## **BucksVision** 

**Annual Report and Accounts** For the year ended **31 March 2024** 




**Contents** 

Charity Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31st March 2024 **.. 3** Report of the Trustees **.............................................................................................. 4** Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of BucksVision **........................ 20** Statement of Financial Activities **.............................................................................. 24** Balance Sheet **........................................................................................................ 25** Cashflow Statement **................................................................................................ 27** Notes to the Financial Statements **.......................................................................... 28** 


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## **Charity Reference and Administrative Details** for the Year Ended 31st March 2024 

**Charity Registration Number** 1147814 **Company Registration Number** 08016572 **Trustees Chair** Cristina Hadjez (appointed 20 May 2024) Robert Dean (resigned 20 May 2024) **Vice Chair** Val Caldwell (appointed 20 May 2024) Jan Antosiewicz (appointed 03 October 2023; resigned 20 May 2024) Ian Laing (resigned 03 October 2023) **Treasurer** John Crowther **Trustees** Jan Antosiewicz Valerie Caldwell (appointed 03 October 2023) David Cole (appointed 03 October 2023) John Crowther Robert Dean Cristina Hadjez (appointed 18 December 2023) Ian Laing (resigned 03 October 2023) Dean Marks (appointed 03 October 2023) Peter Robbins (resigned 03 October 2023) Jonathan Sidwell (appointed 19 June 2023) Ian Taylor **Chief Executive** Steve Naylor **Company Secretary** Steve Naylor **Registered Office** BucksVision 143 Meadowcroft Aylesbury HP19 9HH **Auditor** UHY Ross Brooke Suite I, Windrush Court Abingdon Business Park OX14 1SY **Bankers** NatWest Market Square, Aylesbury HP20 1TR 

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**Report of the Trustees** for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 

## **INTRODUCTION** 

The Trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (Revised 2019). 

## **HISTORY** 

The charitable company was formed in 2012 to take over the operations of the unincorporated charity Buckinghamshire Association for the Blind (established 1911). 

From 1 July 2014, BucksVision became a member of the RNIB Group and RNIB was BucksVision’s sole corporate member until 2022. 

From 1 April 2022, BucksVision became an independent charity, separating from RNIB Group, with RNIB thus ceasing to be Persons with Significant Control (PSC) from this date. 

## **ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT** 

The Trustees have complied with the duty, as set out in the Charities Act 2011, to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Trustees have had regard for the guidelines when reviewing the charitable company’s aims and objectives and in planning for future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set and are of the opinion that the charity’s current activities are for the public benefit of people with sensory loss in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. 

## **AIMS AND OBJECTIVES** 

BucksVision is a charitable company whose objects are to promote the better education, training, employment and welfare of blind and partially sighted people and people with sensory disabilities other than visual impairment, and generally to protect the interests of such people and to enable their independence. 

We achieve this through the work of our staff and volunteers who provide social activities, training courses, equipment, advice and information services. We also aim to secure sufficient funding to continue our work. The charity operates within the county of Buckinghamshire, which includes the local government boundaries of Buckinghamshire Council and Milton Keynes Council. 

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## **Chair’s Report** 


BucksVision’s second year of operating as an independent charity has been very positive with a refreshed Trustee Board, a satisfactory financial performance and the charity meeting or exceeding the majority of its performance criteria. 

All governance and financial ties with the RNIB group ceased in 2022 and BucksVision now operates as a completely independent charity.  Five new Trustees were appointed during the year, two very long-standing trustees stood down and new role appointments have been made at the start of the 2024/25 financial year. 

The fundraising strategy has been evolving and targets for the year were met.  The ongoing delivery of the Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Services contract 

(BISS) continues to benefit the charity. 

The strategy for our fundraising team continues to develop and 2023/24 targets were met.  This was against a planned deficit budget for unrestricted income this year.  The overall financial performance was satisfactory due to adequate reserves and was boosted by a donation to restricted income from the winding up of the Tyringham Pension fund.  This was a small charity supporting people with sight loss in Milton Keynes. 

BucksVision continues to deliver the Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Services (BISS) contract on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council.  This contract complements BucksVision’s traditional services and provides the opportunity to introduce additional benefits to our disabled members.  Whilst the resourcing and management of this contract is ringfenced to ensure transparent deployment of Council funds, some staff changes and realignment of resources have enabled us to continue successful delivery of the service.  The BISS contract continues to represent approximately half of BucksVision’s staff resources and expenditure.  The costs of delivering our core services have remained in line with budget. 

Our search for new trustees has continued through the year and this is beginning to show some success, albeit our goal of increasing the diversity of Board members continues to be challenging. 

We want to thank Ian Laing and Peter Robbins who have stood down after many years supporting the charity.  Peter has volunteered with BucksVision for nearly 18 years fulfilling the role of Divisional chair and over 10 years as a Trustee.  Ian joined in 2010, has also served as a Trustee for over 10 years, with many years as Vice- 

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Chair.  He continues to provide valuable support to our software migration initiative. Jan Antosiewicz was appointed to the role of Vice-Chair. 

We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan Sidwell, Valerie Caldwell, David Cole, Dean Marks and Cristina Hadjez to the BucksVision Board. The new members bring with them a wealth of professional expertise from a wide variety of business and other backgrounds. This brings additional diversity to the Board together with increased lived experience of disability. 

My thanks go to all the Board members for their support over the past year.  As has been announced after year end, I will stand down as Chair after 10 years in the role and Jan Antosiewicz stood down as Vice-Chair. The Board has appointed Cristina Hadjez as the new Chair going forward with the support of Val Caldwell as ViceChair. 

The average age of both our members and volunteers continues to rise.  This presents us with additional challenges for some members and our volunteers. Refreshing our volunteer workforce, on whom we rely so heavily, is becoming a bigger challenge for the charity. 

During this year we have been able to maintain our reach to beneficiaries and our range of support and have increased the majority of performance measures against the previous year’s numbers.  As always, the Board would like to extend huge thanks to all volunteers for their continued support and to welcome those who have joined us this year. 

Similarly, we would like to thank the staff for their contribution.  There have been a number of staff changes during the year.  In particular, we sadly said goodbye to a long serving Operations Manager and are pleased to welcome a new member of staff to that role. 

In summary, BucksVision will focus on the continued successful delivery of the sensory services contract and seek to provide the appropriate staffing and volunteer workforce to support the charity’s aims. 

Given our current declining free reserves position, we now need to further develop the income strategy to address changes in the funding opportunities.  Our aim is to continue to expand and enhance the services we offer our beneficiaries and extend our reach across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. 

**Robert Dean Chair, BucksVision** 

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## **Treasurer’s Report, Financial Review and Reserves Policy** 


After the major changes which took place in 2022 with BucksVision’s departure from the RNIB group and the awarding of the BISS contract, the financial year 2023/24 has been much more stable. I am pleased to confirm that the operational out-turn for the year was favourable to the deficit budget. 

The financial position remains strong with total reserves of the charity at 31 March 2024 amounting to £877k (2023: £928k). The position ensures ample compliance with the prudent reserves policy. 

It may be recalled that RNIB in 2022 made additional finance available to us to assist with the change. Whereas £174k was recognized in grant income in 

2022/23, no income from RNIB appears in this year’s financial statements as this income source has ceased. 

A designated fund represents an unexpected and exceptional legacy of £204,000 last year which provided a welcome financial fillip to our new fundraising operation and strengthens our balance sheet at the point of separation. 

Charitable expenditure amounted to £595k (2022/23: £541k) an increase which largely represents a full year of the BISS contract (2022/23: 9 months), where income and expenditure essentially balanced at £290k. 

A budget of £297k charitable expenditure excluding divisions and BISS has been agreed for 2024/25, resulting in a budgeted deficit of £132k which is sustainable in view of our strong reserves position. This expenditure is a modest increase on the 2023/24 budget and actual, reflecting rising costs. 

Fundraising is now a key activity for the charity. The amount raised in 2023/24 amounted to £118k (2022/23: £222k), excluding funds raised locally by divisions and activity clubs. Without an exceptional legacy the figure last year would have been £143k. BucksVision as an independent charity is now dependent on its own fundraising activities which will take a number of years to bring fully on stream as funding relationships and public profile are built up. 

The divisional and club treasurers continue to do an outstanding job. I would like to repeat my annual thank you for all of their help, including compliance with external audit requirements. Their hard work and collaboration have helped greatly in the smooth running of our financial operations and I am extremely grateful to them, particularly as they are all volunteers, many of long standing. 

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Our divisions and activity clubs, which we account for as restricted funds, essentially maintained normal activities during the financial year. Overall, divisions and clubs recorded a net increase of £49k (2023 net decrease £25k) in their reserves which now total £381k. The increase essentially represents a donation of £49k from The Tyringham Pension Trust in Milton Keynes which is winding up. Ongoing divisional operations were broadly in equilibrium. 

Reserves need to be invested profitably and prudently bearing in mind likely timescales, inflation and available interest rates for bank deposits which have risen sharply over the last two years. The charity regularised its investments over the year, selling its historical investments and investing solely into M&G Investments’ Multi-Asset Fund (Income Units). This was selected as the charity’s preferred investment option on the basis that it is specifically designed for charities, is ethically screened, and has an excellent track record over its extensive history. Financial returns from these investments were satisfactory, with a return of £10,072 (2023: £1,926) equivalent to approximately 4%, against a target of >3% over the course of a full year. 

The balance invested at 31 March 2024 was £260k but now stands at £285k in each case before market value adjustment. The charity has also restructured its cash at bank position to take advantage of higher available interest rates while ensuring availability of liquidity at all times. 

The financial position of BucksVision means that again we have not needed to make a charge or request for contributions to the divisions and clubs and are still able to provide services to them from Meadowcroft without charge. The divisions and clubs are all able to operate without central financial support. 

In conclusion, we have a strong position in terms of reserves and working capital and on this basis we can focus as an independent charity on service delivery, contract fulfilment and fundraising. 

## **RESERVES POLICY** 

## **Summary of policy adopted by the Board on 15 July 2024** 

This revised policy is based on BucksVision’s new status as an independent charity holding the Buckinghamshire Council Integrated Sensory Services (BISS) contract, which effectively doubled the size of the charity in terms of staff and expenditure. 

Following group support on separation and an exceptional legacy, BucksVision is in a position where it has relatively high levels of reserves and liquidity but sharply enhanced risk factors surrounding its core and unrestricted funding. The risks relating to the BISS contract on the other hand relate primarily to service delivery and cost control. 

## **General Reserves** 

The recent Investment Policy determined that BucksVision has a medium appetite for financial risk. 

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Accounts to 31 March 2024 show a high figure for free reserves of £450k. This compares to budgeted central charitable expenditure of £297k for 2024/25 excluding BISS. 

BucksVision’s fundraising operation is still developing and does not yet fully support the current cost-base. Therefore, a risk factor attaches to new income sources. 

As a mitigating factor, BucksVision’s non-BISS operations are largely scalable and there are low fixed costs. However, reduction of service levels is obviously undesirable, and reserves can be used to smooth volatility in income levels. 

Therefore, bearing in mind the different risks applicable to the charity’s two main areas of activity, it is proposed to recognize the risk levels attaching to our new income sources by maintaining a full year’s unrestricted expenditure (that is, excluding expenditure under the BISS contract, which is funded) in free reserves. This would amount to approximately £300k and would sustain continuity of services for a minimum of one full year. 

Due to the high levels of liquidity currently held, the charity would be fully compliant with this free reserves requirement, with an excess of approximately £150k, as at 31 March 2024. 

## **Designated Reserves** 

The Trustees allocate available funds to designated reserves to cover identified plans or requirements, including support for the charity’s ability to continue operating for a particular period. These are internal designations and can be released back to general reserves if necessary. 

It is recommended that Designated Reserves as at 31 March 2024 be established as follows: 

Capital Development Reserve £23,500 Service Support Reserve £204,000 Rent Reserve £6,000 Property Reserve £4,220 **TOTAL £237,720** 

The bulk of the exceptional legacy remains in a designated reserve which can be used to supplement fundraised income if necessary in future years. 

## **Restricted Reserves** 

Restricted reserves in contrast arise from restrictions imposed by donors and funders. It is the charity’s policy to expend such funds in accordance with the donors’ restrictions in a reasonable period of time after receipt. There are currently five restricted funds held by the charity centrally, which relate to the BISS contract (currently £8k), befriending (£nil), office refurbishment (£6k), experience days (£5k) and the nine divisions and activity clubs (£381k (2023: £332k)). 

## **John Crowther, FCA DChA Treasurer, BucksVision** 

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## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

BucksVision is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1147814). The organisation is governed by the Board of Trustees. The Chief Executive is responsible for the day-to-day operational activities under the supervision and guidance of the Board of Trustees. 

The Board meet monthly or bi-monthly, depending on the needs of the charity, and are responsible for the appointment of the Chief Executive. They steer the strategic direction and policy of the charitable company and manage risks and opportunities. We were pleased to recruit five new members to the Board this year.  At present, the Board comprises nine Trustees from a variety of professional backgrounds, three of whom are visually impaired. 

The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring that the charitable company delivers the services specified and that its objectives are met. The Chief Executive also has responsibility for day-to-day operational management of BucksVision property, recruitment and supervision of the staff team. 

Steve Naylor has served as Chief Executive since his appointment in May 2015. 

The Chief Executive was appointed as BucksVision’s Company Secretary in April 2022, further to BucksVision’s separation from RNIB.  As Company Secretary, he is responsible for ensuring that BucksVision is effectively governed and complies with relevant charity and company law, including the filing of our annual accounts and important updates with the Charity Commission and Companies House as required. 

The majority of our services are delivered by our dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom have served us faithfully for many years. In 2023/24 we had 257 active volunteers (2022/23: 251) supporting our work.  We rely on our volunteers to help blind and partially sighted people across the county, particularly with running our club committees, managing social activities and helping our beneficiaries to access our various events and services. 

Following the revision of our Association Agreement in April 2022, the Board of Trustees of BucksVision comprise the organisation’s governing membership. Due to the nature of the charitable company’s work, the members continue to seek to ensure that the charitable company is represented by a Board of Trustees that includes people with lived experience of sensory loss. The Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer are in turn selected by the Board of Trustees. 

Trustees are recruited by working with the local Volunteer Centres and through events/ networking including Linked-In.  Potential candidates are interviewed by the Chair, at least one other Director, and by the Chief Executive. 

All of the Board are familiar with the practical work of BucksVision having attended an induction course and having actively participated in Board meetings and workshops that were run throughout the year covering issues such as income generation and safeguarding. 

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## **RISK MANAGEMENT AND CONTROLS** 

The Board of Trustees has a duty to identify and review risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.  The Board has examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charitable company faces and confirm that systems have been reviewed regularly and established to mitigate those risks. 

The Board of Trustees has elected, in the light of the organisation’s past dependence on RNIB for much of its income, to have a medium financial risk appetite and funds are either held on deposit or in investments that the Board believes will generate a positive financial return over several years.  The charity has distributed its reserves across several high interest accounts with NatWest bank and has investments in M&G Investments’ Multi Asset Fund. 

Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects, implementing robust policies as a matter of standard. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, service users and visitors to the centres, and also to ensure compliance with safeguarding standards. 

In addition, internal controls ensure that the organisation complies with good “whistleblowing” practice and with the Bribery Act 2010. These procedures are periodically reviewed (annually or whenever there are legislative changes) by the Chief Executive to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity and are compliant with legislation and guidance. 

The Board regularly review risk and risk management and have identified the following as being the principal risks to the fulfilment of the charity’s strategy: 

- Insufficient income generated through fundraising, mitigated by having a fundraising team who are developing a broad range of income streams. 

- Withdrawal of the BISS contract, mitigated by having an experienced service delivery team with close oversight by the Chief Executive. 

- Inability to support and replenish our volunteer workforce, mitigated by having two full-time members of staff dedicated to focusing on this area. 

- Safeguarding / health and safety issues, mitigated through effective policies and continuous monitoring. 

## **TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES** 

We are not aware of any transactions with Trustees, staff or their immediate families. 

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## **Delivering services to people with sensory loss** 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

This has been a positive year for BucksVision, with the charity continuing to deliver and develop its key services: 

- A range of practical and social support activities to ensure that people with sight and hearing loss remain independent and maintain good levels of physical and mental wellbeing.  We have continued to support people across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, with many services being delivered by our brilliant volunteers. 

- Buckinghamshire Integrated Sensory Service (BISS) provides support to adults and children across Buckinghamshire, including assessment and equipment provision, registration of sensory loss, and enablement services to help with mobility and independent living skills.  The service was transferred to BucksVision in June 2022 and has integrated seamlessly with our existing service provision. 

Our range of services has continued to ensure that local people with sensory loss receive the support that they need to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. 

## **PROVIDING ADVICE AND INFORMATION** 

A key aspect of our work is to offer practical advice and support to beneficiaries, as well as informing them about the services which are available to help people with sensory loss. 

- 823 people contacted BucksVision for information and advice (2022/23: 741). 

- We dealt with 628 enquiries from members of the public (2022/23: 545) and 195 enquiries from professionals (2022/23: 196). 

- 1,770 blind and partially sighted individuals received at least one service from BucksVision (2022/23: 439).  This increase is due to the increase in people supported now that BucksVision is delivering the sensory service (see below). 

- 1,680 people were sent our quarterly newsletter (2022/23: 1,581). 

- Our website received over 7,200 visits as people accessed the information about our services online (2022/23: 10,000). 

_“Wow, we are both absolutely blown away, amazed with the phone calls, literature and help, we cannot believe it. I am sure you will all be able to help [Client] enormously and for that a massive thank you from both of us”._ 

- Comment from client receiving advice and support 

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## **PRACTICAL SUPPORT WITH AIDS AND EQUIPMENT** 

We stock a wide range of aids, gadgets and devices that we can demonstrate to people with sensory loss, enabling them to “try before they buy”. 

Importantly, when people attend an appointment at our resource centre, we are able to ensure that they (and their carers/ families) are able to share their personal experiences and anxieties and receive holistic support. 

• 80 people attended appointments at our resource centre this year (2022/23: 89). 

_“We are overwhelmed with all the kindness and things that have been given to me. My wife used to be totally dependent on me for almost everything. Now she has her magnifier and other helpful gadgets, it has completely changed her life. She is now a lot more independent and is able to do things for herself, whereas before she had to wait for others to do things._ 

- Comment from attendee of resource centre appointment 

## **SOCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

## **Social and Activity Clubs** 


It is not uncommon for people with sensory loss to lose confidence and become anxious, especially if they are no longer able to drive and cannot get out and about easily.  In addition, the uncertainty around sight and hearing deterioration can understandably lead to anxiety and a loss of confidence.  Our social activities bring people with sensory loss together and ensure that people are not stuck at home alone. 

We have social clubs distributed across our local area, with dedicated volunteers running activities, providing refreshments, entertainment, and the opportunity to share experiences. 

- Our volunteer-led social clubs supported 256 beneficiaries during the year. 

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_“I thoroughly enjoyed my first time at the Chalfont Social club and felt so welcomed there. The little things meant the most even just introducing me by my name. It was an absolute privilege being there and really hit home how wonderful the clubs/services are that are provided by BucksVision”._ 

- Comment from new social club member 

## **Experience Days** 

In addition to our regular social clubs, we run a varied schedule of events for people of all ages who have sensory loss.  The feedback that we receive shows how much of a difference these trips make to people and how much they appreciate our support. 

- Our activities this year included visits to MK Gallery, Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, MK Theatre, archery, Herrings Green Activity Farm, Oxford Artisan Distillery tour, and the Christmas pantomime at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. 

_“I’ve always wanted to visit but was never able to travel, thank you, without BV I wouldn’t have experienced this wonderful place”._ 


- Comment from visitor to the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum 

## **HOME SUPPORT SERVICES (BEFRIENDING, READING AND SHOPPING)** 

For people with sensory loss who are housebound or are feeling alone, we offer a range of home support services to ensure that they receive the support that they need.  We provide both in-person and telephone home support services, all delivered by our wonderful volunteers. 

- 40 people were supported throughout the year via home visits; help with reading and shopping; and befriending calls (2022/23: 37). 


_“Thank you for your help and also for [Befriender] who now helps me with my shopping. She is a lovely lady and knows all the right things to do for me now my vision is so impaired. She is so willing and a joy to go out with. I rarely get out now, so a trip out with [Befriender] to help me is something I really look forward to._ 

_Please pass on my grateful thanks to everyone at BucksVision – I know you are always there to help when I need it. Keep up the good work”._ 

- Comment from member who has a volunteer befriender 

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**PRACTICAL COURSES** 

## **Living Well with Sight Loss** 

We work in partnership with RNIB to deliver courses that help people with sight loss retain their independence and engage with other local and national organisations. 

- 19 visually impaired people participated (2022/23: 27), as well as 11 partners / carers/ professionals (2022/23: 7). 

In a telephone survey, 91% of clients stated that the course had helped them to better understand their own sight loss journey and how others can support them. 

## **Technology Training** 

We also work in partnership with RNIB to support people with sight loss who are struggling to use their smartphones, devices and computers.  Our volunteer coordinator in Milton Keynes organised monthly support sessions to help people, with expert advice provided by RNIB’s Technology for Life Coordinator. 

## **VOLUNTEERING** 

As noted above, we rely on volunteers to deliver many of our services, particularly our social clubs and home services. 

- In 2023/24 we had on average 257 (2022/23: 251) volunteers supporting our activities and recruited 9 (2022/23: 27) new volunteers. 

## **BUCKINGHAMSHIRE INTEGRATED SENSORY SERVICE (BISS)** 

## **BISS Introduction** 

BucksVision has been delivering BISS on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council since 24 June 2022.  The service provides support to people with sensory loss, including: 

- Holistic assessment to ensure people are safe and well. 

- Enablement Services to maximise independence and wellbeing. 

- Equipment assessment and provision to improve independence and wellbeing. 


- Habilitation services focusing on independent living skills for children and young people. 

- Information and advice for people with sensory loss, carers, and community sector partners. 

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## • Registration of sensory loss to access services and welfare benefits. 

The service is an all-age service with no minimum or maximum age limit and is free for service users to access.  The service has separate delivery elements for adults and children: 


- Adults are aged 26 years and above. 

- Children and young people (CYP) are aged 25 years and below. 

- Sensory loss varies widely in its causes and impact; the BISS service supports people with all types of sensory loss including: 

   - Adults with age-related sensory loss, including macular degeneration (vision loss) and presbycusis (hearing loss). 

   - Adults and children with sensory loss caused by genetic conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (vision impairment) and inherited deafness (hearing loss). 

   - Adults and children who have significant sensory loss, including those who are severely sight impaired (blind) and Deaf (profoundly Deaf). 

   - Deafblind (DB) adults who have combined vision and hearing loss. 

   - Multi-sensory impaired (MSI) children who have combined vision and hearing loss (and often have additional needs). 

As a result, the BISS team work closely with colleagues in the Council’s Education, Health, and Social Care teams, and with other local organisations. 

## **BISS Support** 

BISS provides a broad range of support to people with sensory loss to enable them to remain independent for as long as possible and to live safely in their own homes. People referred to the service are initially assessed by telephone to confirm the next steps.  For most referrals, this will be a visit from one of our specialists to the person at home to discuss their sensory loss and what aids, adaptations and services might help that person. 

The service is able to provide a wide range of equipment to people with sensory loss: 

- For vision impairment, we provide items such as UV shields to reduce glare, daylight lamps to help with reading and daily tasks, talking watches, liquid level indicators and canes to help with mobility. 

- For hearing impairment, we provide flashing doorbells, smoke alarms with flashing receivers and vibrating pads and amplified telephones. 

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We provide mobility training for adults and children to ensure that they can walk safely to the shops, school and community settings, with cane technique (if appropriate) so that they understand how to use a cane properly.  We also carry out risk assessments at schools to ensure that adaptations are made as required to ensure that children with sensory loss are able to navigate safely around the school building and grounds. 

Habilitation training is provided to children to ensure that they can become as independent as possible, learning daily living skills such as preparing food and drinks, handling money, and washing clothes.  A key aspect of our work is to ensure that children are supported during times of transition, such as changing school or going to college.  We provide support prior to the change so that the child or young person is familiar with the route and layout of their new setting. 

In addition, the service supports profoundly Deaf children and adults.  We are delighted to be working in partnership with Young Deaf Activities, whose Home Communication Club provides BSL support to families so that they can communicate with their Deaf children.  For adults, we provide appointments with one of our specialists supported by a BSL interpreter. 

Referrals to the service come from a wide range of sources including self-referrals, hospital ophthalmology and audiology clinics, social care, occupational therapy and social prescribers. 

Demand for the service remained high in 2023/24, with an increased number of referrals across all types of sensory loss in comparison with the previous year.  We were pleased that we were able to exceed many of our targets, with a greater number of adults and children supported than in 2022/23, and that we were able to deliver these services on time and on budget. 

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## **Financial Supporters and Donors** 

We are extremely grateful to the individuals, organisations and grant-giving bodies who financially supported our work this year: 

The Anson Charitable Trust 

Arnold Clark Community Fund Aylesbury Town Council The Childwick Trust The Clothworkers Foundation The Dixie Rose Findlay Trust The Dorothy Hay-Bolton Charitable Trust Garfield Weston Foundation Kensington Mortgage Company L&Q Foundation Milton Keynes Community Foundation The Mobbs Memorial Trust The Payne-Gallway Charitable Trust 

The Percy Bilton Trust Pharsalia Charitable Trust The Rectory Foundation Richer Sounds Foundation The Roger Jefcoate Trust The Roland Callingham Foundation The Rothschild Foundation The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation Versus Arthritis The Will Charitable Trust William Harding’s Charity The Woodroffe Benton Foundation 

Please note that these are the largest grants and community donations that we received in 2023/24. It is not an exhaustive list of all donations, the sums of which are reflected in the accounts below. 


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## **Trustees’ Responsibilities in relation to Financial Statements** 

Charity law requires the Directors (who are its Trustees) to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its financial activities for the period. In preparing those financial statements the Directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether the policies adopted are in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (Accounting and Reporting by Charities) issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and with applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charitable company will continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at the time the financial position of the charitable company and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud or other irregularities.  The Directors ensure that any financial information that is published on the organisation’s website is accurate and properly maintained. 

The Board of Trustees confirm that the accounts accompanying this report comply with the statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity’s constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (Revised 2019). 

So far as each Director is aware: 

- There is no relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware 

- Each director has taken all steps s/he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself/ herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information. 

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by the Chair: 


Date: 30[th] September 2024 

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## **Report of the Independent Auditors to the Trustees of BucksVision** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of BucksVision (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheets and Statements 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 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). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, 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 for 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 responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company 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 trustees’ 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 charitable company'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. 

Page **20** of **39** 



Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees 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 trustees’ 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, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 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. 

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 trustees’ report; or 

- the charitable company has not kept adequate accounting records; or 

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

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

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement [set out on page 19], the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes 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 the trustees 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 charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as 

Page **21** of **39** 



applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. 

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. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

We have considered: 

- the nature of the charity and sector, control environment and operating performance; 

- the charity’s own assessment, including assessments made by key management, of the risks that irregularities may occur either as a result of fraud or error; 

- any matters we identified having reviewed the charity’s policies and procedures relating to: 

   - identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; 

   - detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and 

   - the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; 

- the matters discussed amongst the audit engagement team. 

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the areas in which management is required to exercise significant judgement, such as the recognition of income. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. 

Page **22** of **39** 



We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act and tax legislation. 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation.  This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: 

- - - - - https://www.frc.org.uk/Our Work/Audit/Audit and assurance/Standards and - - - - - - - guidance/Standards and guidance for auditors/Auditors responsibilities for audit/Descriptions-of-auditors-responsibilities-for-audit.aspx. 

This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charitable company’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 charitable company’s members 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 charitable company and the charitable company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


_UHY Ross Brooke Statutory Auditor_ 

_UHY Ross Brooke Chartered Accountants Suite I, Windrush Court Abingdon Business Park Oxfordshire OX14 1SY_ 

9[th] October 2024 UHY Ross Brooke _is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006._ 

Page **23** of **39** 



## **Statement of Financial Activities** for the Year Ended **31 March 2024** 

|**Income &**<br>**Endowments**<br>**from:**<br>Voluntary<br>Income<br>3<br>Income from<br>Charitable<br>Activities<br>4<br>Investments<br>5<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**on:**<br>Charitable<br>activities<br>6<br>**Total**<br>**expenditure**<br>Net<br>gains/(losses)<br>on investments<br>**Net income/**<br>**(expenditure)**<br>Transfers<br>between funds19<br>**Net income**<br>**after transfers**<br>**Net**<br>**movement in**<br>**funds**<br>**Reconciliation**<br>**of funds:**<br>Total funds<br>brought<br>forward<br>**Total funds**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>113,230<br>6,940<br>3,895<br>**124,065**<br>232,776<br>**232,776**<br>(10,013)<br>**(118,724)**<br>-<br>**(118,724)**<br>**(118,724)**<br>**£**<br>596,373<br>**477,649**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>119,247<br>294,355<br>6,177<br> <br>**419,779**<br> <br>362,117<br>**362,117**<br> <br>10,354<br>**68,016**<br>-<br>**68,016**<br> <br>**68,016** <br>**£**<br>331,635<br>**399,651**|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2024**<br>**£**<br> **232,477**<br> **301,295**<br> <br>**10,072**<br> <br>**543,844**<br> <br> <br> <br> **594,893**<br> <br>**594,893**<br> <br> <br>**341**<br> <br>**(50,708)**<br> <br> <br>**-**<br> <br>**(50,708)**<br> <br> <br> **(50,708)**<br> <br>**£**<br> <br> **928,008**<br> <br>**877,300**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>409,182<br>-<br>713<br>**409,895**<br> <br>246,393<br>**246,393**<br> <br>6,058<br>**169,560**<br>20,357<br>**189,917**<br>**189,917**<br>**£**<br>406,456<br>**596,373**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>53,735 <br>227,172<br>1,213<br>**282,120 **<br> <br>294,884 <br>**294,884 **<br> <br>(1,550)<br>**(14,314) **<br>(20,357)<br>**(34,671) **<br>**(34,671) **<br>**£**<br>366,306 <br>**331,635 **|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br> **462,917**<br> **227,172**<br>**1,926**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**692,015**|
|||||||**541,277**|
|||||||**541,277**|
|||||||**4,508**|
|||||||**155,246**<br>**-**|
|||||||**155,246**|
|||||||**155,246**<br>**£**<br> **772,762**|
|||||||**928,008**|



Page **24** of **39** 



**Balance Sheet** at **31 March 2024** 

|**FIXED**<br>**ASSETS**<br>Tangible<br>Assets<br>13<br>Investments<br>14<br>**CURRENT**<br>**ASSETS**<br>Stocks<br>15<br>Debtors<br>16<br>Cash at<br>bank<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts<br>falling due<br>within one<br>year<br>17<br>**NET**<br>**CURRENT**<br>**ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL**<br>**ASSETS**<br>**LESS**<br>**CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**FUNDS**<br>19<br>General<br>Designated<br>21<br>Restricted<br>**Total Funds**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>4,220<br>49,263<br>**53,483**<br>1,610<br>5,528<br>433,060<br>**440,198**<br>(21,319)<br>**418,879**<br>**472,362**<br>239,929<br>237,720<br>-<br>**477,649**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>-<br>246,231<br>**246,231**<br>-<br>24,985<br>139,086<br>**164,071**<br>(5,364)<br>**158,707**<br> <br>**404,938**<br> <br>-<br>-<br>399,651<br>**399,651**|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>**4,220**<br> **295,494**<br>**299,714**<br> <br>**1,610**<br> <br>**30,513**<br> **572,146**<br>**604,269**<br> **(26,683)**<br>**577,586**<br>**877,300**<br> **239,929**<br> **237,720**<br> **399,651**<br>**877,300**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br> <br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>6,334<br>73,426<br>**79,760**<br>1,029<br>29,814<br>530,267<br>**561,110**<br>(44,296)<br>**516,814**<br> <br>**596,574**<br> <br>298,539<br>297,834<br>-<br>**596,373**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>24,627<br>**24,627 **<br>-<br>-<br>306,807 <br>**306,807 **<br>- <br>**306,807 **<br> <br>**331,434**<br> <br>- <br>- <br>331,635 <br>**331,635 **|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**6,334**<br>**98,053**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**104,387**|
|||||||**1,029**<br>**29,814**<br>**837,074**|
|||||||**867,917**|
|||||||**(44,296)**<br>**823,621**|
||||||||
|||||||**928,008**|
|||||||**298,539**<br>**297,834**<br>**331,635**|
|||||||**928,008**|



The notes form part of these financial statements. 

Page **25** of **39** 



**Balance Sheet - continued** at **31 March 2024** 

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements. 

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for: 

(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and 

(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. 

These financial statements have been audited under the requirements of Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (Revised 2019). 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 30[th] September 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: 


Company registration number:  08016572 Registered Charity Number: 1147814 

Page **26** of **39** 



**Cashflow Statement** for the year ended **31 March 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2024   2023<br>£  £<br>Cash flows from operating activities<br>Net cash (used by) provided by operating<br>A  (77,899)  125,244<br>activities as shown below<br>Cash flows from investing activities<br>Interest received  286   821<br>Dividends received  9,786   1,105<br>Proceeds from sales of investments  14,149   -<br>Purchase of investments  (211,250)   (50,000)<br>-<br>Purchase of tangible fixed assets<br>Net cash (used by) provided by investing<br>B  (187,029)   (48,074)<br>activities<br>Cash flows from financing activities<br>Net cash provided by financing activities  C  -   -<br>Overall cash provided by all activities  A+B+C  (264,928)  77,170<br>Cash movements<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents from<br>(264,928)  77,170<br>activities in the year ended 31 March 2024<br>Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023  837,074   759,904<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents due to<br>exchange rate movements  -   -<br>Cash at bank and in hand less overdrafts at<br>572,146  837,074<br>31 March<br>Reconciliation of net income to net cashflow<br>from operating activities<br>Net income as shown in the SOFA  (50,708)   155,246<br>Adjustments for :<br>Depreciation charges   2,114   2,114<br>Net unrealised gains on investment assets  (341)  (4,508)<br>Dividends, interest and rents from investments  (10,072)  (1,926)<br>Decrease in current asset investments  -   -<br>Increase in stocks  (580)  (41)<br>Increase in debtors  (699)   (24,918)<br>Decrease in creditors, excluding loans  (17,613)  (723)<br>Increase in provisions  -<br>Net cash (used by) provided by operating<br>A  (77,899)  125,244<br>activities<br>Analysis of cash and cash equivalents<br>£  £<br>Cash in hand at for the year ended 31 March<br>572,146   837,074<br>2024<br>Notice deposits - (less than 3 months)  -   -<br>Total cash and cash equivalents  572,146  837,074<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Page **27** of **39** 



**Notes to the Financial Statements** for the Year Ended **31 March 2024** 

## **1. COMPANY INFORMATION** 

BucksVision supports people with sensory loss across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, helping them to retain their independence and maintain their wellbeing through a range of services and activities.  The charity (registered number 08016572 and charity number 1147814) is incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales.  The address of the registered office is BucksVision, Aylesbury Resource and Training Centre, 143 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 9HH. 

## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Statement of accounting policies** 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of these financial statements are as set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

## **Basis of preparation** 

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention, as modified by the recognition of certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value. 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) (Revised 2019).  They also conform to the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006. 

BucksVision meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in the Charities Act 2011. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note. 

In the view of the Trustees, there exist no material uncertainties that will impact the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least twelve months. 

## **Income** 

Incoming resources are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the following conditions are met: 

- The charitable company becomes entitled to the resources 

- The receipt is probable; and 

- The monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability 

Where incoming resources have related expenditure both income and expenditure are shown gross in the SOFA. 

Where income is received in advance of the activity to be performed then the income is deferred. 

Page **28** of **39** 



Grant, donations and legacies are only included in the SOFA when the charitable company has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Grants received in this year and the preceding year are measured on an accrual basis. 

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate. 

Contractual income and performance related grants are only included in SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered. 

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charitable company or the amount actually recognised. 

Donated services and facilities are only included in incoming resources where the benefit to the charitable company is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. 

Volunteer help - the value of volunteer help is not included in the accounts but the role of volunteers is described in the trustees' annual report. 

Investment income and subscriptions are included in the accounts when receivable. 

Investment gains and losses include any gain or loss on the sale of any investment and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments at the end of the year. 

## **Resources expended** 

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charitable company to pay out resources. 

Costs of charitable activities comprise all costs identified as wholly or mainly attributable to achieving the charitable objects of the charity, including staff costs and the costs of disseminating information in support of charitable activities. 

Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the cost of Directors’ meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters. 

Where the charitable company gives a grant with conditions, these are only recognised when the specific conditions have been satisfied. 

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

Resources expended are included in the SOFA on an accrual basis.  Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. 

## **Tangible fixed assets and depreciation** 

Tangible assets are recorded at cost, including irrecoverable VAT, or where donated, open market valuation at the time of donation. The minimum threshold for capitalisation is £5,000. 

Depreciation is provided on all fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost over the expected life of the asset as follows: 

- Fixtures and Fitting 

- -10% per annum on a straight-line basis 

Page **29** of **39** 



- Computer Equipment 

- Resource Centre 

- -20% per annum on a straight-line basis 

- -7% per annum on a straight-line basis 

Fixed asset residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. The effect of any change is recognised in the SOFA in the year in which it occurs. Fixed assets are also reviewed to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If there is an indication of possible impairment, the recoverable amount of any affected asset is estimated and compared with its carrying amount. If estimated recoverable amount is lower, the carrying amount is reduced to its estimated recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the statement of financial activities. 

## **Stocks** 

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Funds structure** 

The charitable company's funds include funds held for the purpose of the divisions and clubs which are used to meet the general charitable objects of the charitable company in local areas for the carrying out of the specific tasks as part of those general charitable objects. These funds are regarded as restricted funds. 

Designated funds are those which are set aside to meet an essential need or future purpose that the Directors identify as requiring a specific contingency or resource. 

All other funds are held for the general purposes of the charitable company and are unrestricted. 

## **Reserves** 

The charitable company's reserves are assessed on a monthly basis and subject to formal annual review by the Board of Trustees, to ensure sufficient funds are available to enable the charitable company to continue operating for a period of at least one year. Directors have designated a proportion of the charitable company's resources to meet this requirement and to establish a fund to cover contingencies that might affect the charitable company's ability to continue at any time during this period. 

## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments** 

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. 

## **Investments** 

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investments are included at directors’ best estimate of market value. 

Page **30** of **39** 



Debtors are recognised where there is an obligation that will result in the transfer of funds to the charity and the amount owing can be measured. 

## **Debtors** 

## **3. VOLUNTARY INCOME** 

|Donations<br>Legacies<br>Grants<br>Receivable<br>- RNIB<br>Grants<br>Receivable<br>- Other<br>Other<br>Income|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>26,086<br>35,802<br>-<br>45,583<br>5,759<br>**113,230**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>82,547<br>1,824<br>-<br>33,176<br>1,700<br>**119,247**|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br> **108,633**<br> <br> <br>**37,626**<br> <br> <br>**-**<br> <br> <br>**78,759**<br> <br> <br>**7,459**<br> <br>**232,477**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>21,156<br>122,287<br>174,000<br>78,868<br>12,871<br>**409,182**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>26,263<br>758 <br>- <br>25,750 <br>964<br>**53,735 **|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**47,419**<br> **123,045**<br> **174,000**<br> **104,618**<br>**13,835**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**462,917**|



## **4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** 

|Resource<br>centre sales<br>Local<br>Authority<br>Contract<br>(BISS)|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>6,940<br> <br>-<br> <br>**6,940**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>189<br> <br>294,166<br> <br> <br>**294,355**|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>**7,129**<br> **294,166**<br> <br>**301,295**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br> <br>-<br>-<br>**-**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br> <br>-<br>227,172 <br>**227,172 **|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br> <br>-<br> **227,172**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**227,172**|



Page **31** of **39** 



## **5. INVESTMENT INCOME** 

|Deposit<br>Account<br>Interest<br>Fixed Asset<br>Investment|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>-<br>3,895<br> <br>**3,895**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>286<br>5,891<br> <br>**6,177**|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**286**<br> <br>**9,786**<br> <br>**10,072**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>713<br>**713**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>821<br>392<br>**1,213**|**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**821**<br>**1,105**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**1,926**|



## **6. RESOURCES EXPENDED – CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES** 

|General Activities<br>Local Authority<br>Contract (BISS)|**Direct**<br>**Costs**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>246,354<br>262,971<br> <br>**509,325**|**Support**<br>**Costs**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>62,146<br>23,422<br> <br>**85,568**|**Totals**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>**308,500**<br> <br> <br>**286,393**<br> <br> <br>**594,893**|**Direct**<br>**Costs**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>213,309<br>219,225<br> <br>**432,534**|**Support**<br>**Costs**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>100,796<br>7,947<br> <br>**108,743**|**Totals**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**314,105**<br>**227,172**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**541,277**|



Support costs are detailed further in **Note 8** . 

## **7. GRANTS PAYABLE** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**Funds**|
||**2024**|**2024**|**2024**|**2023**|**2023**|**2023**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|General<br>Activities|-|<br>3,137|**3,137**|320|227|**547**|



Grants payable are included in direct costs within expenditure on charitable activities in the statement of financial activities. 

Page **32** of **39** 



## **8. SUPPORT COSTS** 

|**PORT COSTS**|||
|---|---|---|
|General Activities<br>Governance<br>LA Contract (BISS)|**Management**<br>**2024**<br> <br>**£**<br>49,121<br>13,025<br>23,422<br>**85,568**|**Management**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>86,314<br>14,482<br>7,947|
|||**108,743**|



Governance costs are detailed further in **Note 9** . 

## **9. GOVERNANCE** 

|Trustees’ expenses<br>Legal fees<br>Accountancy fees<br>Auditors' remuneration|**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>579<br> <br>178<br> <br>3,820<br> <br>8,448<br>**13,025**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>4,380<br>3,313<br>6,789|
|---|---|---|
|||**14,482**|



Trustees' expenses are detailed further in **Note 11** . 

## **10. TOTAL MOVEMENT OF FUNDS IN THE YEAR IS STATED AFTER CHARGING** 

|**CHARGING**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2024**|**2023**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Auditors' remuneration|8,448|6,789|
|Depreciation charge|2,114|2,114|
|Accelerated depreciation|-|-|
|Other operating leases|2,437|2,870|



Page **33** of **39** 



## **11. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS Trustees’ expenses** 

**2024 2023 £ £** Trustees' expenses 579 - 

Visually impaired directors receive services on the same basis and terms as those provided to all visually impaired members. 

The amount of £579 was paid for expenses incurred (2023 - £0) to five trustees in respect of travel and telephone costs. 

## **12. STAFF COSTS** 

|Wages and Salaries<br>Social Security costs<br>Pension costs<br>Redundancy costs<br>Recruitment costs|**2024**<br>**£**<br>339,481<br>23,856<br>16,167<br>-<br> 3,938<br>**383,442**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>288,377<br>21,473<br>14,143<br>-<br> 3,737|
|---|---|---|
|||**327,730**|



The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 

|Service delivery<br>Management & Administration<br>Fundraising|**2024**<br>10<br>4<br>2<br>**16**|**2023**<br>6<br>4<br>2|
|---|---|---|
|||**12**|



BucksVision had 16 members of staff, 11.9 FTE. 

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 

Remuneration paid to key management personnel amounted to £72,379 (2023: £81,943). 

Pension costs for key management personnel amounted to £4,343 (2023: £6,021). 

Page **34** of **39** 



## **13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|**Land and**<br>**buildings**<br>**£**<br>**COST**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>30,200<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**30,200**<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1 April 2023<br>23,866<br>Charge for year<br>2,114<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>-<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**25,980**<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 March 2023<br>6,334<br>At 31 March 2024<br>**4,220**<br>**14.**<br>**FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>Quoted investments<br>Market value at 1 April 2023<br>73,426<br>Acquisitions at cost<br>-<br>Market value of investments sold<br>(15,081)<br>Unrealised gains/(losses)<br>(9,082)<br>Market value at 31 March 2024<br>**49,263**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Summary of realised and**<br>**unrealised gains and losses**<br>**£**<br>Unrealised gains/(losses)<br>(9,082)<br>Realised gains/(losses)<br>(931)<br>**(10,013)**|**Plant and**<br>**machinery**<br>**£**<br>5,876<br>**5,876**<br>5,876<br>-<br>-<br>**5,876**<br>-<br>**-**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>24,627<br>211,250<br>-<br>10,354<br>**246,231**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>10,354<br>-<br>**10,354**|**Totals**<br>**£**<br>**36,076**<br>**36,076**<br>**29,742**<br>**2,114**<br>**-**<br>**31,856**<br>6,334<br>**4,220**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**98,053**<br>**211,250**<br>**(15,081)**<br>**1,272**<br>**295,494**<br>**Total 2024**<br>**£**<br>**1,272**<br>**(931)**<br>**341**|**Total 2023**<br>**£**<br>**4,508**<br>**-**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**4,508**|



Page **35** of **39** 



## **15. STOCKS** 

||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Stocks|**1,610**|**1,029**|



## **16. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** 

|Trade debtors<br>Intercompany debtors<br>Prepayments & accrued income<br>Other debtors|**2024**<br>**£**<br>24,997<br>-<br>5,516<br>-<br>**30,513**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>24,919<br>-<br>4,895<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||**29,814**|



## **17. CREDITORS** 

|**CREDITORS**|||
|---|---|---|
|Trade Creditors<br>Accruals<br>Taxation and Social Security<br>Other Creditors<br>Deferred Income|**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>6,001<br> <br>11,758<br> <br>-<br> <br>1,302<br> <br>7,622<br>**26,683**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>11,767<br>10,755<br>-<br>2,466<br>19,308|
|||**44,296**|



## **18. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS** 

The lease payments recognised as a cost during the year were £2,437 (2023: £2,870). 

## The following operating lease payments are committed to be paid: 

|Expiring:<br>Within one year<br>Between two and five years|**2024**<br>**£**<br> <br>1,804<br> <br>4,443<br>**6,247**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>2,113<br>6,000|
|---|---|---|
|||**8,113**|



Page **36** of **39** 



## **19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General funds<br>Designated funds<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Divisions and Clubs<br>LA Contract (BISS)<br>Befriending<br>Office Refurbishment<br>Experience Days<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|**At 1.4.23**<br> <br>**£**<br> <br>298,539<br> <br>297,834<br>**596,373**<br> <br> <br>331,635<br> <br>-<br> <br>-<br> <br>-<br> <br>-<br>**331,635**<br> <br>**928,008**|**Net**<br>**movement**<br>**in funds**<br>**£**<br>(118,724)<br>-<br>**(118,724)**<br>49,284<br>7,832<br>-<br>5,900<br>5,000<br>**68,016**<br>**(50,708)**|**Transfers**<br>**between**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>60,114<br>(60,114)<br>**-**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>**-**|**At 31.3.24**<br>**£**<br>**239,929**<br>**237,720**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**477,649**<br>**380,919**<br>**7,832**<br>**-**<br>**5,900**<br>**5,000**|
|||||**399,651**|
|||||**877,300**|



## Designated funds are detailed in **Note 21** . 

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Divisions and clubs<br>LA Contract (BISS)<br>Befriending<br>Office Refurbishment<br>Experience Days|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>**£**<br>134,965<br>97,903<br>294,225<br>16,751<br>5,900<br>5,000<br>**543,844**|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>**£**<br>232,776<br>58,973<br>286,393<br>16,751<br>-<br>-<br>**594,893**|**Gains and**<br>**losses**<br>**£**<br>(10,013)<br>10,354<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**341**|**Movement**<br>**in funds**<br>**£**<br>(118,724)<br>49,284<br>7,832<br>-<br>5,900<br>5,000|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**(50,708)**|



The Divisions and Clubs of BucksVision are managed by individual management committees and deliver social activities in defined geographical areas. These activities (and associated income and expenditure) are restricted to helping people in their specific local areas. 

Page **37** of **39** 



The BISS contract is delivered on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council to support people with sensory loss across the county. 

Befriending services provide volunteer in-person and telephone befrienders to people with sight loss to reduce social isolation. 

Office refurbishment is for refurbishment of BucksVision’s office in Aylesbury and covers improving insulation, lighting and decorative repair of the premises. 

Experience days are run across the charity’s local area to ensure that people with sight loss are not isolated at home and can a wide range of interesting days out with their peers. 

## **20. ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANY** 

There is no longer an ultimate parent company (BucksVision was part of RNIB Group until 31st March 2022, becoming an independent charity from 1st April 2022). 

## **21. DESIGNATED FUNDS** 

|Capital development reserve<br>Service support reserve<br>RNIB final grant reserve<br>Rent reserve<br>Property reservice (NBV of fixed assets)|**£**<br>23,500<br>204,000<br>-<br>6,000<br>4,220|
|---|---|
||**237,720**|



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

|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>Designated<br>funds<br>General<br>funds|**Tangible**<br>**fixed**<br>**assets**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>-<br>4,220<br>-<br>**4,220**|**Investments**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>246,231<br>-<br>49,263<br>**295,494**|**Net**<br>**current**<br>**assets**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>153,420<br>233,500<br>190,666<br>**577,586**|**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>**399,651**<br>**237,720**<br>**239,929**<br>**877,300**|**Tangible**<br>**fixed**<br>**assets**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>-<br>6,334<br>-<br>**6,334**|**Investments**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>24,627<br>-<br>73,426<br>**98,053**|**Net**<br>**current**<br>**assets**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>307,008<br>291,500<br>225,113<br>**823,621**|**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**331,635**<br>**297,834**<br>**298,539**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||||**928,008**|



Page **38** of **39** 



## **23.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** 

RNIB made a grant of £174,000 to BucksVision to provide transitional support for its charitable activities during the first two years of BucksVision’s independent existence, effective from 1st April 2022.  £58,000 of this sum was allocated as a designated reserve for 2023/24 and has now been transferred out of Designated Funds. 

## End of document. 

Page **39** of **39**