ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1114570 COMPANY REGISTRATION No: 05792657
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS for the year ended 31 MARCH 2024
Table of Contents
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Page 1 Chairman’s Report
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Page 1 Review of Activities
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Page 5 Report of the Directors
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Page 11 Independent Examiner’s Report
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Page 12 Statement of Financial Activities
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Page 13 Balance Sheet
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Page 14 Notes to the Accounts
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS for the year ended 31 MARCH 2024
The Board of Trustees has pleasure in presenting their Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Chairman’s Report
This year we are pleased to have seen a gradual increase in the numbers of long standing Members attending the Centre as well as welcoming several new sight impaired people who have joined the Society. Whilst we had hoped the attendees at our Social Groups would return to pre-covid levels we realise that whilst some of our Members are happy and indeed eager to maintain contact with the Society by telephone their life patterns have changed and they will not venture back to group activities. Our Newsletters continue to prove a very popular means of retaining a link with our Members, Supporters and Volunteers.
We have re-instated the vast majority of activities for the Members and fund raising events for Members, Supporters and Friends. The quarterly Quiz Nights are the most popular by far. The Trustees are most grateful to the Chief Executive who devises the quiz together with the Staff who give up their time to help organise, attend these events and make them such a success. Fund raising continues to be challenging in a difficult economic climate as does the recruitment of suitable Volunteers and Trustees.
This year we have also had the uncertainty of local government funding issues and the possible impact on the Charity. The Trustees are thankful we have their continued support for the forthcoming year.
The Trustees are extremely aware that our Chief Executive and Staff are pivotal to the smooth and efficient day to day running of the Society and therefore The Board are constantly reviewing the best management of our financial reserves so that the aims and objectives of the Society are maintained for the benefit of our members.
Review of Activities
Bournemouth Blind Society exists “to assist and benefit, but not with direct financial assistance, people with a visual impairment and/or hearing impairment living within the Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole area and to promote public awareness of sight and/or hearing loss.” Alternative ways of delivering the assistance and benefit mentioned were introduced as a result of the 2020 Covid pandemic, many of which are still in use.
As ever, our activities are designed, where possible, to:
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reduce isolation;
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retain or improve skills;
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give a sense of well-being and belonging;
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maintain independence.
We aim to deliver all our services in a cheerful, purposeful way. Many of the Members refer to our Centre in Moordown as their “second home” and the people they meet there as their “extended family”. A number also deem the Centre to be their “happy place”.
Many of our Members are older and a number live in their own home, often alone as their life partners have predeceased them. A number are still uneasy about allowing people into their
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homes. The need to re-build the trust that existed pre-Covid is still on-going and is taking time and commitment, but gradually bridges are being re-built.
The loss of sight often results in a highly emotional time, which was exacerbated during lockdown. A number of Members are still experiencing an emotional impact as a result of lockdown. Spirits which appear high during a one-hour phone call can often mask the reality of not coping very well. As an organisation, we continue to try and encourage those Members who are still emotionally insecure to take part in activities, even if only an occasional phone call.
Social Activities
The Social Groups run each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The groups are approximately half the size of the pre-Covid groups as a number of previous Members have either passed away; are now too ill to attend; or have decided to remain in relative isolation. The hours spent at the Centre each day are gradually increasing and all groups take place in Rooper Hall to allow for greater distancing and air circulation.
On Mondays and Thursdays, a two-course lunch is served, followed by some form of engagement with the Members. In the year under review this has all been provided by the Staff and Volunteers and has included quizzes, word games, music appreciation, story time and memory boxes.
The Tuesday Group remains as a breakfast club and attracts a number of more active Members who are only seen in this group. They all feel very much ‘at home’ among the group and this is often the opportunity to discuss problems they are each facing or the opportunity for interaction with the specialist services provided by the Society.
During the year, the monthly Walking Group resumed during the dryer, warmer months. This included walks by the sea, around Christchurch, in the New Forest and in Poole Park. Through the summer months, the Charity provided a driver, together with a sighted escort, and the use of its minibus for the Dorset Visually Impaired Cricket Team during their trips to away fixtures.
Practical Support in the Community
Face to face interventions are available for all support services provided by the Society. Uptake for home visits has been sketchy and limited as many clients still struggle with the thought of a visitor bringing Covid or other germs into their home. However, the staff are persevering trying to restore a friendly face to each service.
The Society received a grant from BCP Council toward providing a Resource Centre for both sight impairment and hearing impairment, together with a Community Support service. The relationship between the staff of BCP’s Adult Social Care Sight & Hearing Team and the Society’s staff remains favourable and as strong as ever.
The Service Level Agreement for the Sight and Hearing Resource Centre is to open for 8 hours each week. The Trustees have made the decision to increase this by opening the Resource Centre from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm (15 hours per week). The number of visitors to the Centre has increased during 2023/24, but still not to the pre-Covid levels. Callers (whether over the phone or face to face) have wanted information and advice about products to help them live independently. Any callers who needed help that the Society was unable to provide were signposted to relevant alternative organisations. During the year a total of 182 (2023 170) people visited the Resource Centre, with 121 (2023 117) phone calls. Visits took an average of 31 (2023 31) minutes each, with phone calls averaging 14 (2023 11) minutes each. Numbers are still considerably below pre-Covid figures, partly due to a greater reliance by potential callers asking their family to search for advice/equipment via the internet.
During the current year, the number of face-to-face befriending visits has increased, but almost 75% of Befriending is still over the telephone, especially those contacted by paid staff, who have other roles within the Society. The Befriending Service currently has 22 registered befriendees (2022/23: 25), but it is known that a number of Volunteers continue to phone Members who are not registered with the service. Finding suitable befriendees is proving
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difficult, as a long-term commitment is required.
The Emotional Support Service continued to provide a valuable resource to anyone of any age group who is experiencing emotional, psychological or relationship difficulties arising from sight loss. As with all other services, face to face sessions are offered, but a number still want to receive the support either by telephone or via video conferencing, all in line with the recommendations made by BACP (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). The Emotional Support given is much in demand and this service has continued to be provided free of charge, with clients asked to consider donating where possible. During the year, 42 clients (2022/23: 37) have received support from this service. At the year end, the case load is 21 cases (2022/23: 19), with a further 2 referrals waiting for their initial assessment.
The Assistive Technology suite has been available most Tuesdays throughout the year, plus support has continued over telephone and video links. A total of 22 clients (2022/23: 15) have received help/tuition in Assistive Technology.
Awareness
The Society is keen to work with local people, groups and businesses to help them understand the needs of the visually impaired. A sight awareness session was delivered to the passenger Special Assistance team at Bournemouth Airport. Talks on both sight and hearing awareness, together with equipment demonstrations have been given to the Kinson Ladies Friendly Group; Stour Power Women’s Institute; the 21[st] Bournemouth Cub Scouts; Ferndown Library Blind Support Group. A presentation on The Society’s history was delivered to the Southern Archaeological Society and the Winton Forum.
The bi-monthly newsletter was published 6 times in the year. The newsletter is available in many formats including large print, e-mail and audio on CD or USB stick. It provides useful information to the Members, together with details of the services available at Bournemouth Blind Society and its fundraising events. An e-newsletter is also produced; aimed primarily at supporters it advertises fundraising opportunities, invites potential Volunteers and informs supporters of the ongoing work of the Society.
Fundraising
The number of face-to-face Fundraising Events held during the year has been limited to our ever-popular quarterly Quiz Nights and both a Summer Concert and a Christmas Concert provided by Wessex Chorus, together with an evening at Druitt Hall, Christchurch as part of the CLAC (Christchurch Living Advent Calendar).
Hiring out of the Rooper Hall for private parties at weekends continues and the hall has been in use many weekends of the year, along with regular lets on Wednesdays to the NHS Diabetic education programme and other weekday evenings to various groups. The Training School hires rooms in the main building using them during the daytime, in the evenings and occasional weekends.
Funds have been raised through pink elephant collection pots placed in local shops, although the sums raised are being reduced as people stop using cash for transactions.
Bournemouth Blind Society received donations from various sources including “Friends” of the Society; Bournemouth Rotary Club; Christchurch Rotary Club; Creekmoor Travel Club; St Martin’s Trust and the Holdenhurst Charity. Donations received in Memory of deceased Members was £762 (2022/23 £2,100).
Further donations were received from numerous other generous supporters, both organisations and individuals.
A number of supporters also provided the Society with their time and services free of charge. Where significant, these have been identified in the accounts. The energy and time provided by Volunteers must not go unnoticed. The majority of the Society’s volunteers have been with the organisation for many years and their services are still given freely, willingly and with a
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smile.
Buildings
The Society owns the land and buildings it operates from, due to the foresight of supporters many years ago. The building was purpose built as a residential block but has since been converted into an Activity and Social Centre. The building fabric is maintained to a high standard but being almost 100 years old need constant attention. The Senior Management endeavour to only divert funds to maintenance when absolutely essential.
Trustees
Like so many charities, the Society relies heavily upon the generous donation of time by its Trustees. Their role is referred to elsewhere in this annual report. The work of the Trustees is often behind the scenes and goes on unseen by the majority of those who interact with the Society in whatever guise that may be.
Recruitment of suitable people to work as Trustees is slow and the search for new Trustees continues.
Staff
With a mixture of work patterns to suit operational needs, it is rare for all staff to be on site at the same time. Regular team sharing times and social events keep the team spirit high and means that all staff are aware of what is happening with the Society and its Members. The number of hours worked each week ranges from 15 to 34 hours. All staff are paid at least the Living Wage Foundation minimum wage, with rates reviewed to commence on 1[st] April each year.
The staff regularly go ‘over and above’ to support the Members and frequently attend out-ofhours functions to support the Society, at no cost to the Society. Bournemouth Blind Society is blessed with a dedicated, long-serving workforce who are committed to providing the best services possible to the blind and partially sighted people they come across.
The Trustees/Directors wish to record their sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the benefit of the Society, whether Staff, Volunteer, or Supporter. They are all essential parts of the organisation.
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BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS for the year ended 31 MARCH 2024
A. Reference and Administrative Information
The Bournemouth Blind Society was incorporated in England and Wales on 24 April 2006 as Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired. The change of name to Bournemouth Blind Society was recorded by Companies House on 6 March 2015. The company number is 05792657. Bournemouth Blind Society is also registered with the Charity Commission, number 1114570.
The Society operates from its registered address, 5 Victoria Park Road, Bournemouth, BH9 2RB.
Trustees
During the year and up to the date of this report the following have served as Trustees, who are also Directors of the Company:
Mrs Madeleine Avis Chair Board of Trustees Dr Rodney Frederick Cooper Chair Finance Committee Mrs Ann Elizabeth Copland Co-opted 6[th] June 2023 Mr Martin Simon Goldman Mrs Barbara Lauraine Russell Mrs Margaret Joyce Vousden Deputy Chair Board of Trustees
The Trustees/Directors are also the Members of the company.
The Trustees/Directors due to retire by rotation at the AGM in June 2024 are Mrs Ann Elizabeth Copland and Mrs Margaret Joyce Vousden both of whom offer themselves for re-election.
The Company Secretary and Chief Executive of the charity is Mr Philip Tarrant.
On 31 March 2024 there were one hundred and ninety four (2023: 209) registered blind and partially sighted users on the society’s register, which only records those for whom a signed GDPR consent form is on file. A number of visually impaired users who access services, choose not to be included on the register. It is estimated the total pool of users is in the region of four hundred and fifty people.
Principal Advisers BANKERS Barclays Bank plc Leicester, LE87 2BB INVESTMENT MANAGERS Redmayne Bentley 139 Commercial Rd, Poole BH14 0JD
ACCOUNTANTS TC Group 10 Bridge Street, Christchurch, BH23 1EF
B. Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document
Bournemouth Blind Society is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the company being wound up each voting Member is required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. There were six voting Members at the balance sheet date. The operations of Bournemouth Blind Society are governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which were agreed on 24 April 2006, amended by Special Resolution on 22 October 2009, amended by Special Resolution on 11 July 2013, amended by Special Resolution to change the name on 1 September 2014, amended by Special Resolution to update the Objectives on 3 June 2019 and amended by Special Resolution on 4 October 2021.
Recruitment and Appointment of the Board of Trustees
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association one third of the members of the Board of Trustees must retire each year with those being longest in office retiring at the next
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Annual General Meeting. A retiring member of the Board will be eligible to seek for re-election. The Board has the authority to co-opt members to its number to fill any vacancy left open at any time. Members of the Board are elected at Annual General Meeting by a show of hands.
Trustee Induction and Training
Trustees are sought to bring a spread of skills, knowledge and Diversity to the Society.
All new trustees receive a pack containing:
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1 Memorandum and Articles of Association
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2 The Charity Commission’s guide “The Essential Trustee”
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3 Latest financial statements
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4 Literature outlining the work of the Charity
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5 The Charity’s policies handbook
Organisational Structure
The Bournemouth Blind Society Board of Trustees may number between three and twelve members. At present there are six trustees. Responsibility for the day to day running of the Society is delegated to the Bournemouth Blind Society Chief Executive and through him to the paid Staff and Volunteers. Budgetary control rests with the delegated Finance Committee.
The Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee each meet four times a year, or as often as is necessary. Minutes of the Finance Committee meetings are submitted to the Board of Trustees.
Risk Management
The Trustees actively encourage the senior management to review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated and retaining sufficient restricted funds combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have implemented a Risk Management system which determines a pattern of regular reviews to reduce risk to a minimal level.
The Policies of the Society are written, reviewed by the Trustees, and published with a view to protecting the beneficiaries of the charity, as well as the Volunteers, Trustees and paid Staff. The policies lay down the principles for the interaction between paid Staff, Volunteers and Beneficiaries, reducing risk to an acceptable level, thus protecting the Charity.
The greatest risks the Charity currently faces are:
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the lack of suitable Volunteers to drive the Society’s minibus which is putting a strain on paid Staff;
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the need to recruit more Trustees to keep the Board quorate;
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the limited level of fundraising income coming into the Society.
Pay policy for senior staff
The trustees consider the Chief Executive as the key management personnel of the charity, in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a dayto-day basis.
The pay of the charity’s chief executive is reviewed regularly and normally increased in accordance with average earnings. The remuneration is bench-marked with a limited number of local charities of a similar size and activity to ensure that the remuneration set is fair and not out of line with that generally paid for similar roles.
C. Public Benefit
The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity and acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the Charity has achieved this are provided earlier in this report, under the heading “Review of
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Activities”.
The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011 before deciding what activities the Charity should undertake. They do not consider that any of the charity’s activities cause any significant detriment or harm and believe that any private benefit arising from the activities is incidental.
D. Custodian Trusteeship
No assets were held as custodian trustee during the reporting period.
E. Objectives
The objective for which the company was established is defined in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Following the merge of Local Government from three local councils to one, it was agreed to update the Objectives clause of the Society, by Special Resolution, on 3 June 2019.
The Charity's newly adopted objects ("the Objects") are:-
(a) to assist and benefit, but not with direct financial assistance, people with a visual impairment and/or hearing impairment living within the Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole area.
- (b) to promote public awareness of sight and/or hearing loss.
F. Achievements and Performance
Reports on the achievements and activities of the Bournemouth Blind Society for the year to 31 March 2024 are contained on pages 1 to 4 of this report.
The Investment Portfolio has a progressive risk and balanced investment objective. The total return on all investments, net of fees, was +8.44%. This compares with the Arc Sterling Growth benchmark of +9.00% for the same period
G. Financial Review
The 2023/24 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for Bournemouth Blind Society and the Balance Sheet at 31 March 2024, together with associated explanatory notes, are given on pages 12 to 26.
The Society's income for 2023/24 was £134,834, a 39% reduction on that raised in 2022/23 (£219,893). The income for 2023/24 includes £512 received as legacies (2022/23 £112,601).
Expenditure totalled £190,731 and was about 1.5% higher to that incurred in 2022/23 (£188,114).
Despite continuing financial management and cost control, the overall performance in 2023/24 was an operating deficit of £55,897 (a surplus of £31,779 in 2022/23). The lack of legacy income seriously impacted income and the net operating situation. The Chief Executive, Staff, and all concerned with the running of the Society are aware of their responsibilities and fully acknowledge the need to control expenditure and increase income into the Society.
Investment Policy
The Directors have previously agreed that, in times of any surplus, the monies would be retained in an investment portfolio to maximise investment income. In times of overspend, however, equivalent funds may have to be withdrawn. The Investment Policy aims to not let the value of investments fall below a figure commensurate with twelve months total expenditure
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of the charity. The Investments are managed externally in a progressive risk balanced portfolio and the Trustees receive a performance report from the Fund Manager on an annual basis.
H. Reserves
The reserves of the Society fall into three different categories: Unrestricted Funds; Designated Funds; Restricted Funds.
Unrestricted Funds represent those balances that can be used for any purpose that allows the Charity to achieve its stated objectives. The income is received with no restrictions placed by the giver as to how it may be used.
Designated Funds are determined by the Trustees and are amounts set aside from Unrestricted Incomes for specific purposes. The Trustees continue to carefully manage the Designated Funds:
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The Society is fortunate to own, freehold, the buildings from which it operates. The valuation of this is held in a designated Capital Fund thereby ensuring that the Unrestricted Reserves are the unencumbered ones.
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The aim of the Directors/Trustees is to ensure that the charity could survive through any period of unexpected expenditure or serious reduction in income and, consistent with that goal, previously established a Continuity Reserve Fund. The level of reserves retained within that Fund equates to approximately half of the market valuation of investments at 31 March 2024.
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The Building Maintenance Fund records the net book value of items purchased under this heading in previous financial years, together with the balance of transfers made in anticipation of probable work needed on the building over the next 2 - 3 years.
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The Society owns a minibus used to transport Members to and from various activities. The Vehicle Replacement Fund records the net book value of the minibus, together with sums set aside to purchase a replacement. During the year a further sum of £10,000 was transferred to this fund toward a replacement minibus within the next 3 - 4 years.
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An essential service provided by the Society is the Resource Room, used to demonstrate the equipment and devices available to help those with sight and/or hearing loss lead meaningful and independent lives. The Resource Centre Equipment Fund records the balance remaining of the initial transfer after the purchase of demonstration equipment and will be used over the next 12 – 24 months.
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The Equipment Fund records the net book value of items purchased under this heading in the year, together with the balance of any transfers made. The fund is to provide for replacement office and catering equipment over the next 12 – 24 months.
For movements on these funds, see note 17.2.
Restricted Funds shows income given to the Society for specific purposes, stated by the giver, as listed in the Notes to the Accounts 2.4b. Movement on restricted funds is recorded in note 17.3.
The Trustees believe the reserves are more than adequate to maintain the Society through any further period of shutdown for any reason. They are keeping the situation under review and will act to implement any changes that become necessary to ensure the continuation of the Charity.
Total reserves at the end of the year were £885,648 (2023: £905,650), split between the funds as: Unrestricted Fund £282,378; Designated Fund £598,051; Restricted Fund £5,219. The level of Reserves held as tangible assets are £225,527 (2023: £235,289).
I. Plans for Future Periods
All of the services provided by the Society are fully open to any blind or partially sighted person, together with those with a hearing loss. However, there is still a large degree of hesitancy amongst the target group of potential members following various Covid and Flu outbreaks. The
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largest part of future planning revolves around attracting more members for the Social Groups, clients for the support services offered, Volunteers to help run those groups and services and funding to help financially support the Charity.
The Society will continue to focus on the provision of services to the blind and partially sighted community, with an emphasis on reaching out to more people. RNIB have estimated that by 2025 there will be in excess of 16,000 visually impaired people living within the BCP Council area. Connecting with more of this group, providing services and activities that support and enable them is essential for the growth of the charity.
Being aware of local needs and provisions are an essential part of the development of the charity and a full review of service provision against perceived and known need is taking place in 2024/25.
The BCP Adult Social Care team working with the sensory impaired now covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and it is anticipated that the Community Support service will have to grow to cover the entire area. The number of referrals from this source is currently very limited as the BCP team is trying hard to recruit further ROVI’s (Rehabilitation Officer for the Visually Impaired) to cover the larger area (at present there are only 2 ROVI’s for the whole area compared to 6 before the amalgamation of local Councils).
Actively promoting the Resource Centre and Befriending Service will initially take place through communications with local optometrists/opticians and social prescribers. Promotions to the general public will follow.
The Trustees will work closely with the Chief Executive to determine what the future provision of services will look like following the review and all scenarios that allow the Charity’s objectives to be met will be explored.
J. Trustees’ Responsibilities in the Preparation of Financial Statements
Company law requires the directors of the charity (namely the Trustees) to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus/deficit of the company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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a. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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b. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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c. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial 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.
K. Accountants
For the year under review, the Trustees have chosen to apply the statutory requirement for an Independent Examination. TC Group has been appointed as Independent Examiners for the year to 31 March 2024.
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L. Method of Preparation of Accounts
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies.
This report was approved by the Board on 10[th] June 2024.
Madeleine Avis Chair of Trustees
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BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of Bournemouth Blind Society
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 12 to 26.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees, who are also directors of Bournemouth Blind Society for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees consider than an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no other matter except that referred to in the previous paragraph has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
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have not been met or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Dean Pullen FCCA For and on behalf of
TC Group
................................. 10 Bridge Street Christchurch Dorset BH23 1EF
Dated: 20/8/24
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BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
| Notes Income and endowments from: 2.1/3 Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Total Expenditure on: 2.2/6 Raising Funds Charitable Activities Other Total Net income/(expenditure) before net gains/ (losses) on investment assets Net gains/(losses) on investment assets 11 Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 17.4 Other recognised gains/(loses) Net Movement In Funds for the year Reconciliation Of Funds Total Funds brought forward at 1 April 2023 Total Funds carried forward at 31 March 2024 |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023/24 £ £ £ £ 13,904 0 0 13,904 20,185 0 27,090 47,275 57,319 0 0 57,319 16,336 0 0 16,336 107,744 0 27,090 134,834 4,819 0 0 4,819 101,663 11,614 60,208 173,485 6,189 3,389 2,849 12,427 112,671 15,003 63,057 190,731 (4,927) (15,003) (35,967) (55,897) 17,948 17,947 0 35,895 13,021 2,944 (35,967) (20,002) (50,647) 13,661 36,986 0 0 0 0 0 (37,626) 16,605 1,019 (20,002) 320,004 581,446 4,200 905,650 282,378 598,051 5,219 885,648 |
Total 2022/23 £ 128,797 38,345 38,022 14,729 |
|---|---|---|
| 219,893 | ||
| 3,648 171,609 12,857 |
||
| 188,114 | ||
| 31,779 (43,829) |
||
| (12,050) 0 0 |
||
| (12,050) 917,700 |
||
| 905,650 |
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation’s operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 14 to 26 form part of these financial statements.
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 12
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | ||||||
| Tangible Assets | 10 | 0 | 225,527 | 0 | 225,527 | 235,289 |
| Investments | 11 | 212,400 | 332,121 | 0 | 544,521 | 501,304 |
| 212,400 | 557,648 | 0 | 770,048 | 736,593 | ||
| Current Assets | ||||||
| Stocks | 12 | 178 | 0 | 6,350 | 6,528 | 4,886 |
| Debtors | 13 | 4,864 | 0 | 776 | 5,640 | 7,920 |
| Cash at Bank and in Hand | 15 | 68,961 | 40,403 | 0 | 109,364 | 162,376 |
| 74,003 | 40,403 | 7,126 | 121,532 | 175,182 | ||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | ||||||
| within 1 year | 14 | 4,025 | 0 | 1,907 | 5,932 | 6,125 |
| Net Current Assets | 69,978 | 40,403 | 5,219 | 115,600 | 169,057 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 282,378 | 598,051 | 5,219 | 885,648 | 905,650 | |
| Total net assets or liabilities | 282,378 | 598,051 | 5,219 | 885,648 | 905,650 | |
| Funds of the Charity | ||||||
| Unrestricted Funds | 17.1 | 282,378 | 0 | 0 | 282,378 | 320,004 |
| Designated Funds | 17.2 | 0 | 598,051 | 0 | 598,051 | 581,446 |
| Restricted Funds | 17.3 | 0 | 0 | 5,219 | 5,219 | 4,200 |
| Total Funds | 282,378 | 598,051 | 5,219 | 885,648 | 905,650 |
The directors are satisfied that that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and that members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.
Approved by the Directors on 10[th] June 2024 and signed on their behalf by Dr. Rodney Cooper, Director
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24
Page 13
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
1.1 Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value, as modified by the revaluation of investments, and include the results of the charity’s operations which are described in the Directors’ and Trustees’ reports and all of which are continuing. All amounts are shown in pounds sterling. The charity is a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with:
-
the Companies Act 2006;
-
the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), issued on 16 July 2014;
-
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) as applied from 1 April 2015;
-
the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Going Concern
There are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that cast any significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Given the current level of reserves the Trustees are of the opinion that the Charity has significant resources and as such the financial statements have been prepared under the going concern basis.
1.3 Changes to accounting estimates
No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period.
1.4 Material prior year errors
No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.1 Income
a.) Recognition of income
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when:
-
the charity becomes legally entitled to the resources;
-
the Directors have sufficient certainty they will receive the resources; and
-
the monetary value can be quantified with reasonable accuracy
b.) Offsetting
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross. Further, there has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities
c.) Grants and donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
d.) Legacies
Legacies are included in Statement of Financial Activities when receipt is probable, that is: when there has been grant of probate; the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the charity or have been met.
e.) Government grants
The charity has received a local government grant during the year. See note 4.
f.) Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 14
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
g.) Contractual income and performance related grants
This is only included once the charity has provided the related goods, or services have been delivered.
h.) Donated goods
Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.
Goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries are measured at fair value at the time of receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised as an expense at the carrying amount of the stock at distribution.
i.) Donated Services and Facilities
Donated services and facilities are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended when the service or facility is consumed immediately) where the benefit to the charity can be measured reliably. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
j.) Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in note 5 to the accounts.
k.) Income from interest and dividends
This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
l.) Investment gains and losses
This includes any realised and unrealised gains and losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
2.2 Expenditure and Liabilities
a.) Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs 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.
b.) Governance and support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
c.) Redundancy cost
The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.
d.) Deferred income
No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.
e.) Creditors
The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 15
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
f) Value added tax
Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.3 Assets
a.) Tangible Fixed Assets
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
The Trustees believe that a more accurate picture of assets used is gained by depreciating assets over a given number of years. Rates and methods used are disclosed in note 10
b.) Investments
Fixed asset investments in quoted shares, traded bonds and similar investments are valued initially at cost and subsequently at fair value (their market value) at the year end. Cumulative unrealised gains on investments are taken to revaluation reserves.
c.) Stock
Stock consists of goods for resale in order to raise funds to further the Charity’s objectives and is measured at net realisable value based on the service potential provided by items of stock.
d.) Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
e.) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change of value.
2.4 Other Accounting Policies
a) Taxation
Bournemouth Blind Society is not liable for corporation tax by reason of its charitable objects and status.
b.) Restricted Funds
The restricted funds represent monies given for specific purposes. The Trustees have identified the following services as being in receipt of restricted funds:
-
Sight and Hearing Resource Centre – supported by a grant from BCP Council and sales in the Resource Centre.
-
Community Support Service – supported by a grant from BCP Council.
-
Emotional Support Services – donations given by clients specifically toward the cost of the service.
-
Befriending Services – donations given by clients specifically toward the cost of the service.
Movements on Restricted Funds are shown in note 17.3.
c.) Unrestricted and Designated Funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity represent the accumulated reserves of the charity which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further the objects of the charity.
The designated funds are unrestricted funds and represent monies set aside by the Trustees for specific purposes. Movements on the Designated Funds are shown in note 17.2.
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 16
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
3. Analysis of Income and Endowments 3.1 Income and Endowments 2023/24
| a.) Donations and Legacies Donations and Gifts Gift Aid Legacies Friends of the Society b.) Charitable Activities Befriending Services Canteen Sales Emotional Support Services Leisure Activities & Events Local Government Grant Sensory Loss Resource Centre Sales Transport c.) Other Trading Activities Fund Raising Room Hire d.) Investment Income Interest Income Dividend Income |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023/24 £ £ £ £ 11,634 0 0 11,634 846 0 0 846 512 0 0 512 912 0 0 912 |
|---|---|
| 13,904 0 0 13,904 |
|
| 0 0 160 160 11,144 0 0 11,144 0 0 345 345 2,391 0 0 2,391 0 0 23,000 23,000 0 0 3,585 3,585 6,650 0 0 6,650 |
|
| 20,185 0 27,090 47,275 |
|
| 11,649 0 0 11,649 45,670 0 0 45,670 |
|
| 57,319 0 0 57,319 |
|
| 2,052 0 0 2,052 14,284 0 0 14,284 |
|
| 16,336 0 0 16,336 |
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 17
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
3.2. Income and Endowments 2022/23
| a.) Donations and Legacies Donations and Gifts Gift Aid Legacies Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Friends of the Society b.) Charitable Activities Befriending Services Canteen Sales Emotional Support Services Leisure Activities & Events Local Government Grant Sensory Loss Resource Centre Sales Transport c.) Other Trading Activities Fund Raising Room Hire d.) Investment Income Interest Income Dividend Income |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2022/23 £ £ £ £ 14,204 0 0 14,204 1,110 0 0 1,110 112,601 0 0 112,601 0 0 0 0 882 0 0 882 |
|---|---|
| 128,797 0 0 128,797 |
|
| 0 0 150 150 6,574 0 0 6,574 0 0 485 485 1,403 0 0 1,403 0 0 23,000 23,000 0 0 2,040 2,040 4,693 0 0 4,693 |
|
| 12,670 0 25,675 38,345 |
|
| 9,336 0 0 9,336 28,686 0 0 28,686 |
|
| 38,022 0 0 38,022 |
|
| 707 0 0 707 14,022 0 0 14,022 |
|
| 14,729 0 0 14,729 |
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 18
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
4. Analysis of Receipts of Government Grants
The charity received a single local government grant from BCP Council for the provision of a Sight and Hearing Resource Centre and a Community Support service under a Service Level Agreement.
| Provision of Sight & Hearing Resource Centre and Community Support Service Total |
2023/24 2022/23 £ £ 23,000 23,000 |
|---|---|
| 23,000 23,000 |
5. Donated Goods, Facilities and Services
The accounting policies for the recognition and valuation of donated goods, facilities and services are set out in notes 2.1h and 2.1i.
No seconded staff or property was provided to the charity. No other donated goods or services were received during the year (2022/23 £0).
Bournemouth Blind Society also benefits from the hours given each week by unpaid volunteers. Volunteers’ roles include befrienders, activity assistants, guiders, Resource Centre assistants and fundraisers.
During the year to 31 March 2024 the time given by volunteers averaged at 88 (2023: 120) hours per week. Evaluated at the National Living Wage rate for the year under review, the total time given by the volunteers equates to £45,556 (2023 £65,000). The contribution of unpaid volunteers has not been recognised in the accounts.
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 19
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
6. Analysis of Expenditure 6.1 Expenditure 2023/24
| a.) Raising Funds Advertising & Publicity Fund Raising Costs b.) Charitable Activities Canteen Costs Cleaning Costs Emotional Support Services Depreciation Expense Equipment Costs Leisure Activities Minibus Costs Printing Postage & Stationery Property Maintenance Repairs & Maintenance of Equipment Salaries & Staff Costs Sensory Loss Resource Centre Subscriptions Telephone Costs Travel Costs Utility Costs c.) Other Bank Charges Independent Examination Fees Insurance Costs Investment Management Charges Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricte d Designate d Restricte d Total Funds Funds Funds 2023/24 £ £ £ £ 0 0 0 0 4,819 0 0 4,819 |
|---|---|
| 4,819 0 0 4,819 |
|
| 9,238 0 0 9,238 1,064 0 50 1,114 0 0 444 444 0 9,763 0 9,763 0 0 0 0 1,106 0 0 1,106 2,997 0 0 2,997 1,488 0 1,160 2,648 400 1,619 394 2,413 3,332 0 3,332 6,664 75,075 0 49,373 124,448 0 232 1,546 1,778 166 0 62 228 1,007 0 1,007 2,014 109 0 848 957 5,681 0 1,992 7,673 |
|
| 101,663 11,614 60,208 173,485 |
|
| 207 0 207 414 930 0 930 1,860 1,565 0 1,565 3,130 3,389 3,389 0 6,778 98 0 147 245 |
|
| 6,189 3,389 2,849 12,427 |
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 20
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
6.2. Expenditure 2022/23
| a.) Raising Funds Advertising & Publicity Fund Raising Costs b.) Charitable Activities Canteen Costs Cleaning Costs Emotional Support Services Depreciation Expense Equipment Costs Leisure Activities Minibus Costs Printing Postage & Stationery Property Maintenance Repairs & Maintenance of Equipment Salaries & Staff Costs Sensory Loss Resource Centre Subscriptions Telephone Costs Travel Costs Utility Costs c.) Other Bank Charges Independent Examination Fees Insurance Costs Investment Management Charges Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2022/23 £ £ £ £ 0 0 0 0 3,648 0 0 3,648 |
|---|---|
| 3,648 0 0 3,648 |
|
| 6,940 0 0 6,940 829 0 38 867 0 0 444 444 0 17,337 0 17,337 22 0 22 44 1,683 0 0 1,683 3,554 0 0 3,554 1,349 0 1,027 2,376 1,948 0 2,091 4,039 4,773 0 4,774 9,547 67,580 0 44,389 111,969 0 510 1,954 2,464 173 0 72 245 957 0 957 1,914 96 0 834 930 5,351 0 1,905 7,256 |
|
| 95,255 17,847 58,507 171,609 |
|
| 161 0 161 322 855 0 855 1,710 1,395 0 1,395 2,790 3,903 3,903 0 7,806 102 0 127 229 |
|
| 6,416 3,903 2,538 12,857 |
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 21
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
7. Fees for the Examination of the Accounts
The surplus of income over expenditure is stated after providing for the following fees:
| Independent examiner’s Fees Total 8. Paid Employees 8.1 Staff Costs Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs (defined contribution plan) Other employee benefits Total |
2023/24 2022/23 £ £ 1,860 1,710 |
|---|---|
| 1,860 1,710 |
|
| 2023/24 2022/23 £ £ 119,592 108,352 2,799 1,807 2,057 1,810 0 0 |
|
| 124,448 111,969 |
No employees received employee benefits (including employer pension costs) for the year of more than £60,000.
Key management personnel received employee benefits of £42,227 (2023: £38,328) during the year.
The holiday year is aligned with the financial year. At 31 March 2024 there were no holiday pay accruals to carry forward (2023 £0).
There were no redundancy or ex-gratia payments made during the year (2023: £0)
8.2 Average head count in the year
| 2 Average head count in the year | |
|---|---|
| The parts of the charity in which the employees work Fundraising Charitable Activities Governance Other Total |
2023/24 2022/23 Number Number 1 1 4 3 1 1 1 2 |
| 7 7 |
9. Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
The charity started a stakeholder pension scheme with NEST, which is a defined contribution pension scheme, on 1 January 2017 and is Pension Compliant.
An amount of £2,057 (2023:£1,810) is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as the charity’s contribution to the scheme. The Society made the minimum contribution of 3% throughout the year.
The contribution is allocated between restricted and unrestricted funds according to the main role of the employee concerned. The contributions made for the employee who is primarily employed under the banner of Governance is shared equally between restricted and unrestricted funds.
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 22
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
10. Tangible Fixed Assets 10.1 Cost or valuation
| . Tangible Fixed Assets .1 Cost or valuation |
|
|---|---|
| Cost at 01 April 2023 Additions Disposals Cost at 31 March 2024 |
Freehold Property Motor Vehicles Fixtures Fittings & Equipment Total £ £ £ £ 206,376 35,923 92,221 334,520 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
| 206,376 35,923 92,221 334,520 |
10.2 Depreciation
| Basis Rate Depreciation at 01 April 2023 Charge Disposals Depreciation at 31 March 2024 |
Freehold Property Motor Vehicles Fixtures Fittings & Equipment Total Straight Line Straight Line Straight Line 0% 20% 25% £ £ £ £ 0 35,923 63,308 99,231 0 0 9,762 9,762 0 0 0 0 |
|---|---|
| 0 35,923 73,070 108,993 |
A zero rate of depreciation is charged to freehold property as the property is maintained to such a standard that the estimated residual value is not less than cost.
10.3 Net book value
| Net Book Value at 01 April 2023 Net Book Value at 31 March 2024 |
Freehold Property Motor Vehicles Fixtures Fittings & Equipment Total £ £ £ £ 206,376 0 28,913 235,289 206,376 0 19,151 225,527 |
|---|---|
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 23
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
11. Investment Assets
| . Investment Assets | |
|---|---|
| Market Value at 01 April 2023 Additions at cost Disposal proceeds Gains/(Losses) Market Value at 31 March 2024 |
Treasury Shares Investment Total Stock & Cash Trusts £ £ £ £ 33,942 51,364 415,998 501,304 0 8,964 0 8,964 0 (1,642) 0 (1,642) 941 (4,185) 39,139 35,895 |
| 34,883 54,501 455,137 544,521 |
12. Stocks
| Charitable Activities - Resource Centre: Opening Stock at 01 April 2023 Added in period Expensed in period Impaired Closing Stock at 31 March 2024 |
Stock for resale £ Fundraising Activities - Bar Stock: 4,761 1,778 189 0 6,350 |
Stock for resale £ 125 436 383 0 |
|---|---|---|
| 178 |
13. Debtors and Prepayments
| Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income . Creditors and Accruals Trade creditors Accruals Taxation and social security |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 31 Mar 24 £ £ £ £ 0 0 0 0 4,864 0 776 5,640 4,864 0 776 5,640 Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 31 Mar 24 £ £ £ £ 16 0 15 31 3,032 0 1,194 4,226 977 0 698 1,675 4,025 0 1,907 5,932 |
Total 31 Mar 23 £ 787 7,133 7,920 Total 31 Mar 23 £ 21 4,683 1,421 |
|---|---|---|
| 6,125 |
14. Creditors and Accruals
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 24
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
15. Cash at Bank and in Hand
| Cash at Bank Petty Cash |
Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds Total 31 Mar 24 £ £ £ £ 68,421 40,403 0 108,824 540 0 0 540 68,961 40,403 0 109,364 |
Total 31 Mar 23 £ 161,836 540 |
|---|---|---|
| 162,376 |
16. Events After the End of the Reporting Period
There were no events after the reporting period that require adjustment of the accounts.
17. Charity Funds
17.1 General Funds
General Funds include a Revaluation Reserve amounting to £35,845 (2022/23: £18,998).
17.2. Designated Funds
| .2. Designated Funds | |
|---|---|
| Capital Fund Continuity Reserve Fund Building Maintenance Fund Vehicle Replacement Fund Resource Centre Equipment Fund Equipment Fund |
Balance 31 Mar 23 Gains/ (Losses) Expenditure Transfers Balance 31 Mar 24 £ £ £ £ £ 206,376 0 0 0 206,376 246,749 17,947 3,389 3,661 264,968 80,320 0 11,008 0 69,312 40,000 0 0 10,000 50,000 5,001 0 232 0 4,769 3,000 0 374 0 2,626 |
| 581,446 17,947 15,003 13,661 598,051 |
The balance on the Capital Fund is the book value of the Freehold Property, as explained in the Director’s report (section H).
The Continuity Reserve Fund, which includes a Revaluation Reserve amounting to £35,845 (2022/23: £18,998), is approximately half the value of the Investments held at year end. The balance in the Building Maintenance Fund represents the net book value of items bought under this heading, plus sums set aside for anticipated property upkeep over the next 2 - 3 years. £17,153 is held as investments, £33,381 held as cash and £18,778 in assets. The balance in the Vehicle Replacement Fund is the net book value of the minibus (£0), plus £50,000, held as investments, toward a replacement vehicle within the next 3 - 4 years. The balance in the Resource Centre Equipment Fund is the balance of sums set aside to update and upgrade the demonstration equipment held in the Resource Centre over the next 2 years. This fund is held in cash
The balance in the Equipment Fund represents the net book value of items bought under this heading, plus sums set aside for anticipated replacement office and/or catering equipment over the next 1 - 2 years. This fund is held as cash plus assets
17.3. Restricted Funds
The balance in the restricted funds represents current assets (cash, stock and debtors) held as a result of transactions outstanding at the end of the financial year, less the liabilities incurred by the same funds outstanding at year end.
Expenses are split between unrestricted and restricted funds as follows:
| Specific costs | 100% to relevant department |
|---|---|
| Staff Costs | Allocated by main work department and 50:50 for senior manager |
| Utilities | 75:25 |
| Other costs | 50:50 |
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24
Page 25
BOURNEMOUTH BLIND SOCIETY Co. No. 05792657 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024
Movements on the individual restricted funds during the year were:
| Resource Centre Community Support Emotional Support Services Befriending Service |
Balance 31 Mar 23 Income Expenditure Transfers Balance 31 Mar 24 £ £ £ £ £ 4,200 15,085 16,155 2,089 5,219 0 11,500 21,217 9,717 0 0 345 22,153 21,808 0 0 160 3,532 3,372 0 |
|---|---|
| 4,200 27,090 63,057 36,986 5,219 |
17.4 Transfers between funds
| 2024 Transfers between Funds were made as follows: Unrestricted to Restricted deficit for the year Unrestricted to Designated additions/disposals of investments Unrestricted to Designated provisions amended in year |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ (36,986) 36,986 (3,661) 3,661 (10,000) 10,000 |
|---|---|
| (50,647) 13,661 36,986 |
| 2023 Transfers between Funds were made as follows: Unrestricted to Restricted deficit for the year Unrestricted to Designated additions/disposals of investments Unrestricted to Designated provisions amended in year |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ (34,525) 34,525 (3,268) 3,268 (367) 367 |
|---|---|
| (38,160) 3,635 34,525 |
18. Transactions with Trustees and Related Parties
18.1. Trustee remuneration and benefits
None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity.
18.2 Trustees’ expenses
No trustee expenses have been incurred.
18.3. Transactions with Related Parties
No Trustee received any direct or indirect financial benefit from any transactions undertaken by the Charity.
During the year £nil (2023: £nil) was donated to the charity by Trustees.
Bournemouth Blind Society Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 Page 26