2023-03-31-accounts

UK CAT CONSORTIUM

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Company Registration Number: 05620264

Charity Registered Number: 1133667

The UCAT Consortium is the operating name of the UK CAT Consortium. The registered office is located at UCAT, B Floor, Medical School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH

UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR .......................................................................................................... 2 TRUSTEES’ REPORT 2022/23 ................................................................................................................... 3 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT .............................................................................. 3 INDUCTION OF TRUSTEES ................................................................................................................... 4 MEETINGS ........................................................................................................................................... 4 UK CAT OFFICE .................................................................................................................................... 5 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ......................................................................................................... 5 PEARSON VUE ..................................................................................................................................... 5 RISK MANAGEMENT............................................................................................................................ 6 OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................................................... 6 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................ 6 FUTURE PLANS .................................................................................................................................... 7 FINANCIAL REVIEW ................................................................................................................................. 8 2022/23 Outturn ................................................................................................................................. 8 Going Concern ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Financial Controls Document .............................................................................................................. 8 Reserves Policy .................................................................................................................................... 8 Members’ Liability .............................................................................................................................. 8 Trustees’ Responsibility Statement .................................................................................................... 8 Disclosure of Information to Auditors ................................................................................................ 9 Auditors ............................................................................................................................................... 9 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UK CAT CONSORTIUM ....................... 10 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................. 15 BALANCE SHEET .................................................................................................................................... 16 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS ............................................................................................................... 17 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 .............................. 18 CHARITY TRUSTEES ............................................................................................................................... 22 CONSORTIUM MEMBERS 2022/23 ....................................................................................................... 22 COMPANY SECRETARY .......................................................................................................................... 22 PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS..................................................................................................................... 22

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR

In 2022 the test was delivered internationally to upwards of 48,000 candidates. In the UK we recorded 36,374 candidates, a small drop in candidate numbers, suggesting that demand for medical and dental courses remains significant. 2023 testing has seen a further very small drop in candidate numbers to 35,635, but tests taken are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Our collaboration with the UCATANZ consortium, who deliver the test for their institutions in Australia and New Zealand, has continued to flourish, with almost 14,000 tests taken as part of their selection processes.

As in previous years I would like to express appreciation to my fellow Board members for their support and involvement. Many of them play invaluable parts outside our board meetings, through our groups dealing with the delivery and development of the test, and research into its contribution to selection. My gratitude applies with even more force to our small and devoted staff team, and this is an appropriate occasion to record our congratulations to our Chief Operating Officer on the recent award of her PhD.

It has been particularly pleasing to welcome a number of new institutions to the UCAT family at home and overseas. In the UK, the University of Leeds, University of Central Lancashire and Bangor University joined the Consortium and were able to use the test in 2023. We have also brought on board a significant international partner in the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore). We look forward to working with each of these new Consortium members and we anticipate further significant expansion in 2024.

Looking ahead, the UK CAT Board and Consortium are firmly committed to engaging with our stakeholders in developing test content. The Board has a plan in place to work with Pearson VUE to address key challenges around equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to content, candidate performance and customer services. Having reviewed our research priorities we are again supporting several projects over the next few years which will contribute to the evidence base around the test and more broadly to selection. Our current contract with Pearson VUE for the delivery and development of the test comes to an end following 2024 testing. The Board will be inviting potential suppliers to tender for those services during 2023.

Nigel Siesage

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

TRUSTEES’ REPORT 2022/23

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the UK CAT Consortium for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. The annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.

The UK CAT Consortium is registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1133667. Details of the Charity’s Trustees, senior staff, bankers and professional advisors can be found towards the end of this document.

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that, for each financial year, financial statements are prepared which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity at the end of that year and of the incoming resources and resources expended for that year.

The UCAT Consortium is the operating name of UK CAT Consortium and all references within the accounts are to the trading name.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The UK CAT Consortium is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Articles of Association, which were revised and adopted by members in February 2021. The members of the Charity are those Universities who, having joined the UK CAT Consortium, use the test in admissions to medicine and dentistry.

The Charity Trustees comprise:

• seven persons elected by the members for a term of up to three years;

• a person nominated by Medical Schools’ Council for a term not exceeding three years;

• the Medical Schools Chief Executive;

• a person nominated by the Dental Schools’ Council for a term not exceeding three years.

In addition, the Board may from time to time appoint up to four additional persons. Such Trustees shall hold office for a term of up to three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment.

When appointing Trustees the Consortium attempts to represent the geographical spread and diversity of Members. No more than two representatives or other members of staff from any Member shall be Trustees at the same time.

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INDUCTION OF TRUSTEES

The Trustees are the Directors of the Company and are largely elected from the representatives of the members. They therefore tend to be familiar with Charity structures, objectives and operations. On appointment Trustees and representatives are provided with relevant information regarding the Charity together with recent minutes of relevant meetings and the annual report. Directors are provided with information from the Charity Commission’s website regarding their role as Trustee.

MEETINGS

The Board meets approximately every four months. The Board sets the strategic direction for the Charity. Operational matters are delegated to the Board’s sub-committees and to the staff of the organisation. The Board is responsible for:

• determining annual objectives and monitoring performance against them;

• ensuring effective organisational planning to achieve the objectives;

• monitoring resource allocation and ensuring adequate resources are available for the delivery, development of the test and research agenda;

• promoting the organisation to the outside world and to identified stakeholders;

• liaising and communicating with Consortium members to ensure their needs regarding test delivery and aspirations regarding test development are met.

There are two groups to which the Board delegates areas of work:

Test Delivery Group

The group is responsible for overseeing the logistics of delivering the test and distribution of results and recommending policy to the Board, as appropriate, on all delivery matters including:

• Setting the testing timetable on an annual basis;

• Overseeing the process of delivering the test (including the process of registration);

• Ensuring that there is sufficient capacity for candidates wishing to take the test;

• Overseeing the delivery of results to consortium medical and dental schools;

• Reviewing test delivery on an annual basis and identifying areas for improvement;

• Working with Pearson VUE to address any incidents which occur in relation to test delivery;

• Overseeing the implementation of the Communication Policy with regard to communication with candidates, schools, consortium members and external stakeholders.

Research and Development Group

The RDG works with Pearson VUE and other experts in the field to develop each of the UCAT subtests to enable them to be fit for purpose for use in admissions by medical and dental schools. To achieve this, the group:

• Receives a detailed annual report of statistics relating to each round of testing including data regarding item performance, ‘fairness’, performance of different subgroups of candidates

• Considers recommendations for changes to the test based on annual statistics or developments in computer based testing nationally and internationally

• In conjunction with the Research Panel, identifies and takes forward relevant research related to the development of the test.

The RDG creates and delivers the Research Strategy with a particular focus on:

• overseeing the governance framework for data collection and research activity;

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• maintaining the research database(s);

• commissioning and selecting short term studies to achieve UKCAT’s objectives;

• liaising with other bodies (such as Medical Schools Council, General Medical Council) on opportunities to create a linked postgraduate follow-up mechanism.

The Research Panel will act as a subgroup of the RDG with the remit of considering research proposals, monitoring the progress of research projects and reporting to the RDG.

UK CAT OFFICE

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), the UCAT Administrator and the UCAT Marketing Officer are responsible for the day to day running of the test and supporting operations. They are employed through the University of Nottingham and support the work of the Consortium through a service level agreement that is reviewed on an annual basis.

The COO’s main duties include the following:

• Acting as the main contact with Pearson VUE which delivers the test on behalf of the Consortium – resolving issues directly unless the issue was significant enough to warrant escalation to the Chair or other board member.

• As Company Secretary, leading on appointment of members and Trustees, arranging induction, ensuring decisions made by the Board and Consortium are in line with the Charity articles

• Monitoring budgets and reporting on these to the Board

• Ensuring systems are in place to ensure good standards of financial management

• Leads on any liaison with solicitors, auditors and the company bank.

• Responsible for ensuring that alongside the UK CAT Administrator, the work of the Board and its sub-groups is supported and ensures that decisions are acted upon in a timely fashion.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

In 2018 the Consortium signed an agreement with Monash University (on behalf of a Consortium of Australian and New Zealand Universities) to deliver the test in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). The test was delivered successfully in 2022 to approximately 14,000 candidates in ANZ. The relationship between the two consortia in managed through the UCAT Joint Committee (UJC) which includes three members from each Consortium.

The ANZ Consortium contribute to discussions regarding the development of the test and the two offices work closely together. The Board is working closely with ANZ Universities to facilitate greater collaboration in the coming years with a focus on mutual research interests.

PEARSON VUE

The test is delivered on the Consortium’s behalf by Pearson Driving Assessments Limited (Pearson VUE). The Consortium entered into a contract with Pearson VUE regarding the development and delivery of the test in 2006 for a period of five years. Pearson VUE has been successful in bidding for further tenders to undertake this work in 2011 and 2016. The current contract with Pearson VUE commenced on 1 January 2017 and will expire 31 December 2024. The Board is retendering for these services in 2023.

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board reviews risk formally on an annual basis. Risks are regularly assessed on an informal basis by the Board and its subcommittees with a particular focus placed upon smooth test delivery and reputation management.

The following risks have been identified by the Board:

• Consortium members withdrawing which could impact on reputation, candidate numbers and ongoing research.

• Major failure in delivery (in the UK and ANZ) resulting in reputational impact.

• Uncertainty around university student funding impacting on candidate numbers.

• Fluctuations (potentially impacted by national health/HE policy) in candidate numbers impacting on contractual, financial and delivery issues.

• Data breach of candidate personal data.

• Leak in exam content impacting on delivery.

• Technological developments impacting on security of the test.

• Legal challenge from an individual (in the UK and ANZ).

• Unfavourable evidence regarding validity or impact of the UCAT.

• Extreme national and international events outside the control of the organisation.

OBJECTIVES

The objects for which the Charity is established are to promote and provide for the advancement of education in the United Kingdom and in particular to establish and operate tests to aid selection for admission to medical and dental degrees.

The Consortium is committed to advancing greater fairness in selection to medicine and dentistry and to the widening participation in medical and dental training of under-represented social groups. Through an ongoing programme of research the Consortium is seeking to identify the characteristics in applicants which will make them good dentists and doctors and thus to improve the quality of those who enter the professions with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The following sections summarise activity during the 2022 test cycle (2022/23 financial year).

2022 Testing Overview

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) was administered in 2022 from 11 July to 29 September. During this period, a total of 36,374 exams were administered (a decrease or 2% from 2022).

Detailed analysis of the test and subgroup analysis of candidates can be found in the Technical - Report on the UK CAT Website (https://www.ucat.ac.uk/research/technical reports/).

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

FUTURE PLANS

Following a review of the 2022 test cycle it was agreed to:

• Consider the implications of more significant use of Online Proctored testing, drawing on information gathered from test takers in 2022.

• Review the management of candidate incidents in light of the 2022 experience.

• Identify how the management of results from candidates testing in ANZ and applying to UK universities might be better managed.

• Introduce stop the clock (rather than fixed) rest breaks into the UCATSA and UCATSENSA tests.

• Put in place arrangements in order that candidates were approved for the UCATSEN before booking their test.

• Explore opportunities to expand the Consortium further engaging with universities which had previously used BMAT in selection.

Ongoing Key Aims

• Engage with stakeholders in developing test content over the next 2-3 years drawing on available research evidence alongside analysis of test and item performance

• Review office processes and capacity in light of the impact of increased candidate numbers

• Identify and start to address key challenges around equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to test content, candidate performance and customer services.

• Seek ways in which to better understand the widening access candidate journey in order to improve candidate communications and advice.

• Put in place a research strategy and plan linked to strategic aims of the organisation

• Routinely interpret and communicate relevant research outputs to Consortium Universities

The Board and its sub-groups are charged with achieving the objectives outlined above. The Board monitors performance against these objectives at its regular meetings through reports from the Chairs of these groups. These objectives inform the work of the office.

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

FINANCIAL REVIEW

2022/23 Outturn

The Consortium reported a small surplus of £32k in 2022/23.

The Consortium continues to invest part of its reserves for the longer term in order to attract a better return on these funds. Funds are placed with the Seven Investment Management (7IM) in the 7IM Sustainable Balance Strategy.

Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Financial Controls Document

The Board has approved a financial controls document which covers the governance of financial transactions within the organisation. The document is reviewed annually.

Reserves Policy

The Consortium needs financial reserves to:

• meet contractual liabilities should the organisation cease to exist. This includes redundancy pay, amounts due to creditors and commitments under leases.

• meet unexpected costs like break down of essential office equipment, staff cover in relation to illness, maternity leave and parental leave.

• meet any legal costs defending the charity’s interest.

• replace equipment when required.

• meet the costs of one-off developments to the test or its delivery.

• meet the organisation’s fixed costs in the event of a significant fall in candidate numbers

• undertake and provide infrastructural support for a programme of research which may span several years with the costs of research varying significantly between those years.

Expenditure in 2022/23 totalled £2.7m. Current reserves stand at £1m (39% of annual expenditure). The Consortium aims to have reserves in the region of 25-30% of annual expenditure.

The Board of Trustees reviews the level of reserves at each Board meeting. Actions were taken in 2022/23 to reduce annual surpluses including a reduction in the candidate fee.

Members’ Liability

The Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up.

Trustees’ Responsibility Statement

The Trustees (who are also directors of the Consortium for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with

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applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice;

• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any materials departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of Information to Auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

• so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware, and

• the Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable company's auditors are aware of that information.

Auditors

The auditors, Lakin Rose Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The Designated Trustees will propose a motion re appointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 7[th] December 2023 and signed on their behalf by

Mr Nigel Siesage

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UK CAT CONSORTIUM

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of UK CAT Consortium (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 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:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company 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.

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 charitable company'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

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

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 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.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

• the information given in the Trustees' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

• the Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

• the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Trustees' Report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they 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 charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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'

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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:

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

• the nature of the sector, control environment and performance,

• results of our enquiries of management and those charged with governance about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities;

• any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the charitable company’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

• identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of noncompliance;

• detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

• the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

• the discussions among the audit engagement team and involving relevant internal specialists regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in relation to revenue recognition. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charitable company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Charities Act, the UK Companies Act and UK tax legislation.

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In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the charitable company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We identified no such laws and regulations applicable to the charitable company.

Audit response to risks identified

As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition as a key audit risk related to the potential risk of fraud. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

• reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

• enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;

• performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;

• reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;

• obtained an understanding of provisions and held discussions with management to understand the basis of recognition or non-recognition of provisions; and

• in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including internal specialists, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or noncompliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

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.

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's 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 charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Christopher Dougherty (senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of

Lakin Rose Limited Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Pioneer House Vision Park Histon Cambridge CB24 9NL Date: 22 December 2023

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
		Unrestricted	Total Funds	Total
		funds		funds
		2023	2023	2022
	Note	£	£	£
INCOME FROM
Charitable activities:
Testing fees - clinical aptitude testing		2,628,875	2,628,875	2,823,680
Membership Fees		8,000	8,000	7,000
Testing Services for Members		152,660	152,660	140,086
Investments	3	7,584	7,584	5,681
Other income	4	-	-	5,000
TOTAL INCOME		2,797,119	2,797,119	2,981,447
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities-clinical aptitude testing		2,742,157	2,742,157	2,783,262
TOTAL EXPENDITURE		2,742,157	2,742,157	2,783,262
NET INCOME BEFORE INVESTMENT GAINS		54,962	54,962	198,185
Net gains/(losses) on investments		(23,454)	(23,454)	3,360
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		31,508	31,508	201,545
RECONCILATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward		1,032,161	1,032,161	830,616
Net movement in funds		31,508	31,508	201,545
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		1,063,669	1,063,669	1,032,161

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 18 to 21 form part of these financial statements.

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

Registered number 05620264

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

			2023		2022
	Note	£	£	£	£
FIXED ASSETS
Investments	8		322,793		347,147
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors	9	11,646		4,090
Cash at bank		927,657		791,849
		939,303		795,939
CREDITORS:amounts falling due within one year	10	(198,427)		(110,925)
NET CURRENT ASSETS			740,876		685,014
TOTAL NET ASSETS			1,063,669		1,032,161
CHARITY FUNDS
Unrestricted funds			1,063,669		1,032,161
TOTAL FUNDS			1,063,669		1,032,161

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 7[th] December 2023

and signed on their behalf by:

Mr N Siesage

The notes on pages 18 to 21 form part of these financial statements.

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Registered number 05620264

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

		2023	2022
	Note	£	£
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	12	134,908	221,272
Proceeds from sale of investments		900	1,063
Net cashprovided by investing activities		900	1,063
Change in cash and cash equivalents in theyear		135,808	222,335
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward		791,849	596,514
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward	13	927,657	791,849

The notes on pages 18 to 21 form part of these financial statements.

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 General Information

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is registered in England and Wales. The members of the charity are the medical and dental schools who have chosen to implement the clinical aptitude test. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.

2 Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

UK CAT Consortium meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Company status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the charity are the medical and dental schools who have chosen to implement the clinical aptitude test. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable. Candidate testing fees are recognised in the period in which testing occurs.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

2.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

2.6 Investments

Investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the statement of financial activities incorporating income and expenditure account.

2.7 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.8 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.

2.9 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds available for use at the Trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

3 INVESTMENT INCOME

3 INVESTMENT INCOME
	Unrestricted funds		Total funds		Total funds
		2023		2023	2022
		£		£	£
Bank interest receivable		4,059		4,059	1,406
Other interest receivable		3,525		3,525	4,275
		7,584		7,584	5,681
Total 2022		5,681		5,681
4 OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES
	Unrestricted funds		Total funds		Total funds
		2023		2023	2022
		£		£	£
Bank switching incentive		-		-	5,000
5 ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE BY	ACTIVITIES
	Activities	Support		Total	Total
	undertaken directly	costs		funds	funds
	2023	2023		2023	2022
	£		£	£	£
Expenditure on charitable activities	2,419,813	322,344		2,742,157	2,783,262
Total 2022	2,458,264	324,998		2,783,262

Analysis of direct costs

Activities Total funds Total funds

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

	2023	2023	2022
	£	£	£
Testing provider’s charges – testing	2,334,951	2,334,951	2,360,442
Testing provider’s charges–other	84,862	84,862	97,822
	2,419,813	2,419,813	2,458,264
Total 2022	2,458,264	2,458,264
Analysis of support costs
	Activities	Total funds	Total funds
	2023	2023	2022
	£	£	£
Office and administration recharges	216,116	216,116	206,736
Data management	20,640	20,640	30,222
Hotels, travel and subsistence	3,225	3,225	309
Meetings and hospitality	4,482	4,482	263
Premises	29,958	29,958	37,047
Research	-	-	16,067
Sundry expenses	9,958	9,958	9,011
Legal fees	11,024	11,024	-
Insurance	3,362	3,362	3,291
Bank charges	8	8	28
Computer and website	14,406	14,406	13,608
Investment Management fees	2,775	2,775	3,916
Auditors' remuneration	6,390	6,390	4,500
	322,344	322,344	324,998
Total 2022	324,998	324,998

6 AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

	2023	2022
	£	£
Feespayable to the Charity’s auditors for the audit of the Charity’s annual accounts	6,390	4,500

7 STAFF COSTS

The charity has no employees other than the Trustees, who did not receive any remuneration (2022 - £NIL).

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

During the year ended 31 March 2023, expenses totalling £655 were reimbursed to 5 trustees (2022 - £144 to 1 trustee).

8 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

8 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
	Listed securities
Market Value	£
At 1 April 2022	347,147
Disposals	(900)
Revaluation	(23,454)
At 31 March 2023	322,793
Analysis of listed investments
Equities	165,436
Fixed interest	105,849
Cash and money market	37,122
Other	14,386
Total	322,793
Historic cost	282,476

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

9 DEBTORS

9 DEBTORS
	2023	2022
	£	£
Due within one year
Trade debtors	3,000	-
Other debtors	8,646	4,090
	11,646	4,090

10 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year

	2023	2022
	£	£
Accruals and deferred income	198,427	110,925

11 SUMMARY OF FUNDS

SUMMARY OF FUNDS – CURRENT YEAR

	Balance at 1			Gains/	Balance as at
	April 2022	Income	Expenditure	(Losses)	31 March 2023
	£	£	£	£	£
General Funds	1,032,161	2,797,119	(2,742,157)	(23,454)	1,063,669
SUMMARY OF FUNDS – PRIOR YEAR
	Balance at 1			Gains/	Balance as at
	April 2021	Income	Expenditure	(Losses)	31 March 2022
	£	£	£	£	£
General funds	830,616	2,981,447	(2,783,262)	3,360	1,032,161

12 RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES
	2023	2022
	£	£
Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)	31,508	201,545
Adjustments for:
Decrease/(increase) in market value of investments	23,454	(3,360)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors	(7,556)	7,136
Increase/(decrease)in creditors	87,502	15,951
Net cashprovided by operating activities	134,908	221,272

13 ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

	2023	2022
	£	£
Cash at bank and in hand	927,657	791,849
Total	927,657	791,849

14 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT

	At 1 April	Cash	At 31 March
	2022	flows	2023
	£	£	£
Cash at bank and in hand	791,849	135,808	927,657
Total	791,849	135,808	927,657

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UK CAT Consortium Annual Report 2022/23

CHARITY TRUSTEES

Mr Nigel Siesage, University of Leicester, Chair

Dr Enamul Ahsan, Anglia Ruskin University (Resigned 31 December 2022)

Joanna Batt, University of Birmingham

Dr Lyndon Cabot, King’s College London

Dr Natalie Cope, Keele University

Dr Ching-Wa Chung (appointed 1 January 2023)

Professor Ian Fussell, University of Exeter

Dr Amanda Hampshire, University of Nottingham

Dr Robert McAndrew, University of Cardiff Dr David Graham O’Brien (appointed 1 January 2023) Professor Jayne Parry, University of Birmingham Ms Emma Paton, University of Bristol

Dr Katie Petty Saphon, Medical Schools Council

Dr Nana Sartania, University of Glasgow

Dr Fiona Stewart, University of Dundee

CONSORTIUM MEMBERS 2022/23

University of Aberdeen University of Exeter Queen Mary, University of London Anglia Ruskin University University of Glasgow Queen’s University, Belfast Aston University Hull York Medical School University of Sheffield University of Birmingham Keele University University of Southampton University of Bristol Kent and Medway Medical School University of St Andrews Brunel University King’s College London St George’s, University of London Cardiff University University of Leicester University of Sunderland University of Chester University of Liverpool University of Surrey University of Dundee University of Manchester University of Warwick University of East Anglia University of Newcastle University of Worcester Edge Hill University University of Nottingham University of Edinburgh University of Plymouth

COMPANY SECRETARY

Significant elements of day to day management are delegated to the Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary, Rachel Greatrix.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Bank: TSB, PO Box 373, Leeds LS14 9CG Solicitors: Browne Jacobson, Mowbray House, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham NG2 1BJ Auditors: Lakin Rose Limited, Pioneer House, Vision Park, Cambridge CB24 9NL

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