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2024-06-30-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1150576

Aberystwyth University Student Union Financial Statements

30 June 2024

PJE AUDIT SERVICES LTD

Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 23 College Street Lampeter Ceredigion United Kingdom SA48 7DY

Aberystwyth University Student Union

Financial Statements

Year ended 30 June 2024

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent auditor's report to the members 9
Statement of financial activities 13
Statement of financial position 14
Statement of cash flows 15
Notes to the financial statements 16

Aberystwyth University Student Union

Year ended 30 June 2024

Trustees' Annual Report

The trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Aberystwyth University Student Union Charity registration number 1150576 Principal office Aberystwyth Student s Union, Penglais The trustees

D Croft, External Trustee A Roberts, External Trustee J Allsopp, External Trustee R Beasley, External Trustee D Fow – External Trustee - (Appointed 01 March 2024) B Vundamina – President A Simpkins – Academic Affairs Officer (Served 01 July 2023-30 June 2023) T McWilliams – Student Opportunities Officer H Cooper – Wellbeing Officer (Served 01 July 2023-30 June 2023) E Gwynedd – Welsh Affairs & UMCA President W Parker - Academic Affairs Officer – (Appointed 01 July 2024) E Morgan - Wellbeing Officer - (Appointed 01 July 2024)

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report and consolidated financial statement for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Aberystwyth University Students' Union (AUSU) is a students' union within the meaning of the Education Act 1994. AUSU is devoted to the educational interests and welfares of its members.

Auditor PJE Audit Services Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 23 College Street Lampeter Ceredigion United Kingdom SA48 7DY Bankers HSBC 19 Great Darkgate Street Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 1DE

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

Structure, governance and management

The primary aim of AUSU is the advancement of education of students at Aberystwyth University for the public benefit.

The Aberystwyth University Students' Union, for the period ended 30 June 2024, was an unincorporated association and is governed by the Union's constitution dated 26th June 2012. The company's shareholding, which is held in trust for the Union, is registered to the President. The trading company is a registered company with Companies House. The Union applied for and continue to hold charitable status since January 2013 under the name Aberystwyth University Students' Union (AUSU).

There is no requirement for the consolidated accounts under review in this report to be audited. However, it is the Union's choosing, for the benefit of its members, to have its accounts audited and to prepare annual consolidated financial statements which are in accordance with the Union's constitution. The Aberystwyth University Students' Union vision statement is "We believe Aber students should have an epic student journey. They should be happy, healthy and empowered, with lasting friendships and promising futures." Its mission statement is; 'We want Aber students to love student life and be ready for anything.'

a) Constitution

The Union's principal governing document is its Constitution, agreed by the members in a cross campus referendum and ratified by the University's Charter Committee, Senate and Council.

In March 2024 students voted to change the formal name of the Students' Union to Undeb Aberystwyth at a quorate Annual General Meeting. The constitution has been updated and amendments have been agreed by the University Council on the 8th July 2024. The amendments are being translated, and the amended constitution will be updated on the Students' Union Website and with the Charity Commission as appropriate for 2024 onwards. Copies of the Constitution are available from www.abersu.co.uk

b) Trustees

The board for 2023-24 compromised of 12 members; 5 elected sabbatical officer Trustees, 2 elected student trustees and 5 selected external trustees. The term of office is one year for elected Officer trustees, 2 years for elected student trustees and 4 years for external trustees.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the strategic direction, governance and sustainability of AUSU. Officers are required to take a sabbatical year away from their studies and are remunerated by the Union during this period. All other trustees are volunteers and able to claim reasonable expenses to undertake their duties. Officer and Student Trustees are elected through a secret ballot by the members each year, normally serving for one year in office but can serve a second term if re-elected. External Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Union's constitution (clause 52-54).

Upon appointment all trustees receive a variety of information through their induction. Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations and other trustee responsibilities. The Officer Trustees are new to the Board every year or two years, so they undergo a more intensive training period. This training starts after they are elected, and before they start their term of office to ensure that they are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities and can perform their duties to the best of their abilities as soon as possible. They attend training sessions on the history of governance at AUSU, their legal responsibilities as trustees, briefing sessions on key issues and decisions that have been made by the Board of Trustees and receive training on how to deal with potential conflicts of interest.

The Trustee Board meets a minimum of 4 times a year. All trustees are provided with copies of the

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

Charity Commission's Guidance to Trustees and introduced to the activities of the Union during their handover or by the Board. Trustees are provided with training and have the option to attend refresher training on an annual basis.

AUSU operates on democratic principles, with Policy being acted upon by the five elected Sabbatical Officers. During the year members can bring forward ideas for change, political stances or development to the SU Senedd. These ideas are then voted on by the membership of Senedd which consists of:

c) Staffing

The Union employs permanent staff to ensure the effective management of its many activities and to implement the policy decisions for Trustees on behalf of the membership. There is a delegated authority, through the Chief Executive, for operational decision making and accountability within the departments of the Union, in accordance with its organisational structure.

During the 2023-24 Academic Year the Students' Union employed 14 permanent members of staff and 3 student staff.

Senior Management Team

In addition to the work of the sabbatical officer trustees' work the Trustees delegate the day to day management of the charity to the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team.

d) Relationship with Related Parties

Under the Education Act 1994, the Aberystwyth University has a statutory duty to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that AberSU operates in a fair and democratic manner and is held to proper account for its finances.

The Union continues to receive valuable support from Aberystwyth University ('the University') and the block grant in 2023/24 was at £848,000 (2022/23: £825,000). The University also provided an additional £60K to supplement British University College Sport (BUCS) activity. The Students' Union part-occupies a building owned by the University and the University also provides IS, portering and payroll services. This support is intrinsic to the relationship between the University and the Union. Following the transfer of commercial services to the University in September 2016, the Students' Union is dependent on the University's financial support, however there is no reason to believe that this support will not continue for the foreseeable future. The Students' Union provides the University requires with regular updates of any changes in the governance of the Union and regular reports on the Union's activities, management and financial situation. These are given to the University at various

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

committees such as Resources and Performance Committee and Council. Sabbatical Officers and Union staff attend all key University committees.

e) Risk management

The Trustee board and Senior Management team have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks faced by the Union. The Board of Trustees reviews the major strategic risks faced by AUSU on an annual basis as a minimum. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks that the organisation faces. Budgetary and internal control risks are minimized by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers and participants on all activities organised by the Union. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity. The Trustee board is made aware of any changes in the risk register and acts accordingly.

During this year, we focused on reviews and updated our financial regulations and worked on ensuring a positive organisational culture.

Objectives and activities

The principal objectives of the Union are to benefit its current and future members and staff by advancing their education. The Students' achieves this through:

Whilst pursuing our aims and objectives and providing various activities for members AUSU seeks at all times to:

Mission : We want Aber students to love student life.

Vision : Aber students should be happy, healthy and empowered, with lasting friendships and promising futures.

Values : We are: shaped by students, transparent, a Community, ambitious. We caru Cymraeg

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

Achievements and performance

The strategy was refreshed for 2020 and the SU worked against a cohesive operating plan based on the principles of that plan for 2023-24. In total, in 2023-24 50% of Aberystwyth students either voted in an election, volunteered, were part of a Club or Society or were an Academic Representative

AUSU provided a variety of services and activities for students including:

Advice Service : We continue to provide a specialist service to our members in the areas of housing, money and academic issues. The SU Advisor supported 400 student cases directly through casework (424 in 2023-24). Additionally, the Service provided online advice and guidance on key student issues, took part in a number of outreach activities such as World Mental Health day, LGBTQ History month, Disabled History month, Black History month, and National Student Money week.

Student Opportunities : A choice of around 150 clubs and societies offered a diversity of opportunities for social and skills development. 2843 students registered as an AUSU club or society member during the year (40% of the student population). We also supported student-led volunteering, helping over 600 students to lead their student groups. The Opportunities team is made up of four staff members, and provided support, advice and help with the safe running of activities especially around health and safety, recruitment, communication, delivery and finance including fundraising and development.

Democracy and Representation : We supported 250 Course and Institute Reps and 1,508 students cast 15,381 votes in our main elections which equalled a turnout of 20% (24% 2022-23), maintaining our position as holding one of the highest Students' Union election turnout percentages in the UK.

We continued to support students to campaign for change in the organisation, the University and in the student and local community including active campaigns in a range of History Months, Sexual Health and access to free reusable period products.

Facilities : The majority of the Students' Union building would still benefit from refurbishment and the SU continued to work with the University to plan a major building refurbishment in the future. The University invested in architects to develop Students' Union plans and priorities gathered for the building in 2022-23 to RIBA stage 2.

Officer projects : In 2023-24, the Officers worked on a range of priorities including:

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

Financial review

The results for the year are shown in the attached financial statements. The Union's gross income from all sources this year totalled £1,617,022 (2023: £1,564,147). Total expenditure of £1,641,219 (2023: £1,572,210). The unrestricted funds made an operating loss of £35,871 (2023: profit - £25,848)

The Union continues to receive valuable support from Aberystwyth University and the block grant in 2023/24 increased to £848,000 (2022/23: £823,000) with an additional £60,000 BUCS grant (2022/23: £58,000) received annually.

Reserves policy

The Aberystwyth University Students' Union ' reserve policy was agreed at the trustee board meeting in August 2020 and reviewed annually.

In order to minimise the risk to the organisation, which is largely dependent on a sole source of funding from the University supplemented by limited additional income, the AberSU reserves policy is as follows:

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

Plans for future periods

Aberystwyth University Students' Union is working to achieve the aims and objectives as set out in our 2023 Strategic Plan:

We will provide opportunities to find your Aber community

We will be a positive influence for students

We promise support you to be happy and healthy

We will help to grow your skills and experiences

Targets and Actions detailing how we will achieve against our Plan are outlined in an annual operating plan each year.

Trustees' responsibilities statement

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 26 February 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

B Vanden

Bayanda Vundamina President

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Aberystwyth University Student Union

Year ended 30 June 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Aberystwyth University Student Union (the 'charity') for the year ended 30 June 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 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:

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'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 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 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 trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Aberystwyth University Student Union (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

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. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees 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 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 the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Aberystwyth University Student Union (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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:

The extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

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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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Aberystwyth University Student Union (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at 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.

Robert Gray

Robert Gray (Mar 4, 2025 16:15 GMT)

Robert J Gray FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of PJE Audit Services Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 23 College Street Lampeter Ceredigion United Kingdom SA48 7DY

26 February 2025

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 30 June 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 1,152,909 51,774 1,204,683 1,151,393
Charitable activities 5 111,908 257,503 369,411 345,045
Other trading activities 6 39,764 39,764 65,482
Investment income 7 3,164 3,164 2,227
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Total income 1,307,745 309,277 1,617,022 1,564,147
========================================= ================================ ========================================= =========================================
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 8,9 1,343,616 297,603 1,641,219 1,572,211
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Total expenditure 1,343,616 297,603 1,641,219 1,572,211
========================================= ================================ ========================================= =========================================
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Net expenditure and net movement in
funds (35,871) 11,674 (24,197) (8,064)
========================================= ================================ ========================================= =========================================
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 403,181 155,905 559,086 567,150
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Total funds carried forward 367,310 167,579 534,889 559,086
========================================= ================================ ========================================= =========================================

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

The notes on pages 16 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Statement of Financial Position

30 June 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Current assets
Debtors 13 97,453 106,486
Cash at bank and in hand 553,522 584,400
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
650,975 690,886
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 116,086 131,800
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net current assets 534,889 559,086
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 534,889 559,086
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net assets 534,889 559,086
================================ ================================
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 167,579 155,905
Unrestricted funds 367,310 403,181
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total charity funds 16 534,889
================================
559,086
================================

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 26 February 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

B Vanden

Bayanda Vundamina President

The notes on pages 16 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended 30 June 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net expenditure (24,197) (8,064)
Adjustments for:
Other interest receivable and similar income (3,164) (2,227)
Accrued (income)/expenses (20,746) 11,257
Changes in:
Trade and other debtors 9,891 (3,201)
Trade and other creditors 2,752 12,628
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Cash generated from operations (35,464) 10,393
Interest received 4,586 831
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities (30,878) 11,224
============================ ============================
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (30,878) 11,224
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 584,400 573,176
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 553,522
================================
584,400
================================

The notes on pages 16 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 30 June 2024

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is The Union, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DX, Wales.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

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

Going concern

The Students' Union has been dependent on a grant provided to it by Aberystwyth University, the Student Union's supporting institution. With the University under financial difficulties, they have been unable to uplift the block grant for the 2025/26 year to budgeted levels for the year. The Student's Union have proven that they have sufficient reserves over and above their minimum reserves policy to continue as a going concern for the 2025/26 year. Under the HEFCW/MEDR agreement it is a requirement of the University to adequately funds their Student's Union.

On review of budgets produced by the senior management team the board of trustees believes there will be sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and therefore has prepared the statements on a going concern basis.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment.

Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship.

Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments (continued)

For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics.

Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised.

Defined contribution plans

The charity participates in the Aberystwyth University Pension and Assurance Scheme (AUPAS), a defined benefits pension scheme. The Union is not the participating employer and is not legally liable to fund deficit payments. The scheme is a multi-employer scheme where it is not possible, in the normal course of events, to identify on a consistent and reasonable basis, the share of underlying assets and liabilities belonging to individual participating employers. Therefore, as required by FRS102', the charity accounts for this scheme as if it was a defined contribution scheme. The amount charged to the Statement of financial activities represents contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
University Block Grant 848,000 848,000
Donation to Alumni Fund 83 51,774 51,857
BUCS 60,000 60,000
Welsh Communities Project
Legacies
Donated Facilities and services 244,826 244,826
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1,152,909 51,774 1,204,683
========================================= ============================ =========================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
University Block Grant 823,000 823,000
Donation to Alumni Fund 23,100 23,100
BUCS 58,000 58,000
Welsh Communities Project 29,000 29,000
Legacies
Donated Facilities and services 218,293 218,293
----------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1,128,293 23,100 1,151,393
========================================= ============================ =========================================

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

4. Donations and legacies (continued)

Donation of facilities by Aberystwyth University

The Students Union occupies its building on a rent-free basis from Aberystwyth University. In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102, the Union has valued the benefit it receives from occupying this space which has been estimated at a comparable market rent in the area as £105,000 (£105,000 - 2023).

In addition, the Students Union received payroll and accounting services from the University for which no fee is charged, the value of this donation has been estimated at the costs of time spent, £10,000 (2023: £10,000) and £10,000 for the supply of portering services provided by the University. The Students Union also received 10,933 hours (2023: 8,953 hours) of volunteer services during the year with an estimated value of £119,826 (2023:£93,292).

5. Charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
NUS Cards 62 62
Communications and societies 18,495 18,495
Sports and leisure 53,010 53,010
Other income 36,518 36,518
Catering and gaming machines 3,823 3,823
Clubs and societies income 257,503 257,503
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
111,908 257,503 369,411
================================ ================================ ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
NUS Cards 331 331
Communications and societies 15,359 15,359
Sports and leisure 57,177 57,177
Other income 33,387 33,387
Catering and gaming machines 5,891 5,891
Clubs and societies income 232,900 232,900
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
112,145
================================
232,900
================================
345,045
================================

6. Other trading activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Ancillary trading income 39,764 39,764 65,482 65,482
============================ ============================ ============================ ============================

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

7. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest 3,164 3,164 2,227 2,227
======================= ======================= ======================= =======================

8. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Student Support & Representation 191,708 (1,088) 190,620
Democratic services 157,028 157,028
NUS services 17,875 17,875
Opportunities 225,460 40,312 265,771
Student Advice 89,188 89,188
Clubs and societies 258,379 258,378
Support costs 662,357 662,359
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1,343,616 297,603 1,641,219
========================================= ================================ =========================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Student Support & Representation 132,167 17,814 149,981
Democratic services 151,477 151,477
NUS services 18,097 18,097
Opportunities 297,053 8,305 305,358
Student Advice
Clubs and societies 263,793 263,795
Support costs 683,505 683,503
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
1,282,299
=========================================
289,912
================================
1,572,211
=========================================

9. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

Activities
undertaken Support Total funds Total fund
directly costs 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Student Support & Representation 190,620 205,317 395,937 266,177
Democratic services 157,028 92,771 249,799 356,528
NUS services 17,875 17,875 18,097
Opportunities 265,771 264,923 530,694 667,614
Student Advice 89,188 99,348 188,536
Clubs and societies 258,378 258,378 263,795
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
978,860 662,359 1,641,219 1,572,211
================================ ================================ ========================================= =========================================

Staff costs have been included in direct costs where directly attributable.

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

10. Analysis of support costs

Analysis of
support costs Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £
Staff costs 299,299 299,299 427,016
Other direct costs 363,060 363,060 256,489
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
662,359 662,359 683,505
================================ ================================ ================================

The following amounts are included in support costs: direct costs for the audit of the accounts:

2024 2023
£ £
Auditor's remuneration 7,754 6,350

11. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 573,184 605,882
Social security costs 48,871 43,365
Employer contributions to pension plans 126,972 109,395
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
749,027
================================
758,642
================================

The average head count of employees during the year was 14 (2023: 14). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

2024 2023
No. No.
Management and administration 14 14
============== ==============
The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following bands, were:
2024 2023
No. No.
£60,000 to £69,999 1
==============
1
==============

Key Management Personnel

Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £310,869 (2023: £289,668).

- 22 -

Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

12. Trustee remuneration and expenses

The Trustees' who are sabbatical members of the Aberystwyth University Students Union receive remuneration for their services as allowed by the Education Act 1994. Their salary and NI costs amounted to £118,319(2023: £112,223). 3 of the Trustees' below received employers' pension contributions totalling £14,603 (2023: £9,224).

The Trustees' who are non-sabbatical members receive no remuneration.

The remuneration is summarised as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
A Sturrock 27,019
E Manners 22,407
C Curry 22,595
R Barwise 22,407
D Jones 27,019
B Vundamina 28,560
A Simpkins 23,690
H Cooper 28,558
T McWilliams 23,690
E Gwynedd 28,425
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
132,923
================================
121,447
================================

6 (2023: 5) trustees received reimbursement of expenses incurred attending meetings amounting to £4,423 (2023: £2,561)

13. Debtors

2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 18,684 18,090
Prepayments and accrued income 2,280 7,800
Other debtors 76,489 80,596
---------------------------- --------------------------------
97,453
============================
106,486
================================

14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 19,473 27,542
Accruals and deferred income 15,488 33,954
Other creditors - Aberystwyth University Creditor 81,125 70,304
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
116,086 131,800
================================ ================================

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Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

15. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £126,972 (2023: £109,395).

The Student Union currently participate in the Aberystwyth University Pension Plan (AUPP) a defined contribution pension plan which is administered by Legal & General. The University contributes 10 per cent of salary into the pension scheme.

The Students Union previously participated in the Aberystwyth University Pension and Assurance Scheme (AUPAS). The University continues to maintains the scheme, it is a defined benefit scheme which is contracted out of a State Earnings Related Pension Scheme. The scheme operated as a pooled arrangement, with contributions paid at a centrally agreed rate. As a consequence, the Students Union is unable to identify its share of the scheme assets and liabilities on a consistent and reasonable basis. As As permitted by accounting standards the scheme has been accounted for in these financial statements as if it were a defined contribution scheme based on actual contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

The employers contribution rate for the scheme was applicable to the Students Union at 22.05% of pensionable salary. Surpluses or deficits which arise at future valuations may impact on the Student Unions future commitment.

Further details of the actuarial valuation, together with the principal assumptions on which it is based, are included in the financial statements of Aberystwyth University.

Aberystwyth University Students' Union pay a contribution to Aberystwyth University towards the deficit of the Scheme, however the obligation lies with Aberystwyth University.

16. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At At 30
1 July 2023 Income Expenditure June 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 403,181 1,307,745 (1,343,616) 367,310
================================ ========================================= ========================================= ================================
At At 30
1 July 2022 Income Expenditure June 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 377,333 1,308,147 (1,282,299) 403,181
================================ ========================================= ========================================= ================================

- 24 -

Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

16. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Restricted funds

Restricted funds
At At 30
1 July 2023 Income Expenditure June 2024
£ £ £ £
Restricted Fund - Clubs and societies 142,521 257,503 (258,379) 141,645
Restricted Fund - Alumni Funding -
Coaching 12,286 51,774 (38,126) 25,934
Restricted Fund - Tithe and Capitular
Fund 1,098 (1,098)
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
155,905 309,277 (297,603) 167,579
================================ ================================ ================================ ================================
At At 30
1 July 2022 Income Expenditure June 2023
£ £ £ £
Restricted Fund - Clubs and societies 173,414 232,900 (263,793) 142,521
Restricted Fund - Alumni Funding -
Coaching 14,497 23,100 (25,311) 12,286
Restricted Fund - Tithe and Capitular
Fund 1,906 (808) 1,098
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
189,817 256,000 (289,912) 155,905
================================ ================================ ================================ ================================
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Current assets 483,396 167,579 650,975
Creditors less than 1 year (116,086) (116,086)
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net assets 367,310 167,579 534,889
================================ ================================ ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Current assets 534,981 155,905 690,886
Creditors less than 1 year (131,800) (131,800)
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net assets 403,181 155,905 559,086
================================ ================================ ================================
Analysis of changes in net debt
At
At 1 Jul 2023 Cash flows 30 Jun 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 584,400 (30,878) 553,522
================================ ============================ ================================

17. Analysis of net assets between funds

18. Analysis of changes in net debt

- 25 -

Aberystwyth University Student Union

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 30 June 2024

19. Related parties

Aberystwyth University

The majority of the Student Unions' funding is derived from Aberystwyth University, which is a related party as the Student Unions' principal activities involve providing services to its student body.

The Student Union receives a block grant from Aberystwyth University of £848,000 with an additional £60,000 BUCS dedicated grant in the year totalling £908,000 (2023: £881,000).

In addition the Student Union occupies its building on a rent free basis, and receives payroll and portering services from the University for which no fee is charged.

The total outstanding debtors with Aberystwyth University at 30 June 2024 were £69,768 (2023: £72,325). The total outstanding creditors with Aberystwyth University at 30 June 2024 were £81,125 (2023: £70,304).

Other related parties are the Sabbatical Officers and Trustees as detailed on page 1. Details of remuneration received by these individuals are shown in note 12.

- 26 -