DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
Company registration number: 05587535 Charity number: 1112065
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 December 2020
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees' report | 3 - 8 |
| Independent examiner's report | 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 10 |
| Balance sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 12 - 22 |
DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Trustees | Ms D Abbotts |
|---|---|
| Mrs E Cook (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Mr D Hobster | |
| Mrs J Plumb MBE, Chief Executive | |
| Mr R Plumb | |
| Mr S Bramley | |
| Mrs A Eddy (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Dr B Greene (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Mrs C Barlow (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Dr K Gutteridge (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Mrs D Jones (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Dr E Morris (appointed 28/11/2020) | |
| Mrs S Gregory (resigned 12/9/2020) | |
| Mrs C Stables (resigned 12/9/2020) | |
| Mr T Howe (resigned 6/10/2020) | |
| Company registered number 05587535 Charity registered number 1112065 Registered office JYW House Bridge Road Haywards Heath England RH16 1UA Secretaries to the trustees Mr R Plumb (resigned 31/03/2020) Mr A Harding (appointed 04/04/2020, resigned 16/11/2020) Chief executive Mrs J Plumb MBE Independent examiner Janice Matthews, FCA Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Centrum House 36 Station Road Egham Surrey TW20 9LF Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ HSBC 40 South Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 4LA |
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Patrons
Dr Chris Steele MBE Sir Nicholas Soames MP Mr James Roby
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Introduction from the Chair
Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is the world’s leading charity working to eradicate group B Strep infection in babies. Group B Streptococcus (GBS or Strep B) is the most common cause of severe infection in newborn babies, causing sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. On average, every day in the UK, two babies develop GBS infection, one of those sick babies dies every week, and one survivor recovers with long-term disability.
Like many other charities, we have been significantly affected by COVID-19 and saw a significant drop in income in 2020, mainly due to the cancellation or postponement of many challenge events and the severe restrictions on community fundraising. Although we kept a tight grip on our expenditure, the fall in income resulted in an overall deficit of just over £28,000. Although we had not predicted such a shortfall at the start of 2020, by March it was apparent that the pandemic would hit income hard across the charity sector.
Some years ago, the charity introduced measures to cope with unexpected and significant falls in income. We were especially grateful for this in 2020. In 2019, we had started to broaden our income streams, and this accelerated during 2020. It is vital we can continue to deliver our life-saving work to improve the education and knowledge about these infections in the UK, to improve prevention and treatment, and to support families affected by group B Strep.
I am immensely proud that despite being under significant pressure and stress, the charity has continued to make real progress in key areas. Highlights during 2020 included the launch of an online learning module on group B Strep produced with the Royal College of Midwives; July’s publication of a national learning report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) highlighting failures to follow GBS guidelines; and November’s launch of the WHO Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis, which prioritised GBS as a key target. Each of these will make a real difference to the families of the future.
There is much to look forward to in 2021 and beyond. However, last summer I made the decision to step down as Chair after five exciting, rewarding and productive years. I am delighted to have handed that baton on to Dr Edward Morris, current President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who I’m sure will lead the charity through the challenges ahead. Two other trustees also stood down, Chloe Stables and Tim Howe, and I pay a huge tribute to them, and to all the trustees I have worked with over the years. Each has made a significant contribution to the charity with differing gifts and skills.
Group B Strep Support is an amazing charity, and I’m delighted to be leaving the charity in such a strong position, working towards our goal of stopping group B Strep infection in babies.
Susan Gregory, Chair
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020, which has been a challenging year for everyone.
The financial statements comply with statutory requirements including the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ (FRS 102) and with the requirements of the charity’s governing document.
Structure, governance and management
Group B Strep Support is a charity registered in England and Wales and was incorporated on 10 October 2005 as a company limited by guarantee, continuing the activities of an unincorporated charity of the same name formed in 1996. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The strategic direction and policies of the charity are determined by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Chief Executive. The execution of the business plan is delegated to the Chief Executive. Progress is reviewed at board meetings, held four to five times each year. In 2020, the meetings were held on 29 January, 4 April, 13 June, 12 September and 28 November.
The charity makes its supporters and networks aware of the opportunity for suitably-skilled persons to join the trustee board. In June 2020 the existing trustees decided to recruit new trustees, including a new chair. We were delighted with the response and appointed 7 new trustees with a range of backgrounds and experiences in November, including our new chair Edward Morris, who is also the current President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The new trustees bring additional expertise in medicine, fundraising, the law, organisational psychology and communications. At the same time, we created a Parents’ Advisory Panel which will be chaired by our new trustee Kathryn Gutteridge, who is also the current President of the Royal College of Midwives. We said goodbye to our previous trustee chair Susan Gregory after years of loyal trusteeship, and to two other trustees, Chloe Stables and Tim Howe, who also stood down during the year, and we thank them for their service.
One trustee, Dawn Abbotts, was reappointed as a trustee in 2020. As she had served more than 9 years on the board, in line with the charity governance code we considered this reappointment carefully in the light of the need for progressive refreshing of the board. As she is an active trustee and as we have recently refreshed the board with 7 new trustees, we had no hesitation accepting her offer to serve another term.
The charity is an active participant on various UK-wide committees and working groups relevant to group B Strep. These committees and working groups continued operating on-line after the arrival of Covid-19. Charity employees worked from home – none was furloughed.
The charity buys in various professional services. Following a review, we appointed Menzies in early 2020 to provide accounting services. We are grateful to them for enabling us, despite the pandemic, to produce our accounts, examine them and file them more quickly than in any previous year.
Risk policy
The Trustees regularly assess and manage the risks the charity faces which might impact its ability to pursue its charitable objects. We had just concluded a horizon-scanning exercise at the start of 2020 when Covid-19 arrived and we revisited our risk analysis accordingly. We took immediate action to reduce costs and to look for new sources of income and will continue to monitor the financial position carefully. The trustees are confident that these actions will enable the charity to continue operating. Therefore, it is the trustees’ opinion that the going concern basis of preparation of the accounts continues to be appropriate.
Public benefit
All of the charity’s purposes and activities are for the public benefit. The board confirms that it has complied with the duty set out in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, to have due regard to Public Benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Vision and mission
The charity’s vision is to eliminate group B Strep infection in babies in the UK. The charity’s mission is to provide highquality information and support around group B Strep to all families and health professionals and to campaign for improved national group B Strep prevention strategies.
Strategic objectives
The charity’s strategic objectives are:
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Families: To relieve suffering caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS) by making help, support and information available to those affected by GBS in the UK.
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Education: To advance the education of the UK medical profession and the general public about GBS and its implications for the family.
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Research: To support organisations promoting research into group B Strep and to publish the useful results of such research.
Achievement and performance
Although much remains to be done, much has been achieved. Referring to our aims:
Family support and information about group B Strep in the UK.
Pregnant women, parents and health professionals rely on the information we provide. Those who seek information or support are often signposted to us by health professionals or find us through word of mouth or internet searches. We provide information over the phone, online and by post.
During 2020 we worked with Public Health England to include information on group B Strep in their Start4Life week-by-week pregnancy guide.
Our telephone helplines remain an important resource for families national to access information on group B Strep and for health professionals to request information materials for their maternity units and GP practices, and we operate to standard office hours, which continued in 2020 despite lockdown.
The charity’s online presence has continued to grow, including significant growth on social media – both in followers and, increasingly, people contacting us online. During 2020 we set up a quarterly series of new Facebook support groups for women expecting a child in the next 3 months.
The charity provides a listening ear both to families affected by, or concerned about, group B Strep. Our support services are highly-regarded and we received many expressions of thanks. All the charity’s information materials are provided free of charge to families and to the NHS.
We raised awareness in the public by continuing to secure coverage in national and local newspapers, television and radio and online.
Awareness and funds were raised through volunteers’ events. We track the level of awareness. In 2006, a survey by Pregnancy & birth magazine found that 10% of their readers had heard of GBS. In 2015, a Bounty survey of pregnant and new mothers found that 47% of new mothers had heard of GBS. In 2017, Bounty found that 80% of them had heard of GBS.
Again, the charity ran Group B Strep Awareness Month in July, improving awareness and knowledge of GBS, particularly via social media.
In October, we observed Baby Loss Awareness Week, remembering families whose babies sadly died as a result of group B Strep infection, and raising awareness about pregnancy and baby death in the UK, including that related to group B Strep.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Education and Training
During the year, the charity and its volunteers presented at a number of national healthcare conferences, including those aimed specifically at obstetricians, midwives and other health professionals and conducted training sessions for qualified and student midwives. Those were physical meetings during the first 3 months of the year and virtual after that.
We were pleased that Health Minister Nadine Dorries MP, a long-standing supporter of the charity from her time on the backbenches, made group B Strep prevention her top priority, and we worked with her throughout the year to seek improvements in GBS prevention.
We partnered with the Royal College of Midwives to produce an evidence-based group B Strep module which was made available in July on their i-learn platform (on-line training free to their members).
We engaged with leaders in the field of group B Strep, and other relevant stakeholders. We worked with the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists to improve education and knowledge of pregnant women about group B Strep. We worked with other relevant charities, including meningitis charities and those in the Pregnancy & Baby Charities’ Network, of which we are one of the longest-standing members.
Supporting research into group B Strep
We continue to encourage ethical research and support it whenever possible. Our Chief Executive and volunteers are involved as patient and public involvement representatives on several group B Strep research studies and policy development committees.
The ground-breaking GBS3 Trial, for which our Chief Executive is a co-applicant, should have started randomising trusts to research arms in March 2020 but, due to the pandemic, will now start in the Spring of 2021. The trial will compare the effectiveness of the UK’s current approach to preventing early-onset group B Strep infections (identifying pregnant women with ‘risk factors’ for their newborn baby developing the infection) with testing all women for group B Strep carriage, either at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy or at the start of labour. The plan is that it will involve 80 hospitals and 320,000 pregnant women.
During 2020, following pressure from GBSS, the NHS Resolution introduced a new code to facilitate monitor of GBS-related clinical negligence claims made, and how much they have cost. This will produce useful data in highlighting the burden of GBS disease.
Also during 2020, we conducted research into how many hospitals were following RCOG’s 2017 guidelines on GBS prevention. The findings were disappointing and we published the results early in 2021, attracting considerable press and political attention. The Health Minister is following up on the findings.
Medical Advisory Panel
All of the written information we provide is vetted by our eminent Medical Advisory Panel which consists of Professor Philip Steer (chair), Dr Alison Bedford Russell, Dr Guduru Gopal Rao OBE, Mrs Philippa Cox and Dr Sonali Kochhar. We are grateful to them for their excellent advice.
Financial review
During the year, income of £261,565 was received (2019 - £314,574). Expenditure was £289,832 (2019 - £213,196). The deficit was £28,267 (2019 – surplus of £101,378). Considering the pandemic, we were very pleased that the deficit was as small as it was. When we revisited our budget in March 2020, we expected to be facing a much larger deficit by year-end. The better-than-expected result was due to cost-cutting, heroic fundraising efforts by supporters and staff, and faithful support from the law firms and the pharmaceutical firm who are our financial partners. During the year we reviewed our financial controls, which we do annually as part of good governance.
Reserves policy
The charity is funded primarily by volunteer fundraisers’ participation in events and by donations, which are volatile. The trustees have set the reserves policy accordingly. The trustees aim to maintain unrestricted and undesignated reserves sufficient to cover 9 months’ expenditure.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
The charity’s aim to broaden our income streams and increase income was starting to make an impact in 2020 and we will continue along that path in 2021. At 31 December 2020, the free reserves represented 8.64 months’ (2019 – 9.1 months’) expenditure.
Pay and Expenses
The directors consider that the charity’s trustees, including the Chief Executive, comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. Except for the Chief Executive, all trustees give of their time freely and none received remuneration in the year. Similarly, the Medical Advisory Panel is not remunerated. Although trustees are able to claim their travelling expenses to attend Board meetings, again in 2020 none were claimed, as disclosed in note 8.
The pay of the Chief Executive is reviewed annually against the mid-point of pay levels for similar roles in other small organisations. The trustees have recommended each year since 2009 an increase to the Chief Executive’s net pay. Each time, the Chief Executive has declined to accept any salary increase, or rebated any increase back to the charity.
Plans for 2021
To help families affected by group B Strep, we will engage with our new Parents Advisory Panel on how best to support affected families, and act accordingly. We anticipate that we will:
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develop and improve the support we offer to families; through our helplines, social media platforms and other online services;
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develop better links with specialist intensive care units throughout the UK and ensure they have the information they need to support families in their care affected by group B Strep.
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We will continue to improve the support we offer to women and families (which now extends to full office hours) and will keep our information up to date, and to campaign for improvements in health policies.
To advance the education of the medical profession and the general public on group B Strep, we will:
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press for all pregnant women to be provided with information about group B Strep so they can make an informed choice about testing and treatment;
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continue to improve group B Strep training for obstetricians, midwives, health visitors and GPs;
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follow up on the results of our research into practice relating to group B Strep prevention and treatment in the UK to seek a significant increase in how many hospitals are following RCOG guidelines;
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continue to deepen relationships with relevant medical Royal Colleges and other bodies to ensure health professionals have appropriate information about group B Strep;
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continue to develop and run training sessions on group B Strep for health professionals.
To support organisations promoting research into group B Strep infections
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We will continue to encourage ethical research and support it whenever possible, and be involved as patient and public involvement representatives on group B Strep research studies and policy development committees. We will look to accelerate the pace of research and vaccine development where we can.
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Our services are needed more than ever, and we are determined to improve them, and continue to provide them.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
Law requires the trustees, who are also the directors for company law purposes, to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the net income or expenditure of the charitable company for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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comply with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards subject to any material departures disclosed and
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explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable
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company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report, incorporating the Strategic report, was approved by the Trustees, in their capacity as company directors, and signed on their behalf by:
.........................................................
Mrs J Plumb, Chief Executive
Date: 04-May-2021
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Group B Strep Support ('the Company')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Company's accounts 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 under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of (enter body here), which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
This report is made solely to the Company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 06-May-2021 Janice Matthews, FCA Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Centrum House 36 Station Road Egham Surrey TW20 9LF
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 105,968 144,911 686 251,565 17,808 262,671 280,479 (28,914) 432,672 (28,914) 403,758 |
Restricted funds 2020 £ 10,000 - - 10,000 - 9,353 9,353 647 - 647 647 |
Total funds 2020 £ 115,968 144,911 686 261,565 17,808 272,024 289,832 (28,267) 432,672 (28,267) 404,405 |
Total funds 2019 £ 54,598 259,631 345 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 314,574 | ||||
| 18,460 194,736 |
||||
| 213,196 | ||||
| 101,378 | ||||
| 331,294 101,378 |
||||
| 432,672 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 05587535
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Stocks Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 12 Unrestricted funds 12 Total funds |
14,330 15,972 386,656 416,958 (16,389) |
2020 £ 3,836 3,836 400,569 404,405 404,405 647 403,758 404,405 |
11,454 27,069 398,621 437,144 (8,003) |
2019 £ 3,531 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,531 429,141 |
||||
| 432,672 | ||||
| 432,672 | ||||
| - 432,672 |
||||
| 432,672 |
The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ Mrs J Plumb MBE Ms D Abbotts Date: Date: 04-May-2021 04-May-2021
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Group B Strep Support 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.
1.2 Company status
The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the company.
1.3 Going concern
The Trustees regularly assess and manage the risks the charity faces which might impact its ability to pursue its charitable objects. The coronavirus pandemic is creating significant uncertainty and the charity is not immune to this although, at this stage, it is not possible to reliably forecast what the long-term impact of this may be. The trustees are confident, however, that the charity will be able to see through the current uncertainty as we work to develop new income streams not affected by the coronavirus pandemic. We are taking action to control costs where appropriate and we will continue to monitor the position carefully. Given the uncertainties that exist, the trustees believe these actions will enable the charity to continue in operational existence. Therefore, it is the trustees’ opinion that the going concern basis of preparation of the accounts continues to be appropriate.
1.4 Income
All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
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 and the 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 allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.5 Expenditure (continued)
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Company to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.6 Government grants
Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of financial activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
1.7 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
1.8 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
- Fixtures and fittings 33% straight line - Office equipment 33% straight line
1.9 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
1.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Corporate Individual Regular individual Gift aid Honorarium/research Charitable Trusts & Foundations and Government Grants Trusts and Foundations Subtotal detailed disclosure Government grants Subtotal Total 2019 |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 615 40,960 29,869 19,449 2,375 12,700 105,968 - - 105,968 54,598 |
Restricted funds 2020 £ - - - - - - - 10,000 10,000 10,000 - |
Total funds 2020 £ 615 40,960 29,869 19,449 2,375 12,700 105,968 10,000 10,000 115,968 54,598 |
Total funds 2019 £ 3,962 10,052 9,536 16,544 12,754 1,750 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54,598 | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| 54,598 | ||||
3. Income from charitable activities
| General fundraising Sponsorships Corporate fundraising Merchandise income Total 2019 |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 92,944 50,550 - 1,417 144,911 259,631 |
Total funds 2020 £ 92,944 50,550 - 1,417 144,911 259,631 |
Total funds 2019 £ 182,776 75,075 16 1,764 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 259,631 | |||
Total 2019
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
4. Investment income
| Investment income Total 2019 |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 686 345 |
Total funds 2020 £ 686 345 |
Total funds 2019 £ 345 |
|---|---|---|---|
5. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
| Website trading Merchandise Other fundraising costs Total 2019 |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 2,444 125 15,239 17,808 18,460 |
Total funds 2020 £ 2,444 125 15,239 17,808 18,460 |
Total funds 2019 £ 2,448 2,231 13,781 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18,460 | |||
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Expenditure Total 2019 |
Support costs 2020 £ 272,024 194,736 |
Total funds 2020 £ 272,024 194,736 |
Total funds 2019 £ 194,736 |
|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of support costs
| Charitable activities 2020 £ Staff costs 192,947 Depreciation 2,015 Premises, rent and stationery 18,017 Office running costs 8,582 Awareness 38,251 Entertainment and travel 146 Bank charges and interest 80 Management and professional fees 9,486 Governance - independant examiner's fee 2,500 272,024 Total 2019 194,736 7. Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Company's annual accounts |
Total funds 2020 £ 192,947 2,015 18,017 8,582 38,251 146 80 9,486 2,500 272,024 194,736 2020 £ 2,500 |
Total funds 2019 £ 103,510 4,054 18,217 11,039 40,741 2,712 72 12,761 1,630 |
|---|---|---|
| 194,736 | ||
| 2019 £ 2,500 |
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
8. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2020 £ 170,749 17,236 4,962 192,947 |
2019 £ 93,353 7,803 2,354 |
|---|---|---|
| 103,510 |
The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:
| 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Administration | 6 | 6 |
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
In the band £60,001 - £70,000
| 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|
| No. | No. |
| 1 | - |
During the year, one trustee received emoluments (including pension contributions) of £73,535 (2019 - £37,605) for acting as Chief Executive. No remuneration is paid for acting as trustee. Authority for these payments is contained in the memorandum of association. The Chief Executive is considered to be the key management personnel of the charity.
During the year, there were no trustee expenses claimed (2019: There were no reimbursed costs during the year).
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
9. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2020 Additions At 31 December 2020 Depreciation At 1 January 2020 Charge for the year At 31 December 2020 Net book value At 31 December 2020 At 31 December 2019 Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Fixtures and fittings £ 10,409 357 10,766 9,881 704 10,585 181 528 |
Office equipment £ 26,003 1,817 27,820 23,000 1,165 24,165 3,655 3,003 2020 £ 9,150 110 6,712 15,972 |
Total £ 36,412 2,174 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38,586 | ||||
| 32,881 1,869 |
||||
| 34,750 | ||||
| 3,836 | ||||
| 3,531 | ||||
| 2019 £ - 13,000 14,069 27,069 |
10. Debtors
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income |
2020 £ 817 5,122 10,450 16,389 |
2019 £ 2,723 436 4,844 |
|---|---|---|
| 8,003 |
12. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Running costs reserves Information products update IT services fund GBS Research impact fund Promotion/dissemination of non- English language leaflets General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds National lottery funding Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2020 £ 90,000 20,000 25,000 33,500 - 168,500 264,172 432,672 - 432,672 |
Income £ - - - - - - 251,565 251,565 10,000 261,565 |
Expenditure £ - - - - - - (280,479) (280,479) (9,353) (289,832) |
Transfers in/out £ - - 4,000 1,500 21,000 26,500 (26,500) - - - |
Balance at 31 December 2020 £ 90,000 20,000 29,000 35,000 21,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 195,000 | |||||
| 208,758 | |||||
| 403,758 | |||||
| 647 | |||||
| 404,405 |
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
12. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Running costs reserve Information products update IT services fund GBS research impact fund Moving offices General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds |
Balance at 1 January 2019 £ 45,000 20,000 25,000 10,000 7,000 107,000 224,294 331,294 |
Income £ - - - - - - 314,574 314,574 |
Expenditure £ - - - - (4,000) (4,000) (209,196) (213,196) |
Transfers in/out £ 45,000 - - 23,500 (3,000) 65,500 (65,500) - |
Balance at 31 December 2019 £ 90,000 20,000 25,000 33,500 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168,500 | |||||
| 264,172 | |||||
| 432,672 |
The running costs reserve was set up to safeguard against major fluctuations in income or significant short-term funding issues.
The information products update fund was created to cover the costs of updating information products following the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists' guideline review and to include working with other relevant bodies, such as the Royal College of Midwives, and Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health to develop information materials appropriate for their audiences. In the future the charity is looking to use these funds to cover the costs of developing an online educational module, and working with IHV and RCPCH on producing leaflets relevant for health visitors and neonatal units.
The IT services fund was created to cover the costs of integrating a new database with the IT system and website, and to improve the website particularly in the light of the new trial of GBS prevention strategies which will increase traffic to the site. The funds will also be used to cover the costs of additional updates to helpdesk, including monitoring and evaluation, and replacement of IT equipment to allow for agile working.
The GBS research impact fund was created to cover additional costs associated with the new trial of GBS prevention strategies which will increase use of the charity's existing information materials (particularly the leaflet co-written with the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists), creating new information materials and the need to provide additional support via the charity's helplines and forums. The project has been delayed by the coronavirus pandmic but it is anticipated that these funds will be spent in 2021.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
12. Statement of funds (continued)
The Promotion/dissemination of non-English language leaflets fund was set up to cover the costs of a new project which recognises the need to reach the more vulnerable expectant/new parents, particularly those for whom English is not their first language. The GBSS/RCOG leaflet will be translated into 14 languages and will be available on the charitys website. The charitys aim is to ensure all UK maternity units plus relevant charities, user groups (eg MVPs) are aware that these translations exist, and can be accessed/downloaded from the website. In highlighting the availability of this leaflet in other languages, the charity will create more demand for the leaflet in English, and for the charitys other information materials.
13. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2020 £ 3,836 416,311 (16,389) 403,758 |
Restricted funds 2020 £ - 647 - 647 |
Total funds 2020 £ 3,836 416,958 (16,389) 404,405 |
|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2019 £ 3,531 437,144 (8,003) 432,672 |
Total funds 2019 £ 3,531 437,144 (8,003) 432,672 |
|---|---|---|
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 80C7B874-E14F-4FCB-9161-F98F82EEE3CBDocuSign Envelope ID: 5E2A6BB0-6AE2-4BE0-90F6-04911BE59406
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
14. Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2020 the Company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:
| Amounts payable Within 1 year Between 1 -5 years |
2020 £ 16,514 41,422 57,936 |
2019 £ 16,514 57,936 |
|---|---|---|
| 74,450 |
15. Related party transactions
Oliver Plumb, the son of Jane Plumb (a trustee), is employed by the charity. During the year he received remuneration of £31,000 (2019: 29,185). He also received employer pension contributions of £930 (2019: £780). Oliver received
no other expenses or benefits from the charity in either year.
Camilla Plumb, the daughter of Jane Plumb (a trustee), is also employed by the charity. During the year she received remuneration of £214 (2019: £3,617). Camilla received no other expenses or benefits from the charity in either year.
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