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← The Faculty Of Forensic & Legal Medicine Of The Royal College Of Physicians

2023-12-31-accounts

Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians

Accounts and Report for the year ended 31 December 2023

Registered Charity No. 1119599 Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Index

Page

1.		 Trustees’ Report 1 - 14

2.		 Treasurer’s Report 15 - 16

3.		 Independent Auditor’s Report 17 - 19

4.		 Statement of Financial Activities 20
5. Balance Sheet 21

6.		 Statement of Cash Flows 22
7.






 Notes to the Financial Statements 23 - 31

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Notes 1 & 2 to the accounts and comply with the Faculty’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Objectives and activities

The Faculty has the following purpose and objectives as per its Standing Orders:

The activities the Faculty has undertaken in relation to its purposes as per the Standing Orders and in furtherance of public benefit are as follows:

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Objectives and activities (continued)

Achievements and performance

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty contained in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

In 2023 the Faculty:

General

2

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Achievements and performance (continued)

3

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Achievements and performance (continued)

Education

4

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Achievements and performance (continued)

5

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

6

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Achievements and performance (continued)

Co-working

7

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Achievements and performance (continued)

Consultations

Publications

Throughout 2023, we updated 27 documents and produced 3 new documents.

8

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Appendix A – 2023 Webinar Programme

Update on Police Response
to Reported Needle Spike
Incidents in Durham
Constabularies Area		 DI Chris Woollett,
Durham Constabulary		 Wednesday 18 January
2023
The Institute for Addressing
Strangulation		 Dr Cath White OBE,
Medical Director,
Institute for Addressing
Strangulation		 Monday 27 February
2023
The Mankind Initiative Mark Brooks OBE, The
ManKind Initiative		 Monday 24 April 2023
Forensic Medicine in the
Middle East		 Dr Dina Ibrahim,
Sexual Offence
Examiner		 Monday 05 June 2023
Forensic Radiology Dr Curtis Offiah,
Consultant Radiologist		 Monday 12 June 2023
Applying for FFLM
Membership and Fellowship		 Dr Bernadette Butler
and Dr Helena
Thornton		 Thursday 29 June 2023
Supporting Male Survivors of
Sexual Abuse		 Duncan Craig OBE,
Chief Executive
Officer, Survivors
Manchester		 Monday 03 July 2023
Forensics of Wildlife Crime Tracy Alexander,
Director of Forensic
Services, City of
London Police		 Tuesday 10 October
2023
Fitness for Interview in
Children and Young People		 Dr Heidi Hales,
Consultant Psychiatrist
in CAMHS and
Forensic Psychiatry		 Monday 23 October 2023
An Insight into MSc Forensic
Science		 Aneesa Baig, Queen
Mary, University of
London		 Tuesday 21 November
2023
Forensics in Custody and the
Secure Environment: A
Unique Specialty in the
African Context		 Dr Lawrence K.
Acheampong, Medical
Director, Ghana
Prisons Service		 Tuesday 12 December
2023

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Financial review

The Faculty’s work is reliant on income from its charitable activities. The main income is derived from its membership and the provision of related educational and publication services. A breakdown of the total income from charitable activities of £1,101,375 (2022 - £634,726) is provided in note 3 to the accounts.

The Faculty continues to meet its financial objectives and it has achieved a surplus this year of £98,494. Although market conditions remain difficult, it remains financially sound with the balance sheet showing total charity funds increasing from £961,762 to £1,060,256.

Investment policy and performance

In deciding the level of investments, the trustees initially assessed the level of funds required to ensure that there would be sufficient cash funds to meet its on-going charitable activities and retains sufficient liquid cash to meet its liabilities as and when they arise. In conjunction with its investment advisors the trustees regularly review the level of investment and performance. They are instructed to invest to maximise the total return within the constraints of a medium to low-risk investment portfolio.

The charity is a long-term investor and hence has a long-term time horizon for the investment (specifically 10+ years). The chosen risk profile is medium to low risk and on professional advice the charity continues to hold a mix of asset classes specifically equities, bonds, alternatives, and cash. The investments are held within a fund specifically for Charities. A total return strategy is employed, i.e., the goal is to maximise the level of combined return from capital gains and income at the appropriate level of risk. All income generated is re-invested. As the investment strategy is executed through a Charity fund only, there is substantial diversification of investments. The portfolio rose by 6.9% in 2023 versus the benchmark growth of 6.5%.

The market value of the investments shown on the balance sheet on 31 December 2023 stood at £566,819.

Major Risks

The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and systems have been established to mitigate these risks. The principal risk facing the charity remains reputational risk. This is mitigated by the high standards of the charity, policies, and procedures, along with robust policies in relation to examination. The other principal risks faced by the Faculty lie in the performance of investments. The Faculty is not otherwise exposed to any other significant financial risks or inherent operational risks through its Charitable Activities.

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Risk Management

The security of the Faculty’s investments and bank balances is mitigated by retaining expert investment managers and having a diversified portfolio. The accounts are held with a reputable institution.

Reserves Policy

The trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to between one and two years of unrestricted charitable expenditure. This is to reduce the possibility of income falling suddenly and to cover any unexpected situations. Furthermore, the trustees retain sufficient cash on a short-term deposit account to meet their liabilities as they fall due. The net current assets held on 31 December 2023 was £441,424.

The total charity funds held on 31 December 2023 were £1,060,256 of which the balance held as unrestricted funds was £985,580. £933,567 are regarded as free reserves, after allowing for funds tied up in tangible and intangible fixed assets. Actual 12-month cash payments totalled £464,982. The current level of reserves is at the top end of the target and meets the reserves policy. Longer term investments are held in accordance with the Investment Policy which allows trustees to transfer amounts from the disposal of investments in the case of urgent need.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Faculty was constituted by the Royal College of Physicians of London (‘RCP London’), which, under the Byelaws deriving from its Royal Charter, can create Faculties. The Faculty’s specific governing document is its Standing Orders, approved by the ‘RCP London’. The Faculty is part of the College and is free within the terms of its Standing Orders to manage its particular business.

Trustee recruitment

The Trustees are the members of the Board. The officers of the Faculty are elected by and from the Faculty and become ex-officio members of the Board. Members of the Board are elected by and from the Faculty Membership/Fellowship or nominated by the Board. College representatives are nominated by the Royal College of Physicians of London, and the lay representatives are recruited via the College’s and AoRMC’s Patient and Carer Network. There is an induction process for new trustees, which includes an initial meeting with other trustees and senior staff, and a briefing from the Chair of Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend relevant trustee training events.

The administration of the Faculty is managed on a day-to-day basis by full time members of staff. The pay of senior staff is renewed annually and benchmarked against similar sized charities and membership organisations.

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023 Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Key management personnel remuneration

The trustees consider the board of trustees, particularly the President Dr Bernadette Butler, the Treasurer, Dr Amy Hamm and Registrar, Dr Iain Brew, as the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. One Trustee (Mrs Bartlett) received payments approved by the Board for a project lead role organised by the Faculty. All other trustees give of their time freely. Details of trustee expenses (predominantly travelling expenses) are disclosed in note 7 to the accounts and related party transactions are disclosed in note 18 to the accounts.

Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the Charity Commission and, in accordance with the Faculty’s policy, to withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.

Future plans

The FFLM’s key aims for the future include:

Reference and administrative information

Administrative and Principal Office

c/o Royal College of Physicians, 11, St Andrews Place, London. NW1 4LE

Registered Charity Number: 1119599

Auditors

MHA, Building 4 Foundation Park, Roxborough Way, Maidenhead, SL6 3UD

Accountants

Professional Consultancy Services Ltd, Kingfishers, High Road, Broxbourne, Herts EN10 7BT

Bankers and Investment Managers

C Hoare & Co, 37 Fleet Street, London, EC4P 4DQ Cazenove Capital Management, 31 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 1QA

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Reference and administrative information (continued)

Solicitors

Field Fisher Waterhouse, 35 Vine Street, London EC3N 2AA

Board of Trustees

Title Start Date End Date

Professor Paul Marks President
Past President		 04/11/2020
12/05/2023		 12/05/2023
Dr Bernadette Butler President Elect
President		 02/11/2022
12/05/2023
Dr Helena Thornton Registrar 15/05/2020 12/05/2023
Dr Iain Brew Registrar 12/05/2023
Dr Amy Hamm Treasurer 06/05/2022
Dr Brian Westbury Academic Dean 10/05/2019 12/05/2023
Dr Deryn Evans Academic Dean 12/05/2023
Dr Shiraz Qamaruddin Vice President, FP 15/05/2020 12/05/2023
Dr Elizabeth Sevink Vice President, FP 12/05/2023
Prof Andrew Harris Vice President, MQC 03/03/2021 12/05/2023
Miss Elaine Cook Vice President, DLA 06/05/2022
Miss Stacey Shelley Vice President, 12/05/2023
Assistant Registrar
Dr Anton van Dellen and Conference
Subcommittee Chair 08/12/2021
Dr Catherine White 12/03/2011
Dr David Cohen RCP Rep 07/07/2021
Dr John Gall 11/05/2023
Co-opted Members:
Dr Amandeep Ranu 12/05/2023
Lay Members:
Dr Michael Robertson 30/04/2009
Mr Peter Rees 04/11/2020
Ordinary Members:
Mr Benjamin Sylvester Paramedic 06/09/2019
Dr Daniel Haines Dr 04/03/2020 01/03/2023
Dr Vincent Davidson Dr 04/03/2020
Dr Charles Sanderson Dr 07/07/2021
Dr James Goodrich 22/06/2022
Mrs Abi Bartlett Nurse 12/05/2023

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Trustees’ Re ort continued p ( )

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 25 April 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Dr Iain Brew Registrar

14

Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine

of the Royal College of Physicians

Treasurer’s Report

Financial Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

I present my report for the year ended 31 December 2023 which shows an overall surplus of £98,494 from both restricted and unrestricted funds. This includes gains arising from investments of £16,493.

Our total income from charitable activities showed an increase in all key areas from £634,726 to £1,101,375; comprising of membership fees decreasing slightly from £227,690 to £223,945; the 2023 conference which was held both virtually and in person generated an income of £37,168 whilst there was a further progress with a substantial increase in educational income from £346,370 to £805,772.

Royalty income from publications and journals has risen to £32,590 whilst the related direct publication costs remained fixed at £4,524 to continue to provide a strong contribution to our finances. Investment income increased to £33,349 from last year’s £15,634 all of which was reinvested.

Overall, the total expenditure on Charitable activities increased this year to £1,051,156 from £463,195 as shown in note 5 to the financial statements with membership costs decreased from £216,459 to £103,529. The conference costs were £35,868 and educational costs increased from £220,393 to £900,881.

The market value of the investments at year-end was £566,819 with an increase in capital of £16,493 as shown in note 11. The historical cost of the investments held at year-end stood at £573,513.

The Trustees remain cautious of the continued difficult market conditions and the potential impact this may have on our future working capital. However, we remain confident that we have sufficient level of working capital and in particular, adequate cash resources to meet our ongoing costs and commitments. Cash at bank increased in the year from £451,413 to £564,754 at year end.

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Report of the trustees for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees have concluded that no increase in fees should be implemented for 2024.

2024 2023
Honorary Fellows - -
UK Fellows £549.00 £549.00
Retired Fellows £259.00 £259.00
Overseas Fellows £274.50 £274.50
UK Members £549.00 £549.00
Retired Members £259.00 £259.00
Overseas Members £274.50 £274.50
Licentiate £355.00 £355.00
Overseas Licentiate £177.50 £177.50
UK Affiliates £250.00 £250.00
Overseas Affiliates £125.00 £125.00
Associate £165.00 £165.00
Nurse/Midwife / Paramedic Affiliate £30.00 £30.00
Student Affiliate £27.00 £27.00
Retired Fellows/Members relinquished
LTP		 £118.00 £118.00

Comparable rates for 2024 include:

FRCP £660 FRCGP £296 FFOM £630 FRCPath £651

Dr Amy Hamm Hon Treasurer

Date 25 April 2024

16

Independent Auditor’s Report to Members of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other Matters

The financial statements of Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine for the year ended 31 December 2022 were unaudited.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other Information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, 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 materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether

17

Independent Auditor’s Report to Members of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine

this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

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:

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Independent Auditor’s Report to Members of the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine

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 in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less 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 statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' 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 charity and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Bianca Silva BA, ACA, DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of

MHA

Statutory Auditors Maidenhead, United Kingdom

Date: 2 May 2024

MHA is the trading name of MacIntyre Hudson LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC312313)

MHA are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

19

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Charitable activities
3
519,547
581,828
1,101,375
Investments
4
33,349
-
33,349
Total
552,896
581,828
1,134,724
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
1,567
-
1,567
Charitable activities
5
470,857
580,299
1,051,156
Total
472,424
580,299
1,052,723
Net (loss)/gains on investments
11
16,493
-
16,493
Net surplus/(deficit) and net movement in funds
96,965
1,529
98,494
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
888,615
73,147
961,762
Total funds carried forward
985,580
74,676
1,060,256		 Total
2022
£
634,726
15,634
650,360
1,705
463,195
464,900
(39,886)
145,574
816,188
961,762

All of the above represent continuing operations. There are no gains and losses other than those shown above.

The notes on pages 23 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023

Notes
£
£
Fixed Assets:
Intangible assets
9
10,178
Tangible assets
10
41,835
Investments
11
566,819
Total fixed assets
618,832
Current Assets:
Debtors
12
153,719
Cash at bank and in hand
13
564,754
Total current assets
718,473
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
14
277,049
Net current assets
441,424
Total net assets
1,060,256
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds
15
74,676
Unrestricted funds
16
985,580
Total charity funds
1,060,256
2023		 £
£
14,701
44,753
534,713
594,167
153,948
451,413
605,361
237,766
367,595
961,762
73,147
888,615
961,762
2022

Approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 25 April 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Dr Amy Hamm Trustee

The notes on pages 23 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2023

2023
Note
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
A
107,289
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends and interest received
33,349
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(11,684)
Proceeds from sale of investments
6,561
Purchase of investments
(22,174)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
6,052
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
113,341
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
B
451,413
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
564,754
Notes to statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2023
A. Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities
2023
£
Net income for the reporting period (as per the
statement of financial activities)
98,494
Adjustments for
Depreciation and amortisation charges
19,125
(Gains)/losses on investments
(16,493)
Dividends and interest received
(33,349)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
229
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
39,283
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
107,289
B. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2023
£
Cash at bank and in hand
23,441
Short term deposit account
535,457
Investment account (less than 30 days)
5,856
Total cash and cash equivalents
564,754		 2022
£
70,787
15,634
(17,855)
543,826
(558,094)
(16,489)
54,298
397,115
451,413
2022
£
145,574
14,528
39,886
(15,634)
(108,636)
(4,931)
70,787
2022
£
22,550
427,940
923
451,413

During the current and prior year, there were no changes in net debt other than the cashflows of the entity, as presented above.

The notes on pages 23 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

-22 -

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023

1 Charity information

The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales and is unincorporated. The charity registration number is 1119599 and the principal office is 11 St Andrews Place, London, NW1 4LE England.

2 Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (2019) preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following 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 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The functional currency of the Faculty is considered to be GBP because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates.

The Faculty falls within the definition of a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees have considered relevant information, including the annual budget, the expected impact on future working capital requirements and the impact of subsequent events in making their assessment.

The Trustees have performed an analysis of forecast budget and future cash funding requirements taking into account the potential impact on the activities of the Charity. This analysis also considers the effectiveness of available measures to assist in mitigating the impact.

Based on these assessments and having regard to the resources available to the Charity, the Trustees have concluded that there is no material uncertainty and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.

(b) Income recognition

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Investment income is recognised upon notification by the investment advisor or bank.

Grants and donations are only included in the Statement of Financial Activity when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Where the donor imposes conditions that the resource is expended in a future accounting period, income is recorded as deferred income at the balance sheet date and a creditor is included under deferred income.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

2 Accounting Policies (continued)

(c) Expenditure recognition

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 settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes VAT where applicable. The Faculty is not registered for VAT. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the Statement of Financial Activities.

(d) Support and governance Costs

Governance costs include costs of the preparation of statutory accounts, the cost of statutory audit, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal and professional advice to trustees on governance on constitutional matters.

All support costs are allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of these resources. The allocation method and cost of each support is given in note 5 to the accounts.

(e) Costs of raising funds

The cost of raising funds consist of investment management costs and related professional fees.

(f) Intangible fixed assets and amortisation

Intellectual property rights are included at cost less amortisation, being between 5% and 33.3% on a straight line basis.

(g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at historical cost or a reasonable value on receipt.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Computer equipment - between 20% and 33.3% straight line method Software and website - 20% straight line method

(h) Fixed asset investments

Investments are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their market value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.

The Faculty does not acquire or use put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.

(i) Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. The Statement of Financial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluation and disposals throughout the year. As investments are revalued to fair value continously, no realised gains and losses arise.

(j) Pensions

Contributions towards staff defined contribution personal pensions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable. The Faculty has no liability beyond its contributions and paying across the deductions for the employees share of contributions.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

2 Accounting Policies (continued)

(k) Foreign currency translations

Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies undertaken in the year have been translated at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Gains and losses on foreign exchange are recorded in the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise.

(l) Funds structure

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or trust deed.

Unrestricted funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Further details of the funds are included in Notes 15 and 16.

(m) Financial Instruments

Charity are as follows:

Debtors - trade and other debtors (including accrued income) are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 12. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank - is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Liabilities - trade creditors, accruals and other creditors will be classified as financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 14. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as in the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply an obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument.

(n) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements may require management to make judegments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevent. Actual results may differ from the estimates used and may cause a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and any future periods if the revision affects current and future periods.

No judgements other than those involving estimations have been made by management in the process of applying accounting policies in the prepartion of these statements.

There were no significant areas of estimation uncertainty in respect of the financial statements to 31 December 2023.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

3 Income from Charitable Activities

Membership
Conferences
Educational
Publications and journal
Sundry income		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
223,945
-
223,945
37,168
-
37,168
223,944
581,828
805,772
32,590
-
32,590
1,900
-
1,900
519,547
581,828
1,101,375		 2022
Total
£
227,690
32,125
346,370
26,441
2,100
634,726

The total restricted income in the prior year applicable to educational activity was £93,914. No other restricted funds were recognised within income from charitable activities in the prior year.

4 Investment Income
Dividends
Interest on Investments
Bank interest earned on cash balances		 2023
£
22,174
6,636
4,539
33,349		 2022
£
15,325
-
309
15,634

In both years all investment income is attributable to unrestricted income funds.

5 Expenditure

On raising funds
Investment management costs
On charitable activities
Membership
Conference
Educational
Publications and journal		 Direct Costs
Support
costs
2023
£
1,567
-
1,567
40,990
62,539
103,529
28,911
6,957
35,868
867,286
33,594
900,880
4,524
6,355
10,879
941,711
109,445
1,051,156		 2022
£
1,705
216,459
21,819
220,393
4,524
463,195

Total support costs of £54,500 were allocated to Membership in 2022. A breakdown of support costs incurred can be seen below.

Expenditure by fund
On raising funds
Investment management costs
On charitable activities
Membership
Conference
Educational
Publications and journal		 Total
Unrestricted Restricted
2023
£
£
£
1,567
-
1,567
103,529
-
103,529
35,304
564
35,868
321,145
579,735
900,880
10,879
-
10,879
470,857
580,299
1,051,156		 Total
2022
£
1,705
216,459
21,819
220,393
4,524
463,195

The total restricted expenditure applicable in the prior year to educational activity was £79,414.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

5 Expenditure (continued)

Analysis of support costs is as follow:

Allocation basis
Administrative overheads
Income
Information technology
Income
Human resources
Salaries
Governance
Income		 2023
£
23,916
22,631
41,349
21,549
109,445		 2022
£
23,368
19,158
-
11,974
54,500

The bases of allocation used for support costs are as follows: Income: costs are apportioned in proportion to income generated. Salaries: this is apportioned as a fraction of use of staff for each activity.

6 Governance costs
Auditors' fees
Independent examiner's fees
Accountancy fees		 2023
£
16,800
-
16,820
33,620		 2022
£
-
3,780
6,410
10,190

7 Trustees' Expenses

Travel expenses of £549 (2022: £3,037) were reimbursed to 5 (2022: four) trustees, being £124 in respect of travel to trustees board meetings and £425 for additional travel and examination costs.

8 Staff Costs
Salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2023
£
278,585
23,920
5,637
308,142		 2022
£
143,179
10,676
2,484
156,339

There were an average of 8 employees in the year (2022: 4). All staff costs are allocated to charitable activities. No employee earned in excess of £60,000 per annum in the current or prior year. The trustees received no remuneration in their capacity as trustees. Details of other payments paid to trustees are included in Note 18.

The trustees consider the board of trustees, in particular the President Dr Bernadette Butler, the Treasurer Dr Amy Hamm, and Registrar, Dr Iain Brew, to be the key management personnel of the charity.

The key management personnel received no remuneration in the current or prior year.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

9 Intangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 January 2023
At 31 December 2023
Amortisation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net book value at
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 £
107,980
107,980
93,279
4,523
97,802
10,178
14,701

Intangible fixed assets are included at cost less amortisation and comprise a 50% interest in the Intellectual Property Rights to the journal publication of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and a 50% interest in the Intellectual Property Rights of the E Learning project.

10 Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost Website under Software
Computer
Construction & Website
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
At 1 January 2023 8,220
45,600
10,479
64,299
Additions in the year 9,096
-
2,588
11,684
Transfers (17,316)
17,316
-
-
At 31 December 2023 -
62,916
13,067
75,983
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023 -
18,240
1,306
19,546
Charge for the year -
11,140
3,462
14,602
At 31 December 2023 -
29,380
4,768
34,148
Net book value at
At 31 December 2023 -
33,536
8,299
41,835
At 31 December 2022 8,220
27,360
9,173
44,753

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

11 Investments
Market value at 1 January 2023
Additions to investments at cost
Disposal proceeds
Net gain/(loss) on revaluation
Market value at 31 December 2023
Historical cost at 31 December 2023
The above investments are held as follows:
Listed on UK Stock Exchange		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
General
2023
£
£
£
534,713
-
534,713
22,174
-
22,174
(6,561)
-
(6,561)
16,493
-
16,493
566,819
-
566,819
573,513
-
573,513
£
566,819		 Total
2022
£
560,331
558,094
(543,826)
(39,886)
534,713
558,094
£
534,713

The investment portfolio

The Faculty's investments are all invested in a Multi-Asset Fund specifically tailored for Charity Responsible Investment.

12 Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
13 Cash at bank and in hand
Investment accounts
Cash at bank
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other taxes and social security costs
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income		 2023
£
13,779
12,668
127,272
153,719
2023
£
5,856
558,898
564,754
2023
£
41,012
7,332
4,925
81,224
142,556
277,049		 2022
£
30,479
5,855
117,614
153,948
2022
£
923
450,490
451,413
2022
£
25,876
8,564
1,392
39,816
162,118
237,766

Deferred income brought forward of £162,118 was released in the year and £142,556 was deferred during the year. Deferred income relates to membership and other income for which entitlement is met in the following financial period.

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

15 Restricted funds

WG Johnston Memorial Fund
David Jenkins Memorial Fund
Apothecaries Fund
Instutute for Addressing Strangulation Fund
WG Johnston Memorial Fund
David Jenkins Memorial Fund
Apothecaries Fund
Instutute for Addressing Strangulation Fund		 Balance at
01/01/2023
Income
Expenses
£
£
£
33,754
-
-
23,799
-
-
794
300
(369)
14,800
581,528
(579,930)
73,147
581,828
(580,299)
Balance at
01/01/2022
Income
Expenses
£
£
£
33,754
-
-
23,799
-
-
1,094
300
(600)
-
93,614
(78,814)
58,647
93,914
(79,414)		 Balance at
31/12/2023
£
33,754
23,799
725
16,398
74,676
Balance at
31/12/2022
£
33,754
23,799
794
14,800
73,147

The David Jenkins Memorial Fund is to be utilised to support educational, teaching or research projects, in the field of forensic medicine.

The WG Johnston Memorial Fund will be used to assist Fellows, Members and Affiliates of the Faculty and other qualifying practitioners, with grants in forensic and legal medicine, as well as supporting appropriate publications, educational and training programmes.

The Apothecaries Fund represents grant income to be used to subsidise the cost of taking the Licentiate examination. Of the total Grant income received £2,100 has been deferred at the year end.

The Institute for Addressing Strangulation Fund represents the Home Office Grant to be used for Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls, and Support Children: ‘What works’ funding to set up the Institute for Addressing Strangulation and run training, raising awareness and research into Strangulation and Suffocation in partnership with SafeLives and Bangor University.

16 Unrestricted funds

Opening balance
Net surplus for the year
Closing balance		 2023
£
888,615
96,965
985,580		 2022
£
757,541
131,074
888,615

Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Notes to the financial statements for year ended 31 December 2023 - Continued

17 Analysis of net assets between funds

Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
10,178
-
10,178
22,191
19,644
41,835
566,819
-
566,819
601,356
117,117
718,473
(214,964)
(62,085)
(277,049)
985,580
74,676
1,060,256
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
14,701
-
14,701
29,854
14,899
44,753
534,713
-
534,713
511,045
94,316
605,361
(201,698)
(36,068)
(237,766)
888,615
73,147
961,762

18 Related party transactions

All the Trustees are fellows or members of the Faculty. They pay subscriptions for membership at the same rates as all other members and have no benefits as Trustees in respect of any other services of the Faculty. The following related party transactions payments were incurred in respect of Trustees:

(i) Payments totalling £Nil (2022: £10,887) were made to Trustees in respect of fees to facilitate at the GFM Course. Payments were made to Dr Stark £Nil (2022: £10,887).

Payment terms were agreed by the Board as being in the best interest of the Charity and are allowable under the Charity's Standing Orders. Further details have been provided in the Trustees Report.

(ii) Trustees' expenses reimbursed are included in Note 7.

(iii) Payments totalling £20,348 were made to Abi Bartlett as a consultant for service provided to the Faculty outside of her role as Trustee, as Project Lead for the development of examination process.

Payment terms were agreed by the Board as being in the best interest of the Charity and are allowable under the Charity's Standing Orders. Further details have been provided in the Trustees Report.

(iv) Payments totalling £52,820 were made to Catherine White as Medical Director of the Instutute for Addressing Strangulation. Payment terms were agreed by the Board as being in the best interest of the Charity and are allowable under the Charity's Standing Orders. Further details have been provided in the Trustees' Report.