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2024-07-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1142207

Company Registration No. 07441944 (England and Wales)

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Directors

David Adams Michael Amey D Warner D J Annis

Charity number Company number Registered office

1142207

07441944

The Forge Centre Valley Road Cinderford Gloucestershire GL14 2LJ

Independent examiner

Griffiths Marshall 20 Newerne Street Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 5RA

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1
Independent examiner's report 3
Statement of financial activities 4
Balance sheet 5 - 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 16

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are support, for people with sensory problems, and for members of the public who may come into contact with people with sensory problems, so providing Public Benefit.

The directors have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake, in particular with regard securing Public Benefit.

Achievements and performance

The charity is continuing to work with and support the people of the Forest of Dean with Sensory problems.

Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that designated unrestricted funds should be maintained at a level equivalent to about six months' expenditure plus potential redundancy costs. The directors consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to securing alternative funding.

The directors have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

The plans for future periods are to continue the charity's existing work.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is governed in accord with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

James Spiers (Resigned 6 January 2025) Mike Sollis (Resigned 30 August 2023) Susan Henchley (Resigned 30 November 2023) Anita Maxwell (Resigned 30 August 2023) David Adams Michael Amey D Warner D J Annis

Directors are voted onto the board at the AGM and the board can co-opt directors as required. Training for directors is usually provided through the offices of the local Volunteer Forum. None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the company.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Directors.

Michael Amey

Dated: 6 March 2025

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

The directors, who also act as trustees for the charitable activities of Forest Sensory Services, are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity 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 directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE DIRECTORS OF FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024, which are set out on pages 4 to 16.

Respective responsibilities of directors and examiner

The charity’s directors, who also act as trustees for the charitable activities of Forest Sensory Services, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The directors consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as 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 financial statements present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

I J Price - Chartered Accountant

Griffiths Marshall 20 Newerne Street Lydney Gloucestershire GL15 5RA

Dated: 6 March 2025

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Charitable activities
3
54,293
-
28,984
Expenditure on:
4
Charitable activities
5
45,258
-
30,171
Net gains on investments
8
67
-
-
Net movement in funds
9,102
-
(1,187)
Fund balances at 1 August 2023
39,927
37,000
15,835
Fund balances at 31 July 2024
49,029
37,000
14,648
Total
2024
£
83,277
75,429
67
7,915
92,762
100,677
Total
2023
£
92,082
102,520
-
(10,438)
103,200
92,762

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JULY 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Investments
11
Current assets
Stocks
12
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
15
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
16
General unrestricted funds
2024
£
3,500
1,948
96,977
102,425
(2,729)
37,000
49,029
£
705
276
981
99,696
100,677
14,648
86,029
100,677
2023
£
7,000
3,011
86,180
96,191
(5,003)
37,000
39,927
£
1,365
209
1,574
91,188
92,762
15,835
76,927
92,762

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 JULY 2024

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 July 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Directors on 6 March 2025

Michael Amey

Trustee

Company Registration No. 07441944

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Forest Sensory Services is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Forge Centre, Valley Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire, GL14 2LJ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the accounting period in which they are incurred, on the accruals basis.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings

20-33% straight line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Voluntary
income
Grant Income
Fundraising
Income
Investment
Income
Income from
charitable
activities
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
Sale of
goods
8,631
41,292
5,353
2,776
25,225
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted
funds
8,631
12,308
5,353
2,776
25,225
Restricted
funds
-
28,984
-
-
-
8,631
41,292
5,353
2,776
25,225
Total
2024
£
83,277
54,293
28,984
83,277
Total
2023
£
92,082
42,542
49,540
92,082

For the year ended 31 July 2023

Voluntary
income
Grant Income
Fundraising
Income
Investment
Income
Income from
charitable
activities
£
£
£
£
£
Sale of goods
13,006
55,861
521
1,390
21,304
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
13,006
6,321
521
1,390
21,304
Restricted funds
-
49,540
-
-
-
13,006
55,861
521
1,390
21,304
Total
2023
£
92,082
42,542
49,540
92,082

4 Income

Voluntary income for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes donations and membership income and income from legacies.

Income from charitable activities for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes £8,834 (2023 - £12,619) income from groups and £3,288 (2023 - £6,223) equipment income and nil (2023 - £528) hearing clinic income and £9,648 (2023 - nil) contract income and £3,409 (2023-nil) excursion income and £46 (2023 - nil) other income.

Restricted grants income is analysed in note 15.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Fundrasing costs
Costs of charitable activities
Governance costs
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
2024
£
176
73,879
1,374
75,429
45,258
30,171
75,429
2023
£
1,405
99,489
1,626
102,520
44,813
57,707
102,520

Costs of charitable activities for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes staff costs of £38,535 (2023 - £43,955) (see note 7), group costs of £8,271 (2023 - £16,492), costs of purchases of equipment of £915 (2023 - £10.911), hearing clinic costs of £354 (2023 - £1,354), volunteers expenses of £41 (2023 - £3,489), depreciation of £1,041 (2023 - £1,293), reduction in stock of £3,500 (2023 - £7,325), excursion costs of £2,484 (2023 - nil), course instruction costs of £2,470 (2023-nil), and other premises costs and office costs and other costs of £16,268 (2023 - £14,670).

6 Directors

None of the directors (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits or expenses from the charity during the year.

7 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
3 3

No employees had emoluments over £60,000 (2022-none).

Staff costs for the year ended 31 July 2024 included £37,828 (2023 - £43,145) gross salaries, £0 (2022 - £0) social security costs, and £707 (2023 - £810) defined contribution employer pension contributions.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

8 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments 67 -

9 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

10 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
£
Cost
At 1 August 2023 30,287
Additions 380
Disposals (3,148)
At 31 July 2024 27,519
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2023 28,921
Depreciation charged in the year 1,041
Eliminated in respect of disposals (3,148)
At 31 July 2024 26,814
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2024 705
At 31 July 2023 1,365

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

11 Fixed asset investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 August 2023
Valuation changes
At 31 July 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2024
At 31 July 2023
12
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale
13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Listed
investments
£
209
67
276
276
209
2024
2023
£
£
3,500
7,000
2024
2023
£
£
1,480
3,011
468
-
1,948
3,011
2024
2023
£
£
421
219
764
2,119
-
1,322
1,544
1,343
2,729
5,003

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

15 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
National Lottery 14,335 28,984 (28,671) 14,648
Barnwood Trust 1,500 - (1,500) -
15,835 28,984 (30,171) 14,648
Previous year: At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £
Glos Community Foundation - 2,500 (2,500) -
Lydney Town Council - 1,000 (1,000) -
NGED - 6,989 (6,989) -
National Lottery Community Fund - 14,056 (14,056) -
National Lottery - 14,335 - 14,335
OWLS 752 - (752) -
Barnwood Trust - 7,000 (5,500) 1,500
Barnwood Trust - furniture 200 - (200) -
GCC IT grant 3,578 - (3,578) -
RNIB Eclo - 3,660 (3,660) -
Lottery 14,056 - (14,056) -
GCC classes 2,081 - (2,081) -
Magnifiers 2,395 - (2,395) -
LWWSL 940 - (940) -
24,002 49,540 57,707 15,835

The purpose of the restricted funds is to finance the expenditure to which the restricted income related.

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

16 Unrestricted funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated unrestricted fund which has been set aside out of unrestricted funds for the purposes of ensuring that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, the charity will be able to continue its current activities whilst consideration is given to securing alternative funding:

Six months' expenditure plus potential redundancy costs - designated fund - £37,000

At 1 August Incoming Resources Gains and At 31 July
2023 resources expended losses 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 39,927 54,293 (45,258) 67 49,029
Previous year: At 1 August Incoming Resources Gains and At 31 July
2022 resources expended losses 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 42,198 42,542 (44,813) - 39,927

17 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 July 2024:
Tangible assets
705
-
-
Investments
276
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
48,048
37,000
14,648
49,029
37,000
14,648
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
At 31 July 2023:
Tangible assets
1,365
-
-
Investments
209
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
38,353
37,000
15,835
39,927
37,000
15,835
Total
2024
£
705
276
99,696
100,677
Total
2023
£
1,365
209
91,188
92,762

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

18 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023- none). Governance costs for the year ended 31 July 2024 includes amounts payable to the independent examiner of £930 (2023 - £930) for the independent examination and £444 (2023-£444) for payroll work and other work.