**THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Charity Registration Number 1147356** 

**Company number 8057493 (Registered in England and Wales)** 

**The British Hen Welfare Trust Hen Central Rose Ash South Molton Devon EX36 4RF** 



## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

|**Contents**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees'  report|1 - 4|
|Independent Auditor's report|5 - 7|
|Statement of financial activities|8|
|Balance sheet|9|
|Statements of cash flows|10 - 11|
|Notes to the accounts|12 - 19|





## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** 

The trustees present their annual report together with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

The aim of the charity is to improve the living conditions of commercial laying hens by improving understanding of hen welfare and providing homes for hens destined for slaughter. 

In carrying out the activities of the charity the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity commission on public benefit. 

## **Public Benefit** 

In compliance with Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011, the trustees confirm that they have had due regard for the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission defining which activities may be undertaken by a charity. 

Under the charities legislation in England, Wales and Scotland the advancement of animal welfare is recognised as a distinct statutory charitable purpose. However, under the legislation, charities are also required to demonstrate that the work they do benefits the public in some way. Ensuring the welfare of animals, preventing cruelty and relieving the suffering of animals has benefits for society as a whole; this is recognised in the passing of the Animal Welfare Acts. 

Whilst it has been proven that companion animals provide measurable benefits to people’s physical and mental health, it is only with the work of the British Hen Welfare Trust that the benefits of keeping backyard hens are now shining through. 

By helping hens destined for slaughter, we believe our work benefits the public in many ways: 

- Providing hens to those who want to give them a good home 

• Providing companionship for individuals, families, institutions, the sick and the elderly 

- Providing a network of volunteers with charitable roles which reward and satisfy mental, physical and social needs 

- Providing an advice line service to those adopters inexperienced in hen keeping 

- Providing information on how positive change can improve hen welfare 

- Providing support and working with animal organisations to find good homes for hens 

- Providing balanced, constructive feedback to government departments on animal welfare legislation 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

Throughout the year the charity was able to pursue hen re-homing activities across the country through its network of valued volunteers. In order to achieve its aims and objectives, the charity will seek to continue with an increased level of re-homing activities as per the previous year coupled with the continuation of the provision of educational services pertaining to hen welfare. This year, with no Avian Influenza restrictions to contend with, the charity re-homed 56,000 hens, a significant increase on the previous year. Two new rehoming sites were established in Scotland to give a greater geographical reach to hen adopters. 

The primary fundraising activity of the charity is the donations received from hen rehoming. This is supplemented by grant applications, legacies and campaigns for specific requirements to enable the charity to operate. The charity continues to monitor the performance and efficacy of its fundraising activities, as well as reviewing the performance of its fundraising activities against fundraising objectives. 

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## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **VOLUNTEERS** 

The charity recognises importance of its volunteer population and could not function as it does without them. The volunteer management function allows the charity to recognise the value of its volunteers fully, whilst ensuring maximum impact and delivery from the dedicated volunteer population. To illustrate the commitment of the volunteers the charity has, five volunteers received an award for giving 18 years’ service and more than 50 for 12 years’ of service to the charity. 

## **PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS** 

The coming year will see the charity utilising further the new building, Hen Central, initially for hen re-homing activities as well as aiming to re-home increased levels of hens. The charity will also continue its work alongside it’s delivery partners in the provision of educational services pertaining to hen welfare. 

In addition the charity will be re-homing its one millionth hen in 2024, a world first, and this should bring opportunities to publicise the work of the British Hen Welfare Trust and raise more awareness of the work the charity does. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

Financial performance for the British Hen Welfare Trust in 2023 was very good compared with  the year before. The Group’s total income in 2023 reached £1,199,467; this was £232,246 more than the year 2022 total of £867,221. Expenditure over the past year has increased with 2023 ending in a total of £1,015,534 spent, an increase of £115,108. (2022: £900,426). The charity has seen the need for increased expenditure due to investment and increased in fundraising and marketing, re-homing and volunteer management and hen awareness and education costs. 

## **Income** 

The British Hen Welfare Trust is entirely reliant on the generosity of our supporters and the voluntary income they contribute to our cause. Donation income is strong due to the continued successes of both our hen rehoming and fundraising activities. We have worked hard to improve our quality of communications and fundraising functions to ensure that potential new supporters are fully engaged in the charity ethos right from the beginning. We have worked alongside a number of companies within the poultry sector, to forge mutually beneficial partnerships. 

## **Expenditure** 

Total group expenditure in 2023 was £1,015,534 (2022: £900,426). This reflects the scope and success of the wide offering of the charity, including hen re-homing and volunteer management, hen awareness and education and influencing welfare practices and policies costs. Expenditure on re-homing hens and influencing hen welfare and awareness continues to absorb the largest part of our expenditure. 

## **Investment policy** 

The policy is to favour ethical investments and adopt a medium risk strategy with a balance between capital growth and income. The Trustees are content that the investment performance meets the objectives. 

## **Risk review** 

The Trust has a risk management process in place for the major risks to which the charity is exposed, notably the management of the effects on the charity of a national outbreak of Avian Influenza or similar. Systems have been established to enable regular reports so that necessary steps may be taken to lessen the risks. 

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## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **RESERVES POLICY** 

The Trustees feel it appropriate to maintain a level of reserves that will enable activities to be continued through periods of difficulty caused by unpredictable events (such as Avian Influenza halting rehoming activity). It is considered prudent to maintain a General Reserve equivalent to up to 12 months support costs. At 31 December 2023 the General Reserve amounted to £143,145. The General Reserve therefore falls short of the annual support costs of £212,750. 

Funds surplus to the General Reserve requirement are designated to the following reserves, the movements of which are set out in note 11: 

• Employee Commitment Fund to cover unforeseen costs associated with employment 

• Capital Equipment Fund to provide for replacement of re-homing equipment 

• Property Development Fund to respond to opportunities for growth, particularly regarding the Charity’s operating base. Note than this fund has a significant gain due to the sale of Hope Chapel. As part of the strategic growth of the charity, it is expected that these funds will be re-invested in property at some point in the future. 

• Education Fund to provide educational resource to promote public awareness of hen related issues. 

• Hen Health Fund to promote hen health knowledge nationally through working with the veterinary profession. 

## **STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, having no share capital. The company was formed on 4 May 2012 and at that date it received the assets of the British Hen Welfare Trust, an unincorporated charity, registration number 1109060. From that date the charitable company continued to carry on the activities of its predecessor charity. 

## **Governing Instrument** 

The governing document of the charity is the Memorandum of Association dated May 2012. This followed the incorporation of the charity as a company limited by guarantee and replaced the Declaration of Trust dated December 2004. 

Charity Registration Number: 1147356 Company Number: 8057493 (England and Wales) Registered Office: Hope Chapel, Rose Ash, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4RF 

## **Board of Trustees (who are directors for Companies Act purposes)** 

The trustees who served throughout this year and up to the date of the approval of the Annual Report and Accounts comprised: 

Jonathan Ison 

Karen Wright Marcella Perversi 

David Marek Jacqueline Pateman-Jones Samantha Hopps Nicholas Tulloch Sophia Fannon-Howell 

To 20 November 2023 To 26 January 2024 

From 13 February 2023 From 13 February 2023 to 9 February 2024 From 14 March 2024 

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## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT** 

The Trustees are selected to provide the board with a comprehensive range of strengths and experiences. They are appointed by decision of the existing Trustees for a period of five years and may seek re-election. Aside from the Chair, the trustees are non-executives. The day to day administration of the charity is provided by the senior leadership team with key decisions ratified by the trustees. The senior leadership team continues to be led by Jane Howorth as CEO. Salaries for the leadership team are decided by the Personnel Committee of the Board of Trustees. 

Prior to their appointment Trustees are fully acquainted with the work of the Trust and upon appointment are provided with the information that they need to fulfil their roles, including information about the role of trustees and charity law. 

## **Advisors to the Trust** 

Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc, Commercial Banking, PO Box 1000, BX1 1LT Nationwide Building Society, Pipers Way, Swindon, SN38 1NW 

Investment Advisors: CCLA, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4ET 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The charity trustees (who are directors for Companies Act purposes) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 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 as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the financial year. 

In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent and prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is not appropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The trustees’ annual report was approved on 30 October 2024 and signed on behalf of the trustees by 

David Marek Trustee 

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## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES** 

## **OPINION** 

We have audited the financial statements of the British Hen Welfare Trust (the group) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable by 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

The prior year financial statements were not subject to an audit and accordingly the comparatives included in these financial statements are unaudited. 

In our opinion, the financial statements: 

 give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended; 

 have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

 have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **BASIS OF OPINION** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the _Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements_ section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the charity with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **OTHER INFORMATION** 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

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## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES** 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION** 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the report; or 

- sufficient and proper accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES** 

As explained more fully in the statement of responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.  Enquiry of management, those charged with governance and review of legal and professional costs around actual and potential litigation and claims. 

- Enquiry of entity staff in tax and compliance functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws 

- and regulations. 

- Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance. 

- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance 

- with applicable laws and regulations. 

 Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business. 

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to: 

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## **THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES** 

- Agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; 

- Reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; 

- Enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; and 

- Reviewing any correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators and the Group’s legal advisors. 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. 

## **USE OF OUR REPORT** 

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. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


## **Streets Audit LLP Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor** 

Tower House Lucy Tower Street Lincoln LN1 1XW 

Street Audit LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 

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**BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Unrestricted funds Restricted<br>Total 2023 Total 2022<br>Notes General Designated funds<br>£ £ £ £ £<br>INCOME<br>Income from generated funds<br>-<br>Donations and legacies 695,830 88,282 784,112 554,577<br>Commercial trading operations 3 272,146 - - 272,146 274,091<br>- -<br>Other trading activities 29,342 29,342 37,135<br>Investment income 5,046 - - 5,046 802<br>-<br>1,002,364 88,282 1,090,646 866,605<br>Income from charitable activities 5,966 - - 5,966 616<br>Gain on disposal of freehold property 5 - 102,855 - 102,855 -<br>TOTAL INCOME  5 1,008,330 102,855 88,282 1,199,467 867,221<br>EXPENDITURE 6<br>Expenditure on raising funds<br>- -<br>Commercial trading operations 263,775 263,775 239,865<br>- -<br>Donations and legacies 82,044 82,044 78,721<br>- -<br>Fundraising and marketing 111,050 111,050 80,855<br>- -<br>Investment management costs 1,333 1,333 1,315<br>Charitable activities<br>-<br>Hen re-homing and volunteer management 287,423 24,191 311,614 265,758<br>Hen awareness and education 188,215 - - 188,215 178,786<br>- -<br>Influencing welfare practices and policies 57,503 57,503 55,126<br>TOTAL EXPENDITURE 991,343 - 24,191 1,015,534 900,426<br>NET INCOME before tax 16,987 102,855 64,091 183,933 (33,205)<br>Tax on income - -<br>NET INCOME after tax 16,987 102,855 64,091 183,933 - (33,205)<br>Net gains (losses) on investments 11 - 31,531 - 31,531 (25,402)<br>NET INCOME before transfers 16,987 134,386 64,091 215,464 (58,607)<br>Transfers between funds 14 12,116 (12,116) - - -<br>NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 29,103 122,270 64,091 215,464 (58,607)<br>FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 114,042 1,262,166 89,700 1,465,908 1,524,515<br>FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 143,145 1,384,436 153,791 1,681,372 1,465,908<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **CONSOLIDATED AND CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Group Group Charity Charity<br>Notes 2023 2022 2023 2022<br>£ £ £ £<br>FIXED ASSETS<br>Tangible assets 8 672,629 833,076 672,629 833,076<br>Investments 9 - - 100 100<br>672,629 833,076 672,729 833,176<br>CURRENT ASSETS<br>Stocks 10 37,051 46,202 - -<br>Cash at bank and in hand 706,056 348,100 694,971 340,050<br>Investments at fair value 11 267,950 236,419 267,950 236,419<br>Debtors 12 41,810 37,504 77,153 79,054<br>1,052,867 668,225 1,040,074 655,523<br>CREDITORS: Amounts falling due<br>within one year 13<br>Creditors 23,004 25,673 11,831 14,591<br>Accruals 21,120 9,720 19,600 8,200<br>44,124 35,393 31,431 22,791<br>NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,008,743 632,832 1,008,643 632,732<br>NET ASSETS 15 1,681,372 1,465,908 1,681,372 1,465,908<br>RESERVES<br>Unrestricted funds 14<br>General fund 143,145 114,042 143,145 114,042<br>Designated funds 1,384,436 1,262,166 1,384,436 1,262,166<br>Restricted funds 16 153,791 89,700 153,791 89,700<br>Total income funds 1,681,372 1,465,908 1,681,372 1,465,908<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


For the financial year ended 31 December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 Companies Act 2006. However, an audit is required in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. 

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

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP. 

Jonathan Ison Trustee 

David Marek Trustee 

30 October 2024 

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## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2023 2022<br>£ £<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net income from operating activities 215,464 (58,607)<br>Adjustments for:<br>(Gains)/losses on investments (31,531) 25,402<br>Investment income (5,046) (802)<br>Depreciation charges 42,099 35,449<br>-<br>(Gains)/losses on sales of fixed assets (102,855)<br>(Increase)/decrease in debtors (4,306) (878)<br>Increase/(decrease) in creditors 8,731 (4,629)<br>(Increase)/decrease in stock 9,151 (6,254)<br>Purchase of property, plant and equipment (67,060) (21,334)<br>Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  64,647 (31,653)<br>Cash flows from investing activities<br>-<br>Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 288,263<br>Interest received 5,046 802<br>Purchase of investments - -<br>Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  293,309 802<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in the<br>reporting period 357,956 (30,851)<br>Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 348,100 378,951<br>Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 706,056 348,100<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **CHARITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2023 2022<br>£ £<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net income from operating activities 215,464 (58,607)<br>Adjustments for:<br>(Gains)/losses on investments (31,531) 25,402<br>Investment income (6,646) (1,942)<br>Depreciation charges 42,099 35,449<br>-<br>(Gains)/losses on sales of fixed assets (102,855)<br>(Increase)/decrease in debtors 1,901 196<br>Increase/(decrease) in creditors 8,640 (10,813)<br>Purchase of property, plant and equipment (67,060) (21,334)<br>Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  60,012 (31,649)<br>Cash flows from investing activities<br>-<br>Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 288,264<br>Interest received 6,646 1,942<br>Purchase of investments - -<br>Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  294,910 1,942<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in the<br>reporting period 354,922 (29,707)<br>Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 340,049 369,757<br>Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 694,971 340,050<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **1.   ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 

British Hen Welfare Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

The trustees consider that the charity has adequate resources to continue its operations for the foreseeable future and accordingly have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the accounts. 

## **Income** 

Income is included in the statement of financial activities when it is probable that the charity will become entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following policies apply to particular categories of income: 

- Where income has related expenditure the resources and the expenditure are reported gross. 

- Grants and donations are included when the conditions for receipt are met. 

- Investment income is included when receivable and can be measured reliably. 

- Legacies are included in the SOFA when receipt is probable, that is when there has been a grant of     probate and the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate. 

- Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. 

- The value of work done by volunteers is not included in the accounts (see note 2) 

- Investment gains and losses includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on sale or resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year. 

## **Expenditure and liabilities** 

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis when a liability is incurred. 

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the 

Support costs have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts. 

## **Assets** 

Tangible fixed assets are depreciated on a reducing balance basis having regard to the useful lives of the assets. The rates used are as follows: 

|rates used are as follows:||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Freehold property|2%|Other office equipment|33%|
|Welfare equipment|15%-25%|Motor vehicles|25%|
|Office furniture|10%|||



Debtors are measured on initial recognition at settlement amounts. Subsequently they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received. 

## **Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement** 

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions: 

The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. 

Tangible fixed assets and investment property are recognised at cost or valuation, less accumulated depreciation / amortisation and any impairment. Depreciation / amortisation takes place over the estimated useful life, down to the assessed residual value. The carrying amount of the Charity's fixed assets is tested as soon as changed conditions show that a need for impairment has arisen. 

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## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE CHARITY** 

The consolidated statement of financial activities includes the results of the charity's wholly owned subsidiary, The BHWT Trading Co Limited, which operates an online shop. 

The summary financial performance of the charity alone is: 

|Incoming resources<br>Gift aid from subsidiary company<br>Interest and management fees charged to subsidiary<br>Gain from disposal of freehold property<br>Cost of generating funds<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Net incoming resources<br>Net gain on investments<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Total funds carried forward<br>Represented by:<br>Restricted income funds<br>Unrestricted income funds|**2023**<br>**£**<br>824,466<br>5,791<br>2,580<br>102,855<br>935,692<br>194,427<br>557,332<br>751,759<br>183,933<br>31,531<br>215,464<br>1,465,908<br>1,681,372<br>153,971<br>1,527,581<br>1,681,552|**2022**<br>**£**<br>593,130<br>32,106<br>2,120<br>-<br>627,356<br>160,891<br>499,670<br>660,561<br>(33,205)<br>(25,402)<br>(58,607)<br>1,524,515<br>1,465,908<br>89,700<br>1,376,208<br>1,465,908|
|---|---|---|



## **3. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM COMMERCIAL TRADING** 

The wholly owned subsidiary, The BHWT Trading Co Limited, is incorporated in England and Wales and pays all its profits to the charity by gift aid. It operates an online shop for the sale of products related to the activities of the charity. The charity owns the entire share capital of 100 ordinary shares of £1 each. 

The summary financial performance of the subsidiary alone is: 

|Turnover<br>Cost of sales and administration costs<br>Net profit<br>Amount gift aided to charity<br>Retained in subsidiary<br>The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary were:<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Net assets<br>Aggregate share capital and reserves|**2023**<br>**£**<br>272,146<br>266,355<br>5,791<br>5,791<br>-<br>51,258<br>51,158<br>100<br>100|**2022**<br>**£**<br>274,091<br>241,985<br>32,106<br>32,106<br>-<br>61,019<br>60,919<br>100<br>100|
|---|---|---|



Page 13 



## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

|**OUP AND CHARITY EMPLOYEE INFORMATION**<br>The average number of employees during the period was:<br>Administrative support staff<br>Staff costs for the above persons were:<br>Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Pension costs|**2023**<br>12<br>**£**<br>343,038<br>24,106<br>8,133<br>375,277|**2022**<br>12<br>**£**<br>337,948<br>22,996<br>7,727<br>368,671|
|---|---|---|



## **4. GROUP AND CHARITY EMPLOYEE INFORMATION** 

No employee earned more than £60,000 per annum (2022: None). 

The total amount of employee benefits (including employer pension contributions and employer national insurance contributions) received by key management personnel for their services to the charity was £130,342 (2022: £108,529). 

We are grateful for the contribution given by our 1,400 volunteers who help with re-homing activites across the UK. It is not practicable to attach a value to this contribution. 

## **5. ANALYSIS OF INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS** 

|**Voluntary income**<br>Donations<br>Gift aid tax recoverable<br>Lottery<br>Legacies<br>**Activities for generating funds**<br>Commercial trading operations<br>Corporate sponsorship<br>Advertising and fees<br>**Investment income**<br>Bank interest<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Poultry Vet Guide<br>Awards and other income<br>Sale of hens|**£**<br>562,299<br>98,158<br>30,816<br>4,557<br>695,830<br>272,146<br>25,937<br>3,405<br>301,488<br>5,046<br>5,046<br>3,843<br>2,123<br>-<br>5,966<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**|**£**<br>82,032<br>6,250<br>-<br>-<br>88,282<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**|**£**<br>644,331<br>104,408<br>30,816<br>4,557<br>784,112<br>272,146<br>25,937<br>3,405<br>301,488<br>5,046<br>5,046<br>3,843<br>2,123<br>-<br>5,966<br>**Total 2023**|**£**<br>433,731<br>71,315<br>-<br>11,866<br>516,912<br>274,091<br>28,875<br>8,260<br>311,226<br>802<br>802<br>-<br>-<br>616<br>616<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**|**£**<br>37,665<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>37,665<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**|**£**<br>471,396<br>71,315<br>-<br>11,866<br>554,577<br>274,091<br>28,875<br>8,260<br>311,226<br>802<br>802<br>-<br>-<br>616<br>616<br>**Total 2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|



Voluntary income includes the following donations received from charitable trusts: 

**£** Animal Friends 2,250 The Sylvia Aitken Chatitable Trust 2,000 The Diana Edgson Wright Trust 2,000 The Marsh Charitable Trust 900 

**£** The Primrose Trust 30,000 Animal Affairs 1,000 The Walker 597 Trust 300 UK Compassion Association 500 

Page 14 



## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE (unrestricted) Other<br>Staff  direct  Support  Total Total<br>costs costs costs 2023 2022<br>£ £ £ £ £<br>Expenditure on raising funds<br>- -<br>Commercial trading operations 263,775 263,775 239,865<br>Donations and legacies 46,909 5,430 29,705 82,044 78,721<br>Fundraising and marketing 10,508 93,093 7,449 111,050 80,855<br>Investment management 250 20 1,063 1,333 1,315<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Hen rehoming and volunteer management 131,347 70,938 85,138 287,423 255,282<br>Hen awareness and education 105,078 15,027 68,110 188,215 167,185<br>Influencing welfare practices and policies 32,461 3,757 21,285 57,503 55,126<br>ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE (restricted)<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>- -<br>Hen rehoming and volunteer management 24,191 24,191 10,476<br>Hen awareness and education - - - - 11,601<br>326,553 476,231 212,750 1,015,534 900,426<br>7. SUPPORT COSTS ALLOCATION Staff  Property  Admin  Legal and  Total<br>costs costs and  Finance 2023<br>£ £ £ £ £<br>Expenditure on raising funds<br>Donations and legacies 6,625 2,457 17,806 2,817 29,705<br>Fundraising income 1,656 614 4,452 727 7,449<br>Investment management 236 87 636 104 1,063<br>Expenditure on charitable activities<br>Hen rehoming and volunteer management 18,930 7,020 50,875 8,313 85,138<br>Hen awareness and education 15,144 5,616 40,700 6,650 68,110<br>Influencing welfare practices and policies<br>4,733 1,755 12,719 2,078 21,285<br>47,324 17,549 127,188 20,689 212,750<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Support costs have been allocated to activities on the basis of estimated staff time. 

Governance costs included in support costs amount to £16,617 (2022: £7,776). 

Governance costs include auditor's and independent examiner's fees of £15,000 (2022 £1,600). 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The contributions to the scheme amounted to £8,133 in the year and are included in the staff costs in the above notes showing the allocation to activities. 

Page 15 



## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **8. GROUP AND CHARITY TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|**Freehold**<br>**property**<br>**£**<br>**Cost**<br>At 1 January 2023<br>822,964<br>Additions<br>-<br>Disposals<br>(207,118)|**Welfare**<br>**Office**<br>**equipment**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>122,555<br>42,145<br>35,884<br>18,813<br>958<br>47,289<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Motor**<br>**vehicles**|**Total**<br>1,023,548<br>67,060<br>(207,118)|
|---|---|---|
|At 31 December 2023<br>615,846|141,368<br>43,103<br>83,173|883,490|
|**Depreciation**<br>At 1 January 2023<br>62,218<br>Charge for the period<br>12,116<br>Eliminated on disposals<br>(21,710)|70,785<br>31,672<br>25,797<br>12,061<br>3,575<br>14,347<br>-<br>-<br>-|190,472<br>42,099<br>(21,710)|
|At 31 December 2023<br>52,624|82,846<br>35,247<br>40,144|210,861|
|**Net book amounts**<br>At 31 December 2023<br>563,222|58,522<br>7,856<br>43,029|672,629|
|At 31 December 2022<br>760,746|51,770<br>10,473<br>10,087|833,076|
|**ARITY FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS**<br>Holdings of 20% or more<br>The activities and results of this company are summarised in Note 3.<br>**OUP STOCKS**<br>The stock held by the group relates entirely to trading stock held by the trading subsidiary.<br>**OUP AND CHARITY CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS**<br>COIF Charities Ethical Investment Fund<br>**£**<br>The charity holds 100 shares of £1 each in its wholly owned trading subsidiary The BHWT Trading Co<br>Limited which is incorporated in England and Wales.|||
|Value at 1st January 2023<br>Increase (decrease) in value||236,419<br>31,531|
|Value at 31 December 2023||267,950|
|**BTORS**<br>Trade debtors<br>Other debtors<br>Loan to subsidiary company|**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,547<br>17,610      9,425<br>10,843<br>29,263<br>19,894    36,042<br>52,000<br>-<br>-<br>31,686<br>16,211<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**||
||41,810<br>37,504    77,153|79,054|



## **9. CHARITY FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS** 

## **10. GROUP STOCKS** 

## **11. GROUP AND CHARITY CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS** 

## **12. DEBTORS** 

Debtors are measured at the best estimate of the amount expected to be recovered at the reporting date. 

Page 16 



## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

|**EDITORS - amounts due within one year**<br>Trade creditors<br>Other<br>Accruals<br>**OVEMENTS IN CHARITABLE FUNDS**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Restricted funds (see Note 15)**<br>89,700<br>88,282<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>114,042<br>1,008,330<br>Designated funds:<br>Employee commitment fund<br>351,420<br>-<br>Capital equipment fund<br>40,000<br>-<br>Property development fund<br>760,746<br>-<br>Education<br>35,000<br>-<br>Hen health<br>75,000<br>-<br>1,376,208<br>1,008,330<br>**At 1 January**<br>**2023**<br>**Income**|**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**2023**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>13,604<br>12,536<br>3,801<br>5,131<br>9,400<br>13,137<br>8,030<br>9,460<br>21,120<br>9,720<br>19,600<br>8,200<br>44,124<br>35,393<br>31,431<br>22,791<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>(24,191)<br>-<br>-<br>153,791<br>(991,343)<br>12,116<br>-<br>143,145<br><br>-<br>-<br>31,531<br>382,951<br><br>-<br>-<br>-<br>40,000<br><br>-<br>(12,116)<br>102,855<br>851,485<br><br>-<br>-<br>-<br>35,000<br><br>-<br>-<br>-<br>75,000<br>(991,343)<br>-<br>134,386<br>1,527,581<br>**At 31**<br>**December**<br>**2023**<br>**Transfers**<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**Gains and**<br>**losses**|
|---|---|



## **13. CREDITORS - amounts due within one year** 

## **14. MOVEMENTS IN CHARITABLE FUNDS** 

|**Restricted funds (see Note 15)**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Designated funds:<br>Employee commitment fund<br>Capital equipment fund<br>Property development fund<br>Education<br>Hen health|**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>74,112<br>37,665<br>(22,077)<br>-<br>-<br>89,700<br>161,848<br>829,556<br>(878,349)<br>987<br>-<br>114,042<br>376,822<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(25,402)<br>351,420<br>40,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>40,000<br>761,733<br>-<br>-<br>(987)<br>-<br>760,746<br>35,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>35,000<br>75,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>75,000<br>1,450,403<br>829,556<br>(878,349)<br>-<br>(25,402)<br>1,376,208<br>**Gains and**<br>**losses**<br>**At 31**<br>**December**<br>**2022**<br>**Transfers**<br>**At 1 January**<br>**2022**<br>**Income**<br>**Expenditure**|
|---|---|



## **Purposes of designated funds:** 

_**Employee commitment fund:**_ This fund represents reserves set aside to meet unforeseen _costs associated with employment, for example sickness, maternity, redundancy._ 

_**Capital equipment fund:**_ A fund to provide for the replacement of equipment. 

_**Property development fund:**_ This fund has been established to purchase and develop _the charity's property. The building costs and related depreciation are transferred to this fund._ 

_**Education fund:**_ A fund to provide educational resources including coursework. 

_**Hen health:**_ This fund has been established to expand and promote hen health knowledge _nationally through working with the veterinary profession._ 

Page 17 



## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **15. RESTRICTED FUNDS** 

|Improving Pet Hen Health<br>Van and trailer appeal 2020<br>Van purchase 2023<br>Summer appeal 2023<br>Hen Hospital<br>Hen Welfare Awareness<br>Hens as Therapy<br>Christmas Appeal 2021<br>Animal Defence Trust<br>Norman Family Charitable trust<br>Pets at Home Foundation<br>Improving Pet Hen Health<br>Van and trailer appeal 2020<br>Hen Hospital<br>Hen Welfare Awareness<br>Hens as Therapy<br>Hen Helpline<br>Animal Rescue Foundation<br>Animal Friends for Gabions<br>Christmas Appeal 2021<br>Animal Defence Trust<br>Norman Family Charitable trust<br>Pets at Home Foundation|**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>640<br>2,174<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,814<br>13,051<br>-<br>(3,263)<br>-<br>-<br>9,788<br>-<br>47,289<br>(11,822)<br>-<br>-<br>35,467<br>-<br>37,984<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>37,984<br>14,158<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>14,158<br>619<br>580<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,199<br>6,512<br>255<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,767<br>30,710<br>-<br>(5,458)<br>-<br>-<br>25,252<br>1,500<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,500<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,000<br>21,510<br>-<br>(3,648)<br>-<br>-<br>17,862<br>89,700<br>88,282<br>(24,191)<br>-<br>-<br>153,791<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>640<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>640<br>17,401<br>-<br>(4,350)<br>-<br>-<br>13,051<br>14,158<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>14,158<br>-<br>619<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>619<br>6,207<br>305<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,512<br>-<br>11,601<br>(11,601)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,860<br>-<br>(1,860)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>569<br>-<br>(569)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>33,917<br>-<br>(3,207)<br>-<br>-<br>30,710<br>-<br>1,500<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,500<br>-<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,000<br>-<br>22,000<br>(490)<br>-<br>-<br>21,510<br>74,112<br>37,665<br>(22,077)<br>-<br>-<br>89,700<br>**Transfers**<br>**At 1**<br>**January**<br>**2023**<br>**Income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**Gains and**<br>**losses**<br>**At 31**<br>**December**<br>**2023**<br>**Transfers**<br>**At 1**<br>**January**<br>**2022**<br>**Income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**Gains and**<br>**losses**<br>**At 31**<br>**December**<br>**2022**|
|---|---|



_**Improving pet hen health:**_ To collaborate with veterinary professionals in order to improve _understanding of care for pet hens._ 

## _**Van and trailer appeal 2020; Van purchase 2023; Summer appeal 2023**_ 

These funds are for the purchase of vans and trailers. The costs of the assets acquired  by these funds are included in fixed assets. Depreciation of the assets  is charged to each fund and the closing balance at the balance sheet date represents the book value of the assets. 

_**Hen hospital:**_ To provide specialist equipment for a hen hospital in the charity's new building. 

_**Hen Welfare Awareness:**_ Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal to promote a wide _understanding of the need for hen welfare procedures._ 

_**Hens as therapy:**_ Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal to develop the understanding of the _use of hens as therapy for those suffering with mental health issues._ 

_**Christmas Appeal 2021:**_ To provide equipment to individual team poorly hen carers including heat _lamps, holding pens and other equipment necessary for nursing sick and injured hens._ 

_**Animal Defence Trust:**_ A grant towards the cost of a trailer for hen collection. 

_**Norman Family Charitable Trust:**_ A grant for equipment 

_**Pets at Home Foundation:**_ A grant to provide a rehoming shed in Lancashire. The cost of assets _acquired by this fund is included in fixed assets. Depreciation of the assets is charged to the fund._ 

Page 18 



## **BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** 

## **16. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS** 

|**Restricted funds**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Employee commitment fund<br>Capital equipment fund<br>Property fund<br>Education fund<br>Hen health fund|**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>63,124<br>90,667<br>153,791<br>46,383<br>96,762<br>143,145<br>-<br>382,951<br>382,951<br>-<br>40,000<br>40,000<br>563,222<br>288,263<br>851,485<br>-<br>35,000<br>35,000<br>-<br>75,000<br>75,000<br>672,729<br>1,008,643<br>1,681,372<br>**Fixed**<br>**Assets**<br>**Current**<br>**Assets**<br>**Total**|**2022**<br>**2022**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>15,655<br>74,045<br>89,700<br>56,775<br>57,267<br>114,042<br>-<br>351,420<br>351,420<br>-<br>40,000<br>40,000<br>760,746<br>-<br>760,746<br>-<br>35,000<br>35,000<br>-<br>75,000<br>75,000<br>833,176<br>632,732 1,465,908<br>**Fixed**<br>**Assets**<br>**Current**<br>**Assets**<br>**Total**|
|---|---|---|



## **17. TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTIES** 

Jane Howorth, the founder of the charity, received a salary of £55,008 (2022: £55,008) as chief executive of the charity. Company pension contributions were £1,320. This is permitted by article 4.6 of the Memorandum of Association. 

J Ison is a consultant with the firm Bray Accountants which provided accountancy services to the value of £3,000 during the year, as permitted under article 4.5.3 of the Memorandum of Association. 

No trustee receives salary or expenses for their work as a trustee. 

There are no other related party transactions that require disclosure under FRS102. 

Page 19 

