Charity number: 1145101
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 - 10 |
| Trustees' Responsibilities Statement | 11 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 12 - 13 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 14 |
| Balance Sheet | 15 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 16 - 23 |
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
Dr E L Ferriman, Honorary Secretary (reappointed as President 1 October 2024) Trustees Dr R K Morris, President (resigned 1 October 2024) Dr M K Whitworth, Treasurer Dr S Nanda, Honorary Secretary (appointed 1 October 2024)
Charity registered number 1145101 Principal office Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) 10 - 18 Union Street London SE1 1SZ
Accountants
Haslers Chartered Accountants Old Station Road Loughton Essex IG10 4PL
Page 1
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements for the 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) as it applies to charities completing accounts on a receipts and payments basis.
Objectives and Activities
a. POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES
The society will address its aims through the following means:
-
The organisation of an annual conference
-
The support of members’ research work through the BMFMS research bursaries
-
The support of the clinical study groups aligned to the aims of the BMFMS
b. ACTIVITIES FOR ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES
The Society usually organises a two-day annual scientific meeting, during which the AGM is held. The 2024 conference was held on 25-26 April in Liverpool and online.
Sessions at the event included:
-
The application of genomics in Maternal Medicine – Professor Catherine Williamson
-
Antenatal steroids and tocolytics – how WHO clinical guidance is formulated – Dr Femi Oladapo
-
The Coroner’s guidance and what it means for us? – Dr Tracey Johnston and Ms. Jayne Fisher
-
Prenatal treatment of congenital disease – Prof Anna David
-
Improving maternity services and team working – Dr Bill Kirkup CBE
-
Assisted Vaginal Birth – Dr Susie Crowe
-
Digital Healthcare and its relevance and future in maternity care – Dr Nichola Ling
Highlights from the event:
-
17 sessions with a total of 63 speakers
-
285 abstract submissions, of which were 225 posters
-
276 in-person delegates
Achievements and performance
a. REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
This has been another good year for the Charity, with healthy income from the annual conference, joint courses and membership fees.
Membership numbers remain steady, with 132 new members joined during the year; although there were also some resignations, overall numbers increased to 406 as of 31 January 2025.
The Charitable aims of BMFMS continues to be reflected in our educational bursaries and fellowships and during the 2024-5 year a Joint BMFMS-Wellbeing of Women Entry Level Scholarship was awarded to Dr Benjamin Greenfield for the project Measuring lactate levels in Labour: A feasibility study .
The following is also available to BMFMS members: Continuing development of an improved website. This helps fulfil one of our Charitable aims by increasing access for education, communication, advice and support, for Members and patients.
The Charity’s finances are sound, and the annual financial report is attached. There are unrestricted funds of £434,080. During the year, the total income was £361,617, with expenditure at £249,799.
Page 2
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
b. GOING CONCERN
After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.
c. RESERVES POLICY
The charity holds no fixed assets or trade debtors. The only funds held by the charity are available as cash at short notice. The reserves are all unrestricted and will be used to ensure that the charity can meet its growing training and course commitments in the future.
d. PRINCIPAL FUNDING
The charity receives most of its funding from annual membership fees and course income. This income has been used to facilitate the organisation of the courses and cover in the administration costs of the society.
Structure, governance and management
a. CONSTITUTION
1. The Name
The Society shall be known as the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society.
Hereafter in the document it will be referred to as “The Society”.
2. The purposes of the charity are:
2.1 To advance education in the subject of maternal and fetal medicine and to preserve and protect good health by encouraging improved standards of pregnancy care.
2.2 The aims of the Society are:
2.2.1 The Society aims to provide a forum where issues of relevance to Obstetricians and other professionals involved in maternity care are discussed.
2.2.2 In particular, the Society seeks to:
| 2.2.2.3 | Disseminate knowledge |
|---|---|
| 2.2.2.4 | Promote research and audit |
| 2.2.2.5 | Establish good quality training programmes |
| 2.2.2.6 | Encourage development of clinical guidelines. |
2.3 The ultimate goal of the Society is to encourage improved standards of maternity care.
2.4 The Society will provide a Maternal and Fetal Medicine input to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) including advice on training in obstetrics and special interest / subspecialty training in Maternal and Fetal Medicine.
2.5 The Society will also make representation to other Colleges and national bodies when appropriate, including providing relevant stakeholder feedback on relevant national documents and guidance.
Page 3
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
2.6 The Society will develop links to other relevant professional societies with the aim of disseminating knowledge and improving standards of care for pregnant women.
3. Officers of the Society
3.1 The charity shall be managed by a committee of trustees who are elected by the voting membership. The Society Officers are the charity trustees (the “Trustees”).
- 3.2 The Officers of the Society are the:
3.2.1 President 3.2.2 Secretary 3.2.3 Treasurer
3.3 Nomination and election of Officers:
3.3.1 Officers will be nominated for office by two members of the Society.
3.3.2 Officers will be elected by the membership.
3.3.3 Terms of office will be three years.
3.4 Re-election of Officers:
3.4.1 The President may not be re-elected, but other Officers may be re-elected once for a second three-year term.
3.4.2 The President’s term may be extended by one year in exceptional circumstances such as if no applications for the post are received.
3.4.3 Officers will be eligible to apply for other Officer roles, however, there should be no overlap of these roles during their tenure.
3.5 Election of the President:
3.5.1 The President will be elected by the membership six months prior to the retirement of the current office holder and shall serve as President Elect until the retirement of the current office holder.
3.5.2 The retiring President may serve as an ex-officio member for one year after retirement in an advisory capacity to the President.
3.6 Acting Officers:
In the unlikely event that an Officer is unable to complete the full term of three years, an Acting President, Acting Honorary Secretary or Acting Honorary Treasurer shall be appointed from amongst members of the Executive Committee until the due process of nomination and election is completed.
Page 4
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
4. Carrying out the purposes
In order to carry out the charitable purposes, the trustees have the power to:
-
4.1 raise funds, receive grants and donations
-
4.2 apply funds to carry out the work of the charity
-
4.3 co-operate with and support other charities with similar purposes
-
4.4 do anything which is lawful and necessary to achieve the purposes
5. Responsibilities of the Officers
-
5.1 The responsibilities of the President are:
-
5.1.1 To be the principal spokesperson for the Society
-
5.1.2 To be the named stakeholder when the Society registers involvement in discussions with other Societies or national bodies
-
5.1.3 To chair Officer and Committee meetings
-
5.1.4 To chair the Annual General Meeting
-
5.1.5 To be responsible for the accuracy of the minutes of meetings.
-
5.2 The responsibilities of the Secretary are:
5.2.1 To be responsible for coordinating the activities of the Officers
-
5.2.2 Be responsible for the production of the minutes of the Trustees and Annual General Meetings
-
5.2.3 Collaborate closely with the appointed Conference Organiser
-
5.2.4 Act as deputy to the President in terms of representing the Society at relevant meetings.
-
5.3 The responsibilities of the Treasurer are:
5.3.1 To be responsible for the Society’s finances and producing an annual report of accounts at the Annual General Meetings.
5.3.2 Advise the Trustees about financial issues e.g. when subscription rates need to be raised 5.3.3 Advise about the registration fee or any surcharge necessary for Annual Meetings of the Society, to ensure that these Meetings do not run at a financial loss and generate some income for the Society
6. The Executive Committee
6.1 There shall be an Executive Committee (hereafter known as “The Committee”) which will act as an advisory body to the Trustees with delegated authority to manage and direct day to day operational matters in accordance with its Terms of Reference.
6.2 Membership of the Committee:
6.2.1 The Committee will comprise of 19 members, drawn wherever possible from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and comprise the Officers of the Society, representative elected from the membership, and, as applicable the President Elect.
Page 5
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
6.2.2 The members of the Committee will be:
-
6.2.2.1 President 6.2.2.2 Honorary Secretary
-
6.2.2.3 Treasurer
-
6.2.2.4 Scientific and research representative
-
6.2.2.5 Two trainee representatives
-
6.2.2.6 Two District General Hospital representatives
-
6.2.2.7 Two Maternal Medicine representatives
-
6.2.2.8 Two Labour & Delivery representatives
-
6.2.2.9 Two Pregnancy Outcome representatives
-
6.2.2.10 Two Fetal Medicine representatives
-
6.2.2.11 Education and Training representative
-
6.2.2.12 Two Midwifery/nursing representatives
6.2.3 In addition, there may be up to six ex-officio members:
-
6.2.3.1 Representative of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) elected by the RCM for a period of three years and may be re-elected once for a second three year term.
-
6.2.3.2 Representative of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) elected by BAPM for a period of three years and may be re-elected once for a second three year term.
-
6.2.3.3 Representative of the British Intrapartum Care Society (BICS) elected by BICS for a period of three years and may be re-elected once for a second three year term.
-
6.2.3.4 Representative from MacDonald Obstetric Medicine Society (MOMS) elected by MOMS for a period of three years and may be re-elected once for a second three year term.
-
6.2.3.5 A parent/carer representative appointed at the discretion of the Committee for a term of three years.
-
6.2.3.6 The retiring President who can serve for a period of one year after retirement in an advisory capacity to the President.
6.3 Invited representatives to Committee meetings
Other representatives will be invited to Committee meetings at the discretion of the Officers. They will include:
-
6.3.1 Representative of the Conference Organiser
-
6.3.2 The Manager will attend committee meetings.
-
6.3.3 The Society Coordinator will attend committee meetings.
-
6.4 Committee meetings
-
6.4.1 The Committee will meet at least twice during the year, as necessary to fulfil its functions.
-
6.4.2 Committee meetings will be chaired by the President (or their appointed delegate, from another of the Officers).
-
6.4.3 The Committee meeting may be held via remote platforms or in person. For the purposes of this constitution “remote” refers to means of a conference telephone or any communication equipment which allows all persons participating in the meeting to communicate effectively to each other throughout the meeting. A person participating remotely shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote or be counted in quorum accordingly.
-
6.4.4 Committee decisions will be made by a voting majority. Each committee member will have one vote. Ex-officio members and invited representatives will not have a vote.
-
6.4.5 The quoracy for Committee meetings is 12 out of 19 members, with at least 2 officers.
-
6.4.6 Minutes of Committee meetings must be kept.
Page 6
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
6.5 Functions of the Committee
The functions of the Committee, in addition to its role as advisors to the Officers in fulfilling the purpose of the Society, are as follows:
-
6.5.1 Development of Maternal and Fetal Medicine special interest and subspecialty training
-
6.5.2 Identification / provision of BMFMS representatives for RCOG and other relevant national committees
-
6.5.3 Providing expert consultation and opinion on relevant documents to the Society’s purpose e.g. guidelines, policy documents
-
6.5.4 Organisation of the Annual Meeting of the Society
-
6.5.5 Organisation of joint meetings with other Societies /Groups.
-
6.5 Appointment of Committee Members
-
6.5.1 Notification of vacancies or new appointments to the Committee will be circulated to Society members (by email or web posting).
-
6.5.2 Notification of vacancies will include a role description and person specification
-
6.5.3 Candidates, with their agreement, must be nominated by 2 Society members (by email return of signed nomination paper)
-
6.5.4 A voting paper with details of candidates will be circulated (by email or web posting).
-
6.5.5 Votes will take place via an electronic vote.
-
6.5.6 Members can only vote once for each vacancy advertised.
-
6.5.7 The Committee members will be elected by the membership of the Society for a term of three years.
6.6 Re-election
-
6.6.1 Committee members may be re-elected once for a second three-year term.
-
6.6.2 If a Committee member wishes to be re-elected after the first term, the post does not need to be advertised providing the re-election is supported by two other Committee members.
-
6.6.3 Elections for the position of Honorary Secretary and Treasurer must be advertised.
-
6.6.4 The post must be advertised for election after the Committee member has been in the post for six years. A willing person can serve a third term if no other candidates come forward for election.
-
6.6.5 The Committee reserves the right to allow flexibility in the timing of appointments, to ensure continuity within the Committees. It is anticipated that no more than four committee members will change in one year.
-
6.7 Working Groups and sub-committees
-
6.7.1 The Trustees may draw up small Working Groups or sub-committees, usually chaired by a Trustee, where an issue is identified needing consultation and discussion.
-
6.7.2 Members of these Groups will be co-opted from the Society’s wider membership. These Groups will report to the Trustees and their continued existence will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Page 7
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
6.8 Manager
The Society will employ the services of a Manager.
-
6.8.1 The Manager will be responsible to the Officers of the Society
-
6.8.2 The key responsibilities will be:
-
6.8.2.1 To working closely with the Officers to achieve agreed development income targets
-
6.8.2.2 To create and implement a Strategic Plan , incorporating strategic aims and key performance indicators
-
6.8.2.3 To work closely with key staff and officers to advance the role of the Society and its work 6.8.2.4 With the Officers finalise cases for support and agreed programme of needs, subjecting these to periodic review by the Officers and Committee
6.9 Society Coordinator
The Society will employ the services of a Coordinator appointed by the RCOG whose functions will be to:
-
6.9.1 Keeping a full and up-to-date membership list
-
6.9.2 Collecting the annual subscriptions
-
6.9.3 Deal with the day to day financial matters pertaining to the Society
-
6.9.4 Keeping a permanent record of the Minutes of all Society Meetings
-
6.9.5 Keeping on file copies of all correspondence relevant to the Society, including Committee minutes.
-
6.9.6 Communicating with the Society’s members via mail, website posting or email when there are items of news to be disseminated from the Trustees or Committees, or where the members’ views need to be canvassed about a subject.
-
6.9.7 Maintaining an up-to-date Society website, in liaison with any persons or company employed for that purpose.
-
6.9.8 The Society Coordinator will usually be present at Trustee and Committee meetings.
-
6.10 Conference Organisers
-
6.10.1The Officers will appoint Conference Organisers to deal with the practical arrangements of their Annual Meeting (selecting conference venues, negotiating rates of hire, identifying suitable accommodation, publicity, registration, trade exhibitions etc).
-
6.10.2The Officers will review contracts periodically.
-
6.10.3The Conference Organisers will participate in parts of Officer meetings relevant to Conference Organisation and take minutes accordingly.
7. Membership
-
7.1 The Society shall have a membership.
-
7.2 Membership is open to any professional involved in maternity care.
-
7.3 There will be no limit to the size of membership.
-
7.4 To become a member, a completed application form must be submitted to the Society’s Coordinator, along with the appropriate annual subscription fee.
-
7.5 Subscription rates are set by the Society and revised periodically. Concessionary membership rates will be available for midwives and non-clinicians.
-
7.6 Continued membership involves the payment of the annual subscription fee.
-
7.7 Membership will be terminated if there is failure to pay the annual subscription.
-
7.8 Members must be in good standing with their professional organisation, e.g. General Medical Council for doctors and the Nursing and Midwifery Council for midwives
-
7.9 The Officers will keep an up-to-date membership list supported by the Society Co-ordinator.
-
7.10 The Officers reserve the right to seek further information and to defer, decline or rescind membership applications.
Page 8
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
8. Annual General Meeting - AGM
-
8.1 The AGM must be held every year, with 28 days notice given to all members telling them what is on the agenda.
-
8.2 The AGM may be held via remote platforms or in person. A person participating remotely shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote or be counted in quorum accordingly.
-
8.3 Minutes must be kept of the AGM for 10 years.
-
8.4 Every member has one vote.
-
8.5 The trustees shall present the annual report and accounts.
-
8.6 Any changes to subscription fees must be approved by the AGM
9. Officer meetings
-
9.1 Officers must hold at least 3 meetings each year. These will usually be as part of the AGM and Committee meetings.
-
9.2 Officers may act by majority decision.
-
9.3 The three Officers must be present at the meeting (or consulted so that they may vote) to be able to take decisions unless there is a conflict of interest.
-
9.4 Minutes shall be kept for every meeting.
-
9.5 The Officers meeting may be held via remote platforms or in person. A person participating remotely shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote or be counted in quorum accordingly.
-
9.6 If officers have a conflict of interest they must declare it and leave the meeting while this matter is being discussed or decided.
-
9.7 The officers may make reasonable additional rules to help run the charity. These rules must not conflict with this constitution or the law.
Page 9
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
10. Money and property
-
10.1 Money and property must only be used for the Society’s purposes.
-
10.2 Trustees (Officers) must keep accounts. The most recent annual accounts can be seen by anybody on request.
-
10.3 Trustees (Officers) cannot receive any money from the charity, except to refund reasonable out of pocket expenses.
-
10.4 Money must be held in the charity’s bank account(s). Payments may be made by the Society Coordinator with approval of the Trustees. Cheques will be signed by a Trustee.
-
10.5 The financial affairs of the Society shall be managed by the Manager and overseen by the Treasurer.
-
10.6 Annual subscriptions will be collected from all members.
-
10.7 The annual member subscriptions, income from educational events and annual meeting shall form the primary source of income for the Society.
-
10.8 Additional sources of income may include legacy, donations, gift aid, corporate memberships, specific funding related to specific work programmes from external sources etc.
-
10.9 The Treasurer has the authority to disburse funds for the benefit of the Society as appropriate, and shall submit a statement of accounts to each AGM.
-
10.10 Winding up - any money or property remaining after payment of debts must be given to a charity with similar purposes to this one
11. General Meetings
-
11.1 If the Officers consider it is necessary to change the constitution, or wind up the charity, they must call a General Meeting or AGM so that the membership can make the decision.
-
11.2 Officers must also call a General Meeting if they receive a written request from the majority of members. All members must be given 28 days’ notice and told the reason for the meeting.
-
11.3 All decisions require a straight majority.
-
11.4 Minutes must be kept.
-
11.5 Changes to the Constitution - can be made at AGMs or General Meetings. No change can be made that would make the organisation no longer a charity. Changes must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and have a seconder who must also be a member of the Society. Changes to the constitution must be proposed at least 2 months in advance of the AGM or General Meeting.
-
11.6 General Meeting - called on written request from a majority of members.
-
11.7 Officers may also call a General Meeting to consult the membership
-
11.8 The General meeting may be held via remote platforms or in person. A person participating remotely shall be deemed to be present in person at the meeting and shall be entitled to vote or be counted in quorum accordingly.
12. Date of constitution
This constitution was adopted on 26th April 2024 by a majority vote at the AGM.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on _______ 07/11/2025 07/11/2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Dr M K Whitworth Treasurer
Page 10
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
-
charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on _______ 07/11/2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Dr M K Whitworth Treasurer
Page 11
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 January 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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 that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Page 12
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Laura Ambrose FCA Dated: 11 November 2025
Haslers Old Station Road Loughton Essex IG10 4PL
Page 13
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other income 5 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 1,493 353,970 6,154 361,617 249,799 249,799 111,818 322,262 111,818 434,080 |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,493 353,970 6,154 361,617 249,799 249,799 111,818 322,262 111,818 434,080 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,479 198,199 7,213 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 206,891 | |||
| 121,884 | |||
| 121,884 | |||
| 85,007 | |||
| 237,255 85,007 |
|||
| 322,262 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 16 to 23 form part of these financial statements.
Page 14
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |||||||||||
| Current assets | |||||||||||||
| Debtors | 10 | 84,997 | - | ||||||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | Cash at bank and in hand | 364,993 | 322,262 | ||||||||||
| 449,990 | 322,262 | ||||||||||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | Creditors: amounts falling due within one | ||||||||||||
| year | 11 | (15,910) | - | ||||||||||
| Net current assets | 434,080 | 322,262 | |||||||||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | Total assets less current liabilities | 434,080 | 322,262 | ||||||||||
| Total net assets | 434,080 | 322,262 | |||||||||||
| Charity funds | |||||||||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 12 | 434,080 | 322,262 | ||||||||||
| Total funds | 434,080 | 322,262 | |||||||||||
| The financial |
statements | were | approved | and | authorised | for | issue | by | the | Trustees on |
|||
| _______and signed on their behalf by: 07/11/2025 |
and signed on their behalf by: | and signed on their behalf by: |
Dr M K Whitworth
Treasurer
The notes on pages 16 to 23 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
1. General information
British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society is a charitable organisation, registered in England and Wales, with a charity number of 1145101. The registered address is Royal College Of Obstetricians, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ. Details of the principal activity of the Charity can be found on page 2 in the Trustee's report.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Page 16
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and 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.
2.6 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
2.7 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.8 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Donations 1,493 Total 2024 1,479 |
Total funds 2025 £ 1,493 1,479 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,479 |
|---|---|---|
Page 17
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
4. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Membership subscriptions 22,533 RCOG joint venture 118,914 BMFMS conference 212,523 Total 2025 353,970 Total 2024 198,199 |
Total funds 2025 £ 22,533 118,914 212,523 353,970 198,199 |
Total funds 2024 £ 17,390 - 180,809 |
|---|---|---|
| 198,199 | ||
5. Other incoming resources
| Twins trust Total 2024 |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 6,154 7,213 |
Total funds 2025 £ 6,154 7,213 |
Total funds 2024 £ 7,213 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 18
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Promoting education and research Total 2024 |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ 22,246 46,049 |
Support costs 2025 £ 227,553 75,835 |
Total funds 2025 £ 249,799 121,884 |
Total funds 2024 £ 121,884 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Analysis of direct costs
| Bursaries Total 2024 |
Activities 2025 £ 22,246 46,049 |
Total funds 2025 £ 22,246 46,049 |
Total funds 2024 £ 46,049 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 19
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Activities 2025 £ Staff costs 23,048 Bank charges 60 Insurance 339 General expenses 3,407 Committee expenses 5,979 Professional fees 7,290 BMFMS conference expenses 179,285 Catering 104 Rent 8,041 227,553 Total 2024 75,835 7. Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts 8. Staff costs Wages and salaries Social security costs |
Total funds 2025 £ 23,048 60 339 3,407 5,979 7,290 179,285 104 8,041 227,553 75,835 2025 £ 3,110 2025 £ 19,419 3,629 23,048 |
Total funds 2024 £ 21,203 38 339 297 3,423 3,420 39,596 96 7,423 |
|---|---|---|
| 75,835 | ||
| 2024 £ 2,965 |
||
| 2024 £ 17,926 3,277 |
||
| 21,203 |
Page 20
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
8. Staff costs (continued)
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | |
| Administrative | 1 | 1 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL) .
During the year ended 31 January 2025, expenses totalling £2,982 (2024: £1,497) were reimbursed or paid directly to 2 Trustees. This related to a committee lunch in the year and reimbursement for charity expenses.
10. Debtors
| Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 84,997 84,997 |
2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|
| - |
| 11. | Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accruals and deferred income | 15,910 | - |
Page 21
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
12. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Unrestricted funds General funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds General funds |
Balance at 1 February 2024 £ 322,262 Balance at 1 February 2023 £ 237,255 |
Income £ 361,617 Income £ 206,891 |
Expenditure £ (249,799) Expenditure £ (121,884) |
Balance at 31 January 2025 £ 434,080 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 January 2024 £ 322,262 |
13. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
General funds Summary of funds - prior year General funds |
Balance at 1 February 2024 £ 322,262 Balance at 1 February 2023 £ 237,255 |
Income £ 361,617 Income £ 206,891 |
Expenditure £ (249,799) Expenditure £ (121,884) |
Balance at 31 January 2025 £ 434,080 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 January 2024 £ 322,262 |
Page 22
BRITISH MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE SOCIETY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Current assets 449,990 Creditors due within one year (15,910) Total 434,080 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Current assets 322,262 Total 322,262 |
Total funds 2025 £ 449,990 (15,910) 434,080 Total funds 2024 £ 322,262 322,262 |
|---|---|
Page 23