costs
Computer and printer lease
Printng, postage, statonery and advertsing
Rent, rates and insurance
Bank and fnance charges
Contributon to AA USA
Consultancy costs
Governance costs
**Analysed between:**
Unrestricted funds
**8**
**Net movement in funds**
The net movement in funds is stated afer charging/(creditng):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's fnancial statements
Depreciaton of owned tangible fxed assets
**9**
**Auditor's remuneraton**
Fees payable to the charity's auditor and associates:
**For audit services**
Audit of the fnancial statements of the charity|**2023**
**£**
8,067
4,637
1,178
2,835
54,399
25,762
201
2,263
7,374
9,328
51,650
12,960
1,900
182,554
182,554
**2023**
**£**
1,900
4,637
**2023**
**£**
1,900|**2022**
**£**
6,547
4,851
578
2,756
22,867
26,574
138
1,785
6,983
7,364
98,232
13,410
1,000| |---|---|---| |||193,085| |||193,085| |||**2022**
**£**
1,000
4,851| |||**2022**
**£**
1,000| - 21 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **10 Trustees** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022. ## _Trustees' expenses_ During the year £854 (2022: £572) was reimbursed to 1 (2022:1) Trustees for travel costs incurred on behalf of the charity and other costs paid on behalf of the charity. ## **11 Employees** The average monthly number of employees during the year was: |**Employment costs**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs|**2023**
**Number**
12
**2023**
**£**
231,861
15,544
3,423
250,828|**2022**
**Number**
12| |---|---|---| |||**2022**
**£**
191,633
11,974
3,413| |||207,020| There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. ## **12 Taxation** The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. - 22 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ |**13**
**Tangible fxed assets**
**Cost**
At 1 January 2023
Additons
At 31 December 2023
**Depreciaton and impairment**
At 1 January 2023
Depreciaton charged in the year
At 31 December 2023
**Carrying amount**
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
**14**
**Debtors**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**15**
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other taxaton and social security
Other creditors||**Computers**
**£**
203,842
4,607| |---|---|---| |||208,449| |||195,171
4,637| |||199,808| |||8,641| |||8,672| |||| |||| ||**2023**
**£**
48,826
58,076
106,902
**2023**
**£**
6,438
547,609
554,047|**2022**
**£**
90,884
65,667| |||156,551| |||**2022**
**£**
3,978
501,257| |||505,235| - 23 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ |**16**|**Retrement beneft schemes**||| |---|---|---|---| |||**2023**|**2022**| ||**Defned contributon schemes**|**£**|**£**| ||Charge to proft or loss in respect of defned contributon schemes|3,423|3,413| The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. ## **17 Unrestricted funds** The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. |**At 1 January**
**2023**
**£**
General funds
1,596,145
**Previous year:**
**At 1 January**
**2022**
**£**
General funds
1,589,554|**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31**
**December**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,037,758
(1,112,895)
1,521,008
**Incoming**
**resources**
**Resources**
**expended**
**At 31**
**December**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
1,120,648
(1,114,056)
1,596,146| |---|---| ## **18 Transactions with related parties** During the year, the charity recharged £4,800 (2022: £4,911) to Syncope Trust and Reflex Seizures (STARS), charity number 1084898 for costs incurred on their behalf. Repaying for services was apportioned to STARS for £85,417 (2022: £151,728). The balance due to this charity at the year end was £411,315 (2022: £330,500). During the year, the charity recharged £4,800 (2022: £4,911) to Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA), charity number 1122442 for costs incurred on their behalf. Salary costs totalling £65,419 (2022: £49,958) recharged from the charity to AFA. Repaying for services was apportioned to AFA for £83,376 (2022: £148,669). The balance due to this charity at the year end was £107,248 (2022: £90,852). Repaying of services was apportioned to Arrhythmia Alliance US of £51,650 (2022: £98,232). - 24 - ## **ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** ## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**_ ## **19 Related party transactions** There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none). |**20**
**Cash generated from operatons**
(Defcit)/surpus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of fnancial actvites
Depreciaton and impairment of tangible fxed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
**Cash generated from operatons**
**21**
**Analysis of changes in net funds**
**At 1**
Cash at bank and in hand|**January 2023**
**£**
1,936,158
1,936,158
1,936,158|**2023**
**£**
(75,137)
(25,108)
4,637
49,649
48,812
2,853
**Cash fows**
**At**
**£**
23,354
23,354
23,354|**2022**
**£**
6,592
(1,029)
4,851
(70,164)
308,935
249,185
**31 December**
**2023**
**£**
1,959,512
1,959,512
1,959,512| |---|---|---|---| - 25 -