Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended
31st March 2025
Company registered number: 07258623 Charity registered number: 1136716
Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee)
Contents
| Reference and administrative details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Chair's Statement | 2 to 4 |
| Trustees' Report | 5 to 13 |
| Statement Trustees' Responsibilities | 14 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 15 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 16 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 17 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 18 to 25 |
| Detailed Financial Statements | 26 to 28 |
Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee)
Reference and administrative details
| Trustees | Rob Milford Chairperson and |
|---|---|
| Hazel Shaw Vice Chair |
|
| Elizabeth Baio | |
| Andrew Hall | |
| John Hill resigned 19/12/2024 |
|
| Jim McBride | |
| Shirley Sheridan resigned 19/12/2024 | |
| Philip Virdi-Smith | |
| Chief Executive Officer | Anne Eyre |
| Company registered number | Company registered number07258623 |
| Charity registered number | 1136716 |
| Registered Office | The Bradbury Centre |
| 2 Sansome Walk | |
| Worcestershire | |
| WR1 1LH | |
| Bankers | CAF Bank |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | |
| Kings Hill | |
| West Malling | |
| Kent | |
| ME19 4JQ | |
| Solicitors | Thursfields Solicitors |
| 9-10 The Tything | |
| Worcester | |
| WR1 1HD | |
| Independent Examiner | Forest Phoenix Accountancy Ltd |
| Units 21-23 Foxes Bridge Road | |
| Forest Vale Industrial | |
| Estate Cinderford B45) |
|
| Gloucestershire | |
| GL14 2PQ |
Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year to 31st March 2025
BOARD OF TRUSTEES INTRODUCTION
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report, together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors’ report and accounts for Companies House purposes. The financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charity's Constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and RoI (FRS 102).
Worcestershire Association for the Blind is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1139716. It is also registered at Companies House as a private charitable company limited by guarantee under company number 07258623. Worcestershire Association for the Blind, under its working name of Sight Concern Worcestershire, provides sensory impaired people in Worcestershire the information and support they need to make choices, overcome barriers and lead fulfilling lives. We do this through information and advice and peer support, primarily.
CHAIR’S STATEMENT
I am pleased and proud to present this year’s annual report. Throughout 20242025, our charity has continued to adapt and expand. We have provided more services to more people, without ever losing focus on impact and meaningful engagement. Our operational team and amazing volunteers have been steadfast in their resolve to offer the best service they can. To do so while responding to change, rising demand, and one of the most challenging economic periods for charities in recent years is testament to their determination and commitment to the people we are privileged to support.
We are grateful to every volunteer and colleague for their dedication and hard work. We are proud that our clients continue to put their trust in us.
The Trustees agreed a new strategic plan in 2024 that will guide us until 2027. The plan reflects both the progress we have made and our ambitions for the future as we adapt to a broader remit. The Charity Commission approved changes to our charitable objectives and governing document. This led to a key decision made during this financial year: to affirm our support for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have dual sensory impairment. We are committed to supporting these communities. Our last AGM we endorsed the motion to change our name to Sensory Matters Worcestershire, a further evolution of the support we have been offering in the county since the 1880s.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year to 31st March 2025
CHAIR’S STATEMENT (continued)
Our efforts in recent years have delivered robust results and reasonably healthy reserves. However, we are not complacent. We acknowledge that the coming year is likely to be very difficult for charities because of the “perfect storm” of falling funding, rising costs, and increasing demand. As noted by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, “with the public under significant financial pressures of their own, charities are feeling the strain and face increased competition for every pound. The coming financial year will be a squeeze for many, and the risks this poses could be high.”[1]
We continue to receive a grant from the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Commissioning Board to deliver vital low vision assessments. We have maintained a close working relationship with Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust to provide a high-quality, efficient, and holistic low vision service. We are excited to be working in partnership to deliver
Worcestershire’s first Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) in the next financial year. We are also mindful of the pressures facing NHS commissioning, particularly with the planned abolition of ICBs, and are preparing to respond to potential changes.
Our successful delivery of our contract with Worcestershire County Council continues and has led to several collaborative projects with the local authority. We have contributed to the delivery of the Household Support Fund and received funding from Public Health for specific initiatives. We have also built positive relationships with district councils. With Worcestershire’s county and district councils set to be abolished within the next three years, and at least one unitary authority to be established, we will be proactive in identifying and responding to the implications of this change.
We are, as always, enormously grateful to all those who contribute to our income. We offer sincere thanks to our regular and one-off donors, and to those who have participated in or attended events over the year, including the World Sight Day Quiz, the Worcester City 10k Run, and the firewalk. Our CEO was delighted to attend and speak at Fernhill Heath Baptist Church’s carol service and to receive their generous festive collections. We are always touched when people remember us in their wills or with in memoriam donations. Our volunteers donate countless hours of their time and energy every year.
Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year to 31st March 2025
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CHAIR’S STATEMENT (continued)
We are, as always, enormously grateful to all those who contribute to our income. We offer sincere thanks to our regular and one-off donors, and to those who have participated in or attended events over the year, including the World Sight Day Quiz, the Worcester City 10k Run, and the firewalk. Our CEO was delighted to attend and speak at Fernhill Heath Baptist Church’s carol service and to receive their generous festive collections. We are always touched when people remember us in their wills or with in memoriam donations. Our volunteers donate countless hours of their time and energy every year.
Our work is also supported by grants from a variety of trusts and funds. We are in the second year of a three-year award from the National Lottery and repeat our thanks to the fund. We also received a significant grant from the Eveson Trust, alongside support from the Postcode Lottery, Worcestershire
Community Foundation and the Turner Trust. We are grateful to the Thomas Pocklington Trust for funding our participation in their Get Set Progress internship scheme for vision impaired people.
The Trustees extend their heartfelt thanks to every volunteer and colleague who has contributed to our mission and to the people we support for trusting us.
Hazel Shaw Acting Chairperson Date November 2025
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- https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news and insights/news index/the road ahead
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year to 31st March 2025
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report)
for the year to 31st March 2025
Structure, governance and management
The charity is governed by our Articles of Association. The association was established by a charitable trust deed in 1930. The Trustees transferred all assets to the charitable company limited by guarantee which was incorporated The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, who also act as directors, under its memorandum and articles.
The trustees/directors have overall responsibility for ensuring that:
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The charity is operating efficiently and effectively;
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Its assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition; · Proper records are maintained, and that the financial information used within the charity or for publication is reliable;
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The charity complies with relevant laws and regulations.
The Articles stipulate that we must have three directors/trustees and does not set a maximum number. At the end of this financial year, we had 6 trustees; Rob Milford (Treasurer, and Chair)
Hazel Shaw (Vice Chair) Elizabeth Baio Andrew Hall Jim McBride Philip Virdi-Smith
The Board recognises the vital contribution made by people with a sensory impairment and actively seeks to recruit sensory impaired trustees. At least four trustees serving on the Board in this financial year were sensory impaired. Trustees are selected for the skills they can offer; a skills audit is used to identify the range of skills required and any gaps in their expertise. We The Board delegates day to day management, the development of strategy and overall leadership of the organisation to the Chief Executive Officer.
Policies and Procedures
We have policies and procedures in place to govern our activities; these include Health and Safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Volunteering, Disciplinary, Grievance, Capability, Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. Policies are reviewed by Trustees on a regular cycle.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report)
for the year to 31st March 2025
Objectives and activities
Our stated objects within the Articles for which the charity is established are for the public benefit:
a) To support visually impaired people, primarily those living in
Worcestershire. b) The provision of services to increase the independence and reduce the social isolation of vision impaired people of all ages, and at all stages of their vision impairment journey. c) The promotion and support of the emotional and physical wellbeing of blind and partially sighted people, and their families. d) The provision of information, resources and advocacy to support and empower people living with impaired vision to make informed choices. e) Working collaboratively with other service providers and agencies, ensuring people affected by sight loss receive the best services. f) The provision of similar services to people with other sensory impairment or needs.
These objectives are monitored on a regular basis by the officers of the association and the Board.
Public benefit statement
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Board has given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance Public benefit: running a charity (PB2).
There are approximately 24000 people living vision impairment in
Worcestershire, 8570 of whom are registered blind or partially sighted.[[1]] An estimated 125000 people are living with hearing loss or Deafness.[[2]] As the only charity dedicated to supporting sensory impaired people in
Worcestershire, we aim to reach as many of these people as we can, within our available resources, to support them to come to terms with their sensory impairment, develop new skills and ways of doing things, overcome barriers and feel empowered to make decisions about their lives.
The Board considers that Worcestershire Association for the Blind provides a public benefit by actively promoting, supporting and empowering people affected by vision impairment and other sensory impairment.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report)
for the year to 31st March 2025
Achievements and performance
To achieve our objectives, we provide a range of services providing information, advice and guidance to sensory impaired people and their support networks.
This year our services have included:
o Information and advice helpline;
o One-to-one support from our Sensory Impairment Advisors;
o Monthly Connections groups across the county; o Low vision clinics delivered in partnership with the NHS;
o Advice about aids, equipment and technology, including demonstrations, workshops and one-to-one support;
o Befriending volunteers who can support people with the things they need to do, such as reading post, and the things they want to do, such as hobbies and o Sight loss awareness advice and training to those who want to know how they can support vision impaired people.
o A weekly toddler group for families affected by vision impairment and activities in school holidays for older children;
o Employment workshops delivered in partnership with Unity and Worcester Community Trust.
We appreciate how challenging it can be to travel across the county, so we deliver our services across the six districts of Worcestershire, in local community settings or in people's homes when necessary.
We are fortunate to benefit from the support of over 170 volunteers who support us across all areas of the charity including administration tasks in our offices, helping at Connections groups, befriending, reading and recording the talking news and more.
We were in contact with 3138 sensory impaired people during the year, a 40% increase from the previous year. This is a significant achievement during a year which saw staff adapting to news ways of working.
The support we offer is wide-ranging and person-centred. This means that we try to find ways of supporting our clients, directly or indirectly, with any barriers created by a society and environment which is inaccessible to them.
[1] RNIB Sight Loss Data Toolkit v5
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report) for the year to 31st March 2025
Service highlights
Information and advice : People with sensory impairment need access to information and advice relating to their unique circumstances. Our core service works with clients to identify their own needs, empowering people to make choices and decisions. Some people need more than basic information and advice or signposting. They may be newly diagnosed or just coming to terms with their vision impairment and beginning to accept support. In many cases, people are not aware of the support that is available to them including benefits, equipment, help with the emotional impact, to adapt and develop confidence. They also need to trust that the source of information is credible. Our Sensory Impairment Advisors work with sensory impaired people to identify their individual strengths, needs and challenges. We use a holistic assessment tool and work together to meet agreed objectives.
Our core information, advice and guidance service supported 1224 people during the year, a 33% increase from the previous year.
“[The team] are excellent at their jobs, they give clear and relevant information and nothing is too much bother. They always go above and beyond. I feel happier and more confident because of the support received”
“I would like say thank you for help to our Deaf people and me as well I hope you keep well and I will hearing from you any update or letter for our Deaf people in the future I’m sure Deaf people would happy with you because you help us so big thank again”
Low vision partnership: a key part of our work is maximising people’s independence. Many people who are sight impaired or severely sight impaired have some residual vision. By using magnification aids, people may be able to continue completing daily activities, particularly those involving reading. We have continued our partnership with our NHS colleagues to deliver all low vision assessments at the Bradbury Centre, pooling our resources to ensure a more person-centred and efficient service. Improved take-up of and attendance at appointments continues, meaning that more people are in receipt of vital equipment and our support at a critical time.
In total, 421 people with a vision impairment were assessed in a low vision clinic this year. This is a small decrease from last year which reflects the considerable efforts made in previous years to reduce the waiting list.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report)
for the year to 31st March 2025
“I am very happy! I can finally read my motorcycle magazines, thank you for all the help”
“My magnifier is wonderful and has changed my life” “Brilliant, I can now thread a needle!”
Connections groups: The people we support tell us consistently how much they value spending time with people who share similar challenges and experiences, particularly the opportunities for informal advice and peer support. Our Connections groups enable and empower people to develop knowledge, skills and confidence with peers who have had similar experiences. This year has seen attendance at our groups continue to increase. We have also established groups for people with hearing loss and Deaf people. We know that we have more to learn from the new communities we are supporting and are working with them to identify where the gaps in their support are and to fill them, where resources permit.
“'Going to the Redditch Connections group has changed my life. I'm meeting people and going out again after years of isolation”
“I went to my first Sight Concern meeting at Kidderminster yesterday and I was made so welcome and I just wanted to express my thanks to all involved”
“The Wyre Forest Connections group was the first time I'd left the house on my own since before the pandemic”
“Going to the connection groups, seeing different people from different walks of life and how well they coped with their sight loss was really inspiring. The staff were very down to earth, and they talk to you in a way that you understand”
“I went to the Bromsgrove Christmas party yesterday - my first visit with the group - what a lovely welcome!”
Access to technology: Technology is a crucial ally for many of the people we support, playing a central role in developing independence and overcoming barriers. Progressively more common accessibility tools, such as voice command software, magnification and screen readers enable people to access digital content with minimum effort once they know how to.
Technology is constantly evolving and creating further opportunities for a more accessible world. Our technology service offers support to any blind or
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report)
for the year to 31st March 2025
partially sighted person who wants to learn more about how technology could be useful to them.
Following the departure of our technology advisor, we have remodelled the service and are working in close partnership with suppliers, the RNIB and other specialist partners to continue meeting the needs our beneficiaries. We are pleased to be able to deliver information and advice about technology to people with hearing loss as part of our expanded sensory impairment offer.
322 people were supported by this service during the year, 205 of whom had not received technology support from us before.
“This has been the most positive, uplifting and helpful conversation I have had since being diagnosed with my sight loss. Thank you so, so much”
Volunteering: It is hard to articulate how important and valued our volunteers. Simply put, we would not be able to do as much as we do, as well as we do it, without their support, commitment and generosity. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our charity, including befriending, administration, supporting our low vision service, running our art group and providing a warm welcome and a brew to people attending our groups. We were delighted to welcome volunteers to an annual thank you event and record our formal thanks in this report.
“My befriending relationship is good. Volunteer… encouraged me to go on a [holiday], which I did and had a fantastic time. [He] is such a good match for me”
“I love coming to volunteer here – its one of my happy places!” “I very much enjoy what I do when volunteering with SCW and really appreciate how hard you work to coordinate all that SCW offers, both to and from its volunteers” “There's no need to thank me, I appreciate you giving me the chance to make a difference”
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report) for the year to 31st March 2025
Financial review
Going concern
The Charitable Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Trustees 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.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have given careful consideration to the requirement to maintain an appropriate level of unrestricted general reserves, being those unrestricted funds not invested in fixed assets or otherwise designated or committed.
The Charity needs reserves to enable it to develop its long term aims as well as to ensure the continuation of its current activities. In order to meet their responsibilities and to ensure that the Charity continues to operate on a going concern basis, the Trustees have reviewed the requirements and risks faced by the charity in both the short and medium term.
Our reserves policy takes into consideration that, as we are a charity that relies heavily on fundraising, we are subject to the effects of short-term volatility in income. We therefore hold funds in reserve to ensure that we can continue to
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report)
for the year to 31st March 2025
Financial review (continued)
The Trustees have designate unrestricted fund reserves as contingency funds for the following purposes:
Staffing contingency and redundancy costs: There are some key activities that must be carried out in order to fulfil contractual or legal requirements, there may be a requirement to employ temporary staff to cover long-term sickness absence or to fund agency recruitment costs for senior staff. In the event of the closure of the charity redundancy payments would need to be made. The Trustees have set aside £70k (2024: £34K) to cover these contingencies.
Overhead contingency if unable to raise income: Inability to raise sufficient income to pay fixed overhead costs has many root causes, including recession and pandemic. The Trustees have set aside £58k (2024: £65k) to cover these contingencies being the cost of 6 months of current overheads.
Professional costs of closure of the Charity: Should the Charity need to wind up we may need to pay professional fees to assist us to close down the Charity. The Trustees have set aside £22k (2024: £44k) to cover these possible costs.
Costs of repairs to the building: The building that the Charity occupies is an old property and repairs can be costly. We have included a sum of £10k for unplanned essential repairs. Our flat roof is over 20 years old and may require replacement in the very near future, quotes have been obtained for this. The Trustees have set aside £103k (2024: £94k) in total, to cover these contingencies.
The total value for all contingencies is £253k (2024: £237k). Designated funds
These funds are unrestricted funds, but set aside from general unrestricted funds for specific purposes. As shown below these are funds include the
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (including Director's Report) for the year to 31st March 2025
Malvern account and funds set aside for contingencies that include estimates for building repairs and in case the charity faced closure.
The Trustees estimate that the total level of free reserves to be designated contingency funds to mitigate against identifiable possible future expenditure is approximately £253k (2024: £237).
| Designated contingency funds Staff contingency and redundancy costs Overhead contingency if unable to raise income Professional costs of closure of the charity Costs of repairs to the building Designated Malvern funds Total designated funds |
2025 2024 £ £ 69,570 34,320 57,659 64,812 22,097 44,193 103,189 93,808 252,514 237,133 4,035 2,851 256,549 477,117 |
|---|---|
Total designated funds
The level of our reserves (see Note 12 "Funds of the Charity") held at the yearend, which excludes fixed assets in restricted funds and including payment of our creditors, is £363k (2024: £330k). This includes investment funds of £272k (2024: £285k) that are convertible at short notice if required, less current liabilities of £96k (2024: £54k), plus unrestricted current assets of £188k (2024: £108k).
Our unrestricted general and designated funds of £363k (2024: £330k) exceed the amount required to mitigate our estimated costs for the building and in the event of closure of £257k. This shows the resilience of the organisation to designate these funds and still have £106k of general funds (2024: £89k) to be able to operate smoothly and meet it day-to-day obligations.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
(a registered charity and private company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of Worcestershire Association for the Blind for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
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 its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for that period.
In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; · state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial · prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
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 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.
Approved by the trustees of the charitable company and signed on its behalf
Hazel Shaw Acting Chairperson Date: November 2025
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Independent examiner's report on the accounts for the year ended 31st March
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and consider that an audit is not required under the Charities Act 2011 as the charity’s gross income did not exceed £1m. However, income exceeds £25k so an independent examination is required. I/we are qualified to undertake the examination by being ACCA qualified (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).
It is our responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to our attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention, which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not considered in an independent examination.
I have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper
Signed: 30 July 2025
Jonathan Mills for and on behalf of Forest Phoenix Accountancy Ltd
Worcestershire Association for the Blind
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Statement of financial activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31st March (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Unrestric- ted funds Note £ Income from: Donations, legacies and grants 3 346,802 Charitable activities 24,842 Other trading activities 42,179 Investments 7,757 Other income 3,402 Total income 424,982 Expenditure on: Raising funds 4 (3,225) Charitable activities 4 (374,589) Total expenditure (377,814) Net income/ (expenditure) before net gains on investments 47,168 Net (losses)/gains on investments (13,289) Net movement in funds including all recognised gains 33,879 Total funds b/fwd 19 329,503 Total Funds c/fwd 19 363,382 Reconciliation of funds |
Unrestric- ted funds Note £ Income from: Donations, legacies and grants 3 346,802 Charitable activities 24,842 Other trading activities 42,179 Investments 7,757 Other income 3,402 Total income 424,982 Expenditure on: Raising funds 4 (3,225) Charitable activities 4 (374,589) Total expenditure (377,814) Net income/ (expenditure) before net gains on investments 47,168 Net (losses)/gains on investments (13,289) Net movement in funds including all recognised gains 33,879 Total funds b/fwd 19 329,503 Total Funds c/fwd 19 363,382 Reconciliation of funds |
Restricted funds £ 36,376 - - - - |
Total 31st March 2025 Total 31st March 2024 £ £ 383,178 272,392 24,842 26,172 42,179 42,508 7,757 6,684 3,402 1,945 461,358 349,701 (3,225) (3,425) (385,155) (580,706) (388,380) (584,131) 72,978 (234,430) (13,289) 24,583 59,689 (209,847) 1,432,284 1,642,131 1,491,973 1,432,284 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 424,982 (3,225) (374,589) |
36,376 - (10,566) |
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| (377,814) 47,168 (13,289) |
(10,566) 25,810 - |
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| 33,879 | 25,810 | ||
| 329,503 | 1,102,781 | ||
| 363,382 | 1,128,591 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. No amount is in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS102).
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
The notes on the following pages form part of these financial statements.
Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Statement of Financial Position (SOFP) as at 31st March 2025
| Note | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | £ | £ | |
| Investment property | 6 | 446,103 | 446,103 |
| Tangible Assets | 7 | 635,191 | 647,586 |
| 1,081,294 | 1,093,689 | ||
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors and prepayments | 8 | 22,524 | 10,051 |
| Investments | 9 | 271,931 | 285,220 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 10 | 212,663 | 97,622 |
| 507,118 | 392,893 | ||
| Creditors:Amounts falling due within | 11 | (96,439) | (54,298) |
| one year | |||
| Net Current Assets | 410,679 | 338,595 | |
| Total Net Assets | 1,491,973 | 1,432,284 | |
| Funds of the charity: | |||
| Restricted funds | 12 | 1,128,591 | 1,102,781 |
| Restricted designated funds | 12 | 4,035 | 2,851 |
| Unrestricted designated funds | 12 | 252,514 | 237,133 |
| Total designated funds | 256,549 | 239,984 | |
| Unrestricted general funds | 12 | 106,833 | 89,519 |
| Total funds | 13 | 1,491,973 | 1,432,284 |
The charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Directors' responsibilities:
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The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its
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accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
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The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the
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requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on November 2025, authorised for issue and signed on their behalf by:
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Hazel Shaw, Acting Chairperson
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of The address of its registered office is:
The Bradbury Centre 2 Sansome Walk Worcester Worcestershire WR1 1LH
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 (FRS102) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Worcestershire Association for the Blind 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 notes.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
2 Accounting policies (continued)
Going concern
After making appropriate inquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company 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.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
The charity opted to not include a cash flow statement in these financial statements.
Income and endowments
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 the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
2 Accounting policies (continued)
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Government grants
Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life. For property that is 50 years or 2% straight line (SL), for fixtures and fittings is 10 years (10% SL), and 3 years for office equipment (33% SL).
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
2 Accounting policies (continued)
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or
services performed in the ordinary course of business. They are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
2 Accounting policies (continued)
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Fair value measurement
The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price for an identical asset in an active market. When quoted prices are unavailable, the price of a recent transaction for an identical asset provides evidence of fair value as long as there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances or a significant lapse of time since the transaction took place. If the market is not active and recent transactions of an identical asset on their own are not a good estimate of fair value, the fair value is estimated by using a valuation technique.
| 3 Staff costs Social Pensions Wages and salaries |
2025 2024 £ £ 254,677 295,580 11,946 20,381 7,138 8,528 273,761 324,489 |
|---|---|
4 Taxation
As a registered charity it has an exemption from corporation tax.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
| 5 Pension and other schemes Defined contribution pension scheme 6 Tangible fixed assets Cost Additions Disposals Total cost at 31 March 2025 Depreciation Depreciation on disposals Charge for the year Total depreciation at 31 March 2025 Net book value at 31 March 2025 Net book value at 31 March 2024 |
Long- term leasehold property £ 668,897 - - 668,897 23,944 - 10,566 34,510 634,387 644,953 |
2025 2024 £ £ 7,138 8,528 Fixtures and fittings Total £ £ 250,884 919,781 - - - - 250,884 919,781 248,251 272,195 - - 1,829 12,395 250,080 284,590 804 635,191 2,633 647,586 |
|---|---|---|
The valuation of the property held at the beginning of the reporting period was carried out by an independent valuer called Fisher German LLP, a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. The valuation was made on an open market, value-in-use basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties and the percentage growth rate of the property market over the year, having due regard to any impairment provision necessary.
The building situated at Sansome Walk, Worcester, was valued at £1,115,000 dated 17 December 2021. The charity occupies the ground floor that is 60% of the value (£669k) and is depreciated at 2% straight line and revalued at least every 5 years.
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
| 7 Investment property | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Valuation at 1 Apr 2024 |
446,103 | at 1 Apr 2023 | 446,103 |
| Revaluation | - | - | |
| Valuation at 31 Mar 2025 |
446,103 | at 31 Mar 2024 | 446,103 |
| The building situated at Sansome Walk, Worcester, was valued on | 17 | ||
| December 2021 at £1,115,000. | The first floor is 40% of the total value | ||
| (£446k), it is rented out and is classed as an investment property. | |||
| 8 Debtors | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade debtors | 8,845 | 7,669 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 13,679 | 2,382 | |
| 22,524 | 10,051 | ||
| 9 Current asset investments | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Charities unit trust equity fund | 271,931 | 285,220 | |
| 10 Analysis of cash at bank | Restricted | Unrestricted | Total |
| between funds | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand as | - | 97,622 | 97,622 |
| at 31 March 2024 | |||
| Net cash flow | - | 115,041 | 115,041 |
| Cash at bank and in hand as at 31 March 2025 |
- | 212,663 | 212,663 |
| 11 Creditors: amounts falling | due within | 2025 | 2024 |
| one year | £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 12,952 | 10,887 | |
| Other taxation and social security | 1,075 |
4,946 | |
| Pension control account | 2,259 | 2,393 | |
| Other creditors | 7,052 | 7,052 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 73,101 |
29,020 | |
| 96,439 | 54,298 |
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025
| 12 Funds of the Charity Balance at 1 Apr 2024 Restricted funds £ Sansome Walk Property - ground floor 644,953 Sansome Walk Property - first floor 446,103 Restricted grant deferred income 11,725 Total restricted funds 1,102,781 Unrestricted Malvern branch 2,851 Contingency funds 237,133 Total unrestricted designated funds 239,984 Unrestricted general funds 89,519 Total unrestricted funds 329,503 Total funds 1,432,284 Tangible fixed assets Investment property Current assets Current asset investments Current liabilities Total net assets 13 Analysis of net assets between funds |
Balance at 1 Apr 2024 £ 644,953 446,103 11,725 |
Incoming resources £ - - 36,376 |
Resources expended Balance at 31 Mar 2025 £ £ (10,566) 634,387 - 446,103 - 48,101 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,102,781 | 36,376 | (10,566) 1,128,591 |
|
| 2,851 237,133 |
1,184 15,381 |
- 4,035 - 252,514 |
|
| 239,984 89,519 |
16,565 395,128 |
- 256,549 (377,814) 106,833 |
|
| 329,503 | 411,693 | (377,814) 363,382 |
|
| 1,432,284 | 448,069 | (388,380) 1,491,973 |
|
| Restricted funds £ 634,387 446,103 48,101 - - |
Unrestrict ed funds Balance at 31 Mar 2025 £ £ - 634,387 - 446,103 187,086 235,187 271,931 271,931 (96,439) (96,439) |
||
| 1,128,591 | 362,578 1,491,973 |
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Detailed Profit & Loss for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Income Donations Received Grants Legacies In Memorium Payroll Giving Regular Giving Events - Corporate Sponsorship Corporate giving Unity Lottery Community Fundraising Static Boxes Gift Aid Attendance fees/Contributions Sale of Aids and Equipment - Non Vatable Sale of Second Hand Aids and Equipment Income from Suppliers Income from Training 0 Other Income Access To Work Rent/ Lease Income Income From Room Hire Total income Expenditure Raising funds Fundraising Event Costs PR (Literature & Brochures) PR social media Aids and Access to Work (ATW) Equipment Client Expenses |
Total 31 March 2025 Total 31 March 2024 £ £ 25,026 12,222 350,604 229,082 1,000 26,549 1,576 1,343 510 675 4,462 2,521 10,182 5,354 0 1,908 673 749 250 2,103 0 14 2,125 1,240 789 126 9,531 13,208 57 294 1,206 897 29 279 40,086 39,654 770 163 1,323 2,691 7,757 6,684 3,402 1,945 461,358 349,701 (2,655) (1,734) 0 (698) 0 (900) 7,997 (11,469) 0 (32) 5,342 (14,833) |
|---|---|
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Detailed Profit & Loss for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Expenditure (continued) Charitable activities Room Hire Staff Travel Volunteer Travel Vehicle/Transport Hire Speaker/Tutor/Entertainment Charges Trip / Outing Costs DBS Checks Low Vision Assessment Fees Low Vision Aids Refreshments Advertising of services Materials Equipment purchases for resale Sub-contractors service delivery costs Water Rates Electricity Gas Printing Postage and Carriage Office Stationery Office Equipment and Furniture Telephone and Internet Computer and Software Mobile Phone Costs Repairs and Renewals Cleaning Waste Collection Premises Expenses Maintenance Contracts Health and Safety Costs Insurance Sundry Expenses |
Total 31 March 2025 Total 31 March 2024 £ £ (1,055) (2,753) (908) (2,844) (33) (468) 0 (607) (3,963) (2,035) 0 (2,532) (562) (663) 0 (3,520) (2,437) (4,548) (798) (838) (393) (25) (206) (825) (6,609) (13,198) (3,382) (10,615) (1,990) (1,636) (18,075) (18,728) (6,214) (2,691) (1,417) (3,104) (195) (1,018) (1,003) (1,601) (2,161) (8,059) (2,768) (3,273) (13,197) (10,215) (1,351) (1,309) (3,399) (5,350) (4,132) (6,610) (845) (799) (60) (21) 0 (756) (2,137) (3,646) (5,006) (4,920) (902) (888) (85,198) (120,095) |
|---|---|
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Worcestershire Association for the Blind
Detailed Profit & Loss for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
| Expenditure (continued) b/fwd Bank Charges Gross Wages Employers NI Employers Pensions Agency/Freelance Training Legal Fees Accountancy and Independent Examiners Fees Other Professional Fees Pension Costs Membership Fees Property Depreciation Office Equipment Depreciation Total expenditure Other recognised gains/(losses) Investment Gains/Losses Gain on Property Revaluation - restricted Gain on Property Revaluation - unrestricted Total other recognised gains/(losses) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total Funds Carried Forward |
Total 31 March 2025 Total 31 March 2024 £ £ (85,198) (120,095) (159) (127) (254,677) (295,580) (11,946) (20,381) (7,138) (8,528) (8,477) (30,019) (4,578) (5,393) 0 (2,344) (4,320) (4,320) (3,553) (67,622) (518) (518) (763) (408) (10,566) (10,566) (1,829) (3,397) (393,722) (569,298) (13,289) 24,583 0 0 0 0 (13,289) 24,583 59,689 (209,847) 1,432,284 1,642,131 1,491,973 1,432,284 |
|---|---|
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