popuIfyIIoNs Annual Report POP IEIS July 2023-June 2024 Every choice counts
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As I see it, humanity needs to reduce its impact on the Earth urgently and there are three ways to achieve this: we can stop consuming so many resources, we can change our technology and we can reduce the growth of our population.
Population Matters patron, Sir David Attenborough
Population Matters is a UK-based charity working globally to achieve our vision of humanity co-existing in harmony with nature and prospering on a healthy planet. We drive positive action through fostering choices that will help achieve a sustainable human population and regenerate our environment. We promote positive, practical, ethical solutions to enable everyone to enjoy a decent quality of life whilst sustaining the natural ecosystems upon which all life depends.
We believe that ALL POPULATIONS MATTER.
populationmatters.org[PopulationMatters] PopnMatters popnmatters o PopulationMatters @populationmatters
Population Matters, The Chandlery, 50 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7QY, UK Reg. charity: 1114109 Tel: 020 8123 9116
Contents
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIR
An introduction to Population Matters’ Annual Report by Sara Parkin OBE.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S MESSAGE 5
Overpopulation plays a huge part in many of the crises this planet and all its inhabitants face. Our new chief executive, Amy Jankiewicz, outlines how a new approach is needed to tackle the urgent challenges ahead.
OUR VISION, MISSION AND STRATEGY
6
How we’re working to put our plans into meaningful action, to demonstrate that achieving a sustainable future for people and planet is possible.
OUR IMPACT
From insightful reports to attending key conferences, this year has been a busy one for Population Matters. We’re also continuing to build global partnerships that are making a real difference to communities across the world.
OUR SUPPORTERS 12
Acknowledging the amazing people who support us, enabling us to develop our global impact.
OUR PATRONS
13
The individuals whose varied expertise and passion for both people and the environment provide valuable endorsement for our work.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
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Structure, Governance and Risk, Trustees Statement, Independent Examiner’s Report, Financial Statements.
Design, infographics & illustrations: Miller Design Editor: Anna Harris
Printed in the UK by Jamm Print & Productions using vegetable-based inks on carbon-balanced paper
statement by the chair
We’re well positioned to champion initiatives that weave together women’s capacity to manage their own fertility and the health of their families, while also safeguarding the environment on which they, and the rest of us, depend so absolutely.
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Visit populationmatters.org
Population Health
It remains for me to wish
everyone involved with the
energy and every success.
— if you aren’t doing so
about our vital and valuable
us as much as you are able.
Sara Parkin OBE
Chair, Population Matters
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
Our greatest worry of all is human population growth, in my opinion. So, we’ve got to start talking about this. Chris Packham, Population Matters patron
Population Matters is the only charity in the UK
Population Matters
Population Matters
Population Matters
Population Matters
PM does great work across the world in advocating for gender equality and women’s rights, and encourages practical, voluntary steps to reduce our consumption and environmental footprint.
PM supporter Alice Morley (pictured on page 12) who undertook a 10k run to raise funds for us
PM’s campaigning and practical support will, I believe, help achieve informed decisions by prospective parents and also encourage governments to consider more support for the practicalities of family planning.
PM supporter John Waldron, who organised a family fell walk fundraiser with his daughters
POPULATION MATTERS IS
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a
catalyst
for
informed grounded in connecting the pushing for a
change
by experts science issues fairer world
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chief executive’s message
The world is changing. The human population is due to hit 10 billion in a matter of decades. It is not sustainable, and we need a new approach to tackle the urgent challenges ahead. As the new chief executive of Population Matters, I m Our report Vanishing Icons (2023), which detailed six approach this review as Janus, the Roman god of beginnings _ case studies of charismatic megafauna at risk of extinction and endings. Taking over in March 2024, I inherited an due to the pressure of human population growth. organisation with a powerful history, brimming with energy and creativity. My role is to shape this energy and —=—‘™ We have been working intensely in the Population creativity inherent in all we do and point it at the future. | Health Environment (PHE) space. PHE — a development approach that recognises the links between communities, The world is changing. The human population is their health and the natural resources upon which due to hit 10 billion in a matter of decades. It is not they depend — focuses on voluntary family planning sustainable, and I recognise that we need a new information and services, environmental conservation, approach to tackle the urgent challenges ahead. and education. PHE is perhaps the pivot from the past to . ; ; Overpopulation the Population Matters future, and we will be redoubling this planet and allplaysits ainhabitants huge part inface. manyThose of thecrises crises our efforts in the coming months and years. include deforestation, massive exploitation of the oceans, ™ Another area where Population Matters has been pollution, overconsumption of resources way beyond strong — and which presages the future — is our original what is sustainable and the destruction of ecosystems and _ research. In 2021 we produced a powerful report on species that sustain life on earth and climate change. pronatalism. Welcome to Gilead exposed how politicians Bending: down the growth of human population: acrossreproductivethe world rightsare causejustifying of fearsthe restriction of populationof women’s decline. and, over time, reducing numbers — organically, consensually and through personal choice ~ is vital. This is work we will continue. Finding our unique voice It must be done by empowering women, supporting and bringing our unique contribution to the debate will gender equality and standing up for human rights. allow us to normalise conversations about population So, : . growth. Currently, it is often a taboo subject, and we need as I move forward with a new team of senior leaders at Jeaders to understand and embrace population challenges Population Matters, my colleagues are focused on working at if we are to solve the world’s environmental problems. the intersection of ecology, rights and female empowerment, We are interdependent. We cannot muscle through the viewed always through the lens of population. current crisis, consuming more indefinitely. This is nota radical rejection of the past. Our We believe that a future in which a sustainable population foundations are sound, and we are building on them. co-exists in harmony with nature and prospers on a Its, however, a new narrative, a new focus and a new healthy planet, to the benefit of all, is possible. Our way of codifying and clarifying our approach. commitment to achieving this remains absolute. As our What Population Matters has achieved to date is patron, Sir David Attenborough, says: “ All our environmental problems become easier to solve with fewer people, and harder strong. Some highlights include: ) – and ultimately impossible – to solve with ever more people mu The Nigeria Population Conversation , organised by . . . Population Matters and our in-country partner Civil I believe a popwations wh. As euidine ot ‘ne Pa and Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC). Today, embrace the future, this © our guiding star for all we do. Nigeria has the largest population growth of any country on earth. Our work with CISLAC brough population issues f é : Amy Jankiewicz withinto the CISLAC media andto undertwe a reke strengthening ourmore work together. relationship CEO, Population Matters ogy 7onlef Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24 5_
our new vision and mission
Our vision
sustainably Our mission
our values
We use evidence-based research and learning to improve ourselves and our outcomes
We work through local and global partnerships We are open and committed to truth
Current Status
We promote women’s choices
Required Status
our organisational principles
Efficiency Collaboration
Respect Inclusive leadership
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our new strategy
We have set out a new, five-year strategic plan to 2030
all populations matte
Mission oriented goals 1. As the go-to organisation for leadership on human
2.
3.
Organisational oriented goals
4.
5.
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
our impact
The pledges outlined in our previous Annual Report (2022-2023) included forging new alliances and relationships, making our presence known at key international events, and maximising the value of our research. During the 2023-2024 reporting year, we delivered on these commitments. Population Matters published six reports,
February 2023: The lifecycle of a smartphone
March 2024: Breaking Silos
July 2023: People Power not state power – population policies that work This;; was RS
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Issue 43
Autumn 2023
OUR NEW REPORT
SHOWS HOW
POPULATION
POLICIES WORK
every choice counts
Inspiring
Improving visions
lives Enhancing opportunities Having an impact
Positive
Empowering
Population choices
A route to
Future
wellbeing
with
Benefits
today!
ISSN 2053-0412 (Print) ISSN 2053-0420 (Online)
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October 2023: Vanishing Icons
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VANISHING ICONS
Po
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How population growth is driving our
most-loved animals to extinction
A Population Matters report
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October 2023: Population Health Environment (PHE) advocacy work
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our impact
Population Matters hosted and attended a range of events to raise awareness of the pressing issues surrounding a growing and unsustainable global population and its impact on people and the planet.
July 2023: World Population Day
Our Change Champion Awards people’s effective and brave work promoting
Our Is Education the Magic Bullet? looked at the critical links between webinareducation, population, women’s empowerment and the environment. The speakers brought a wide of perspectives articulating their contrasting powerful personal experiences. September 2023: Sustainability Education Conference, India Population Matters was invited to speak at the
February 2024: Population Conversation, Nigeria
March 2024: Breaking Silos webinar
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
our impact
Population Matters supported partners and colleagues to enable them to attend key events. This provided the opportunity for diverse voices to be heard on global platforms.
July 2023: Women Deliver Conference
November 2023: COP 28
March 2024: CSW session at the UN
empowerment of women. The highlight was Breaking Silos sharing our reports, including ; with UN officials. April 2024: Population and Development Conference
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our impact
Empower to Plan, our small-grants programme, champions pro-choice, ethical, and culturally sensitive solutions in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, environmental conservation, and Population, Health, and Environment (PHE) initiatives.
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
our supporters
A huge thank you to our members and supporters.
Alastair Adams, Julian Audsley, Mrs Abigail Bagshaw, Ms Janet Beal, Dr P Bermingham, Emma Blythman, Mr Scott Carlton, Mr Clive Catherall, Mr William Gornall, Emeritus Professor John Guillebaud, Dr Reza Hossain, Roger Jarrett, Winston Jen, Mr Alan Johnson, Mr Christopher Lawson, Mr Damien McBraida, Mr François Micheli, Mr Norman Pasley, Dr Sofia Pineda Ochoa, Mr Martin Rayner, Mr Iain Richardson, Dr Stefan Sellbjer, Mr John Starbuck FRGS, Mr Nigel Stevenson, and Richard Vernon.
Wereceived,from are veryin gratefulmemory forof Judith Olwyn Todd the legacy we Mr Raymond Todd.
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our patrons
We are honoured to count the following individuals as our patrons. With their varied expertise and passion for both people and the environment, our patrons help to emphasise the importance of concern about human population for achieving a sustainable future. We thank them for their high-profile, visible support of our vision and mission.
Leilani Münter
Sir David Attenborough OM CH CVO CBE FRS FZS FRA
Internationally respected naturalist, broadcaster and presenter of several seminal series including Blue Planet. In 2022, he received the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his advocacy for the protection of the natural world.
Dame Jane Goodall PhD DBE
Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace. Her field research redefined the relationship between humans and animals in ways that continue to emanate around the world.
Chris Packham
Naturalist, campaigner, nature photographer, broadcaster and author. In 2014, Chris was voted ‘Conservation Hero of the Year’ in the Birders’ Choice Awards. In 2016, he earned the top honour at the Wildscreen Panda Awards in recognition of his contribution to wildlife filmmaking, conservation and the public’s understanding of the environment.
Ex-race car driver, child-free champion and environmental campaigner.
Jonathon Porritt CBE
Director of Forum for the Future, former Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, President of Population Matters.
Prof Sir Partha Dasgupta
FRS FBA Frank Ramsey Professor of Economics, University of Cambridge.
Prof Paul Ehrlich ForMemRS
Bing Professor of Population Studies, Stanford University.
Prof John Guillebaud
Emeritus Professor of Family Planning and Reproductive Health, University College, London, and Medical Director, Margaret Pyke Centre for Family Planning.
Gordon Buchanan MBE
Wildlife filmmaker and presenter. He was presented with an MBE for services to charity and wildlife conservation.
Adrian Hayes
Record-breaking polar explorer and adventurer, speaker, coach, campaigner and author.
We would also like to extend our thanks to our Expert Advisory Group – individuals from a wide range of disciplines whose expertise and advice we have been able to draw upon.
Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Wendo Aszed, Prof Ugo Bardi, Dr Patrick Curry, Dr Edu Effiom, Dr Rebecca Foljambe, Dr Jane O’Sullivan, Alisha Graves, Laurel Hanscom, Graeme Maxton, Prof Fred Naggs, Prof William Rees, William Ryerson, Prof Jeroen Van Den Bergh and Prof Peter Wadhams.
Malcolm Potts MB BChir PhD FRCOG
Professor in Maternal and Child Health and former holder of the Fred H. Bixby Endowed Chair in Population and Family Planning of the University of California.
Judy Ling Wong CBE
Hon President of Black Environment Network (BEN), focused on integrating environmental, social and cultural issues in the context of sustainable development.
Susan Hampshire OBE
Actress and population campaigner.
Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24 i 13
structure, governance and risk
Organisation Structure
Population Matters is a UK charity regulated by the Charity Commission (No 1114109) and a company limited by
Act 2006 (No 3019081). It is governed by its Articles of Association. Until 2011, Population Matters was known as Optimum Population Trust. The registered named was formally changed in April 2023 to ‘Population Matters’.
Board activities and composition
The Board meets quarterly to review the strategy and performance of Population Matters. Board meetings were held physically, with subcommittee meetings held virtually. To facilitate effective operations, the Board has delegated authority to the
the senior leadership team, for the management and implementation of operational strategy, staff, operations,
two Board sub-committees: the Finance, Risk, Investments and Audit Committee (FRIA), chaired by the Treasurer and the Nominations and Remunerations Committee, chaired by the Chair.
The Articles, which have been reviewed and revised during the year, provide for Board members to be appointed for a
before at least a one-year break, with a provision that allows a Board member to serve longer, subject to an annual review, if other Board members consider exceptional circumstances justify it.
The recruitment of new Board members is managed by our Nominations and Remunerations Committee, using the widest possible networks and a rigorous appointment process, to ensure that we
knowledge, experience and networks the charity needs to maximise its future impact.
New Board members are provided with an induction to their role through the provision of a range of internal information and guidance relating to the charity, as well as direction to sources of best practice.
Remuneration
Staff remuneration is reviewed annually. We have a salary grid based on a comparison of published salary scales to ensure that remuneration is consistent with that paid for similar roles in charities of a similar size. Board members give their time voluntarily and are not remunerated other than for modest expenses. No Board member or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
Risk
The Board has a duty to manage the charity’s resources responsibly and to ensure that there is
an effective risk management process in place. Board members are assisted in meeting their responsibilities by the Finance, Risk, Investment and Audit Committee (FRIA), which oversees the Risk Management Process, making recommendations regarding present and
the types of risks we face, rates them in terms of potential impact and likelihood
mitigation measures and is reviewed
strategic and reputational. An evaluation of new and changed risks forms part of the regular meetings of the senior management team and a review of principal risks is included in the papers of each Board meeting.
We review and refresh our strategy
of unexpected opportunities as they arise. Reputational risk is reduced through clear and strong rebuttal of any misrepresentation and false allegations,
communications. In terms of nurturing our staff, we have a regular appraisal process which ensures that staff remain motivated and committed. We regularly review our data practices and cyber security, ensuring that key data and systems are backed up and appropriate safeguards put in place. We have made a number of operational improvements throughout the year to reduce risk, tighten processes and ensure they remain aligned, across all functions, to achieving our strategic objectives.
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Officers at year end
Sara Parkin OBE
Chair
Lisa Mitchell
Interim Deputy Chair, Treasurer
Directors at year end
Pip Hayes
A semi-retired GP in Devon, Pip was a member of the PM Board previously and has recently re-joined. She is also a board member of the Tamar Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners and a non-executive board member of Devon Doctors.
Lisa Mitchell
Vicky Poll
Vicky has always been passionate about creating environments for life to thrive and studied genetics at UCL to better understand our foundations and the interplay between nature and nurture. Since then, her career has been focussed on people and organisation development.
Simone Filippini
As a Dutch diplomat, Simone served as Head of the Gender, SRHR and Women’s Rights department in the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consul-General for the Southeastern United States and Dutch Caribbean, and Ambassador to North Macedonia. In January 2023, she started a new role as Chairperson of the Dutch International Commission for social and environmental Impact Assessment.
Senior Leadership Team
Amy Jankiewicz
Joshua Hill
Head of Finance and Operations
Dominic Nutt
Interim Head of Campaigns and Communications
Shoaban Nair
Head of Fundraising and Engagement
managing director with responsibility for finance and operations at a niche consultancy business. She has previously been a non-executive director in the
operations teams for over 20 years in
Arthur Andersen.
Sara Parkin OBE
Sara is Principal Associate of The Sustainability Literacy Project. She is a co-founder of Forum for the Future and has served in many activist, advisory and governance roles. She has authored several books, with the one she is currently working on provisionally titled 'What Does Good Like?', due out in 2025.
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
financial summary
OVERVIEW
Income rose by 8% to £3.2 million. This was largely due to legacy income of £2.6 million which included a restricted legacy of £317K for use in our Smaller Families campaign. Donations remained consistent with a small increase of 1.4% year on year. Gift aid income is dependent on our donor mix, with corporate and payroll giving, as well as overseas donations, included in the sources of income that do not qualify for gift aid. Grant income was much reduced (55%), as we came to the end of the 2021-24 strategy period, and focused on developing our future plans.
We use our resources to further our charitable aims for the public ���������������� end, we analyse our expenditure in relation to our three charitable objectives, which effectively translate into campaigning (to bring about change), raising awareness (education of the public) and research (into population sustainability). There was a focus this year on growing our work with global partners including our Population Conversation Event in Nigeria.
Our overall income increased slightly, largely because of legacies, which are uncorrelated to donation income. There was a rise in total income of £246,956 in the year to 30 June 2024, and an increase in expenditure of only £115,694. This resulted in a surplus of £2,044,518, compared with a surplus of £1,913,256 in the previous year. The management ������������������������������� performance to ensure the outturn aligns to the approved budget. The surplus was driven both by accounting recognition ��������������������������������
Unrestricted reserves at the year-end amounted to £4,538,014 and cash totalled £3,405,553, both considerably in excess of the minimum level of £650,000 required by the charity’s reserves policy.
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
Income grew year on year by £246,956 (8%) to £3,211,312, driven by an increase in legacy income (£299,955) offset by reductions in grants (£56,808), and other small variations. New legacies in the year were from twelve individuals, with the largest single legacy totalling £1,456,240. The recent increase in legacy income has given us the opportunity to begin reviewing our fundraising function, with a view to investing in building the foundations we need to create a range of sustainable income streams.
Expenditure increased overall by £115,694 (11%) to £1,166,794. Spending has been allocated to the three principal areas of campaigning (to bring about change), raising awareness (education of the public) and research (into population sustainability), all of which rose during the year.
Expenditure on campaigning increased by £138,673 (40%) as we focussed on growing our relationships with overseas �������������������������������������
India and Nigeria. These partnerships are expected to continue into the coming year.
Expenditure on fundraising appears ������������������������������������ we now apportion overhead costs more accurately among departments. We are also slightly increasing our investment in fundraising to help create a diverse and sustainable income. There was a decrease in spending on Raising Awareness (down £66,655) and Research (down £36,437).
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RESERVES
The purpose of reserves
funds for the continuing operation of the organisation in the event of a drop in income or of other risks manifesting and to enable it to take advantage of unforeseen opportunities.
Following the most recent review, the Board has determined that the minimum level of unrestricted reserves required to meet its objectives is £650,000. Our reserves policy is based on four core
operational provision and strategic considerations. The reserve is reviewed at least annually, with a formal evaluation completed during the annual budget process to ensure reserves remain aligned
to our strategic objectives
At the year-end, reserves are
£650,000 minimum level, at £4,821,587 (of which £4,538,012
in cash (£3,405,553) following receipt of significant legacy payments during the year. As set out in note 16, following a
that the minimum cash reserve will be £1 million by 2030. Further, of the £3.5 million designated strategic fund, £750,000 will be held for periods after 2030, and the remaining £2.75 million will be gradually wound down over the
now assess an investment portfolio to ensure an appropriate risk-based return is achieved.
INVESTMENTS
We opened new bank accounts with the Co-operative Bank during the year to
have cash funds spread across a number of deposit-taking institutions, with over 50% of our cash funds held with CAF Bank and the remaining balance largely split between the Co-operative Bank and Triodos.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to
statements unless they are satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing
are required to:
select suitable accounting policies
observe the methods and principles
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed
© prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees’ Statement was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by S.L. Parkin and authorised for issue on 1st February 2025:
S.L. Parkin (Chair) - Trustee
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
independent auditor’s report
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF POPULATION MATTERS
Opinion
of Population Matters (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 30 June 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting
of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 30 June 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting :
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit
of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are
statements in the UK, including the FRC’s
our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have
provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting
statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed,
uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or
on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the trustees’ annual report. Our opinion
cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is
statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in
based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the information given in the trustees’ report, which includes the directors’ report prepared for the purposes of
are prepared is consistent with the
the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified. ves material. misstatements. in. the
strategic report or the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from
@ the financial statements are not
in agreement with the accounting
- certain disclosures of trustees’
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the
8 vs true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
we have not received all the information and explanations we
- the Trustees were not entitled to
accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the directors’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
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Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
independent auditor’s report
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they
could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on
The risks were discussed with the audit team and we remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We carried out
disclosures to underlying supporting
management, including those charged with governance.
To address the risk of management override of controls, we carried out testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness. We also assessed management bias in relation to the accounting policies adopted and
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone, other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
estimates.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
We obtained an understanding of the charitable company and the sector in which it operates to identify laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a direct effect on the
understanding in this regard through discussions with management, sector research and application of cumulative audit knowledge and experience.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement
compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the
likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the
Financial Reporting Council’s website at:
Michael Cooper-Davis FCCA ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
Price Bailey LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors 24 Old Bond Street London W1S 4AP
Date: 14 February 2025
.
We determined the principal laws and regulations relevant to the charitable company in this regard to be those arising from the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, and the Charities SORP.
This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
20
financial statements
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
| Note 2 3 4 5 6 7 |
Unrestricted funds £ 411,857 2,305,715 68,750 49,934 106 13,651 2,850,013 198,003 417,412 328,913 95,858 1,040,186 1,809,827 - 1,809,827 - 2,728,187 4,538,014 |
Restricted funds £ 40,312 317,632 - 3,355 - - 361,299 53,557 71,051 - 2,000 126,608 234,691 - 234,691 - 48,884 283,575 |
Total funds 2024 £ 452,169 2,623,347 68,750 53,289 106 13,651 3,211,312 251,560 488,463 328,913 97,858 1,166,794 2,044,518 - 2,044,518 - 2,777,071 4,821,589 |
Total funds 2023 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income | £ | ||||
| Donations | 445,840 | ||||
| Legacies | 2,323,392 | ||||
| Grants | 125,558 | ||||
| Gift aid | 51,107 | ||||
| Other trading activities | 416 | ||||
| Investment income | 18,043 | ||||
| Total income | 2,964,356 | ||||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Raising funds | 171,447 | ||||
| Charitable activities | |||||
| Campaigning | 349,790 | ||||
| Raising awareness | 395,568 | ||||
| Research | 134,295 | ||||
| Total expenditure | 1,051,100 | ||||
| Net income / (expenditure) | 1,913,256 | ||||
| Unrealised Net gains on investments |
- | ||||
| Net income for the year | 1,913,256 | ||||
| Transfers between funds | - | ||||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 863,815 | ||||
| Total funds carried forward | 2,777,071 |
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
21
Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
financial statements
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
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2024 2023
Fixed assets Note £ £ £ £
Intangible fixed assets 10 8,653 11,880
Tangible fixed assets 11 8,809 4,841
17,462 16,721
Current assets
Debtors 12 1,521,156 2,173,104
Investments 13 - -
Cash at bank and in hand 15 3,405,553 744,057
4,926,707 2,917,161
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling 14 (122,582) (156,811)
due within one year
Net current assets 4,804,125 2,760,350
Total net assets 4,821,589 2,777,071
Funds 16
Unrestricted funds 1,038,014 2,728,187
Designated funds 3,500,000
Restricted funds 283,575 48,884
Total funds 4,821,589 2,777,071
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������������������������������������ prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
�������������������������������������� by the Board of Trustees and were signed on its behalf by S.L. Parkin and authorised for issue on 1st February 2025: S.L. Parkin (Chair) - Trustee. The policies on page 24 and notes on pages 25-27 form part of the ��������������������
Charity: 1114109 Company: 3019081
S.L. Parkin (Chair) - Trustee 1st February 2025
22
CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
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2024 2023
Note £ £
Cash flows from operating activities 15 2,681,468 (52,811)
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase/sale of tangible assets (6,320) (17,331)
Investment income (13,652) (18,043)
Sales of investments - 166,826
Net cash used in investing activities (19,972) 131,452
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the 2,661,496 78,641
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the 744,057 665,416
beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end 3,405,553 744,057
of the reporting period
Analysis of changes in net debt
Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 July 2023 744,057 665,416
Cash flows 2,661,496 78,641
Cash and cash equivalents as at 30 June 2024 3,405,553 744,057
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23
Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024
Note 1: Accounting policies
1.1 - Basis of preparation
under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies
been prepared under the historical cost convention. Optimum Population meets the definition of a public benefit entity under
FRS102. The functional and presentational currency is pounds sterling.
1.2 - Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
1.3 - Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer
settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and
aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
1.4 - Allocation and apportionment of costs
1.5 - Intangible assets
Domain names are being amortised over their estimated useful life of 4 years. Trademarks are being amortised over their registered period of 10 years. Website development costs are being amortised over their estimated useful life of 2 years.
1.6 - Tangible assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each
equipment – 20% on cost
1.7 - Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
1.8 - Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when
raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the
1.9 - Pension costs and other post retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a
Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
1.10 - Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Accrued income is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.
1.11 - Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds o a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estmated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.12 - Financial Instruments
instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently recognised at their settlement value. Trade and other debtors, cash at bank and creditors are recognised at cost which is
their fair value and fixed assets are valed at cost less depreciation. Investments are
are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value
1.13 - Investments
In the prior years investments were measured at historical cost. This year investments are measured at fair value through SOFA. Net gains and losses on revaluation are shown in the SoFA. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value.
1.14 - Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
No judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies. The trustees make estimates and assumptions concerning the future based on their knowledge of the charity and the environment in which it operates. The resulting accounting estimates and
equal the related actual outcome.
Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute directly to more than one activity are apportioned between those activities. Support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between the activities being supported. Further detail on the basis of allocation of support costs can be found in note 7.
24
| Note 2 - Income | Note 2 - Income | Note 7 - Net Income/Expenditure | Note 7 - Net Income/Expenditure | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | Total | Total | |||
| £ | £ | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||
| Donations | 411,857 | 40,312 | 452,169 | 445,840 | Net income / (expenditure) is stated after charging: |
|||
| Legacies | 2,305,715 | 317,632 | 2,623,347 | 2,323,392 | Depreciation - owned assets | 2,352 | 2,398 | |
| Grants | 68,750 | - | 68,750 | 125,558 | Website costs amortisation | 3,227 | 992 | |
| Gift aid | 49,934 | 3,355 | 53,289 | 51,107 | Audit fees | 16,170 | 15,100 | |
| 2,836,256 | 361,299 | 3,197,555 | 2,945,897 | |||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | Note 8 - Trustees remuneration and benefits | ||||
| £ | £ | 2024 | 2023 | Total | Total | |||
| Sales | 56 | - | 56 | 416 | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Other income | 50 | - | 50 | - | Trustees' expenses | 5,288 | 3,288 | |
| 106 | - | 106 | 416 | Note 9: Staff costs | ||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Note 3 - Investment income | £ | £ | ||||||
| Investment fund distributions |
Unrestricted £ - |
Restricted £ - |
Total 2024 - |
Total 2023 12,339 |
Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
521,441 40,807 25,352 |
384,133 37,176 22,153 |
|
| Deposit account interest |
13,651 | - | 13,651 | 5,704 | 587,600 | 443,462 | ||
| 13,651 | - | 13,651 | 18,043 | The average monthly number of employees | during the year was | |||
| Note 4 - Expenditure | on raising | funds | as follows: | 2024 | 2023 | |||
| Direct £ |
Support £ |
Total 2024 |
Total 2023 |
11 | 10 | |||
| Fundraising direct costs |
153,853 | - | 153,853 | 98,891 | 11 | 10 | ||
| Other events | - | - | - | 202 | ��������������������������������� | ��������� | ������ | �� |
| Advertising, | employer pension costs) exceeded £70,000 was: | |||||||
| promotions & | 5,483 | - | 5,483 | 17,035 | ||||
| website costs | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Fundraising support costs |
- | 92,224 | 92,224 | 55,319 | £70,001 - £80,000 £80,001 - £90,000 |
1 1 |
1 0 |
|
| 159,336 | 92,224 | 251,560 | 171,447 | |||||
| 2 | 1 | |||||||
| Note 5 - Expenditure | on charitable activities | The charity carries out its operations by engaging a mix | ||||||
| Direct £ |
Support £ |
Total 2024 |
Total 2023 |
of full time and part time staff, self-employed contractors and volunteers. |
||||
| Campaigning | 330,236 | 158,227 | 488,463 | 349,790 | ||||
| Raising awareness |
201,260 | 127,653 | 328,913 | 395,568 | Note 10: Intangible fixed assets | |||
| Research | 66,838 | 31,020 | 97,858 | 134,295 | ||||
| Website costs | ||||||||
| 598,334 | 316,900 | 915,234 | 879,653 | £ | ||||
| Cost | ||||||||
| Note 6 - Analysis of support costs Expenditure on raising funds Expenditure on charitable activities Total 2024 |
Total 2023 |
At 1st July 2023 Additions At 30th June 2024 |
12,872 - 12,872 |
|||||
| Governance costs | 9,492 | 83,381 | 92,873 | 50,532 | Amortisation | |||
| Membership & finance costs |
22,613 | 84,917 | 107,530 | 67,299 | At 1st July 2023 Charge for year |
(992) (3,227) |
||
| Website & IT costs | 29,502 | 28,444 | 57,946 | 69,840 | At 30th June 2024 | (4,219) | ||
| Other staff costs | 21,357 | 79,347 | 100,704 | 137,942 | Net book value | |||
| Office costs Other costs |
6,113 3,146 |
28,615 12,196 |
34,728 15,342 |
25,109 8,951 |
At 30th June 2023 At 30th June 2024 |
11,880 8,653 |
||
| 92,223 | 316,900 | 409,123 | 359,673 |
| Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net income / (expenditure) is stated after | ||
| charging: | ||
| Depreciation - owned assets | 2,352 | 2,398 |
| Website costs amortisation | 3,227 | 992 |
| Audit fees | 16,170 | 15,100 |
| Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Trustees' expenses | 5,288 | 3,288 |
| Note 9: Staff costs | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 521,441 | 384,133 |
| Social security costs | 40,807 | 37,176 |
| Pension costs | 25,352 | 22,153 |
| 587,600 | 443,462 |
25
Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
Note 11: Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1st July 2023 Additions Disposals At 30th June 2024 Depreciation At 1st July 2023 Disposals Charge for year At 30th June 2024 Net book value At 30th June 2023 At 30th June 2024 |
Office equipment £ 15,973 6,492 (1,140) |
|---|---|
| 21,325 | |
| (11,132) 967 (2,352) |
|
| (12,517) | |
| 4,841 | |
| 8,809 |
Note 12: Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Accrued income Other debtors Gift aid debtors Legacies accrued Prepayments |
2024 £ 3,017 911 3,841 1,495,528 17,859 1,521,156 |
2023 £ 1,908 - 11,302 2,155,570 4,324 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,173,104 |
Note 13: Current asset investments
| Listed investments | 2024 £ - |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|
| - |
Note 14: Reconciliation of net expenditure to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net movement in funds Depreciation charge (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in short term creditors Investment income (Gain) on investments |
2024 £ 2,044,518 5,578 651,950 (34,229) 13,651 - 2,681,468 |
2023 £ 1,913,256 3,390 (2,010,187) 22,687 18,043 - |
|---|---|---|
| (52,811) |
Note 15: Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Deferred income from grants Accrued expenses Other creditors |
2024 £ 2023 £ 17,847 23,625 - 68,750 87,886 48,567 16,849 15,869 122,582 156,811 |
|---|---|
Note 16: Movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General Fund Designated Funds Strategic Development Restricted Funds Empower to Plan Research Smaller families Total |
At 1.7.23 Restated 2,728,187 - 38,986 9,898 - 48,884 2,777,071 |
Income 2,850,013 - 43,667 - 317,632 361,299 3,211,312 |
Expenditure (1,040,186) - (53,557) (2,000) (71,051) (126,608) (1,166,794) |
Transfers In/Out (3,500,000) 3,500,000 - - - - - |
At 30.6.24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,038,014 | |||||
| 3,500,000 | |||||
| 29,096 7,898 246,581 |
|||||
| 283,575 | |||||
| 4,821,589 |
26
Note 16: Movement in funds - continued
Strategic Development
The Strategic Development Fund (‘the Fund’) is designed to fund a range of structural developments we will implement, with £2.75m planned to be used before 2030, and the remainder by 2033. These developments will enable us to scale up our impact, both to achieve our strategic goals until 2030, and beyond. They include one-off costs associated with:
-
Establishing a dedicated Research Team to expand PM's existing research capabilities.
-
Establishing a model of overseas hubs, in which we will work alongside our strategic partners.
Note 17: Analysis of net assets by fund
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 8,653 | - | 8,653 |
| Tangible assets | 8,809 | - | 8,809 |
| Current assets | 4,520,552 4,538,014 |
283,575 283,575 |
4,804,127 4,821,589 |
Note 18: Related party disclosures
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30th June 2024 (2023: None).
- Establishing a wider international partnership programme.
We will distribute the Fund across these areas as the circumstances dictate. We will also have ongoing funding needs for the various projects we will undertake, capitalising on these structural developments. We have constructed afive-year forecast designed to invest the Fund with
Note 19: Contingent assets
Legacy income is only included in incoming resources where the legacy has been received or both the recipient and the amount is probably. As at 30 June 2024 the Charity has been
notified of the following legacies which have not been fully
recognised as income in these accounts:
investment. We have also been mindful not to increase
Recent large legacy income has enabled us to invest as described above, and we are honoured that people have chosen to support us in this way. However, beyond this, our income base is not currently sustainable, because this income has come from a small number of gifts. We will, therefore, invest some of the Fund to both diversify our income base and to improve our legacy income – return on investment on the latter will be seen predominantly after 2030.
-
An Estate where the Charity is entitled to a 5% share of the residual of an estate, where a £40,000 payment was received and recognised during the year, but where it is not possible to accurately estimate the remaining balance due.
-
An Estate where the Charity is entitled to a 10% share of the residual of an estate, where it is not possible to accurately estimate the balance due.
Restricted Funds
Empower to Plan is funding to deliver family planning projects on the ground. Research covers promotional costs associated with some of our commissioned research. Smaller
individuals to consider the size of their families.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered company number: 3019081 (England and Wales) Registered charity number: 1114109 (England and Wales)
Registered charity number: 1114109 (England and Wales) London SE1 7QY UK AUDITORS Price Bailey LLP Chartered Accountants Registered office: The Chandlery, 50 Westminster BridgeRoad, Statutory Auditors 8th Floor, Dashwood House, 69 Old Broad Street, London EC2M 1QS
BANKERS
CAF Bank – 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4JQ Triodos Bank – Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AS Co-operative Bank – 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M4 4BE
27
Population Matters | Annual Report 23/24
=e Oe IS POSSIBLE
Our vision is of a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.
Our mission is to address the negative consequences of ever more people using ever more of the planet’s resources, and to inspire and engage with others to find, share and promote ways to make our vision a reality as quickly as possible.
DISCOVER MORE AT POPULATIONMATTERS.ORG
Population Matters campaigns to achieve a sustainable human population, to protect the natural world and improve people’s lives. We are committed to human rights, women’s empowerment and global justice.
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