# **2021 - 2022 ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS** **W W W . R E M A P . O R G . U K | C H A R I T Y N O : 1 1 3 7 6 6 6 | S C 0 5 0 5 8 4** ## **Legal and Administrative Information:** ## **Trustees** Richard Bavister Peter Cattermole Dayna Ferdinandi Elizabeth Myers Ian Robertson Saransh Sagar Sarah Shaw Andrew Waters Stuart Wheeler ## **Chair** Peter Cattermole **Vice-Chair** Sarah Shaw **Honorary Treasurer** Andrew Waters **Company Secretary** Andrew Waters **General Manager** Sue Boyes ## **Charity Number** England/Wales: 1137666 Scotland: SC050584 **Company Number** 07316433 ## **CONTENTS** |Chair's foreword|**3**| |---|---| |Our mission, vision and values|**4**| |Trustees' report|**5**| |The impact of making things possible|**6**| |Organisational structure|**7**| |Objectives and activities|**8**| |Kirandeep's story|**9**| |Delivering the service
Quotes from our clients|**10**
**11**| |Bethany's story|**12**| |Funding|**13**| |Raising awareness|**14**| |Theo's story
A thank you for support|**15**
**16**| |Michael's story|**17**| |The Impact of Covid-19|**18**| |Financial review|**19**| |Statement of trustees' responsibilities
Statement of Financial Activities|**20**
**21**| |Balance Sheet|**22**| |Notes to Financial Statements|**23**| |Report of the Independent Examiner|**26**| ## **Registered Office** 9 West End Kemsing Sevenoaks Kent TN15 6PX ## **Independent Examiner** Neil Thomas FCA Lynfield Maynards Green Heathfield East Sussex TN21 0DG ## **Main Bankers** Co-Operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale Lancashire WN8 6WT ## **CHAIR'S FOREWORD** Remap is a remarkable charity, and this year it has lived up to that reputation. By dealing with 2,600 client referrals, it has demonstrated that the pandemic is no match for it. And the great thing is that with every satisfied client we have equally fulfilled volunteers who, by applying their knowledge and skills have brought someone a little piece of freedom. Please read the Trustees Report for the year’s highlights, and examples of the inspiring solutions our volunteers have developed. Our grateful thanks go out to the many individual donors, companies and charitable trusts that make this all possible. The Trustee Board welcomed Stuart Wheeler this year, and more recently Dayna Ferdinandi, as part of the continued drive to ensure we have the appropriate skills and fresh thinking that a charity such as Remap needs to innovate and grow. They joined an organisation that is already busy implementing a new 5-year plan based on consultations in the previous year to reinforce and expand the charity’s network. These plans include a focus on creating new branches where we have geographical gaps and strengthening existing branches where they need it and capitalising on the abilities and flexibility of our fantastic, new central team and Regional Coordinators who are part of our Reaching Out Programme. Our Covid-19 policy and risk management protocol has remained robust throughout all the changes we have all seen over the year and it has ensured that none of our volunteers, clients, carers, and OTs were put at risk or asked to do anything they were not comfortable with. We all know that Remap provides an essential service in our communities. It’s through the ingenuity, commitment, and generosity of our volunteers’ time, that we make such a positive impact on not only the physical but also the emotional well-being of so many people. Our goal remains to create a strong network so that no one is beyond the reach of Remap’s help. **Peter Cattermole, Chair of Trustees** **8th September 2022** **www.remap.org.uk | 3** ## **OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES** Remap’s mission is to design and custom-make equipment to help people with disabilities to live more independent lives. We help to improve quality of life and increase independence for people of any age, with a disability. We design and custom-make equipment for individuals because everyone’s needs are different. We provide solutions to everyday problems when there is nothing commercially available. Our network of skilled volunteers responds to thousands of requests for our help every year. We provide our service free of charge. ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **The Governing Document** Remap is registered at Companies House under the name Remap 2010 and with the company number 07316433. It is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales under the charity number 1137666 and in Scotland under SC050584 . Remap’s main governing document is its Articles of Association, alongside our policies and processes set out in the Operations Manual, which constitutes the rules of the charity. The Operations Manual also contains guidance on best practices on all aspects of Remap’s activities, and as such is an evolving document designed to respond to members’ experiences and thus retain its relevance and authority. The Articles of Association were amended by special resolution on 12 March 2020 thereby allowing Remap Scotland to merge with Remap UK who now operate throughout the United Kingdom. ## **Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees** The trustees during the year were: Richard Bavister Les Brown Peter Cattermole Adam Ferry Elizabeth Myers Ian Robertson David Russell Saransh Sagar Sarah Shaw Andrew Waters Stuart Wheeler (appointed 9 December 2021) Stuart Wheeler was appointed during the year. Stuart has worked extensively with BackUp, a charity that supports people with spinal cord injuries and runs Freedom Wheelchair Skills, a company that teaches people how to use wheelchairs effectively. After the year-end, Dayna Ferdinandi joined as a trustee, on 9 June 2022. Dayna has extensive experience in charity fundraising and currently works with the charity Dystonia UK. Also, Les Brown, Adam Ferry and David Russell have resigned as trustees on 15 August, 11 May and 22 July 2022 respectively. The trustees thank them all for their invaluable contributions over the years. **www.remap.org.uk | 5** ## **THE IMPACT OF MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE:** **850 Volunteers.** **An estimated 42,642 Hours spent by volunteers, working on projects.** **74 branches Covering the whole of the United Kingdom.** **£85,000 Contributed by local branches.** **16% Of projects completed for under 16's.** **43%** **Of projects completed for people over the age of 64.** **41% Of projects completed for 16-64 year olds.** **2609 Referrals made during the past year.** ## **ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE** Following the merger with Remap Scotland in April 2021, Remap is now a national organisation operating throughout the United Kingdom with 74 local branches that operate with a high degree of autonomy within nationally set guidelines. The local branches are made up entirely of volunteers, usually including a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. As well as volunteers who are skilled at the design and manufacture of equipment, many branches also benefit from volunteer Occupational Therapists and others who lead on publicity, fundraising, and the like. As part of Remap’s ongoing national ‘virtual ‘office, the charity now has the following personnel: - Sue Boyes, General Manager - Jodie Bawden, Communications Manager - Kate Fussell, Administration Manager - 3 Regional Coordinators – North, South and South-West Together they are responsible for managing the charity’s operations and implementing the strategies and objectives set by the board of trustees. ## **Governance** Remap has six trustee committees called ‘Working Groups’ in the following areas: - Safeguarding - Governance - Fundraising - Remap Future (concerned with the next generation of volunteers) Strategy and Implementation - Communication and Engagement These groups meet at least annually or more frequently as necessary and report to the Trustee board accordingly. ## **Risk Management** The major risks and opportunities facing the charity are discussed and reviewed as part of the business cycle and budget process. The trustees confirm that all major risks have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. **www.remap.org.uk | 7** ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** Remap’s charitable purpose is to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, treating each as an individual. The charity’s objects and aims, as set out in the Articles of Association, are to meet the needs of disabled people, irrespective of their race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin, by using technology and by providing technological solutions designed to address their needs. More specifically, it seeks to achieve these objectives through the design, manufacture, and supply of custom-made equipment to meet the individual requirements of disabled people, where their needs cannot be satisfactorily met by commercially available products. Remap delivers its services through volunteer branch members, who are mainly engineers, technicians, and craftspeople, many with their own workshop facilities, and health professionals who provide a vital clinical perspective on projects. Many branches look to recruit members with skills beyond the workshop and health care and look for volunteers with skills in fundraising, finance, administration, and PR. In this way, Remap can provide custom-made equipment without incurring the substantial costs normally associated with this type of design and production. Supporters frequently provide materials and access to more specialised workshop facilities, as well as funds to cover the modest operating costs of the local Remap groups. Remap’s custom-made equipment is given free of charge to recipients, so its construction and supply earn no revenue. For the volunteers, the main reward is the satisfaction derived from helping people with a disability achieve what would not otherwise be possible. Remap volunteers also enjoy the challenge of solving the problems which are presented and the opportunity to go on using and developing their skills. Apart from the small paid staff team, all of Remap’s work is carried out by approximately 850 volunteers which makes it a very efficient organisation. In a normal year, volunteers spend an estimated 70,000 hours working on their projects. By adding the value of the input of health professionals to local groups, for donated materials and for workshop overheads, a very conservative assessment would suggest an annual value for the volunteering resource in excess of £7 million. That equates to approximately £20 of value for every £1 donated. **“It was so lovely to see how excited Etta was! Remap had gone to the effort of asking what colours Etta liked and decorated the chair for her, so when the chair arrived covered in pink butterflies, she was over the moon! For her to then climb up herself was a great moment, so much so we struggled to persuade her off it!”** Quote from Etta's Mum, Sally. **8 | www.remap.org.uk** ## **KIRANDEEP'S BOOK AID** Due to reduced motor impairment of her hands and fingers, tasks for Kirandeep had become increasingly harder, especially reading. With a love for reading, Kirandeep had been having difficulty grasping and turning pages of any chosen book. A book manipulation aid was made by Remap volunteers, to help her hold an adult paperback book with up to 500 pages. It enables Kirandeep to easily turn each page, either backwards or forwards, without losing control of a book. Kirandeep can now look forward to getting lost in other worlds again, experiencing the magic that reading can bring. **www.remap.org.uk | 9** ## **DELIVERING THE SERVICE** We received 2,609 client referrals during the year an increase of 75% from the previous year. Once again, we were able to help people across a broad age spectrum. - 8% of our projects were completed for children under 10 years old **----- Start of picture text -----**
8% were for 11-to-15-year age group Under 10
5% were for 16-to-25-year age group 8%
10% were for 26-to-40-year age group 11 - 15
8%
26% were for 41-to-64-year age group
43% were for those over 64 years of age 16 - 25
5%
64 & over
43%
26 - 40
10%
41 - 64
26%
**----- End of picture text -----**
By analysing our new central management system, we know that we have helped people in the following categories. **----- Start of picture text -----**
percentage of cases (%)
Wheelchair Users
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebral Palsy
Spinal Injuries
Stroke
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Arthritis
Motor Neurone Disease
Amputation
Parkinson's Disease
Dementia
0 10 20 30
**----- End of picture text -----**
The average cost of providing this service, including central overheads, was just £83 per case and demonstrates great value for money. Remap is community-based and could not operate without its amazing volunteers who deliver the service. **10 | www.remap.org.uk** ## **DELIVERING THE SERVICE** Here are some recent comments from clients and their families. “without Remap’s help, I could not have anticipated the increased comfort using this new wheelchair for my travels. They are a fantastic charity, with work done by hundreds of volunteers across the UK using many different skills”. - Alison Lapper. “Remap is so much more than providing solutions for independence. It is a support system and crowd cheering you on. It can feel totally isolating fighting with health, but having volunteers helping you to take a step forward can make a world of difference in that fight.” - Kelly, Cameron's Mum. “We are so thrilled with the modified walker and Brian did such a good job. Mum’s walking and posture have improved already and she’s getting used to the new brake arrangements. Thank you so much for your help and expertise.” - Judith, Margaret's Daughter These comments and Remap’s outputs demonstrate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. They use their knowledge and skills to help others and their contribution enables us to continue to offer our services. They are based in branches which operate right across England, Wales, and Scotland. Some of these branches are large, completing 100+ projects or more every year for people in their local communities and others are quite small. What they have in common is an eye for detail, providing an important local service which puts the needs of individuals foremost. Most branches have the potential to help more, so raising our profile remains a top priority. **www.remap.org.uk | 11** ## **BETHANY'S CABIN BED STEPS** In August 2017, At only 13 months old, Bethany suffered a stroke and as a result, she has been left with a weakness down her left side known as left side hemiplegia – a form of Cerebral Palsy. As she got older, she became more confident and wanted more of her independence. Bethany’s parents had bought her a new cabin bed as she was outgrowing her previous one, but they soon discovered that she was struggling to come down the steps safely on her own. The steps were too steep for her and, as a result, Bethany’s nights were disrupted, and mum and dad were anxious about her injuring herself if she tried getting down on her own. After hearing about Remap from an Occupational Therapist at their local council, Remap volunteers Derek and David from Kent visited Bethany to see if they could devise a solution. Derek and David soon came back to Bethany with a set of bespoke steps which would make it easier and safer for her to get up and down them herself. Mum – Alice, explains the difference getting Remap’s help has made: “She is now up and down the stairs like a yoyo!! They have helped her immensely, and she can get in and out of her bed without us helping her.” “We bought her this new cabin bed as she was outgrowing her old one, so it is great to see her using it as she should be. She just looked so so happy, which in turn made us happy. She was always nervous coming down, but now she is so confident in doing it.” **12 | www.remap.org.uk** ## **FUNDING** We operate in a highly competitive funding environment and did well to raise funds from a wide range of sources. Diversifying our funding base is a key objective for Remap, so it was good to again receive funds from a range of sources despite it being a difficult year. These included charitable trusts and foundations, companies, and individuals including legacies. In particular, a total of £59,000 from the National Lottery England and National Lottery Scotland. Alongside these grants, we also received £202,936 from Remap Scotland when the two charities joined together. Remap is a single charity with a network of member branches that deliver our service and a central office that supports those branches through volunteer recruitment, fundraising, publicity, promotion, and the central administration of the charity. ## **MAKEABILITY** www.makeability.org.uk is an online community run by Remap that encourages people making equipment for people with disabilities to discuss their projects, upload designs and ideas, seek help from others, and support our work. It has over 600 registered users who have shared over 1,700 projects to serve as a library of what is possible and to inspire others looking for solutions. It also has a members-only area which contains Remap’s Operations Manual, guidelines, policies, and extensive online resources to help our volunteers. **He left it with me that day to try out and practice. I felt like crying, I was so happy. This had made such a difference to me.** Quote from Michelle, a Remap client. **www.remap.org.uk | 13** ## **RAISING AWARENESS** Our social media channels are a valuable tool for raising our charity’s national awareness. We have a total of 6500 followers across all our social media channels and we are now consistently reaching an audience of around 40,000 people every month. We have had many articles published across printed and digital platforms, including the following. We thank them for their interest and support: - Cabinet Office Disability unit - Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) - Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) - Oracle Publications - Access Your Life - Your Echo - The Brain Charity - Scope - Arthritis Digest - Disabled Living - Gillingham News - Dorset Echo - Design Spark - Sugru **14 | www.remap.org.uk** ## **THEO'S TOY TRACTOR** Like most small boys, Theo loves tractors. Theo has a condition called tar syndrome, which means he was born with very small arms. Theo and his parents came to Remap for support as he had been finding it difficult to reach the steering wheel on his toy tractor. What Theo needed, was a small steering wheel close to his hand which could steer the tractor electronically, like modern, automated (fly-by-wire) tractors. However, Fly-by-wire tractors are costly and would not be suitable for Theo. So instead, Remap volunteers Gerry and Rupert produced a fantastic solution, taking inspiration from state-of-the-art tractors currently used on large modern farms. These tractors are often driverless and remote-controlled, and by using the same style of technology, they would be able to adapt Theo’s tractor to fit his needs. Therefore, they mounted a small, accessible steering wheel to the toy tractor, which Theo could easily reach. They added an electric motor and angle sensors which are programmed by a small micro-computer to help Theo control the direction of the tractor. To help make his toy as safe as possible for him to play with, they also fitted a cradle to prevent Theo from falling out and made some extra changes to make the toy tractor more stable. Theo can now play safely on his tractor with his brother whilst being able to steer it himself. It has also helped improve his posture as he is not having to bend to reach the controls. This helps his back, breathing and confidence too. He loves it so much he even eats all his meals in it! **www.remap.org.uk | 15** ## **WITH THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF:** ## **Some charitable trusts who supported Remap in 2021-22:** - **Foresters Derby Garfield Weston IMechE Lawson Trust Masonic charity Mount Batten Trust National Lottery England National Lottery Scotland Northwood Trust Peacock Charitable Trust Schroders** - **The Toy Trust Thomas J Horne Memorial Trust** ## **Companies that supported Remap** - **Griffin Media Solutions NatWest Bank** ## **Community groups that supported Remap** - **Gloucestershire County Council Surrey Community Foundation Sussex Community Foundation** **16| www.remap.org.uk** ## **MICHAEL UNLEASHES HIS CREATIVITY** Michael discovered his love for art when studying at college. He quickly found that his was painting but wanted just a little bit more independence and to not have to rely on those around him to bring his ideas to life – he wanted to do that himself. As a keen boccia player, he had a helmet that he thought may be able to help him. So, he started himself, taping paintbrushes onto his helmet and this made painting himself work. For Michael, being able to paint independently was his goal. When he reached out to Remap, our volunteers adapted his helmet to include a fixture to make it easier to swap paintbrushes which would help Michael take more control of his paintings and improve his skill. Flash by two years, and he has recently had his paintings commissioned by Scope, with his designs featuring on the Scope online store. We spoke to Michael to find out what it has been like bringing his dream to life, with help from custom-made equipment: “I was so excited when Scope reached out to me, it made me happy to get some recognition for my designs. It is great to see people buying my designs and doing something good for charity.” Michael says the adaptation made to his helmet has helped him improve his skill and enjoy his hobby more: “I found painting so much easier, I could have a bit more independence and create pieces myself without too much help.” **www.remap.org.uk | 17** ## **IMPACT OF COVID-19** As the pandemic abated, we were able to fully resume our charitable service albeit restricted by government regulations and, of course, ensure the safety of our volunteers and clients. Where possible we were able to provide help and equipment while maintaining social distancing and this included online consultation, working via Occupational Therapists and in some cases by use of PPE and other risk mitigation steps. Remap has now emerged stronger than ever with the new management team fully effective, new volunteers coming to us every week, and a renewed passion to help people achieve their goals. **18 | www.remap.org.uk** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Financial Statements** The financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 are set out on pages 21-25. ## **Reserves Policy** The trustees have set a reserves policy that puts a limit upon reserves holdings that is equivalent to 6 months’ normal expenditure. They regard this limit as the minimum that will allow for the orderly conduct of the charity’s business and obligations in what is a particularly uncertain funding climate. Funds held by branches are expected to comply with this policy, but there will be local variations. During the year, the Trustees reviewed Remap’s reserve allocation policy and decided that all funds held by branches, if not restricted, should be designated for the local delivery of Remap’s service to the disabled. ## **Investment Policy** Any balance of funds not required for immediate expenditure is currently held with investment managers. In addition, a further £165,812 remained invested with Charles Stanley following the transfer from Remap Scotland. Subsequent to the year-end, Remap placed an additional amount of £200,000 with BlackRock Charities Growth & Income Fund. ## **Investment Performance** Total interest and dividends received was £6,927- the bulk of which came from Charles Stanley. ## **Any Funds in Deficit** There are no funds in deficit. ## **Reserves** During the year, Remap designated £317,000 of its unrestricted reserves for implementing our Reaching Out Programme and £118,359 in respect of funds held by branches. The total designated reserves at 31 March 2022 were £435,359 (2021 - £229,366). ## **Public Benefit** The charity has complied with the guidance on public benefit requirement in accordance to Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011. ## **Independent Examiner** Neil Thomas FCA was re-appointed as Independent Examiner at the AGM in September 2021. It is proposed that he should be further reappointed at the forthcoming 2022 AGM. This report is made by the trustees and signed on their behalf by the Chair of Trustees on 8th September. 2022. Peter Cattermole, Chair of Trustees. **www.remap.org.uk | 19** ## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES** The trustees, who are also the directors of Remap 2010 for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. - observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - prepare the financial statements on an ongoing basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the trust will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records and disclosing with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. **20 | www.remap.org.uk** ## **REMAP 2010** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st March 2022** **www.remap.org.uk | 21** For the year ended 31 March 2022, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Approved by the trustees on 8th September 2022 and signed on their behalf by: Peter Cattermole, Chair of Trustees. **22 | www.remap.org.uk** REMAP 2010 Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 Accounling policies Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared under the hi5tryi¢al Cost cwvention and in accordance wlh Statement of Recommnded Pract￿e, A£countirKJ and Rep)rting by Charities (revised 20151. Incoming resources Voluntary incorr* is receNed way of donations gffts aTrJ is induded in fvll in the Statement of Financial ActNilies when receivable. The value of services provided by volunteerg ha$ not been induded. Grants are recognised in full in the &atement d Finanaa ActNities in the yew In wtr¥ch they are received. Resources expended Rescurces expended are recognised in the w>ar in vthKh they are incurred alkneated to the parb'¢ular aetivty to wl¥¢h tfréy relale. Governance costs are tFK)se attributab￿ to ￿gaTh￿tK)n￿ adnlrlstration and compliance wlth constituti￿al and statutory reqU￿e￿nIS. Funds The funds of Remap are split into Restrided Ur*estrided fijnds. Restricted funds are those funds that can onty be used for partiojlar restr￿ted purposes within Ihe 0￿"eCIS of the charty. Restrict￿n3 are imposed by the do￿r. Unrestricted funds Indude deswJnate(I furKls expansi￿ of the charity and luryjs to help branches Ic< the bcal delivery of services kn the disat4ed Assets Fixed asset$ are generalty written off in yew of pw¢hase. 2 Slaff costs 2022 2021 SalaTies and wages Social security and p￿S1On costs 87.513 6,682 95,364 6,119 101,483 94.195 Management rernunerat￿n Average monthly number of employees dwirnJ the year There were no employees th eanings in excess of £60.OCn. Yw.remap.org.uk123 3 Governance ¢osts Tolal 2022 Total 2021 Trustee Fxofessional lia￿lty insura) Trustees, arthJ other governance meetings A£ts)untant's fees 99) 737 660 1,964 4 Transactions wilh truslo0S During the year rn trustee {2021-1) vms re1n1￿rSed for mot