DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
Company registration number: 05587535 Charity number: 1112065
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
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 - 11 |
| Independent examiner's report | 12 |
| Statement of financial activities | 13 |
| Balance sheet | 14 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 15 - 25 |
DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
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 2021
| Trustees | Ms D Abbotts (resigned 31 December 2021) |
|---|---|
| Mrs C Barlow (resigned 11 May 2021) | |
| Mr S Bramley | |
| Mrs E Cook | |
| Mrs A Eddy | |
| Mrs D Forwood (appointed 11 July 2021) | |
| Dr B Greene | |
| Dr K Gutteridge | |
| Mr D Hobster | |
| Mrs D Jones | |
| Dr E Morris | |
| Mrs J Plumb MBE, Chief Executive | |
| Mr R Plumb | |
| Company registered number 05587535 Charity registered number 1112065 Registered office JYW House Bridge Road Haywards Heath England RH16 1UA Chief executive Secretary to the Trustees Mrs J Plumb MBE Mr O Plumb Independent examiner Janice Matthews, FCA Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Centrum House 36 Station Road Egham Surrey TW20 9LF |
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
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 2021
Bankers
CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
HSBC 40 South Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 4LA
Nationwide Building Society Kings Park Road Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6NW
Charity Bank Fosse House 182 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE
Patrons Dr Chris Steele MBE Sir Nicholas Soames MP Mr James Roby
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
Introduction from the Chair
With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing through 2021, it was a challenging year for everyone – the families we support, partners we work with, people who fundraise for us, our volunteers, our staff and our Board. However, alongside these challenges were opportunities and significant achievements.
In 2021, the charity turned 25 years old. To mark this we published a report, covered in the Daily Telegraph, highlighting that England’s rate of group B Strep infection in babies has risen nearly 80% over the last 25 years. On average, one baby dies from group B Strep infection every week in the UK, and another is left with a long-term disability. These awful statistics demonstrate why our work raising awareness, supporting families, and campaigning for change is so vital.
Carrying over learnings from 2020, the charity continued to work remotely all year, leading to further development of our ways of working together as a team and with external stakeholders. We are deeply proud of our staff and volunteers who have pulled together to ensure the families and health professionals we serve would continue to receive the information, education, and support they need.
We also worked to raise awareness of group B Strep and our information and support services through the media, with coverage in national and regional news outlets like the Daily Mail and The Times. Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to translate our critical information on group B Strep from English into 14 languages, available at no cost to download from our website.
Unable to deliver face-to-face training for health professionals due to lockdown, we held what we intend to be an annual virtual conference for health professionals. This was a huge success, with world-class experts presenting to over 350 delegates, and rave reviews from attendees. Our particular thanks to long-standing partner Irwin Mitchell which was the event’s Gold Sponsor.
Thanks to prudent financial management, we limited the impact of the Covid pandemic on our budget and a forecasted loss of £44k by reducing our expenditure and exploring new opportunities to generate income. Our heartfelt thanks to all our generous supporters and partners, including the law firms who form our valued Legal Panel and the testing and pharmaceutical firms who supported us through several initiatives. This work has led to the charity seeing a surplus of £20k at the end of the year, leaving us in a strong financial position as we implement our new 2022-2024 strategy and strengthen the team.
We are indescribably proud of how Group B Strep Support has adapted at speed during this very challenging time and look forward with optimism to the opportunities 2022 will bring
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The long-awaited GBS3 trial is underway and will provide data to inform future GBS prevention strategies.
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A GBS vaccine is coming ever closer and this will prevent more GBS infections in babies, pregnant women and new mothers than anything else can.
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The World Health Organization has focused in on group B Strep as a key cause of meningitis and singles it out as a target to tackle in its Defeating Meningitis by 2030 roadmap, to which we contributed extensively
We’d like to finish by taking this opportunity to thank each and every one of our staff members, supporters, donors, partners, Trustees and Parent Advisory Panel members – your support has allowed us to continue to deliver our lifechanging and saving services.
Dr E Morris, Chair 16-Aug-2022
Mrs J Plumb MBE, Chief Executive 16-Aug-2022
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. 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 the charity’s governing document requirements.
Structure, governance, and management
Group B Strep Support (GBSS) is a charity registered in England and Wales and 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 implementation of the business plan is delegated to the Chief Executive. Progress is reviewed at board meetings, held four to five times each year. In 2021, the meetings were held on January 30, April 10, July 17, October 16 and December 11.
The Trustees commissioned a strategy review, including independent interviews with many key stakeholders and a survey of hundreds of other contacts. The purpose was to get external views on what we do well and where we could improve. We thank the participants and have drawn on the results to help set our future priorities.
The charity makes its supporters and networks aware of the opportunity for suitably skilled persons to join the Board of Trustees. We benefitted throughout the year from the enlargement of the Board and creating a Parent Advisory Panel in 2020.
The Trustees set up several other committees for greater efficiency and to support the charity, including finance, fundraising; governance; communication and external affairs; and diversity and inclusion. Trustees lead each with members of the Parent Advisory Panel each joining at least one committee. The committees have proved a success and have benefitted from the active participation of the Parent Advisory Panel members.
During the year, we said thank you and goodbye to our treasurer, long-time trustee, and supporter, Dawn Abbotts. We also said thank you and goodbye to Trustee Claire Barlow. We welcomed a new Trustee, Debbie Forwood.
The charity actively participates in various UK-wide committees and working groups relevant to GBS. These committees and working groups continued operating online throughout 2021. Charity employees mostly worked from home.
Risk policy
The Trustees regularly assess and manage the risks the charity faces that might impact its ability to pursue its charitable objectives. We review these risks in advance of each Trustee meeting. We have monitored our financial position carefully throughout the Covid pandemic and will continue to do so, considering the uncertain economic outlook caused by the pandemic and other factors. 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 preparing 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.
Vision and mission
The charity’s vision is to eliminate group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection in babies in the UK.
The charity’s mission is to provide high-quality information and support relating to GBS to all new and expectant families and health professionals in the UK and to campaign for improved national GBS prevention strategies.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
Strategic objectives
The charity’s strategic objectives are:
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Families: To relieve the suffering caused by 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 GBS and to publish the useful results of such research.
Achievement and performance
20th September 2021 marked 25 years since GBSS was registered as a charity by Jane and Robert Plumb, six months after their baby Theo died aged 17 and a half hours from group B Strep infection.
Jane reflected on the anniversary: “Robert and I are so grateful to everyone who has supported the charity over the last 25 years. But we don’t want the charity to need to be here in another 25 years – we want to have eradicated GBS infection in babies and close. We continue to need support as we move into what we hope will be the final phase of the charity – with routine screening on the horizon, and a GBS vaccine likely in the next decade – where we will be able, once and for all, to drive change and stop these awful infections in babies.”
Group B Strep is still the leading cause of severe infection in newborn babies and meningitis in babies under three months. On average, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, every month
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66 babies are diagnosed with group B Strep infection
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56 babies make a full recovery
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six babies survive with long-term physical or mental disabilities
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four babies die from their group B Strep infection
In July 2021, the Daily Mirror ran an article (Mum's warning over killer baby infection after three-day-old son almost dies) highlighting Albie’s case. The summary is:
Mum, Gemma, explained how she almost lost her baby son and wanted to warn others about GBS, which most new parents have no idea about. She added that GBS could be detected in pregnancy with a test which costs the NHS less than £20 - but many parents are unaware of it until their baby has died or is critically ill moments after birth, as Albie was. Thankfully he made a full recovery.
Gemma added: “I’d never heard of GBS until it almost killed our son, and I’d urge all mothers-to-be and their families to find out about GBS and make sure they know the signs for it."
Gemma also raised money for GBSS by participating in our 3,000 squat challenge in July to mark GBS Awareness Month, an annual campaign highlighting the importance of GBS awareness, education and research.
Public Health England Data confirmed that England’s rate of GBS infection in babies had risen by 77 per cent from 1996 to 2020. More babies are developing life-threatening GBS infections despite most cases being preventable.
Group B Strep Support calls for urgent action to reverse this trend and protect little lives. Chief executive Jane Plumb said: “I am also deeply frustrated that the UK still lags behind the rest of the developed world on GBS prevention. These new data from Public Health England show that so many more babies are developing what is often preventable disease and that the pace of change is slow. Urgent action is needed.”
Referring to our aims:
Family support and information about GBS in the UK
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
The GBSS Helpline
Our Helpline is a popular and valuable resource for families nationwide. We provide information, a listening ear and support to families affected by or concerned about GBS by phone, email, online and post. In 2021, despite the Covid pandemic’s impact, we provided regular access to information during standard office hours, receiving around 200 enquiries per month.
New and expectant parents and health professionals rely on the information we provide. Families who seek information or support on GBS are often signposted to us by health professionals or find us through word of mouth or internet searches. In addition to providing information to families, we also provide information materials on request to health professionals, maternity units, neonatal units and GP practices.
Our Helpline and associated information services are highly regarded, and we received many expressions of thanks. Clare told us: “Thank you, GBSS, for giving me the information I needed and for putting my mind at rest when I was concerned.”
All the charity’s information materials are free to families, NHS health professionals, and NHS organisations.
Raising Awareness of GBS
We continued to raise public awareness of GBS, securing coverage on national and local TV, radio, newspapers, and online.
In June, the Daily Telegraph ran an article highlighting the number of babies developing deadly but usually preventable, GBS infection had risen by 80 per cent. It highlighted that campaigners like GBSS are calling for routine antenatal testing for GBS, warning that hospital staff are not on the lookout for the disease. The summary is:
On average, a baby dies from the infection every week in the UK, and another is left with a long-term disability. The rate is currently more than double that of many other high-income countries. The new figures follow earlier findings that showed widespread failures to follow medical guidelines intended to combat the disease in UK hospitals.
GBS carriage in pregnancy is easily detectable using a swab test. However, only 13 per cent of NHS trusts were recently found to be using the correct Enrichment Culture Medium test. Meanwhile, 51 per cent of trusts did not provide pregnant women with information on group B Strep.
GBSS is calling for all expectant parents to be informed about group B Strep, for all doctors and midwives to be fully informed, and for all hospitals to use the recommended test for GBS carriage. An ongoing trial involving 320,000 pregnant women and their babies is examining the merits of testing for GBS carriage during pregnancy or labour compared with the UK’s current risk-based approach to preventing these infections in newborn babies.
We participated in several national and international awareness campaigns: World Meningitis Day in April, International Day of the Midwife in May; Volunteers Week in June; and Baby Loss Awareness Week in October.
For World Meningitis Day, we shared many moving stories of families affected by GBS meningitis. International Day of the Midwife provided an opportunity to thank all midwives for their work, particularly for supporting families and babies throughout the pandemic. Volunteers Week provided the focus to celebrate all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time and commitment to GBSS, including trustees, members of our medical advisory panel and those raising funds and awareness. During Baby Loss Awareness Week, we remembered all the babies who have sadly died too soon, including those from GBS infection, helping raise awareness about pregnancy and baby death caused by GBS.
July featured GBSS’s own GBS Awareness Month, which saw a vast range of awareness-raising activities. A vital part of the charity’s work is educating and training doctors and midwives about GBS, so we hosted a webinar where experts presented essential information about GBS. It also highlighted the major trial into GBS testing in the UK (GBS3) and the challenges that GBS presents for midwives caring for families. The webinar was aimed at midwives and those working in maternity care and attracted 160 participants. Our expert panel included: Professor Philip Steer MD FRCOG (Chair of GBSS’ Medical Advisory Panel & Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics, London); Dr Kate Walker (Clinical Associate Professor in Obstetrics, Nottingham); and Philippa Cox (Member of GBSS’ Medical Advisory Panel & Consultant Midwife, London).
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
We partnered with Bounty in a new survey on awareness about GBS among women and new mothers. It found that only 25% of the 3,460 survey participants reported they had found all the information they needed on GBS. 98% believed that all pregnant women should be informed about GBS by their doctor or midwife, and 92% would have wanted to be tested for GBS when they were pregnant.
The charity regularly surveys the levels of awareness of GBS in key stakeholder groups. For example, in 2006, a Pregnancy & Birth magazine survey reported that only 10% of readers had heard of GBS. In 2015, a Bounty survey of pregnant and new mothers found this had increased to 47%; by 2017, this had risen to an encouraging 80%. We are proud that we have improved awareness of GBS in the UK and significantly increase the ability of new and expectant parents to make informed choices about their and their babies’ care.
In September, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched their Defeating Meningitis by 2030 global road map - and highlighted GBS as one of the leading causes of meningitis in babies worldwide. GBSS is proud to have contributed to this strategy.
In November, the WHO published a report on the global impact of GBS - Full Value of Vaccines Assessment Report on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) - highlighting the urgent need for a GBS vaccine. It reported that the global burden of GBS is far higher than previously recognised, estimating for 2015 that 319,000 infants under 3 months developed invasive GBS disease, at least 10,000 children survived with moderate to severe disability after their GBS, 57,000 babies’ stillbirths were attributable to GBS and 90,000 babies died from GBS infection. The report calculated that a GBS vaccine could reduce the number of babies who contract GBS infection globally by 214,100 and the number of babies who are stillborn or die as a result of GBS by 54,100. In addition to saving lives, this would also save money.
The charity’s online presence grew in 2021, with more visitors to our website looking for information and guidance on GBS. This increased by nearly 40%. Our social media platforms also experienced an increase in followers, traffic and communications.
We advocated for more reliable statistics on the rate of GBS infection and mortality by a range of demographic indicators, including geographical location, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group. This vital information is not readily available but would be useful to understand better the scale of the problem, as well as help us tailor our support to the needs of different and diverse communities.
Education and Training
Annual GBS Conference
Our virtual conference in June included leading speakers on GBS who gave authoritative presentations to more than 350 participants. Speakers included Dr Carol J Baker (Professor of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Sabin Gold Medal winner, National Academy of Sciences, USA), Prof Androulla Efstratiou (Imperial College London and Director, WHO Global Collaborating Centre for Diphtheria & Streptococcal Infections), Prof Paul Heath (Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at St George’s University, London) and Prof Anne Mackie (Director of Programmes for the UK National Screening Committee, Public Health England), along with members of our Medical Advisory Panel.
Feedback for our conference was very positive. Suzi said she liked the “variety of approaches” to the issue of GBS at the conference. Nishel liked the “collection of expert speakers providing so much useful information.” Carole said she liked the virtual conference as “I could watch the conference back at a time to suit myself” and added, “it was wonderful to hear that progress is being made towards testing all pregnant women for GBS, and towards developing a vaccine.” Zoe told us she was pleased to be “learning more about GBS so that I can feel better informed to tell women that I care for.” Aimee found it very useful “listening to parent stories which helped link theory to practice.”
As well as highlighting the latest and most reliable information about GBS to medical professionals and students, our conference also helped the charity raise vital funds for its work. Our sincere thanks go to all our conference supporters, especially Irwin Mitchell, for their support as the conference’s Gold Sponsor.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
Training
The charity and its volunteers presented at several healthcare educational meetings held virtually. These provided obstetricians, midwives, and other health professionals with an opportunity to hear and engage with the latest evidence and information around GBS.
In April, our CEO gave an online training session to Sheffield Hallam’s Student Midwives, where she was joined by Louisa Harris, who bravely shared the loss of her baby from a GBS infection. Louisa made a massive difference to the experience and understanding of all the midwives present, and we are delighted she has joined our Parent Advisory Panel.
We worked with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) to improve the education and knowledge of pregnant women about GBS, including translating the Group B Streptococcus in Pregnancy & Newborn Babies leaflet into 14 additional languages. The leaflet was written in partnership with the RCOG and the translation was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. It is aimed mainly at pregnant women and new parents.
Our CEO, Jane Plumb MBE, was appointed Chair of the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations following its merger with the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). She also accepted a position as a Trustee of MRF, which has much in common with GBSS.
In October, Jane was recognised for her work in baby health, receiving a prestigious Fellowship Honoris Causa from the RCOG. Honorary Fellowships are the highest awards the RCOG grant. They are given following rigorous screening to those who demonstrate the highest level of support for the development of women’s healthcare services.
We pledged our support for the Pregnancy & Baby Charities’ Network (PBCN) manifesto in November. GBSS has been a member of PBCN for over 15 years; it is an important partnership working to save babies’ lives and support families.
Our CEO was pleased to join the Scientific Committee and lead the Parent Power stream at the International Symposium on Streptococcus Agalactiae Disease (ISSAD) in November. This global conference brought together researchers, leading experts and families to share their knowledge, expertise and experiences of GBS. Families from around the world shared their moving stories about how GBS affected them, alongside presentations from renowned experts, including Prof Shabir Madhi (Professor of Vaccinology and Director of the MRC Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus (Director-General, World Health Organization), and a keynote from Dr Kate O’Brien (Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biological, WHO)
Supporting research into group B Strep
GBS3 trial of routine testing for GBS
The charity continues to support the £4.2m GBS3 trial of routine testing for GBS, working closely with the trial team and the Department for Health and Social Care. This trial was funded following campaigning and advocacy by the charity, and our CEO is a co-applicant.
This trial is an NIHR-funded cluster-randomised control trial (RCT) which will involve 80 hospitals and 320,000 pregnant women and their babies. It will compare the effectiveness of the UK’s current approach to preventing early-onset GBS infections (identifying pregnant women with ‘risk factors’ for their newborn baby developing the infection) with testing all women for GBS carriage, either at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy or the start of labour.
Due to the pandemic, randomising sites and recruiting pregnant women to the trial has suffered delays, and the results are now expected to be in the public domain in 2025.
Report – Preventing GBS infections in babies: failure to turn national recommendations into local guidelines
In February, we published our report on how many UK hospitals followed the RCOG’s (2017) guidelines on preventing GBS infection in newborn babies. The findings were disappointing, with nearly 90% of hospitals reporting that they are not using the recommended test for GBS carriage. We hope the report and associated publicity will encourage more hospitals to engage with this urgent problem and adhere to these critical recommendations. We attracted considerable attention from the media and the broader community, including health authorities and politicians.
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GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
We were delighted that the then Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care (Nadine Dorries MP) supported the report’s findings, writing to the CEOs of all NHS trusts in England about GBS and advising them that they should “ensure they are using the ECM testing.” We are very grateful to her for her support.
Our CEO attended regular All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meetings on Baby Loss, chaired by MPs Jeremy Hunt and Cherilyn Mackrory. She shared information about GBS, ECM testing and the GBS3 trial, facilitating a presentation by Prof Philip Steer, chair of the charity’s Medical Advisory Panel. They requested the APPG consider including prevention and ensuring ECM testing is offered in line with national guidance in their 2021 policy targets. This is under review.
We continue to encourage ethical research into GBS and support it whenever possible. Our Chief Executive and volunteers are involved as patient and public involvement representatives on several GBS research studies and policy development committees.
Fundraising
Former Olympic sprinter and UK 400m record holder, Iwan Thomas MBE, ran an epic 100-mile race along the South Downs Way in June to raise £25,000 for GBSS. Iwan’s son, Teddy, developed a GBS infection shortly after birth.
2021 saw the launch of our Facebook challenge events. These fully virtual events saw 456 fundraisers taking on various challenges during March, July, and November, raising more than £70,000 for the charity.
In support of our GBS Awareness Month in July, 270 supporters took part in our 3000 Squats in July challenge and raised an incredible £24,469. Many also shared their profoundly moving stories explaining why they were taking part.
Lois took part in the challenge to raise vital funds after her daughter sadly passed away from a late-onset GBS infection 13 years ago. The first time she even heard of GBS was when she received the report from the coroner. She told us: “I believe in the purpose and Markeshia’s short life has enabled me to educate others about GBS. I’m a teacher by trade. So I recognise that knowledge is power. The money I raised will have helped to save babies' lives and support those families whose lives are touched by GBS."
We were delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund provided funding for our project to translate the Group B Streptococcus in Pregnancy & Newborn Babies leaflet into 14 additional languages, which are available to download. The leaflet was written in partnership with the RCOG and is aimed mainly at pregnant women and new parents.
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 Gopal Rao OBE, Mrs Philippa Cox and Dr Sonali Kochhar. We are grateful to them for their excellent advice and support.
Financial review
During the year, the income of £374,126 was received (2020: £261,565). The expenditure was £353,936 (2020: £289,832). The surplus was £20,190 (2020: deficit of £28,267).
We were able to limit the impact of the Covid pandemic on our budget and a forecasted loss of £44,486 both by reducing our expenditure while taking as many opportunities as possible to generate income. This was a great team effort, and thanks go to our dedicated staff team, our volunteers and many supporters and partners, including the law firms who form our valued Legal Panel and the testing and pharmaceutical firms who supported us through several initiatives.
We also reviewed our financial controls, which we do annually as part of good governance.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
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 to cover six months’ expenditure. On 31st December 2021, the charity’s free reserves represented 5.37 months’ (2020: 8.64 months’) expenditure: £158,585.
The charity’s aim to broaden our income streams and increase income has been quite successful given the challenging economic environment. We expect to continue this diversification in the coming years.
During the pandemic, the stress case on the charity’s funding has been intense. However, both due to good planning and prudent financial management, our expenditure has not significantly outstripped our income in either 2020 or 2021.
We therefore do not feel the need to continue with a reserves policy of 9 months’ expenditure. Earlier this year, the Board unanimously agreed to change our Reserves Policy to a target of 6 months’ free reserves from 9 months.
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 daily. Except for the Chief Executive, all trustees give their time freely, and none received remuneration in the year. Similarly, the Medical Advisory Panel is not remunerated. Although Trustees can claim their travelling expenses to attend Board meetings, none were claimed during 2021.
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 2022
GBSS will:
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continue to work with the Royal Colleges and other professional bodies to ensure our information materials are
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appropriate for their members and the families in their care
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continue to engage with our Parent Advisory Panel on how best to support affected families, and act accordingly
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develop and improve the support we offer to families; through our Helpline, social media platforms and other online
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services
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press for all pregnant women to be provided with information about GBS so they can make an informed choice about
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testing and treatment
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improve GBS training and awareness for obstetricians, midwives, health visitors and GPs and encourage more
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hospitals to use our leaflets and posters so that expectant and new parents are fully informed about GBS and able to make informed decisions about their care
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continue to encourage ethical research, support it whenever possible, and be involved as patient and public
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involvement representatives on GBS research studies and policy development committees. We will look to
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accelerate the pace of research and vaccine development where we can
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support the GBS3 trial and other clinical trials that will lead to better GBS prevention, identification and treatment > campaign and engage with politicians, government bodies and other decision-makers across the UK to ensure GBS
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is a top priority and all babies are given the best start in life
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work tirelessly to stop GBS infection in babies and to support families who have been affected
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
We are excited to be organising our first two-day virtual conference on GBS – Group B Strep in Pregnancy and Babies - on 12 and 13 July 2022. It will be an entirely virtual conference, aimed chiefly at health professionals, though we know that some families will also be interested.
Our services are needed more than ever, and we are determined to continue to provide them, and improve them.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
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 & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, 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.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ Mrs J Plumb MBE, Chief Executive
Date: 16-Aug-2022
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GROUP B STREP SUPPORT
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 2021.
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 ICAEW, 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
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
-
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: 16-Aug-2022 Janice Matthews, FCA Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Centrum House 36 Station Road Egham Surrey TW20 9LF
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investments 4 Other income 5 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 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 2021 £ 134,272 238,416 696 742 374,126 30,082 323,207 353,289 20,837 403,758 20,837 424,595 |
Restricted funds 2021 £ - - - - - - 647 647 (647) 647 (647) - |
Total funds 2021 £ 134,272 238,416 696 742 374,126 30,082 323,854 353,936 20,190 404,405 20,190 424,595 |
Total funds 2020 £ 115,968 144,911 686 - 261,565 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17,808 272,024 289,832 |
||||
| (28,267) | ||||
| 432,672 (28,267) 404,405 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form part of these financial statements.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 05587535
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Stocks Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 13 Unrestricted funds 13 Total funds |
1,145 15,345 417,613 434,103 (17,923) |
2021 £ 8,415 8,415 416,180 424,595 424,595 - 424,595 424,595 |
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 |
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, Chief Executive
Date: 16-Aug-2022
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form part of these financial statements.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
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 created significant uncertainty and the charity was 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 any further uncertainty as we work to develop new income streams. We are taking action to control costs where appropriate and we will continue to monitor the position carefully. 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.
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.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.5 Expenditure (continued)
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
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: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
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 Total 2020 |
Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 1,555 17,130 31,561 28,500 1,583 47,721 134,272 - 134,272 105,968 |
Restricted funds 2021 £ - - - - - - - - - 10,000 |
Total funds 2021 £ 1,555 17,130 31,561 28,500 1,583 47,721 134,272 - 134,272 115,968 |
Total funds 2020 £ 615 40,960 29,869 19,449 2,375 12,700 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105,968 | ||||
| 10,000 | ||||
| 115,968 | ||||
3. Income from charitable activities
| General fundraising Sponsorships Merchandise income Total 2020 |
Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 149,662 87,464 1,290 238,416 144,911 |
Total funds 2021 £ 149,662 87,464 1,290 238,416 144,911 |
Total funds 2020 £ 92,944 50,550 1,417 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144,911 | |||
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
4. Investment income
| Investment income Total 2020 Other incoming resources Other income |
Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 696 686 Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 742 |
Total funds 2021 £ 696 686 Total funds 2021 £ 742 |
Total funds 2020 £ 686 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2020 £ - |
5. Other incoming resources
6. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
| Website trading Merchandise Other fundraising costs Total 2020 |
Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 2,894 13,557 13,631 30,082 17,808 |
Total funds 2021 £ 2,894 13,557 13,631 30,082 17,808 |
Total funds 2020 £ 2,444 125 15,239 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17,808 | |||
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Expenditure Total 2020 |
Support costs 2021 £ 323,854 272,024 |
Total funds 2021 £ 323,854 272,024 |
Total funds 2020 £ 272,024 |
|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of support costs
| Charitable activities 2021 £ Staff costs 202,628 Depreciation 3,526 Premises, rent and stationery 18,534 Office running costs 7,308 Awareness 66,485 Entertainment and travel 103 Bank charges and interest 140 Management and professional fees 22,505 Governance - independent examiner's fee 2,625 323,854 Total 2020 272,024 8. Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Company's annual accounts |
Total funds 2021 £ 202,628 3,526 18,534 7,308 66,485 103 140 22,505 2,625 323,854 272,024 2021 £ 2,625 |
Total funds 2020 £ 192,947 2,015 18,017 8,582 38,251 146 80 9,486 2,500 |
|---|---|---|
| 272,024 | ||
| 2020 £ 2,500 |
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
9. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2021 £ 183,652 13,797 5,179 202,628 |
2020 £ 170,749 17,236 4,962 |
|---|---|---|
| 192,947 |
The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Administration | 6 | 6 |
| The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was: | ||
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| No. | No. | |
| In the band £70,001 - £80,000 | 1 | 1 |
During the year, one trustee received emoluments (including pension contributions) of £73,527 (2020 - £73,535) 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 (2020: There were no reimbursed costs during the year).
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2021 Additions At 31 December 2021 Depreciation At 1 January 2021 Charge for the year At 31 December 2021 Net book value At 31 December 2021 At 31 December 2020 Debtors Due within one year Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Fixtures and fittings £ 10,766 - 10,766 10,585 25 10,610 156 181 |
Office equipment £ 27,820 8,105 35,925 24,165 3,501 27,666 8,259 3,655 2021 £ 100 - 15,245 15,345 |
Total £ 38,586 8,105 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46,691 | ||||
| 34,750 3,526 |
||||
| 38,276 | ||||
| 8,415 | ||||
| 3,836 | ||||
| 2020 £ 9,150 110 6,712 15,972 |
11. Debtors
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income |
2021 £ 213 5,110 12,600 17,923 |
2020 £ 817 5,122 10,450 |
|---|---|---|
| 16,389 |
13. 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 Covid recovery Fund General funds General Funds Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds National lottery funding Total of funds |
Balance at 1 January 2021 £ 90,000 20,000 29,000 35,000 21,000 - 195,000 208,758 403,758 647 404,405 |
Income £ - - - - - - - 374,126 374,126 - 374,126 |
Expenditure £ - - - - - - - (353,289) (353,289) (647) (353,936) |
Transfers in/out £ 31,000 30,000 (4,000) - (21,000) 35,000 71,000 (71,000) - - - |
Balance at 31 December 2021 £ 121,000 50,000 25,000 35,000 - 35,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 266,000 | |||||
| 158,595 | |||||
| 424,595 | |||||
| - | |||||
| 424,595 |
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
13. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior 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 Designated 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 | |||||
The designated reserves for 2022 are:-:
Running costs reserves
The running costs reserve was set up to safeguard against major fluctuations in income or significant short-term funding issues.
Information products update
The Information Fund includes producing, promoting and disseminating key GBS information in English and other languages.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
IT Services Fund
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.
GBS Research Impact Fund
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 pandemic forced the delay of the trial by 12 months.
Covid Recovery Fund
A review of our IT infrastructure is long overdue, and has been put on hold since the start of the pandemic. The world has changed, and we need to adapt the charity’s services and ways of working to address these changes and this fund has been created to reflect the cost of these changes.
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2021 £ 8,415 434,103 (17,923) 424,595 |
Total funds 2021 £ 8,415 434,103 (17,923) 424,595 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 368A2BCA-D333-4ECA-8661-D5D04A7F78A2
GROUP B STREP SUPPORT (A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
15. Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2021 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 |
2021 £ 16,514 24,908 41,422 |
2020 £ 16,514 41,422 |
|---|---|---|
| 57,936 |
16. Related party transactions
Oliver Plumb, the son of Jane Plumb (a trustee), is employed by the charity. During the year he received remuneration of £34,083 (2020: 31,000). He also received employer pension contributions of £945 (2020: £930). Oliver received no other expenses or benefits from the charity in either year.
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