2024-03-31-accounts - Northern Exposure Rescue

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Report of the Trustees

For the fnancial year ended 31[st] of March 2024

The trustees present their report along with the consolidated financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] of March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared based on the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements.

Mission Statement

Northern Exposure Rescue is a registered charity that provides rescue boats to community and sporting events on or near waterways across the United Kingdom. During this period, we have continued to deliver against this mission statement and our constitution.

Our Legal Objects

To provide and facilitate a safe working environment for all those involved in water sports and activities near water.

Trustees and organisatonal structure

The charity has four trustees in place. They also sit on the Management Committee of the charity which includes a Secretary and a Child Protection Officers. We have the option to create temporary sub committees to deal with specific projects, but this has not been enacted this year.
Our trustees are responsible for setting the strategy and are responsible in law for the running of the charity. All the trustees served for the whole year.
Our trustees have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission and continue to do so.

Trustees

The trustees have not changed this year and they remain as; Mr Chris Lowe, Mr William Burchnall, Mr Wouter Verboom and Mr Chris Dunn.
When required, new trustees are appointed they are given briefings on the work of the charity, the policies and procedures of the charity and are provided with the information they need to fulfil their roles. New trustees are nominated by the existing trustees, following discussions with the wider Management Committee to ensure we secure new trustees with appropriate skills and qualifications to contribute to the development of the charity.
One trustee has indicated they wish to stand down at an appropriate moment and we are working to identify and invite a suitable candidate.

Commodore

Our Commodore is Chris Lowe and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the charity. He heads up the Management Committee in addition to our board of trustees. Our Commodore joined us in 2008 when the charity was formed and holds a senior role as a public servant. Prior to joining us he was a trustee with another national charity that delivers youth sailing in schools, along with two others of our trustees.

Advisors

To help us in our work we use an informal pool of professional advisors who deal with issues such as finance, grants, insurance, and legislative requirements.
Auditor – Becky Davies
Insurance – Peter Matcham
Grants – Graham Pearse
Child Protection – Moira Barson
Legislation – Royal Yachting Association Legal Department.

Trustees’ responsibilites in relaton to the fnancial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the financial statement in accordance with applicable laws and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities operating in England and Wales require trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources for the period. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
Observe methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
Make judgement and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable accounting standards has been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and;
Prepare the financial statement on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate.
The trustees are responsible for keeping the accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ascertain to ensure that the statements comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for preventing fraud and other irregularities.
We do not make grants ourselves.

Review of the Charity’s Financial Positon.

We have prepared accounts to demonstrate our financial position. These are attached in appendix 2 below.
These accounts demonstrate the charity’s financial position at the end of our accounting period.
We do not hold significant reserves other than 12months operating costs, predominantly insurance costs and we have a written policy to this effect. Similarly, our policy states that we will ensure we hold more than zero reserves.
The amount of reserves and deficit is show in appendix 2.
We are not in debt and income has exceeded expenditure.
There are no uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern. We continue to grow and income increases.
The charity’s principal income is the re-imbursement of expenses in supporting sport and community events but also from grants.
We do not have an investment policy, but the Trustees have made it clear that responsible low risk spending and procurement is a core theme for the charity and marries government procurement policies as several of our management committee have employment backgrounds as public servants.

What we did: Actvites, Achievements and Performance

In the period from the 1[st] of April 2023 till the 31[st] of March 2024 we provided rescue boats and volunteers to 26 community and sport events. These events were over 39 days and equate to 260 days of volunteer time. These figures are still recovering from pre-covid years, but we remain on a positive trajectory to recover to pre-covid levels.
Despite this our volunteers have spent a significant amount of time carrying out maintenance on our assets and have secured grants to replace equipment reaching the end of its economic life.
As with previous years we have support a varied range of sports and community events. We have taken steps to ensure that the sport and community events we support have a clear charitable outcome or are reducing the cost of participation in the events, to groups that would not normally benefit due to financial barriers. This year we have supported several charity swims, sponsored rowing, kitesurfing, sailing events, community litter picks, kayak events and events to promote our wider water safety messages.
We continue to communicate with our volunteers using emails, social media, WhatsApp and MS Teams. We have also spoken directly to them to sound out their appetite to develop NER in new directions.
In October 2023 we were very grateful to be awarded a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to replace the road vehicle used to tow the safety boats to and from the events we support. This was the most significant financial activity for the charity during this period.
As part of the purchase of the new vehicle, we sold the old vehicle and once combined with the TNL Community Fund Grant, we purchased a new. We used the same vendor as we had previously used after being well recommended by other charities.
The new vehicle still has a manufacturers warranty and proven to be a sensible purchase with minimal operating cost. It has also reduced the emissions we generate as part of our activities as the new vehicle meets the Euro6 standard which in turn has meant we are no longer required to pay low emission zone tolls in London.
We also received funding from Thames Water to purchase electronic safety equipment for the two boats own by the charity. This was for £1800.
We made several applications to other grant making bodies, but these were not successful.
We received donations from Amazon Smile, Gallagher Insurance Ltd and our Givey online donation portal. Several individuals also made donations to us. This included items that we specifically sought out to support our activities or financial donations.
We continue to take part in Wallingford Town Council’s Riverside Working Group. We continue to support this group which aims to maximise the safe usage of the River Thames by the local community.

Risk Management

The principle risk facing the charity is a water based accident that includes volunteers or participants at an event we are supporting.
We manage the risk primarily by using volunteers with national governing body qualifications and significant experience. We validate the suitability of volunteers before they are given tasks regardless of stated qualifications and experience. We offer training where appropriate.
Associaton
We have maintained membership and/or links with the following organisations during 2023-24;
Thames Motor Boat Association
- Representation on usage of the River Thames.
Royal Yachting Association
- Representation on wider boating issues.
Marina Developments Limited Cruising Club
- This has enabled us to access discounted slipway and mooring dues.
Costco Wholesale
- This has allowed us to purchase boat fuel, general supplies and volunteers snack at discounted rates.
Port of London Authority Navigators Club
- This has provided us free navigational information and details on the future developments of the tidal River Thames.

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Name: Mr Chris Lowe Date: 21 January 2025

Appendix 1 - Sports and Community Events supported by Northern Exposure Rescue during 2023-2024

British Rowing Junior Inter Regional Regatta Devizes to Westminster BUCS Rowing Regatta Devizes Canoe Slalom Races TTRA Tudor Pull IOM Paddleboarding The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Sailing Week Barge Driving Trust Barge Race Thames Alive Raft Race Felixstowe Triathlon Five Islands Gig Race BLDSA Torbay Swim Barnes and Mortlake Regatta Floatability CIC Annual Big Trip UYC’s Lord Birkett Regatta GB Row Wallingford 1155 Litter Pick The Boat Race Woman’s Head of the River Race RNLI Yealm Passage Race King Charles Coronation Pageant Barge Driving Trust Alex Hickman Barge Race Quintin Head of the River Great River Race Jubilant Row Barge Trust Emergency Vehicle Day at Brooklands Motor Museum

northern exposure rescue marine safety I photography / event management Appendix 2- Accounts

Appendix 3 – Charity Commission Summary Cover Document

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01.04.2023 Period start date To 31.03.2024 Period end date

Charity name: Northern Exposure Rescue

Charity registration number: 1125518

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and Activities
	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	2
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	13-24
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	6

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	14
Policy on social investment including program related investment	22
Contribution made by volunteers	NA
Other	NA

Achievements and Performance

Achievements and Performance
	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	13-24

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising Para 1.41 activities against objectives set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives Other NA

Financial Review

----- Start of picture text -----
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the 15
period
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating 17
why they are held
Amount of reserves held 18
Reasons for holding zero reserves 19
Details of fund materially in deficit 19
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing 20
as a going concern
----- End of picture text -----

Additional information (optional)

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	21
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	22
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	34
Other	NA

Structure, Governance and Management

----- Start of picture text -----
Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document 2
(trust deed, royal charter)
How is the charity constituted? 2
(e.g unincorporated association, CIO)
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions 4, 5
and 6
e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one
or more trustees
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of 4,5 and 6
trustees
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with 2 and 36
which the charity works
Relationship with any related parties
36
Other
----- End of picture text -----

Reference and Administrative details

Reference and Administrative details
Charity name	Northern Exposure Rescue
Other name the charity uses	NA
Registered charitynumber	1125518
Charity’s principal address	The Secretary Northern Exposure Rescue c/o 21 St Lawrence Close, Warborough, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 7HE

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for wholeyear	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any)
Chris Lowe	Whole year	Other trustees
Chris Dunn	Whole year	Other trustees
Will Burchnall	Whole year	Other trustees
Wouter Verboom	Whole year	Other trustees

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name Not applicable

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year Not applicable ~~_~~

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity	Not applicable
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects	Not applicable
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets	Not applicable

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

See point 11 above ~~PR~~ Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Not applicable ~~pe~~

northern exposure rescue marine safety I photography / event management

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details Not Applicable ~~PR~~ Other optional information ~~Pd~~ Not Applicable

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) C J Lowe

Full name(s) Christopher James Lowe Position (eg Secretary, Commodore Chair, etc)

Date 21 January 2025 ~~|~~

Northern Exposure Rescue

			Northern Exposure Rescue	Northern Exposure Rescue
			Northern Exposure Rescue	Northern Exposure Rescue		1125518
			Receipts andpayments accounts					CC16a
			For the period from ~~ee~~	Period start date To Period end date 1-Apr-2023 31/3/24 ~~e~~
	Section A Receipts and payments ~~ee~~
			Unrestricted funds	Restricted funds	Endowment funds		Total funds	Last year
			to the nearest £	to the nearest £	to the nearest £		to the nearest £	to the nearest £
	A1 Receipts
	Event Income Expenses		16,387	-	-		16,387	19,603
	Sale of Equipment		9,878	-	-		9,878	210
	Donations		2,214	-	-		2,214	400
	Membership		615	-	-		615	190
	Interest		10	-	-		10	2
	Grants		-	10,000	-		10,000	-
			-	-	-		-	-
			-	-	-		-	-
	*Sub total*(Gross income for AR)	(Gross income for AR)	29,104 (Gross income for AR)	10,000	-		39,104	20,405
- - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total receipts 29,104 10,000 - 39,104 20,405 A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). ~~—————=~~
	A3 Payments
Event Expenses 12,723 Boat Storage 520 Equipment Purchase 23,655 ~~—————~~				- - -	- - -		12,723 520 23,655	15,883 520 24

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

01/30/2025

Mechanical Repairs	738	-	-	738	3,134
Insurance	2,445	-	-	2,445	2,307
Vehicle Tax	320	-	-	320	290
Marketing	108	-	-	108	-
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
**Sub total **	40,509	-	-	40,509	22,158

A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
	-	-		-	-
	-	-		-	-
**Sub total **	-	-		-	-	-

**Total payments **	40,509	-		-	40,509	22,158

**Net of receipts/(payments) **	- 11,405	10,000	-		- 1,405	- 1,753
A5 Transfers between funds	10,000	- 10,000	-		-	-
A6 Cash funds last year end	1,603	-	-		1,603	-
**Cash funds this year end **	198	-	-		198	- 1,753

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories B1 Cash funds	Details Lloyds Account 02952580 Lloyds Account 17736568 *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))	to nearest £ 144 54 - 198 OK Unrestricted funds	to nearest £ - - - - OK Restricted funds	to nearest £ Endowment funds
				-
				-
				-
				-
				OK

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

01/30/2025

to nearest £ - - - - - - Unrestricted funds	to nearest £ - - - - - - Restricted funds	to nearest £ Endowment funds
-	-	-
-	-	-
-	-	-
-	-	-
-	-	-
-	-	-

B3 Investment assets

B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use

Details Details	Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs	Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - - - -	Current value (optional)
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
			Current value (optional)
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-
		-	-

CCXX R3 accounts (SS)

01/30/2025

B5 Liabilities

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

			-	-
	Fund to which		Amount due	When due
Details	liability relates		(optional)	(optional)
			-
			-
			-
			-
			-
Signature	Print	Name		Date of approval
Chris Dunn(Treasurer)	Chris Dunn			19-Jan-2025
Chris Lowe(Commodore)	Chris Lowe			19-Jan-2025

CCXX R4 accounts (SS)

01/30/2025

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ members of

Northern Exposure Rescue

On accounts for the year ended

31/03/2024

Charity no (if any)

1125518

Set out on pages

(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 01/04/2022.

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

Signed:

B Davies 29/01/2025

Date: Name:

Becky Davies

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

October 2018

IER

Address:

70 Blackstitch Lane

Redditch

B97 5TQ

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

October 2018

IER