BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31 DECEMBER 2024
Charity Number 1140830 Company Number 07541800
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Contents | Pages |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees Annual Report | 2 – 7 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Summary Income and Expenditure Account | 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 – 19 |
| The following pages do not form part of the financial statements | |
| Non Statutory Pages | 20 – 21 |
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees (who are directors for the purpose of company law)
Mrs H. Fenwick (Newsletter Editor Appointed February 2011 and Chairperson since 2012) Re-elected July 2014, 2018, 2021 and July 2024 Ms A. Rowberry (Conservation Officer Appointed February 2011 and Vice Chairperson since 2012) Re-elected July 2013, 2017, 2021 and July 2024. Mrs J.I. Birch (Membership Secretary) Appointed October 2011 Re-elected July 2015, 2018 and July 2022 Mr A.T. Curtis (Liaison Officer Affiliated Regions) Appointed July 2019 Ratified AGM 2020. Re-elected July 2023 Mr M. Hurle (Re-homing Officer) Appointed November 2021 Ratified July 2022
REGISTERED OFFICE
Causeway House, The Causeway, Walsham-le-Willows, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 3AB
POSTAL ADDRESS
As above
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Joshua Kingston BSc ACA, Burton Sweet Limited, The Clock Tower, Farleigh Court, Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton, Bristol BS48 1UR.
BANKERS
CafCash Limited, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees are pleased to present their Annual Report and the unaudited financial statements for the period ended 31[st] December 2024.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The British Chelonia Group (BCG) was originally formed as an unincorporated Charity in June 1986 but was registered as an incorporated body with Charities House as a Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 07541800 in February 2011. The BCG became a Charitable Company by registering with the Charity Commission as a Registered Charity (No. 1140830) in March 2011. The old Charity donated then all of its assets, liabilities and funds to the new Charitable Company and the old Charity was removed from the register of Charities in March 2012. The new entity of the BCG as a Charitable Company has now been in operation for thirteen years and appears to be working well.
The Board of Trustee Directors is comprised of not less than six and (unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution) shall not exceed twelve. The Trustee Directors (the Trustees) are responsible for the day to day running of the Group. The first Trustees will retire in stages so that approx. one third retire on the first anniversary, one third on the second and one third on the third anniversary of incorporation. Trustees shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting having circulated the nomination and ballot papers as determined by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. For all new nominations the Charity has to be given notice within the appropriate time, stating the member’s intent to propose a person. The notice should contain the details for filing at Companies House and carry the signature of the person to be proposed to show his or her willingness to vote or stand for election. Only fully paid-up members are entitled to vote or stand for election. The Trustees may appoint up to four members as additional Trustees (General Board Members) but the term of office for a person thus appointed shall only be one year. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years. Retiring Trustees are eligible for re-appointment. The Chairs of the Affiliated Regions are elected annually.
The smooth running of the Group is achieved by a Management Team which has several subcommittees consisting of the following categories: Fundraising/Sales and Recruitment, Research and Grants, Finance and Administration, Re-homing and Care, and Communications. There are five Affiliated Groups, the Northern Group, The Merseyside Group, the East Midlands Group, the West Midlands Group, and the South West Group, who are included on the Management Team and whose Chairs can join Board Meetings.
INDUCTION AND TRAINING OF TRUSTEES
As the Charity works entirely with volunteers and is a nationwide organisation with meetings taking place at different areas in the country, most Trustee Directors can only take the post on once retired with the inevitable result that there is a time-scale to their contribution. It is therefore essential that prospective Trustee Director candidates are identified in case a vacancy occurs. Recruitment takes place in the first instance via the Management Team from people already familiar with the workings of the Group. The Board may appoint four members as additional Trustees (General Board Members) with the term of office of one year. This “trainee” facility was used with the appointments of Mr A.T. Curtis and Mr M. Hurle and will be used with prospective candidates for Trustees.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Risk Review
The Board is constantly aware of financial risks and the BCG’s funds are closely monitored at Board Meetings with particular attention paid to the BCG investments. A Finance subcommittee is also in place and, should decisions need to be made outside the Board Meetings, Trustees liaise by post and/or e-mail. Both the Board and the Finance subcommittee give particular attention to the BCG’s investments and to all donations made by the BCG. The BCG also has access to excellent help and advice from impartial bodies and previous Trustees.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARITY
The British Chelonia Group’s objectives are for the benefit of the public to promote the conservation, welfare and care in general and to assist in the prevention of cruelty and suffering among tortoises, terrapins, marine and freshwater turtles both in the wild and in captivity, and to educate the public in these matters. The mission statement to sum this up is “For tortoise, terrapin and turtle care and conservation”.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Trustees have all had access to the guidance produced by the Charities Commission on Public Benefit and have regard to this guidance. They are of the opinion that the Charity delivers several of the requirements.
On the educational front the Charity aims to educate the public regarding the correct husbandry of chelonia (tortoises, terrapins and turtles) and does so by:
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a) Issuing free care sheets on the husbandry and care of the animals (these care sheets are also available via our website: www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk)
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b) Holding tortoise health check meetings in countrywide places, which are open to members and non-members alike and attended by veterinary surgeons.
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c) Organising a Symposium annually with eminent speakers on the subject of chelonia, which are open to the public and has a student plus CPD (Continuing Professional Development) session.
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On the welfare front the Charity serves the public benefit by:
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d) Paying veterinary fees for lost or abandoned animals which are injured and, at the discretion of the Trustees, helping with payment of veterinary fees for those owners who are unable to pay and have no insurance.
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e) Offering a re-homing service for the animals free of charge.
In addition the British Chelonia Group issues grants to students and academics to further research on chelonia and also supports specific conservation programmes, thus advancing chelonian welfare. Honorary awards are made from time to time to outstanding candidates (“The Kay Gray Award” and “The Oliphant Jackson Memorial Award”) to encourage involvement with chelonia.
At the discretion of the Trustees reduced rates of subscription are offered to senior citizens, students, the unemployed and others in financial hardship.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
BANKS AND INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTS
The BCG operates a CAFCash and two CAFGold accounts with the Charities Aid Foundation. CAFCash Ltd – acts as a current account, CAFGold as a top-up account for CAFCash. These are used for the Charity’s day-to-day financial transactions.
CAFGold number two account – is used as a paying-in account for cheques to avoid excess cheque paying-in penalty (only 50 cheques can be paid in during any one month) and also to bank “Chelonia with Care Legacies”.
The British Chelonia Group has four investments accounts:
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a) SANTANDER: (Kay Gray designated Fund). A 12 months Business Bond, opened 02.11.11, maturing annually and with interest being paid annually. In line with the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) the eligible deposit in the bond was reduced to below £75,000 in 2016. This Bond is presently under review.
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b) SCOTTISH WIDOWS (A CAF 90 Day Account ) opened 03.12.14, for £50,000. Interest paid annually
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c) NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY (95 day account) opened 16.07.2015 for £50,000. Interest monthly. This account serves to fund the Dick Smith Research Scholarship, a cooperation between the BCG and Bristol University, maximum £3,000.00 annually. As this account has not been used by Bristol University since 2016 it has been decided to extend the facility to other Universities like Cambridge, Exeter and Lincoln as all of those deal with chelonia projects from time to time ( Board Meeting March 2025 )
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d) A CHARITY AID FOUNDATION MANAGED PORTFOLIO for £200,000 . This has been opened in October 2016 with a legacy received in 2016 (the Mrs Cox Legacy) and has as its aim to secure the future conservation donations of the BCG. It has created an expendable endowment fund according to the Charity Commission operational guidance in OG 43, as the Trustees believe that donors would consider the Charity’s work to be of a long-term nature and would want the Trustees to treat substantial legacies as capital for the long-term benefit of the Charity. £10,000 was paid out of the fund during November 2018 towards Conservation Funds. During December 2022 the BCG was informed that the CAF Managed Portfolio with Aberdeen Standard service would cease as at 31[st] March 2023. Other options were given and the BCG Board agreed to re-invest in a new CAF IFSL ESG portfolio, arrangements to that effect were set in motion. The CAF IFSA ESG portfolio was subsequently opened and during 2024 has performed reasonably well.
ACHIEVEMENTS, PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
Achievements: A very successful Symposium took place in March 2024 at our new venue negotiated with Cambridge University, Homerton College. There was an AGM arranged at a meeting hall near the Registered Address of the Charity with a subsequent visit to the Tortoise Gardens during July and there was a BCG stand manned by several BCG members and attracting more than 2000 visitors to the Tortoise Gardens at the Two Day Open Gardens Event during the August Bank Holiday.
Performance : Our efforts in finding another Trustee-Director were again thwarted for 2024 due to the person recommended and willing to take the post on, losing his position at work, so it has been put on hold. We have, however, been successful in finding a new Sales Officer and are hopeful with the appointment of a new Editor for our Scientific Journal who will oversee the change from a hard copy version to an electronic one. The change will affect several aspects of our work including the ISSN number.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Negotiations are still going on in the large legacy of the late Jane Keane with the Solicitor trying to reach a deal with two feuding Executors, but two other smaller legacies were received during 2024 from the solicitors of the late Mrs Foster and the late Mr Bradshaw. The BCG has been able to support various conservation projects (see financial review).
Financial review
Incoming resources received by the BCG, apart from bank interest, was £28,893. There was an investment gain of £24,568 on the portfolio which now stands at £237552.
The Appeal for 2024 was in aid of the British Chelonia Group’s Veterinary Fund, and raised £3,932.00
GENERAL DONATIONS
Prof. J E and Mrs M E Cooper Annual Grant £ 1,500 Cambridge Veterinary College Sponsorship Donation £ 200 Asian Turtle Program Myanmar £ 1,000 ------------- £ 2,700.00
CONSERVATION BUDGET
Association Refuge de Tortues, Bessieres, France, appeal contribution terrapins £1,445.00 Dr. K.Papafitsoros -Sea turtle conservation Zakynthos, Greece £2,500.00 Dr. A Rees -Sea Turtle Survey Jordan Coast £2,000.00 Turtle Foundation-Loggerhead Turtles
Boa Vista Grant £5,000.00 Archelon, Greece, grant for nesting
sea turtles Lakonikos Bay £6,000.00 ---------------- £ 16,945.00
Policies and procedures regarding overseas payments
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Due to the nature of our organisation (we operate worldwide for the benefit of chelonia, which are not indigenous to the UK climate with the exception of the Leatherback Turtle which uses UK waters for feeding purposes) donations/grants are made TO overseas, but apart from some foreign subscribers the BCG does not receive any payments FROM overseas.
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Both payments (donations and grants) as well as countries vary from year to year. Our Charity undertakes an Annual Appeal and also issues grants/donations to researchers and students at reputable Universities, chelonian based Charities, Organisations, Veterinary Centres, Foundations and Zoos at home and abroad.
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Designated Officers: The designated officers coordinating the payments of the grants/donations are Mrs D. Jones, AICB (Comp) MICB, owner of a Bookkeeping Agency, who acts as Treasurer of the BCG and is co-opted to the Board. There are four Trustee Directors acting as the Finance sub-committee and two of these are signatory holders.
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Applications for grants/donations have to be submitted giving references, sponsors, budgets and detailed reasons for research for discussion at Board Meetings, phone or e-mails.
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All decisions are minuted for audit trails.
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With larger donations and grants issued, especially if grants are paid out in instalments, “Memoranda of Agreement” are issued.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Follow ups and Procedures in place to prevent aid diversion and ensure compliance with regulations
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Follow ups are requested from all beneficiaries for our publications (Newsletters and Scientific Journal and in some cases lectures for our Symposia)
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There is a Finance subcommittee in place.
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The Annual Trustees Report is in accordance with the Statement of Practice 2005 and Companies Act 1965.
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Financial statements are subjected to an independent examination by an Accountancy Firm of repute and copies of the Statements are deposited each year with Companies House and the Charities Commission.
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2024)
Grants Payable policy
The Conservation Officer has an annual budget, which is agreed by the Board. She vets all applications for grants and, once satisfied that the application is justified, she brings each individual request to the Board for approval. The Conservation Officer or any other Trustee may also propose conservation grants to be made from the main funds if it is considered appropriate to make further grants. This flexibility has been particularly important in the economic climate over the last few years.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have now established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets (“the free reserves”) are in line with regulations and present circumstances in the economic situation. The free reserves at the balance sheet 2024 date amounted to £281,650 A realistic approach able to carry us for several years would be between £100,000 and £150,000. Our basic regular income from Membership subscriptions is between £13,000 and £15,000. This is boosted by donations for general conservation and appeals, plus legacies. Legacies vary from year to year and the BCG would like to continue its work via Newsletter, Journal and Symposia as well as the donations and grants. During 2024 we received contributions of £795 and donations to the sum of £3,256.
With regards to the reserve policies, the Charity received no income from central or local government for either contracts to deliver services, nor did it receive any grants during the financial year. On staff policy, the Charity works entirely with volunteers with the exception of the hiring of a bookkeeping agency, which charges on an hourly basis, and prepares the income over expenditure accounts for Board Meetings and the Annual Accounts for the Auditors. It was discussed and approved by Ordinary Resolution that the BCG may go over to a Scientific Journal-on-line and as this is a very skilled job we will have to pay someone on the same terms as our Treasurer. In view of the requirement of sufficient reserves having to be available, our Charity has paid due attention to its reserve policy.
Investment policy
As income from funders usually is utilised within a short time after receipt, the Trustees consider that the most appropriate policy of investing funds is to place them on short-term deposit, with the exception of the CAF Managed Portfolio. See information under “Banks and Investments Accounts” There are no significant restrictions on either the investment powers of the Trustees or the activities of the charity.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Financial matters
Decisions are made jointly with regard to any relevant changes in the economy, innovations in conservation/veterinary practice or in the status of any individual species. All financial matters are transparent in their presentation both to the Board and to members at the various meetings and in our publication.
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees (who are also directors of British Chelonia Group for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report (incorporating the strategic report and directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with 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 Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 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.
Signed by order of the Trustee Directors
H.Fenwick Chairperson
Approved by the Trustee Directors on ……………………………………
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of British Chelonia Group (‘the Company’)
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Joshua Kingston BSc, ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Date:
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Expendable
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023
Note £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 7,596 - - 7,596 15,568
Other Trading Activities 3 4,129 - - 4,129 4,314
Charitable Activities 4 13,236 3,932 - 17,168 17,445
Investments 7,392 - - 7,392 6,710
Total income 32,353 3,932 - 36,285 44,037
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 2,395 - - 2,395 2,857
Charitable activities 6 53,572 3,555 - 57,127 70,316
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Total expenditure 55,967 3,555 59,522 73,173
Net gains/(losses) on investments 12 - - 24,568 24,568 (3,135)
Net income/(expenditure) 9 (23,614) 377 24,568 1,331 (32,271)
Transfers between funds 15 - - - - -
Net movement in funds (23,614) 377 24,568 1,331 (32,271)
Total funds brought forward 15 427,495 14,673 212,984 655,152 687,423
Total funds carried forward 15 403,881 15,050 237,552 656,483 655,152
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See Note 18 for fund-accounting comparative figures.
The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the period as set out above.
All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements
9
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Total Funds Total Funds
2024 2023
£ £
Income 28,893 37,327
Expenditure (59,522) (73,173)
Operating surplus/(deficit) (30,629) (35,846)
Other income
Interest receivable and similar income 7,392 6,710
Net surplus/(deficit) for the financial year (23,237) (29,136)
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The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the period as set out above.
All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements
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Company Number 07541800
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
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2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed Assets
Investments 12 237,552 212,984
Current Assets
Debtors 13 2,910 1,000
Short term deposits 364,979 398,263
Cash at bank 53,392 50,297
421,281 449,560
Creditors : Amounts falling due
within one year 14 (2,350) (7,392)
Net Current Assets 418,931 442,168
Net assets 656,483 655,152
Unrestricted funds 16 403,881 427,495
Restricted funds 16 15,050 14,673
Endowment funds 16 237,552 212,984
656,483 655,152
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For the period ending 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors responsibilities
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476,
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the 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.
These financial statements were approved by the trustees on …...........................and are signed on their behalf by:
……………….. H Fenwick Chairperson
The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
a) Accounting Convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except where otherwise stated in the accounting policy note) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity is a public benefit entity as defined under FRS102. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties affecting the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern.
b) Income
All income is accounted for as soon as the charity has entitlement to the income, receipt is payable and the amount is quantifiable. Income from donations is included in income when these are receivable, except as follows:
i) When donors specify that donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods;
ii) When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-conditions have been met.
c) Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and have been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
Grants payable are charged in the period when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional. In these cases the grants are recognised when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to the conditions which have not been met at the period end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
Raising funds costs are those incurred in running events to raise funds and in seeking voluntary contributions. They do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of the objects of the charity.
Governance costs are costs associated with constitutional and statutory requirements and include costs associated with the strategic management of the charity's activities. Governance costs are a component of support costs within Charitable Activities.
d) Investments
Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date. The SOFA includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.
e) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
f) Cash at bank and cash in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
g) Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
h) Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies (continued)
i) Restricted funds
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of support costs where applicable.
j) Endowment funds
Expendable endowments are funds to be retained for the benefit of the Charity as capital although there is discretion to convert the endowed capital into income.
The Charity allocates large legacies to the Expendable Endowment where no instruction is received to the contrary; other legacies are credited to the Unrestricted Funds. This policy is adopted because the Trustees believe that donors consider the Charity's work to be of long term nature and would want the Trustees to treat their donations as capital while having the discretion to convert funds to income as and when considered desirable by the Trustees.
2 Donations and Legacies
| Donations Legacies Gift aid |
Unrestricted Funds £ 3,256 3,000 1,340 7,596 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - |
Expendable Endowment Funds £ - - - - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 3,256 3,000 1,340 7,596 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 4,109 10,155 1,304 15,568 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In 2023 all income from donations and legacies was unrestricted.
3 Other Trading Activities
| Events & Resources | Unrestricted Funds £ 4,129 4,129 |
Restricted Funds £ - - |
Expendable Endowment Funds £ - - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 4,129 4,129 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 4,314 4,314 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In 2023 all income from other trading activities was unrestricted.
4 Charitable Activities
| Membership subscriptions Appeals |
Unrestricted Funds £ 13,236 - 13,236 |
Restricted Funds £ - 3,932 3,932 |
Expendable Endowment Funds £ - - - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 13,236 3,932 17,168 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 13,890 3,555 17,445 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In 2023 all membership subscription income was unrestricted except for appeals income which was restricted.
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5 Expenditure on: Raising funds
| Advertising and marketing Investment management fee |
Unrestricted Funds £ 2,395 - 2,395 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - |
Expendable Endowment Funds £ - - - |
Total Funds 2024 £ 2,395 - 2,395 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 2,857 - 2,857 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In 2023 all advertising costs were unrestricted with the investment management fee being represented by expendable endowment funds.
6 Expenditure on: Charitable Activities
| Conservation, welfare and care Prior year Comparatives Conservation, welfare and care Grants payable Archelon - Sea Turtle Hospital ART - Rescue Centre Conservation Budget 2023 Wildlife Vets Int. Machine repair in sea turtle hospital Turtle Foundation - Loggerhead Turtles Soptom France Veterinary Hospital Rwanda Tortoise Project Research Project Giant tortoises Galapagos Conservation Trust Conservation Budget 2024 BCG Grant Appeal 2023 Konstantinos Papafitsoros Sea Turtle Nesting Survey Boa Vista Project Archelon - Lakonikos Bay Appeal 2023 General Donations |
(note 7) £ 23,200 23,200 (note 7) £ 32,029 32,029 Grants Payable Grants Payable |
£ 15,724 15,724 £ 20,743 20,743 Direct Costs Direct Costs |
(note 8) £ 18,203 18,203 (note 8) £ 17,544 17,544 Total Funds 2024 £ - - - - - - - - 1,445 2,500 2,000 5,000 6,000 3,555 2,700 23,200 Support Costs Support Costs |
Total Funds 2024 £ 57,127 57,127 Total Funds 2023 £ 70,316 70,316 Total Funds 2023 £ 2,000 2,000 1,358 2,000 5,000 4,593 4,100 9,228 - - - - - - 1,750 32,029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 Grants payable
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BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|8|Support costs|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total Funds|Total Funds|
|Funds|Funds|2024|2023|
|£|£|£|£|
|-|
|Postage/Printing/Photocopying|6,612|6,612|6,003|
|-|
|Stationary and computer supplies|1,166|1,166|1,285|
|Room hire|849|-|849|836|
|Subscriptions|35|-|35|73|
|-|
|Bank interest and charges|1,503|1,503|1,469|
|Travelling|629|-|629|771|
|Miscellaneous costs|19|-|19|191|
|-|
|Accountancy costs|3,556|3,556|3,320|
|Awards|275|-|275|250|
|Insurance|867|-|867|862|
|Repairs and renewals|352|-|352|354|
|-|
|Independent examiners fee|2,340|2,340|2,130|
|-|
|18,203|18,203|17,544|
----- End of picture text -----
All charitable expenditure in 2023 was unrestricted.
9 Net income/(expenditure)
This is stated after charging:
----- Start of picture text -----
||||
|---|---|---|
|2024|2023|
|£|£|
|Independent examiner's fee:|
|- for independent examination|1,386|1,260|
|- for preparation of statutory accounts|954|870|
|Trustees Expenses|4,151|4,441|
----- End of picture text -----
4 Trustees were reimbursed in out of pocket expenses for travel postage and running costs (2023: 4). No Trustee received any remuneration during the current or prior year.
There were no donations from Trustees, key management personnel, and other related parties during the current or prior year.
10 Staff costs and numbers
No staff were employed in the current or previous year.
A bookkeeper was paid £3,240 (2023: £3,120) on a self employed basis. No trustees received remuneration in the current or previous year.
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
15
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 12 Investments Market value at 1 January 2024 Acquisitions at cost Disposal proceeds Unrealised gains/(losses) Realised gains/(losses) Management fees Dividends & interest Market Value at 31 December 2024 Historical Cost at 31 December 2024 Market value at 1 January 2023 Acquisitions at cost Disposal proceeds Unrealised gains/(losses) Management fees Dividends & interest Market Value at 31 December 2023 Historical Cost at 31 December 2023 |
Cash £ - - - - - - - - - Cash £ 1,020 - (1,020) - - - - - |
£ 212,984 - - 24,568 - - - 237,552 212,984 £ 215,099 218,464 (217,444) (5,480) 2,345 - 212,984 218,464 Listed Investments Listed Investments |
Total 2024 £ 212,984 - - 24,568 - - - 237,552 212,984 Total 2023 £ 216,119 218,464 (218,464) (5,480) 2,345 - 212,984 218,464 |
|---|---|---|---|
13 Debtors
| Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Accruals |
Total 2024 £ 1,659 1,251 2,910 Total 2024 £ 10 2,340 2,350 |
Total 2023 £ - 1,000 1,000 Total 2023 £ 5,262 2,130 7,392 |
|---|---|---|
16
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
15 Movement in funds At Gains/ At
01-Jan (Losses) on 31-Dec
2024 Income Expenditure Investments Transfer 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Endowment funds
Endowment fund 212,984 - - 24,568 - 237,552
Restricted funds
Vet fund 2,684 - - - - 2,684
- - - -
Ms Larby's fund 8,000 8,000
Oliphant Jackson Memorial fund 434 - - - - 434
- -
Appeals fund 3,555 3,932 (3,555) 3,932
- -
14,673 3,932 (3,555) 15,050
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
- - - -
Kay Gray fund 74,999 74,999
- -
Affiliated Groups 44,936 3,187 (891) 47,232
General fund 307,560 29,166 (55,076) - - 281,650
- -
427,495 32,353 (55,967) 403,881
Total funds 655,152 36,285 (59,522) 24,568 - 656,483
Prior year comparative At Gains/ At
01-Jan (Losses) on 31-Dec
2023 Income Expenditure Investments Transfer 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Endowment funds
Endowment fund 216,119 - - (3,135) - 212,984
Restricted funds
Vet fund 2,684 - - - - 2,684
- - - -
Ms Larby's fund 8,000 8,000
Oliphant Jackson Memorial fund 434 - - - - 434
- -
Appeals fund 16,587 3,555 (16,587) 3,555
- -
27,705 3,555 (16,587) 14,673
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
- - - -
Kay Gray fund 74,999 74,999
- -
Affiliated Groups 44,010 2,400 (1,474) 44,936
General fund 324,590 38,082 (55,112) - - 307,560
- -
443,599 40,482 (56,586) 427,495
Total funds 687,423 44,037 (73,173) (3,135) - 655,152
----- End of picture text -----
Fund Descriptions
Endowment fund - CAF Managed Portfolio with Octopus of £200,000, legacy of the late Mrs Cox, Northamptonshire.
Vet Fund - Financial assistance for members of the British Chelonia Group (where deemed necessary), to pay vet bills associated with Chelonia.
Ms Larby's fund - A legacy of £10,000 arrived in 2015 together with Tommy, Ms Larby's Tortoise. The monies were specifically for the animal's care, so restricted. (Now reduced to £8,000 as Tommy received veterinary treatment).
17
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
15 Fund Descriptions (Continued)
Oliphant Jackson - Set up to make grants to veterinary students who have special interest in Chelonia. Memorial Fund Appeals Fund - Money raised for conservation projects.
Kay Gray Fund - To draw on conservation in general. An annual award for outstanding achievement in the tortoise world. This is only awarded if a nominee is judged worthy.
Affiliated Groups - These can use the name of the BCG in title and its logo and benefit from the Charitable Status of the BCG (VAT exemption) and Board Meetings can be attended.
16 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Endowment funds Endowment fund Restricted funds Vet fund Ms Larby's fund Oliphant Jackson Memorial fund Appeals fund Unrestricted funds Designated funds: Kay Gray fund Affiliated Groups General fund Prior year comparative Endowment funds Endowment fund Restricted funds Vet fund Ms Larby's fund Oliphant Jackson Memorial fund Appeals fund Unrestricted funds Designated funds: Kay Gray fund Affiliated Groups General fund |
Debtors £ - - - - - - - - 2,910 2,910 2,910 Debtors £ - - - - - - - - 1,000 1,000 1,000 |
Short term deposits £ - 2,684 8,000 434 3,932 15,050 74,999 47,232 227,698 349,929 364,979 Short term deposits £ - 2,684 8,000 434 3,555 14,673 74,999 44,936 263,655 383,590 398,263 |
Fixed Assets £ 237,552 - - - - - - - - - 237,552 Fixed Assets £ 212,984 - - - - - - - - - 212,984 |
Other net assets £ - - - - - - - - 51,042 51,042 51,042 Other net assets £ - - - - - - - - 42,905 42,905 42,905 |
Total £ 237,552 2,684 8,000 434 3,932 15,050 74,999 47,232 281,650 403,881 656,483 Total £ 212,984 2,684 8,000 434 3,555 14,673 74,999 44,936 307,560 427,495 655,152 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
17 Related party transactions
There are no transactions with trustees or other related parties other than those disclosed as required by the SORP elsewhere in the financial statements.
18 SOFA fund analysis comparative figures
| Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Other Trading Activities Charitable Activities Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable Activities Total expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movements in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds £ 15,568 4,314 13,890 6,710 40,482 2,857 53,729 56,586 - (16,104) - (16,104) 443,599 427,495 |
Restricted Funds £ - - 3,555 - 3,555 - 16,587 16,587 - (13,032) - (13,032) 27,705 14,673 |
Expendable Endowment Funds £ - - - - - - - - (3,135) (3,135) - (3,135) 216,119 212,984 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 15,568 4,314 17,445 6,710 44,037 2,857 70,316 73,173 (3,135) (32,271) - (32,271) 687,423 655,152 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
19
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements which are the subject of the independent examiner's report on page 8
20
BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds Funds 2024 2023
Income from £ £ £ £ £
Donations and legacies
Donations 3,256 - - 3,256 4,109
- -
Legacies 3,000 3,000 10,155
Gift aid 1,340 - - 1,340 1,304
Other Trading Activities
Events & Resources 4,129 - - 4,129 4,314
Charitable Activities
- -
Membership subscriptions 13,236 13,236 13,890
- -
Appeals 3,932 3,932 3,555
Investments
Investment income and interest 7,392 - - 7,392 6,710
Total income 32,353 3,932 - 36,285 44,037
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
- -
Advertising and marketing 2,395 2,395 2,857
- - - - -
Investment management fee
- -
2,395 2,395 2,857
Charitable activities:
-
Grants payable 19,645 3,555 23,200 32,029
Direct costs
Newsletter 7,648 - - 7,648 7,450
Tetsudo costs - - - - 5,452
- -
Re-homing/Microchipping 1,235 1,235 1,622
- -
Symposium costs 6,841 6,841 6,219
- -
15,724 15,724 20,743
Support costs
- -
Postage/Printing/Photocopying 6,612 6,612 6,003
- -
Stationary and computer supplies 1,166 1,166 1,285
Room hire 849 - - 849 836
Subscriptions 35 - - 35 73
- -
Bank interest and charges 1,503 1,503 1,469
Travelling 629 - - 629 771
Miscellaneous costs 19 - - 19 191
Awards 275 - - 275 250
- -
Accountancy costs 3,556 3,556 3,320
Insurance 867 - - 867 862
Repairs and renewals 352 - - 352 354
Independent examiners fee
- -
- statutory accounts preparation 1,386 1,386 1,260
- Independent examination 954 - - 954 870
- -
18,203 18,203 17,544
-
Total expenditure 55,967 3,555.00 59,522 73,173
- -
Net gains/(losses) on investments 24,568 24,568 (3,135)
Net income/(expenditure) (23,614) 377 24,568 1,331 (32,271)
----- End of picture text -----
21